Neurological diseases have high morbidity and disability rates， posing a severe threat to human health. Cli nical manifestations include motor， sensory， cognitive and conscious disorders. Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction is derived from Treatise on Febrile Diseases ， with the effects of harmonizing Shaoyang， activating Yang and clearing heat， and tranquilizing the mind. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in clinical application and mechanism of Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction in the field of neurological diseases. It has been found that the decoction shows favorable efficacy in various neurological diseases such as insomnia， depression， epilepsy， vertigo， migraine and vascular dementia. The specific mechanisms are related to regulating neurotransmitter levels， repairing neuronal function， alleviating neuroinflammation， improving mitochondrial dysfunction and regulating intestinal flora. In the future， standardized prospective follow-up cohorts should be established， and core outcome indicators should be clearly defined to strengthen the evidence base. Furthermore， multidisciplinary research should be leveraged to expand the therapeutic value of Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction in the management of neurological diseases.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and poor neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest (CA) patients supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on adult CA patients treated with VA-ECMO at Hangzhou First People's Hospital Affiliated to Westlake University School of Medicine, and Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from December 2018 to February 2024. General clinical data and serial serum NSE levels at 24, 48, and 72 h after ECMO initiation were collected. Based on the Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) at discharge, patients were divided into poor neurological outcome group (CPC 3-5) and good neurological outcome group (CPC 1-2). Differences in serum NSE levels between the two groups were compared. The accuracy of serum NSE levels at three time points in predicting poor neurological outcomes in CA patients was assessed via receiver operating characteristic curves, and the optimal cut-off values were determined by the Youden index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between serum NSE levels and poor neurological outcomes. Subgroup analysis was based on age, sex, location of CA, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).Results:A total of 120 eligible CA patients were included, with 88 patients (73.3%) having poor neurological outcomes at discharge. Serum NSE levels at 24, 48, and 72 h after ECMO initiation were higher in the poor outcome group compared to the good outcome group (all P<0.05). The serum NSE level at 72 h had the highest accuracy in predicting poor outcomes, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85-0.96), and a cut-off value of 42.0 μg/L. The AUCs for 24 and 48 h were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69-0.86) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.94), with cut-off values of 70.6 μg/L and 64.5 μg/L, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the serum NSE level at 72 h was associated with poor outcomes ( P<0.05), and an NSE level >42.0 μg/L was an independent risk factor for poor outcomes ( OR=20.29, 95% CI: 2.90-92.15). Subgroup analysis showed that serum NSE level at 72 h was an independent risk factor for poor neurological outcomes in CA patients aged<60 years old, male or female, out-of-hospital or in-hospital CA, and whether to perform ECPR (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Elevated serum NSE levels at 72 h after VA-ECMO initiation are associated with poor neurological outcomes in CA patients, with the cut-off value of 42.0 μg/L.

The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) has recently updated and published the "2024 EACTS guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery". Based on the latest evidence, the guidelines have been updated in multiple aspects including underlying disease management, antithrombotic medication, arrhythmia treatment and other supportive care, etc. This paper aims to summarize and interpret the guidelines, in order to promote clinicians’ understanding and optimize perioperative medical treatment in adult cardiac surgery.

As a common medical condition， vertigo can be induced by multiple diseases in the modern medical system. Its incidence rate shows an upward trend with the increase in age. According to the theory of mutual interference between clear Qi and turbid Qi in Huangdi's Internal Classic （Huang Di Nei Jing）， this paper systematically analyzes the pathogenesis of vertigo and explores the mechanism and clinical application value of Xiao Chaihutang in the treatment of vertigo. It is believed that the mutual inference between clear Qi and turbid Qi leads to the failure of clear Yang to ascend， resulting in the lack of nourishment for the brain and the inability of turbid Yin to descend， which disturbs the clear orifices， thus causing vertigo. The core pathogenesis lies in the dysfunction of Qi movement， the disorder of body fluid distribution， and the imbalance between Yin and Yang. The compatibility of Xiao Chaihutang takes into account the methods of pungent medicinal materials opening and bitter medicinal materials descending， tonifying deficiency and purging excess， and regulating Qi movement. This prescription can regulate the pathological state of the mutual interference between clear Qi and turbid Qi from three aspects： regulating Qi movement throughout the body， harmonizing the distribution of body fluids， and coordinating Yin and Yang as well as the interior and exterior， thus preventing and treating vertigo. Modern research findings show that Xiao Chaihutang can improve hemodynamics to promote cerebral blood circulation and has anti-inflammation， immunomodulatory， and anti-tumor functions， which correspond to the therapeutic effects of Xiao Chaihutang under the theory of mutual interference between clear Qi and turbid Qi. The decoction exerts therapeutic effects on vertigo caused by hypertension， stroke， otitis media， Meniere’s disease， and brain tumor as well as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Further exploration of the theoretical connotation of mutual inference between clear Qi and turbid Qi and analysis of the pathogenesis of vertigo and the therapeutic effect of Xiao Chaihutang can better interpret the internal correlations among the three， thus providing new ideas for the syndrome differentiation and treatment of vertigo.

Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO₂, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO₂ and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics* ; Photosynthesis/physiology* ; Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis* ; Plant Leaves/genetics* ; Scenedesmus/enzymology* ; Carbon Cycle/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/genetics* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*

Peri-implant diseases are characterized by the resorption of hard tissue and the inflammation of soft tissue. Epigenetics refers to alterations in the expression of genes that are not encoded in the DNA sequence, influencing diverse physiological activities, including immune response, inflammation, and bone metabolism. Epigenetic modifications can lead to tissue-specific gene expression variations among individuals and may initiate or exacerbate inflammation and disease predisposition. However, the impact of these factors on peri-implantitis remains inconclusive. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review to investigate the associations between epigenetic mechanisms and peri-implantitis, specifically focusing on DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). We searched for relevant literature on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar with keywords including "epigenetics," "peri-implantitis," "DNA methylation," and "microRNA." DNA methylation and miRNAs present a dynamic epigenetic mechanism operating around implants. Epigenetic modifications of genes related to inflammation and osteogenesis provide a new perspective for understanding how local and environmental factors influence the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis. In addition, we assessed the potential application of DNA methylation and miRNAs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of peri-implantitis, aiming to provide a foundation for future studies to explore potential therapeutic targets and develop more effective management strategies for this condition. These findings also have broader implications for understanding the pathogenesis of other inflammation-related oral diseases like periodontitis.
Peri-Implantitis/genetics* ; Humans ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; DNA Methylation ; MicroRNAs/genetics*

Ferroptosis has been shown to mediate the development of fibrosis. Polyphyllin VII (PP7), a bioactive component of Paris polyphylla, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity and can significantly alleviate liver fibrosis. In this study, treatment with PP7 significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which could be suppressed by a ferroptosis inhibitor. In addition, it promoted HSC ferroptosis by suppressing glutathione (GSH) peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and enhanced the expression of CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1). Depletion of CX3CL1 attenuated the effects of PP7 on the activation and ferroptosis of HSCs and the expression of GPX4. Notably, CX3CL1 directly interacted with GPX4, triggering HSC ferroptosis. The transcription factor hypermethylated in cancer 1 (Hic1), which binds to the Cx3cl1 promoter, increased the expression of CX3CL1. Its absence resulted in downregulation of CX3CL1, suppressing the GPX4-dependent ferroptosis of PP7-treated HSCs and promoting their activation. HIC1 was found to directly interact with PP7 at the GLY164 site. Co-culture experiments showed that PP7-induced HSC ferroptosis attenuated macrophage recruitment by regulating inflammation-related genes. HSC-specific inhibition of HIC1 counteracted PP7-induced collagen depletion and HSC ferroptosis in vivo. These findings suggest that PP7 induces HSC ferroptosis through the HIC1/CX3CL1/GPX4 axis.

Pristimerin, which is one of the compounds present in Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae, has antitumor effects. However, its mechanism of action in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of pristimerin on ESCC in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of pristimerin on cell growth was assessed using trypan blue exclusion and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cell transfection and RNA interference assays were utilized to examine the role of key proteins in pristimerin?s effect. Xenograft models were established to evaluate the antitumor efficiency of pristimerin in vivo. Pristimerin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in ESCC cells. Upregulation of Noxa was crucial for pristimerin-induced apoptosis. Pristimerin activated the Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) signaling pathway and triggered FoxO3a recruitment to the Noxa promoter, leading to Noxa transcription. Blocking FoxO3a reversed pristimerin-induced Noxa upregulation and cell apoptosis. Pristimerin treatment suppressed xenograft tumors in nude mice, but these effects were largely negated in Noxa-KO tumors. Furthermore, the chemosensitization effects of pristimerin in vitro and in vivo were mediated by Noxa. This study demonstrates that pristimerin exerts an antitumor effect on ESCC by inducing AKT/FoxO3a-mediated Noxa upregulation. These findings suggest that pristimerin may serve as a potent anticancer agent for ESCC treatment.
Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/physiopathology* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Pentacyclic Triterpenes ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Male ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*

Objective To investigate the correlation between hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)levels and excessive daytime sleepiness(EDS)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 132 T2DM patients and 40 healthy people(NC group)who were treated in the outpatient department of Nanjing Meishan Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022 were selected.General clinical data of the subjects were collected,and their Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS)scores,Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),and apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)were measured.Based on ESS scores,T2DM patients were divided into simple T2DM group(ESS score<9,n=99)and EDS group(ESS score≥9,n=33)according to ESS score.The baseline data were compared for each group.Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression model were used to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c levels and EDS.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to calculate the area under the curve(AUC)to evaluate the predictive value of HbA1c levels for EDS.Results HbA1c,fasting plasma glucose,AHI index and PSQI score in EDS group were higher than those in T2DM and NC group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that ESS score was positively correlated with HbA1c in T2DM patients(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated HbA1c levels emerged as a significant and independent risk factor for the onset of EDS.The ROC curve indicated that the AUC of HbA1c for predicting EDS was 0.736.Conclusions There is an independent positive correlation between HbA1c levels and EDS in T2DM patients,which provides clues for early identification and treatment of EDS in clinical practice.