ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of gray matter structure and clinical symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease （AD） comorbid with apathy （AD-A）. MethodsThe study included 30 patients with AD-A， 30 AD disease patients without apathy （AD without apathy， AD-NA）， and 30 healthy controls （HCs） matched in gender， age， and years of education. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） scans. Voxel-based morphometry （VBM） was used to analyze changes in gray matter volume among the three groups. Additionally， the correlation between the identified abnormal brain regions and apathy scale scores was analyzed. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of age， gender， years of education， or total intracranial volume. Compared with the HCs group， both the AD-A and AD-NA groups showed significantly lower scores in cognitive function （P<0.001）. The AD-A group exhibited significantly higher apathy scale scores compared with the AD-NA group （P<0.001）. Compared with the AD-NA group， the AD-A group showed reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus， left orbitofrontal cortex， lingual gyrus， inferior frontal gyrus， superior frontal gyrus， entorhinal cortex， right middle frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. Compared with the HCs group， the AD-A group exhibited reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus， left fusiform gyrus， calcarine sulcus， postcentral gyrus， right inferior frontal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. Compared with the HCs group， the AD-NA group showed reduced gray matter volume in the left precuneus， inferior temporal gyrus， and right inferior temporal gyrus （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. In the AD-A group， changes in the gray matter volume of the left caudate nucleus （r= -0.557， P=0.002） and right middle frontal gyrus （r=-0.620， P=0.001） were negatively correlated with the apathy evaluation scale （AES） scores. ConclusionPatients in the AD-A group exhibited significant atrophy in the frontal-temporal-basal ganglia circuit， and the degree of gray matter atrophy was correlated with the severity of apathy.

Parkinson's disease （PD） is a neurological degenerative disease with a high clinical incidence， unclear etiology， and incurability. The main pathological features of PD are the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain substantia nigra and the formation of Lewy bodies. At present， the anti-parkinsonism drugs used in clinical practice have problems， such as decreasing efficacy and severe toxic side effects in the late stage of the disease. Mitochondrial autophagy is a self-regulation mode in which cells automatically remove damaged and aging mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. It is generally believed that the degree of mitochondrial autophagy is weakened in PD state， and this process mainly progresses through the ubiquitin-dependent pathway， non-ubiquitin-dependent pathway， and α-Synuclein-mediated mitochondrial autophagy pathway. Abnormal accumulation of damaged mitochondria will cause further damage to nerve cells and accelerate PD process. Therefore， restoring the mitochondrial autophagy balance， reducing the excessive accumulation of abnormal mitochondria， and reducing the damage of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are particularly important for the treatment of PD. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has definite effect in the clinical prevention and treatment of PD， and studies have been carried out targeting the intervention of mitochondrial autophagy. A large number of studies have confirmed that single herbs and compound prescriptions of TCM can relieve nerve function defects and delay degenerative changes of nerve cells by restoring the balance of mitochondrial autophagy， thus playing a role in the treatment of PD. This paper systematically summarized the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial autophagy in the pathogenesis of PD and the influences of active ingredients from single herbs and compound prescriptions of TCM on mitochondrial autophagy. Furthermore， this paper explored the pathogenesis of PD and the basis of the therapeutic role of TCM through the intervention of mitochondrial autophagy， providing references for promoting the application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.

Background Lead smelting workers are exposed to mixed heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). However, the specific associations and molecular mechanisms by which their combined exposure induces genetic damage remain unclear. Objective To clarify the association between combined Pb-Cd exposure and genetic damage and to explore the possible biological mechanisms through occupational epidemiological investigations and animal experiments. Methods (1) Population study: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 374 lead smelting workers in northern China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect urinary levels of 8 metals including Pb and Cd, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) was used to quantify blood levels of Pb and Cd. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to assess genetic damage. Poisson regression was used to analyze the association between metal exposure and micronucleus rates. (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty SD rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (pure water), Pb (300 mg·L⁻¹ lead acetate), Cd (50 mg·L⁻¹ cadmium chloride), combined exposure (Pb + Cd), and resveratrol intervention (Pb + Cd + 50 mg·L⁻¹ resveratrol). After 8 weeks of ad libitum drinking water exposure, liver pathology, oxidative stress indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], genetic damage (Comet assay and γ-H2AX) were evaluated. Furthermore, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis rates, and mRNA expression of DNA damage response (DDR), DNA repair, and apoptosis-related genes were measured. Results (1) The geometric mean (GM, 95%CI) of urinary Pb and Cd were 14.69 (13.14, 16.51) µg·L⁻¹ and 2.11 (1.90, 2.33) µg·L⁻¹, respectively; the blood Pb and Cd levels were 117.10 (105.59, 129.87) µg·L⁻¹ and 4.55 (4.23, 4.89) µg·L⁻¹, respectively among the 374 workers. The mean micronucleus rate was (1.64±0.081) ‰, with significantly higher rates in males (1.65±0.083) ‰ than females (1.53±0.334) ‰ (U=4.166, P=0.041). All Pb and Cd biomarkers were positively correlated with micronucleus rate (FR>1, P<0.05), with a significant interaction effect observed between Pb and Cd (FR>1, P<0.05). (2) In rats, co-exposure to Pb and Cd caused liver tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration. Significant increases were observed in lymphocyte ROS; GSSG and MDA in lung tissue increased, while GSH and CAT activity decreased. Comet assay indicators and γ-H2AX levels were significantly elevated. Co-exposure induced S-phase arrest and increased apoptosis. mRNA levels of DDR (ATM, ATR, Chk2, and P53) and pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and DNA repair genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51, RAD52, and CtIP) were downregulated. Two-way ANOVA confirmed synergistic effects on GSSG, Comet assay indicators, and ATR/Chk2 mRNA expression. Conclusion Occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd synergistically induces genetic damage. This damage is mediated by oxidative stress and DNA damage, which activates the DDR pathway and inhibits the expression of DNA repair genes, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Background Lead smelting workers are exposed to mixed heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). However, the specific associations and molecular mechanisms by which their combined exposure induces genetic damage remain unclear. Objective To clarify the association between combined Pb-Cd exposure and genetic damage and to explore the possible biological mechanisms through occupational epidemiological investigations and animal experiments. Methods (1) Population study: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 374 lead smelting workers in northern China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect urinary levels of 8 metals including Pb and Cd, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) was used to quantify blood levels of Pb and Cd. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to assess genetic damage. Poisson regression was used to analyze the association between metal exposure and micronucleus rates. (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty SD rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (pure water), Pb (300 mg·L⁻¹ lead acetate), Cd (50 mg·L⁻¹ cadmium chloride), combined exposure (Pb + Cd), and resveratrol intervention (Pb + Cd + 50 mg·L⁻¹ resveratrol). After 8 weeks of ad libitum drinking water exposure, liver pathology, oxidative stress indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], genetic damage (Comet assay and γ-H2AX) were evaluated. Furthermore, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis rates, and mRNA expression of DNA damage response (DDR), DNA repair, and apoptosis-related genes were measured. Results (1) The geometric mean (GM, 95%CI) of urinary Pb and Cd were 14.69 (13.14, 16.51) µg·L⁻¹ and 2.11 (1.90, 2.33) µg·L⁻¹, respectively; the blood Pb and Cd levels were 117.10 (105.59, 129.87) µg·L⁻¹ and 4.55 (4.23, 4.89) µg·L⁻¹, respectively among the 374 workers. The mean micronucleus rate was (1.64±0.081) ‰, with significantly higher rates in males (1.65±0.083) ‰ than females (1.53±0.334) ‰ (U=4.166, P=0.041). All Pb and Cd biomarkers were positively correlated with micronucleus rate (FR>1, P<0.05), with a significant interaction effect observed between Pb and Cd (FR>1, P<0.05). (2) In rats, co-exposure to Pb and Cd caused liver tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration. Significant increases were observed in lymphocyte ROS; GSSG and MDA in lung tissue increased, while GSH and CAT activity decreased. Comet assay indicators and γ-H2AX levels were significantly elevated. Co-exposure induced S-phase arrest and increased apoptosis. mRNA levels of DDR (ATM, ATR, Chk2, and P53) and pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and DNA repair genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51, RAD52, and CtIP) were downregulated. Two-way ANOVA confirmed synergistic effects on GSSG, Comet assay indicators, and ATR/Chk2 mRNA expression. Conclusion Occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd synergistically induces genetic damage. This damage is mediated by oxidative stress and DNA damage, which activates the DDR pathway and inhibits the expression of DNA repair genes, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Objective: This review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise the existing evidence on endoscopic-assisted anterior odontoid screw fixation, with the objectives of clarifying its current clinical utility and identifying priorities for future optimization of the technique. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251251051). Searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified studies reporting the use of endoscopic visualization during anterior odontoid screw placement. Eligible study designs included clinical reports and cadaveric investigations. Extracted data encompassed patient demographics, fracture subtype, operative technique, radiological alignment, fusion status, perioperative complications, and risk of bias, which was assessed using the modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 6 clinical reports and 2 cadaveric feasibility studies. The extent of endoscopic assistance ranged from hybrid mini-open approaches to fully endoscopic uniportal techniques. Reported fusion rates ranged from 80% to 100%, with fully endoscopic procedures demonstrating the most consistent radiological consolidation and anatomical reduction. No major neurovascular, aerodigestive, or implant-related complications were reported. Cadaveric evidence confirmed enhanced visualization of the C2 odontoid entry point and validated safe screw entry-point orientation with acceptable screw trajectories. Risk-of-bias assessment indicated low risk in 5 studies and moderate risk in 3. Small sample sizes, heterogeneous fracture morphology, and modest follow-up durations limited the overall quality of the evidence. Conclusion Endoscopic-assisted anterior odontoid screw fixation appears to be a technically feasible and biologically favorable minimally invasive option for selected odontoid fractures. Its potential advantages include improved visualization and reduced approach-related morbidity. Further prospective, multicenter investigations, particularly those integrating navigation systems, are required to define its definitive role in the management of cervical spine trauma.

Objective: To explore the plasma metabonomic characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and turbid toxin accumulation syndrome. Methods: One hundred and three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and turbid toxin accumulation syndrome were enrolled from November 2023 to February 2024 in the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and 54 healthy individuals were recruited. The general data of the two groups were analyzed, and the plasma metabolite content was detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Construct an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model to screen metabolites with significant intergroup changes. The variable importance in projection≥ 1, |log2FC|>1, and P<0.05 were used as the criteria for the screening of differential metabolites. Annotate differential metabolites using internal databases and the human metabolome database, and perform pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst website. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in gender and age between the two groups.Seventeen potential differential metabolites were identified. The D-4′-phosphopantothenate, 2, 6-dichloroindophenol, 4-methylphenol, hypoxanthine, 11, 12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, oleamide, 3-phenyllactic acid contents were higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and turbid toxin accumulation syndrome than in healthy individuals(P<0.05); 3-anisic acid, 3-iodo-octadecanoic acid, mebendazole, β-alanine, citric acid, trans-aconitic acid, geranyl diphosphate, lysophosphatidylcholine(18∶2), phosphatidylethanolamine(18∶1), and caprolactam contents were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and turbid toxin accumulation syndrome than in healthy individuals(P<0.05). Ten metabolic pathways were identified, including the key metabolic pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways. Conclusion Metabolic differences were observed between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and turbid toxin accumulation syndrome and healthy individuals, and the underlying mechanism may involve the pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways, jointly mediated by D-4′-phosphopantothenate and β-alanine.

Objective To explore the perioperative safety and prognostic factors of sequential hepatectomy after conversion therapy using vascular interventional therapy(including transarterial chemoembolization and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy)combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI)and programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods The clinical data of 106 eligible HCC patients treated in Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University from Nov.2019 to Apr.2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The perioperative parameters and postoperative pathological outcomes were described in detail,and factors influencing prognosis were analyzed.Results The median operative time for hepatectomy after conversion therapy was 240 min,with a median blood loss of 200 mL.Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 24(22.6％)patients.Postoperative adverse reactions occurred in 49.1％(52/106)of patients,with liver failure being the most common adverse reactions(23 patients,21.7％).One(0.9％)patient died during the perioperative period,while the remaining 105 patients were followed up for a median duration of 14.7 months,during which 49(46.2％)patients experienced recurrence.Among them,39(36.8％)cases experienced early recurrence(within 1 year),and 33(31.1％)cases had intrahepatic recurrence.Thirteen(12.3％)patients died during follow-up.The median recurrence-free survival(RFS)was 15.7 months,with 1-year and 2-year RFS rates being 56.9％and 40.3％,respectively.The median overall survival(OS)was not reached,with 1-year and 2-year OS rates being 94.2％and 85.3％,respectively.Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that achieving complete pathological response(hazard ratio[HR]=0.410,95％confidence interval[CI]0.172-0.980,P=0.045),presence of microvascular invasion(HR=2.423,95％CI 1.269-4.625,P=0.007),satellite nodules(HR=1.916,95％CI 1.014-3.620,P=0.045),and multiple tumors(HR=1.818,95％CI 1.012-3.241,P=0.046)were independent factors associated with postoperative recurrence.Conclusion For patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma,vascular interventional therapy combined with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors followed by sequential hepatectomy may be a feasible treatment strategy,with manageable adverse reactions and promising efficacy.