Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and adversely affects the quality of life of patients and the healthcare burden on society. Currently, drug therapy alone can achieve clinical remission in some patients, but it cannot break through the ceiling of what can be achieved with current therapies, and new therapeutic options still need to be found. Neuro-immunity-inflammation is closely related to each other, and the potential role of neuroelectric stimulation in modulating inflammatory response has made it a hot spot in the study of IBD treatment. However, the intrinsic mechanism of action is still unexplained and needs to be explored by further studies. This review discusses the role and mechanisms of vagus nerve electrical stimulation, sacral nerve electrical stimulation, tibial nerve electrical stimulation and other neuromodulation methods.

There are difficulties in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in medical community. Since the surgery of cervical deep lymphatic vessel/lymphatic node-vein anastomosis (LVA/LnVA) has made clinical improvement in patients with AD, it offers a surgical option to treat AD. Especially improvements in cognitive impairment. However the mechanism in treatment of AD is not yet made clear. This article preliminarily explores the mechanism in improvement of some symptoms in patients with AD through cervical deep LVA/LnVA on the basis of morphological characteristics of the cribriform plate-cervical lymphatic pathway.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic efficacy, adverse reactions, and factors influencing recurrence of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and to provide clinical reference for the application of BTX-A in the treatment of TN.Methods:Clinical data and pre- and post-treatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were collected from 198 patients with TN treated with BTX-A at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2020 to December 2022. Correlation analysis, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze factors influencing treatment efficacy, adverse reactions, and recurrence in patients. The predictive value of these factors for adverse reactions and recurrence was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:Following BTX-A treatment, there were significant correlations between the frequency of TN attacks, time to peak efficacy, duration of efficacy, and VAS scores difference before and after treatment ( B=0.141, P=0.043; B=-0.134, P=0.023; B=-0.405, P0.001), as well as percentage difference in VAS score ( B=0.015, P=0.033; B=-0.011, P=0.034; B=-0.056, P0.001). Multiple branch involvement of the trigeminal nerve was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of TN adverse reactions ( OR=2.899, 95% CI 1.280-6.566, P=0.011). The area under the curve (AUC) for multiple branch involvement of the trigeminal nerve was 0.615 (95% CI 0.600-0.732). Multiple branch involvement of the trigeminal nerve ( OR=4.103, 95% CI 1.610-9.600, P=0.002) and peak onset time ( OR=0.950, 95% CI 0.922-0.978, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for TN recurrence and the combined AUC for these two factors was 0.713 (95% CI 0.600-0.827). Conclusions:The frequency of TN episodes, time to peak efficacy and maintenance duration of efficacy after BTX-A treatment were correlated with the difference in VAS scores and the percentage of difference. And the involvement of multiple branches of the trigeminal nerve was an independent risk factor affecting the occurrence of adverse reactions and TN recurrence.

Objective To develop and translate the Chinese listening self-efficacy questionnaire(C-LSEQ)and to test its reliability and validity.Methods A total of 172 subjects aged≥60 years with age-related hearing loss completed the C-LSEQ questionnaire via direct interviews.Pure tone hearing threshold test,Mandarin hearing in noise test,and the hearing handicap inventory for elderly-screening(HHIE-S)were evaluated.Twenty subjects were randomly selected from the original group to complete the C-LSEQ questionnaire in 2 weeks after the initial evaluation.Results ① Reliability:The Cronbach's a coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.8,and the test-retest reliability coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.9(P＜0.001).② Validity:The experts collectively evaluated the representativeness of the statements with good content validity.The convergent validity test showed that the composite reliability(CR)of the 2 sub-dimensions and the overall questionnaire were all＞0.7,and the average variance extracted(AVE)were all＞0.5.The CR value of the complex listening dimension was 0.655,and the AVE value was 0.937.The criterion validity test showed that the overall questionnaire and the three sub-dimensions of the C-LSEQ were significantly correlated with the pure-tone average,speech recognition thresholds in noise,and HHIE-S(P＜0.001).Conclusion The C-LSEQ exhibits stable structure,with good reliability and validity.It can be used to assess listen-ing self-efficacy in adults with hearing loss,especially in the elderly with age-related hearing loss.

[Objective]To summarize the clinical experience of Professor YAO Xinmiao's experience in treating restless legs syndrome(RLS)with acupotomy from four sinews separately under the theoretical guidance of"bones can stand upright with sinews",with a view to illustrate the theoretical basis and clinical application of treating RLS with acupotomy from four sinews.[Methods]Through the clinical study with Professor YAO,combined with the review of Chinese medical ancient Books and modern medical research literature on RLS,the overview of RLS,the theoretical overview of"bone can stand upright with sinews",and Professor YAO's opinions on the theoretical basis and clinical practice of treating RLS with acupotomy from four sinews separately are elaborated,and Professor YAO's idea of identification and treatment of RLS are analyzed.[Results]RLS is a central nervous system sensory dysfunction disease,and traditional treatment has problems such as significant side effects,drug tolerance and symptom rebound.The theory of"bones can stand upright with sinews"emphasizes the dominant position of tendons in the concept of balance between sinews and bones.Professor YAO believes that the onset of RLS is caused by the disruption of the balance between sinews and bones.Sinew of foot-Taiyang,sinew of foot-Shaoyang,sinew of foot-Jueyin,sinew of foot-Shaoyin are closely related to RLS.Doctors need to flexibly use acupuncture techniques such as perpendicular needling,Hegu needling and superficial needling to treat RLS based on characteristics of the four sinews separately.Meanwhile,doctors need to base themselves on the concept of muscle bone balance,focus on the training of core stability,reduce recurrence and improve long-term efficacy.[Conclusion]Professor YAO's emphasis on the concept of balance between sinews and bones based on the concept of"bone can stand upright with sinews"not only has important guiding significance in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with acupotomy,but also has high application value in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders with acupotomy,which is worth learning and promoting.

Objective:To identify the risk factors and their predictive value for complications in neonates with early-onset group B streptococcus (GBS) sepsis. Methods:This case-control study retrospectively analyzed 96 neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis (age of onset<7 days) admitted to Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2022. Patients were categorized into complication ( n=36) and non-complication ( n=60) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal cutoff values of Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score 2 (PELOD-2) for predicting complications in the neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests and Fishe exact tests were used for group comparison of general information, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, and treatment during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors, and ROC curves evaluated their predictive performance for complications in the neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. Results:ROC analysis identified pSOFA>4.5 scores and PELOD-2>5.5 scores as optimal thresholds for complication prediction in neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. (1) The complication group exhibited higher rates of preterm birth [30.6% (11/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=11.80], maternal clinical chorioamnionitis [25.0% (9/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=6.50], prolonged rupture of membranes≥18 h [22.2% (8/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=4.99], invasive mechanical ventilation [36.1% (13/36) vs. 13.3% (8/60), χ2=6.83], fever [22.2% (8/36) vs. 3.3% (2/60), χ2=6.70], lethargy [77.8% (28/36) vs. 51.7% (31/60), χ2=6.48], mottled skin as the initial clinical manifestation [38.9% (14/36) vs. 20.0% (12/60), χ2=4.07], leukopenia [44.4% (16/36) vs. 18.3% (11/60), χ2=7.59], hypoalbuminemia [27.8% (10/36) vs. 3.3% (2/60), χ2=10.16], pSOFA>4.5 [83.3% (30/36) vs. 35.0% (21/60), χ2=21.11], PELOD-2>5.5 [50.0% (18/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=26.66], and dual-positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures [25.0% (9/36) vs. 0.0% (0/60), Fisher exact test] compared to the non-complication group (all P<0.05). Serum creatinine [(88.4±17.7) vs. (61.9±17.7) μmol/L, t=－6.02], urea nitrogen [(3.7±0.4) vs. (3.4±0.6) mmol/L, t=－3.18], and lactate [(7.5±3.4) vs. (5.8±2.2) mmol/L, t=－2.80] were elevated, while fibrinogen [(2.2±1.1) vs. (2.7±1.0) g/L, t=2.03], pH (7.3±0.2 vs. 7.4±0.1, t=2.04), and albumin [(28.2±3.9) vs. (31.9±4.2) g/L, t=4.32] were reduced in the complication group (all P<0.05). (2) Multivariate analysis identified preterm birth ( OR=6.642, 95% CI: 1.210-36.473), along with hypoalbuminemia ( OR=8.202, 95% CI: 1.184-56.811), pSOFA>4.5 scores ( OR=5.284, 95% CI: 1.573-17.749), and PELOD-2>5.5 scores ( OR=8.464, 95% CI: 1.922-37.279) assessed on admission day 1 as independent risk factors (all P<0.05). The area under the curve for predicting complications in early-onset GBS sepsis neonates was 0.628 (95% CI: 0.523-0.724) for preterm birth, and 0.622 (95% CI: 0.517-0.719), 0.742 (95% CI: 0.642-0.826), and 0.725 (95% CI: 0.624-0.811) for hypoalbuminemia, pSOFA>4.5 scores, and PELOD-2>5.5 scores assessed on admission day 1, respectively. The combined predictive model integrating all four risk factors achieved the highest area under the curve of 0.868 (95% CI: 0.784-0.929). Conclusion:Preterm birth as well as hypoalbuminemia, pSOFA>4.5 scores, and PELOD-2>5.5 scores at admission are critical risk factors for complications in early-onset GBS sepsis, warranting heightened clinical vigilance.

Objective To investigate the expression of kinesin family member 23(KIF23)in rectal cancer and its association with prognosis.Methods This study included 90 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the First Central Hospital of Baoding from May 2017 to October 2019.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect KIF23 expression,and the results were analyzed in combination with clinical and pathological data.Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between KIF23 expression and patient prognosis.Results Compared with adjacent non-tumor tis-sues,the expression level of KIF23 protein was significantly higher in rectal cancer tissues.Positive expression of KIF23 was significantly correlated with TNM stage,lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in rectal cancer patients(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that individuals expressing high levels of KIF23 experienced notably diminished disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)relative to those with low KIF23 expression(P＜0.05).Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced TNM stage,lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,and elevated KIF23 expression served as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in pa-tients with rectal cancer(P＜0.05).Conclusions The expression level of KIF23 is closely related to the prognosis of rectal cancer.

Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bacteroides ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology* ; Escherichia coli/classification* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Metagenomics ; East Asian People

Objective: To explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and upper urinary tract stones using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis，and to investigate the potential mediating role of plasma metabolites. Methods: Data on gut microbiota，plasma metabolites，and upper urinary tract stones were obtained from publicly available Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS).Bidirectional MR analysis was performed to examine the causal relationship between gut microbiota and upper urinary tract stones.Subsequently，a two-step MR approach was employed to determine whether gut microbiota contribute to upper urinary tract stones through plasma metabolites，and the mediating effects and mediator ratio were calculated.The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analytical tool，supplemented by Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR)，MR-Egger，and weighted median (WM) analyses.Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Results: Bidirectional MR analysis identified causal associations between 7 gut microbial taxa and 6 microbial metabolic pathways with upper urinary tract stones，while the development of upper urinary tract stones affected 13 gut microbial taxa and 5 metabolic pathways.Additionally，43 plasma metabolites (including 27 identified metabolites，8 unidentified metabolites，and 8 metabolite ratios) were causally associated with upper urinary tract stones.The two-step MR analysis identified 11 potential causal pathways.After metabolic pathways and unidentified metabolites were excluded，a causal link mediated by Bacteroides faecis between galactarate and upper urinary tract stones was confirmed，with a mediation proportion of 16.99% (95%CI：5.76%-33.95%，P=0.0371). Conclusion: This study establishes a causal relationship between parabacteroides and upper urinary tract stones，and elucidates the mediating role of galactarate，offering new insights into the pathogenesis and prevention strategies for upper urinary tract stones.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Maxing Loushi decoction in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （AECOPD） with phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome， and to investigate its effects on inflammatory factors， immune function， and the programmed death-1（PD-1）/programmed death-ligand 1 （PD-L1） signaling pathway. MethodsA randomized controlled study was conducted， enrolling 90 hospitalized patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome in the Respiratory and Emergency Departments of Dongzhimen Hospital， Beijing University of Chinese Medicine， from April 2024 to December 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group using a random number table， with 45 patients in each group. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment， while the observation group received additional Maxing Loushi decoction for 14 days. Clinical efficacy， COPD Assessment Test （CAT） score， modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale （mMRC）， 6-minute walk test （6MWT）， serum inflammatory factors， T lymphocyte subsets， and serum PD-1/PD-L1 levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsThe total clinical effective rate was 78.57% （33/42） in the control group and 95.35% （41/43） in the observation group， with the observation group showing significantly higher efficacy than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant （χ² = 5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed significant reductions in CAT and mMRC scores （P<0.05， P<0.01） and significant increases in 6MWT compared to baseline （P<0.01）. The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group in this regard. Levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein （CRP）， procalcitonin （PCT）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， monocyte chemoattractant protein-1（MCP-1）， and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α （MIP-1α） were significantly reduced in both groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with greater reductions in the observation group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. CD8⁺ levels were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， while CD3⁺， CD4⁺， and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ levels were significantly increased in both groups after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with more significant improvements observed in the observation group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum PD-1 levels were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and PD-L1 levels were increased significantly in both groups after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with more pronounced changes in the observation group （P<0.05）. ConclusionMaxing Loushi decoction demonstrates definite therapeutic efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome. It contributes to reducing serum inflammatory factors， improving immune function， and regulating the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.