ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point， this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） formula Zhizi Houpotang， and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism， with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/gasdermin D （GSDMD） signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group， a chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） depression model group， a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group （6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex （MOC）-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus （AFI） herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Gardeniae Fructus （GF）-MOC herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a GF-AFI herbal pair group （3.6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and a positive drug group （fluoxetine， 12 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Ibal） and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 （P2RX7） in the prefrontal cortex （PFC）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 （Panx1）， P2RX7， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， Caspase-1， GSDMD， postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition， the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased （P<0.01）， the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of Panx1， P2RX7， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated （P<0.01）. In contrast， the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators （P<0.01）. The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and PSD95 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In contrast， the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair， GF-MOC， can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling， thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously， it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density， promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula， and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.

BACKGROUND:Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking,but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. METHODS:Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery,Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,Shanghai,China,from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group,and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group.The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test,Multi-Directional Reach Test,Berg Balance Scale,and Static Balance Function Test(reaction time,speed of movement,directional control,maximum offset distance,and endpoint travel). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior,posterior,leftand right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).In the Static Balance Function Test,the results of reaction,movement speed,directional control,maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits,and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources,resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls.

Objective: To investigate the association between screen time (ST) during leisure time and anxiety-depression symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant intervention measures. Methods: From November to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 542 students from junior and senior high school in Taiyuan City. A self designed questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate ST and anxiety/depression symptoms among middle school students. The Logistic regression model was used to explore the association of ST with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as with anxiety and depression comorbiditles (CAD). Results: The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD were 13.69%, 15.77%, and 10.11%, respectively. The median ST was 2.00 h/d [interquartile range ( IQR =2.38) for weekly averages], with 0.33 h/d ( IQR =1.67) on work days and 5.00 h/d ( IQR=5.50) on rest days. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total ST of mobile phones during rest days ( OR =1.07, 1.10, 1.11) and the averages ST of mobile phones over a week ( OR = 1.20 , 1.22, 1.29), as well as the total ST of all screen types during rest days ( OR =1.04, 1.04, 1.05) and the averages ST of all screen types over a week ( OR =1.08, 1.09, 1.21) were positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD (all P <0.01). Conclusions Among middle school students in Taiyuan City, screen time is positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, especially smartphone screen time and weekend screen use. Therefore, measures should be implemented to reduce unnecessary screen time among middle school students, especially the use of mobile phones, in order to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a critical role in severe cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) pathogenesis, but the benefits of anti-inflammatory therapies remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between steroid therapy combined with anticoagulation and the prognosis of acute/subacute severe CVT patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled patients with acute/subacute severe CVT at Xuanwu Hospital (July 2020-January 2024). Patients were allocated into steroid and non-steroid groups based on the treatment they received. Functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) were evaluated at admission, discharge, and 6 months after discharge. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6, and intracranial pressure were measured at admission and discharge in the steroid group. Fundoscopic Frisén grades were assessed at admission and 6 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluat associations between steroid use and favorable outcomes (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. Paired tests assessed changes in hs-CRP and other variables before and after treatment, and Spearman's correlations were used to analyze relationships between these changes and functional improvements. RESULTS: A total of 107 and 58 patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups, respectively, were included in the analysis. Compared with the non-steroid group, the steroid group had a higher likelihood of achieving an mRS score of 0-2 (93.5% vs . 82.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, P  = 0.037) at the 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for confounding factors, the result remained consistent. Pulsed steroid therapy did not increase mortality during hospitalization or follow-up, nor did it lead to severe steroid-related complications (all P  >0.05). Patients in the steroid group showed a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP, IL-6, CSF IL-6, and intracranial pressure at discharge compared to at admission, as well as a significant reduction in the fundoscopic Frisén grade at the 6-month follow-up compare to at admission (all P  <0.001). A reduction in serum inflammatory marker levels during hospitalization positively correlated with improvements in functional outcomes ( P  <0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term steroid use may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for acute/subacute severe CVT when used alongside standard anticoagulant treatments, which are likely due to suppression of the inflammatory response. However, these findings require further validation in randomized controlled trials. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05990894.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Intracranial Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Steroids/therapeutic use* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy*

Objective: To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model. Methods: Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice. Conclusion This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.

Objective:To investigate the co-occurrence patterns of psychosocial and behavioral problems among children and to identify associated influencing factors.Methods:A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023. A cluster random sample of 19 176 children aged 6-16 years was recruited from middle-income areas across 10 provincial capitals and municipalities in China. Psychological and behavioral problems, including anxiety, compulsive behavior, social withdrawal, depression, somatic complaints, social problems, schizoid, delinquent behaviors, hyperactivity, sexual issues, and aggression, were assessed using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist parent version. Co-occurrence was defined as ≥2 concurrent problems. Children were divided into 4 groups by gender and age: boys aged 6-11 years, girls aged 6-11 years, boys aged 12-16 years, and girls aged 12-16 years. Those children who had psychosocial and behavioral problems were further categorized into the single-problem group, and the co-occurrence group based on assessment results. High-frequency co-occurrence phenotypes of children′s psychosocial and behavioral problems were identified. Demographic factors, such as parental employment, education, as well as psychosocial factors like parent-child relationship, screen time and outdoor activity, were investigated. χ 2 test was used to analyze differences between groups. Multivariate Logistic regression modeling was conducted to identify potential factors. Results:Among 14 711 children (7 501 boys, 7 210 girls) who provided effective questionnaires, the detection rates of single problem in the boys aged 6-11 years, girls aged 6-11 years, boys aged 12-16 years, and girls aged 12-16 years groups were 4.9% (171/3 461), 6.2% (193/3 120), 3.9% (158/4 040), and 5.1% (208/4 090), respectively; the detection rates of co-occurrence were 7.6% (262/3 461), 7.7% (241/3 120), 4.9% (199/4 040), and 5.7% (234/4 090), respectively. The overall detection rates of co-occurrence was higher than that of single problem ( χ2=25.47, P<0.001). Among children with co-occurrence, there were varied manifestations: in the boys aged 6-11 years group, the detection rates of social withdrawal (69.8% (183/262)), schizoid-like behavior (68.3% (179/262)), and compulsive behavior (67.6% (177/262)) were relatively high; in the girls aged 6-11 years group, the detection rates of schizoid-compulsive behavior (69.3% (167/241)), delinquent behavior (65.6% (158/241)), and hyperactivity (58.9% (142/241)) were relatively high; in the boys aged 12-16 years group, the detection rates of hyperactivity (78.9% (157/199)), compulsive behavior (67.3% (134/199)), and immature behavior (57.3% (114/199)) were relatively high; in the girls aged 12-16 years group, the detection rates of schizoid-like behavior (89.7% (210/234)), immature behavior (59.0% (138/234)), and cruelty (57.7% (135/234)) were relatively high. Maternal bachelor′s degree or higher ( OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.61-0.99, P=0.038) served as co-occurrence protective factors, whereas having 1 or more siblings, increased parent-child conflict and decreased parent-child interaction time ( OR=1.24, 1.41, 1.36; 95% CI 1.02-1.52, 1.15-1.73, 1.02-1.82, all P<0.05) were co-occurrence risk factors. Conclusions:Children exhibit strong co-occurrence tendencies in psychosocial and behavioral problems. Compulsive and schizoid traits are the predominant co-occurring phenotypes for childhood and girls respectively. ?Familial environment plays a critical role, necessitating ?multidimensional clinical assessments and ?family-centered interventions.

Objective To explore the characteristics of oropharyngeal metabolites of postoperative pneumonia(POP)and non-POP patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics,and to provide reference for revea-ling the pathogenesis as well as clinical prevention and control.Methods Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer in the department of gastrointestinal surgery of a tertia-ry hospital in Fujian Province from January 2022 to December 2023,nested case-control study was adopted,with 30 cases in POP group and non-POP group,respectively,ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)technique was adopted for detection,and multivariate statistical analysis was per-formed.Results The metabolites of POP group and non-POP group preoperatively,POP group and non-POP group postoperatively,POP group preoperatively and postoperatively,as well as non-POP group preoperatively and post-operatively did not show a clear trend of separation on the score graph of principal component analysis(PCA),par-tial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA),and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA),but the screening of the differential metabolites revealed that the relative abundances of ascorbic acid and lipoic acid in the POP group preoperatively were lower than non-POP group preoperatively.The relative abundance of 5'-adenylic acid in the POP group preoperatively was lower than postoperatively,while the relative abundances of suc-cinic acid and phenylacetaldehyde were higher.There were differences in metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine.Conclusion Alteration of metabolite level due to abnormalities in specific metabolic pathways presents in the deve-lopment of gastric cancer POP and may be related to the development of POP.

Objective:To determine the optimal number of clusters by joint use of the Elbow Method and Gap Statistic and to classify the scientific research performance of each clinical department in a tertiary general hospital by K-means cluster analysis and analyze the weak points of scientific research in each type of department, and provide targeted measures to enhance the scientific research capability of the department.Methods:Based on the scientific research performance evaluation system of clinical departments in established tertiary general hospitals, the scientific research data from 2017—2021 were substituted into the optimization system to generate quantitative scores, and the number of optimized clusters was derived through the Elbow method and the Gap Statistic algorithm, and the K-means algorithm was applied to achieve departmental hierarchical clustering.Results:The 45 clinical departments were clustered into 4 categories, and the mean of the total research performance scores of all departments was 23.118, with the highest mean score for the management system and the lowest for the research organization platform. Except for the indicator of books of publications, the remaining 15 secondary indicators had good differentiation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined use of the Elbow method and the Gap Statistic algorithm balances computational efficiency with statistical rigor and strengthens the scientific explanatory power of the clustering results. K-means cluster analysis effectively divides the types of departments. It provides a certain reference basis for identifying the strengths and shortcomings of scientific research development in the department, optimizing the allocation of scientific research resources, adjusting the focus of assessment and formulating the development strategy of the discipline.

Eye-tracking technology monitors eye movement trajectories to reveal the cognitive mechanisms underlying visual behavior.With advantages like objectivity and real-time capability,it is increasingly applied in nursing.However,research and application in China are still in the early stages.This article reviews the development,measurement metrics,methods,and impact of eye-tracking in nursing,analyzes current challenges,and suggests solutions to aid its development in the field of nursing in China.

Eye-tracking technology monitors eye movement trajectories to reveal the cognitive mechanisms underlying visual behavior.With advantages like objectivity and real-time capability,it is increasingly applied in nursing.However,research and application in China are still in the early stages.This article reviews the development,measurement metrics,methods,and impact of eye-tracking in nursing,analyzes current challenges,and suggests solutions to aid its development in the field of nursing in China.