ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan （JSW） and Liuwei Dihuangwan （LDW） on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group， the other six groups were as follows： a group of both males and females receiving JSW （3.0 g·kg^-1）， a group of both males and females receiving LDW （4.5 g·kg^-1）， a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW， a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW， a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW， and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 （female∶male） ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth， which was followed by the observation of newborn mice， calculation of their average number， and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment， the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients， and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems， while novel object recognition test （NOR） was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay， and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together （P<0.05）， while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally， compared with the control group， JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in the thalamus， as well as reproductive stem cell factor （SCF） and tyrosine kinase receptor （c-Kit） in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue （MVH） in the ovaries， upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity， such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， in hippocampal neurons （P<0.05）， and enhance sucrose preference in male mice （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice （P<0.05）， which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor （D1R） and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor （Nmdar） gene expression. Compared with the control group， both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， BDNF， and tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） in the hippocampus of offspring mice （P<0.05）. ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice， which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally， JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.

The analysis presented here is based on the blood components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets, the key anti-atherosclerosis pathway of Guanxin Qiwei tablets was screened by network pharmacology, and the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Guanxin Qiwei tablets was clarified and verified by cell experiments. HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS technique was used to analyze the components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets into blood, to determine the precise mass charge ratio of the compounds, and to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the components by using secondary mass spectrometry fragments and literature comparison. Finally, a total of 42 components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets into blood were identified. To better understand the interactions, we employed the Swiss Target Prediction database to predict the associated targets. Atherosclerosis (AS) disease targets were searched in disease databases Genecard, OMIM and Disgent, and 181 intersection targets of disease targets and component targets were obtained by Venny 2.1.0 software. Protein interactions were analyzed by String database. The 32 core targets were selected by Cytscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed in DAVID database. It was found that the anti-atherosclerosis pathways of Guanxin Qiwei tablets mainly include lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and other signal pathways. The core targets and the core compounds were interlinked, and it was found that cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA in Guanxin Qiwei tablets were well bound to TNF, PPARγ, AKT1, PTG2 and other targets. The lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic pathway was verified using human hl-7702 hepatocytes. This study preliminarily identified the potential pharmacodynamic components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets in the treatment of AS diseases and predicted their pathways of action, and verified the relationship between regulating lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis of Guanxin Qiwei tablets in vitro, providing a reference for the further study of the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of this prescription. This experiment was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolia Medical University (No. YKD202401262).

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Shenge Bushen Capsules （SBC） on sexual development in normal 3-week-old mice. MethodsThe experiment consisted of two parts. In the first part， mice were divided into four groups： The control group and the low， medium， and high-dose SBC groups （234.7， 469.4， 938.7 mg·kg^-1， respectively）. In the second part， mice were divided into four groups： Control group， Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide （PRP） group， total flavonoids group， and SBC group， all receiving a dose of 469.4 mg·kg^-1. After 7 days of administration， the vaginal opening of female mice and the descent of testes and scrotum in male mice， as well as the ovarian and testicular organ indices， were observed. After 4 weeks of administration， female and male mice were housed together for 2 days， and the pregnancy rate of females was monitored. After delivery， the pregnant female mice continued receiving the treatment for 4 weeks， and the sexual development of their offspring， including vaginal opening， testicular descent， and organ indices of ovaries and testes， was observed. Serum sex hormones were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） and growth hormone （GH） proteins in the hypothalamus was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， there was no significant effect on the vaginal opening of female mice or the descent of testes in male mice after 7 days of SBC administration. After 4 weeks of administration， the pregnancy rate in the low-dose group was significantly reduced （P<0.05）， but no significant effects were observed in the other groups. The three doses of SBC did not significantly affect the ovarian or testicular organ indices， and there was no significant upregulation in the expression of GnRH or GH in the hypothalamus. The primary component of SBC， Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide， significantly reduced the vaginal opening in female mice after 7 days of administration （P<0.05）. After 4 weeks， the serum estradiol levels of non-pregnant female mice were decreased （P<0.05）， but there was no significant effect on the expression of GnRH or GH proteins in the hypothalamus of either male or female mice. Additionally， there were no significant effects on precocious puberty indicators， such as vaginal opening and testicular descent， in the offspring mice. ConclusionSBC does not significantly promote precocious puberty in young mice， and it does not have any noticeable effects on the pregnancy rate of adult mice or the sexual development of their offspring.

ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.

Objective To analyze the disease burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) attributed to high body mass index (BMI) in China from 1992 to 2021 and predict the disease burden for the next decade, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of CKD. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database and the Joinpoint model, the average annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of the mortality rate and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate was calculated to describe and analyze the CKD disease burden attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021. The ARIMA model was employed to predict and analyze the change trend of the CKD disease burden. Results From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate attributed to high BMI-induced chronic kidney disease showed an upward trend. Compared to 1992, the attributed number of deaths increased by 324.38%, and DALYs increased by 268.56%; the mortality rate increased by 64.00%, and the DALY rate grew by 51.62%. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate for males were lower than those for females, but the growth rate for males exceeded that of females. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China increased with age. The average annual change rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021 (mortality rate: 1.40 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.04–1.76), DALY rate: 1.43 per 100 000 (95% CI: 1.17–1.70)) was higher than thHuaiyin Normal University, Huai'anher social demographic index (SDI) regions. The ARIMA model predicted that the age-standardized mortality rate increased from 2.91 per 100 000 in 2022 to 3.05 per 100 000 in 2026, and the age-standardized DALY rate increased from 69.65 per 100 000 in 2022 to 73.58 per 100 000 in 2026. Conclusion Chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China is on the rise, and it will continue to grow in the future. The focus of CKD prevention and control should be on males and the elderly, while active measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease.

Objective To explore enteral nutrition support and analyze its influencing factors in elderly patients with ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 328 patients with ischemic stroke in General Hospital of Western Theater Command were enrolled for nutritional screening between July 2020 and February 2024. Corresponding nutritional support plans were selected to investigate the compliance of patients with enteral nutrition support. Patients were divided into a standard group (n=140) and a non-standard group (n=97) based on whether their calorie intake met the standard. The effects of different clinical characteristics on enteral nutrition support were explored, and logistic analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of non-standard enteral nutrition support. Results In the 328 patients with ischemic stroke, proportions of total parenteral nutrition support, total enteral nutrition support, and parenteral/enteral nutrition support were 25.30%, 27.74% and 46.95%, respectively. The proportions of vomiting or regurgitation, gastric residual volume >100 mL, mechanical ventilation and use of antibiotics >2 in the non-standard group were higher than those in the standard group (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that the above clinical characteristics were risk factors influencing patients with enteral nutrition support and parenteral/enteral nutrition support. Conclusion Vomiting or regurgitation , gastric residual volume, mechanical ventilation, and amount of antibiotics used are important influencing factors of enteral nutrition support in patients. Clinicians should pay attention to the above clinical characteristics.

Objective To analyze the correlations between the thoracic electrical impedance tomography(EIT)-derived parameters global inhomogeneity(GI),center of ventilation(COV),regional ventilation delay(RVD),and atelectasis in hospitalized patients,and to explore their effectiveness in evaluating atelectasis.Methods The clinical data of 140 hospitalized patients monitored by thoracic EIT between Sep.2024 and Jan.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were assigned to 2 groups based on chest computed tomography confirmation of atelectasis within the preceding short-term period during EIT monitoring:non-atelectasis group or atelectasis group.The algorithm software designed with MATLAB was used to acquire GI and COV.RVD was obtained through analysis with the Dr?ger EIT Data Analysis Tool 6.3 software,and patients'general data were concurrently documented.Comparative analysis of EIT-derived parameters between groups was conducted.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the correlations of GI,COV,and RVD with atelectasis,while receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of EIT-derived parameters in evaluating atelectasis.Results A total of 140 patients were enrolled,with 19(13.6%)cases presenting atelectasis.Compared to the non-atelectasis group,the atelectasis group demonstrated significantly higher proportions of male patients and cardiovascular disease and thoracic surgery(non-pulmonary)histories,lower body mass index(BMI),and alongside elevated GI and RVD values with reduced COV(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GI,COV,and RVD maintained independent associations with atelectasis after adjusting for age,gender,BMI,pleural effusion,and emphysema(odds ratio[OR]=1.39,95%confidence interval[CI]1.20-1.67;OR=0.85,95%CI 0.75-0.96;OR=1.22,95%CI 1.09-1.39;all P＜0.05).The area under curve(AUC)values of GI,COV,and RVD for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients were 0.82,0.80,and 0.82,respectively(while RVD demonstrated a higher AUC,its clinical applicability was influenced by respiratory patterns).Conclusion Thoracic EIT-derived parameters GI and COV demonstrate significant correlations with atelectasis and may serve as valuable indicators for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients.

Objective To compare the effects of upper limb remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC)with different pressure modes on enhancing high-altitude acclimatization in healthy adult males rapidly exposed to high-altitude environments.Methods In May 2024,86 male adult residents living plain areas planning a high-altitude travel were recruited through advertisements in Chongqing by Department of Anesthesiology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University.The participants were randomly divided into a variable pressure training group(n=29),a constant pressure training group(n=29),and a control group(n=28).The variable pressure training group underwent RIPC training in a variable pressure mode[occlusion pressure was set at systolic blood pressure(SBP)+40 mmHg],while the constant pressure training group received RIPC training in a constant pressure mode(fixed occlusion pressure of 200 mmHg).Both groups completed a bilateral upper limb RIPC training(twice daily,5 cycles per time of 10-min occlusion followed by 5-min reperfusion)for 14 d.The control group received no such training.On the 3rd day post-training,all participants entered a simulated 4 500 m altitude chamber for 7 h.The incidence and severity of acute mountain sickness(AMS)were observed and evaluated,and the vital signs and cerebral tissue oxygenation index(CTOI)were recorded.Results The incidence of AMS was 23.1%in the variable pressure training group(RR=0.4,95%CI:0.2～0.8,Chi-square=9.433,P=0.002)and 16.0%in the constant pressure training group(RR=0.2,95%CI:0.1～0.6,Chi-square=12.833,P<0.001),and both incidences were significantly lower than that in the control group(65.4%).The AMS symptom score in the variable pressure training group[1.5(0.8,3.0)vs(3.1±1.9),P=0.018]and the score in the constant pressure training group[1.0(1.0,2.0)vs(3.1±1.9),P=0.001]were significantly lower than that in the control group.The dizziness score was obviously lower in the variable pressure training group[0(0,1.0)vs 1.0(1.0,1.0),P=0.001]and the constant pressure training group[1.0(0,1.0)vs 1.0(1.0,1.0),P=0.003]than the control group,so was the fatigue/weakness score in the variable pressure training group[0(0,0.3)vs 1.0(0,1.0),P=0.006],the constant pressure training group[0 vs 1.0(0,1.0),P<0.001],and the control group.The change of CTOI(ΔCTOI)in the variable pressure training group(P=0.010)and the constant pressure training group(P=0.042)was significantly lower than that in the control group.There were no statistical differences in the 3 groups in terms of SpO2,HR,SBP or DBP(P>0.05).What's more,no significant differences were observed in the incidence of AMS,AMS score,dizziness score,fatigue/weakness score,or ΔCTOI between the variable pressure training group and the constant pressure training group(P>0.05).Conclusion Both upper limb RIPC protocols,variable-pressure(SBP+40 mmHg)and fixed-pressure(200 mmHg),can effectively enhance high-altitude acclimatization by reducing AMS incidence,symptom severity,and cerebral oxygen desaturation.