[Objective] : To explore the clinical characteristics and methods for syndrome differentiation prediction, as well as to construct a predictive model for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). [Methods] : This study employed a retrospective case-control design to analyze patients with AIS who received inpatient treatment at the Neurology Department of The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. AIS patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were stratified into case group, while those without Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were stratified into control group. The demographic characteristics (age and gender), clinical parameters [time from onset to admission, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and blood pressure], past medical history, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic characteristics (tongue and pulse), neurological symptoms and signs, imaging findings [magnetic resonance imaging-diffusion weighted imaging (MRI-DWI)], and biochemical indicators of the two groups were collected and compared. The indicators with statistical difference (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate their predictive value for the diagnosis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and the predictive model was constructed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. [Results] : The study included 1 035 AIS patients, with 404 cases in case group and 631 cases in control group. Compared with control group, patients in case group were significantly older, had extended onset-to-admission time, lower diastolic blood pressure, and lower NIHSS scores (P < 0.05). Case group showed lower incidence of hypertension history (P < 0.05). Regarding tongue and pulse characteristics, pale and dark tongue colors, white tongue coating, fine pulse, astringent pulse, and sinking pulse were more common in case group. Imaging examinations demonstrated higher proportions of centrum semiovale infarction, cerebral atrophy, and vertebral artery stenosis in case group (P < 0.05). Among biochemical indicators, case group showed higher proportions of elevated fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while lower proportions of elevated white blood cell count, reduced hemoglobin, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome including: fine pulse [odds ratio (OR) = 4.38], astringent pulse (OR = 3.67), superficial sensory abnormalities (OR = 1.86), centrum semiovale infarction (OR = 1.57), cerebral atrophy (OR = 1.55), vertebral artery stenosis (OR = 1.62), and elevated HbA1c (OR = 3.52). The ROC curve analysis of the comprehensive prediction model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.855 – 0.900]. [Conclusion] This study finds out that Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome represents one of the primary types of AIS. Fine pulse, astringent pulse, superficial sensory abnormalities, centrum semiovale infarction, cerebral atrophy, vertebral artery stenosis, elevated blood glucose, elevated HbA1c, pale and dark tongue colors, and white tongue coating are key objective diagnostic indicators for the syndrome differentiation of AIS with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Based on these indicators, a syndrome differentiation prediction model has been developed, offering a more objective basis for clinical diagnosis, and help to rapidly identify this syndrome in clinical practice and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Melatonin is widely used as an over-the-counter medication to treat insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurogenetic disorders (NGD). However, there is still a lack of research on its efficacy and safety, and clinical practice standards are to be established. In response, the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) convened an expert panel and developed a consensus statement:"Melatonin Use in Managing Insomnia in Children with Autism and Other Neurogenetic Disorders-an Assessment by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA)", which was published in Sleep Medicine, April 2024. The consensus focused on the efficacy and adverse effects of melatonin treatment for insomnia in children with ASD and NGD-including Smith-Magenis syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. It systematically reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2012 and 2022, and integrates current best clinical practices to formulate 10 consensus recommendations. Despite these contributions, the consensus has limitations: a small number of included RCTs, a lack of grading for evidence quality, and recommendation strength. Furthermore, the study population is primarily composed of children from Western countries. This article seeks to interpret the consensus to improve standardized use of melatonin for insomnia in Chinese children with ASD and NGD, and to provide a reference for the future development of localized evidence-based guidelines.

Delirium is a common cause and complication of hospitalization in the elderly and is associated with higher risk of future dementia and progression of existing dementia, of which 70% is Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD and delirium, which are known to be aggravated by one another, represent significant societal challenges, especially in light of the absence of effective treatments. The intricate biological mechanisms have led to numerous clinical trial setbacks and likely contribute to the limited efficacy of existing therapeutics. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising avenue for overcoming these hurdles by deploying algorithms to uncover hidden patterns across diverse data types. This review explores the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing drug discovery for AD and delirium from target identification to the development of small molecule and protein-based therapies. Recent advances in deep learning, particularly in accurate protein structure prediction, are facilitating novel approaches to drug design and expediting the discovery pipeline for biological and small molecule therapeutics. This review concludes with an appraisal of current achievements and limitations, and touches on prospects for the use of AI in advancing drug discovery in AD and delirium, emphasizing its transformative potential in addressing these two and possibly other neurodegenerative conditions.

Melatonin is widely used as an over-the-counter medication to treat insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurogenetic disorders (NGD). However, there is still a lack of research on its efficacy and safety, and clinical practice standards are to be established. In response, the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) convened an expert panel and developed a consensus statement:"Melatonin Use in Managing Insomnia in Children with Autism and Other Neurogenetic Disorders-an Assessment by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA)", which was published in Sleep Medicine, April 2024. The consensus focused on the efficacy and adverse effects of melatonin treatment for insomnia in children with ASD and NGD-including Smith-Magenis syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. It systematically reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2012 and 2022, and integrates current best clinical practices to formulate 10 consensus recommendations. Despite these contributions, the consensus has limitations: a small number of included RCTs, a lack of grading for evidence quality, and recommendation strength. Furthermore, the study population is primarily composed of children from Western countries. This article seeks to interpret the consensus to improve standardized use of melatonin for insomnia in Chinese children with ASD and NGD, and to provide a reference for the future development of localized evidence-based guidelines.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)has become a common chronic disease in the adult in recent years,and more attention has been gradually paid to its prevention and treatment.This paper reviewed the clinical studies about the effect of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)exercise therapy on COPD,and indicated that TCM exercise therapy can improve the rehabilitation of COPD patients.TCM exercise therapies,such as Tai Chi,Wuqinxi,Baduanjin,and Liuzijue,have been shown to significantly improve lung function,inflammation levels,and exercise capacity in COPD patients in recent studies.Tai Chi significantly improves patient's respiratory problems although lung function indices are not changed.Liuzijue enhances the strength and endurance of respiratory muscles and limbs.Baduanjin helps to improve patient's cognitive and emotional states.Overall,TCM exercise therapy provides an effective rehabilitation option for COPD patients.However,more clinical controlled trials are needed to further confirm their effectiveness and to develop appropriate rehabilitation programs for COPD patients.

Methcathinone (MCAT) belongs to the designer drugs called synthetic cathinones, which are abused worldwide for recreational purposes. It has strong stimulant effects, including enhanced euphoria, sensation, alertness, and empathy. However, little is known about how MCAT modulates neuronal activity in vivo. Here, we evaluated the effect of MCAT on neuronal activity with a series of functional approaches. C-Fos immunostaining showed that MCAT increased the number of activated neurons by 6-fold, especially in sensory and motor cortices, striatum, and midbrain motor nuclei. In vivo single-unit recording and two-photon Ca²⁺ imaging revealed that a large proportion of neurons increased spiking activity upon MCAT administration. Notably, MCAT induced a strong de-correlation of population activity and increased trial-to-trial reliability, specifically during a natural movie stimulus. It improved the information-processing efficiency by enhancing the single-neuron coding capacity, suggesting a cortical network mechanism of the enhanced perception produced by psychoactive stimulants.
Mice ; Animals ; Reproducibility of Results ; Neurons ; Sensation ; Perception

Objective:To investigate whether memantine hydrochloride (MEM) could promote the bactericidal effect of neutrophils against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the possible mechanism. Methods:Neutrophils were co-incubated with different concentrations of MEM and MRSA for 4 h. Then the cell lysates were collected and cultured on plate for survival bacteria counting. After co-incubation, the neutrophils were collected to detect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). A mouse model of MRSA infection was established, and then the mice were treated with or without MEM. Blood, spleen and kidney samples were collected from the mice for bacterial colony counting and blood procalcitonin (PCT) detection. In the 48 h survival experiment, the mice were first infected with MRSA, and then treated with MEM or PBS. The survival rates of the mice were calculated and the survival curves were drawn.Results:The number of MRSA co-cultured with neutrophils decreased significantly in the presence of MEM, and within a certain concentration range, the survival number of MRSA decreased with the increase of MEM concentration. Moreover, MEM could significantly promote the production of ROS by neutrophils and the formation of NETs. In vivo experiment showed that the concentration of PCT in mouse blood samples was lower in the MRSA+ MEM group than in the MRSA+ PBS group. The animal experiment also revealed that MEM significantly decreased the bacteria loads in mouse blood and organs and increased the 48 h survival rate after MRSA infection.Conclusions:MEM could significantly promote the bactericidal effect of neutrophils against MRSA, which might be related to the enhanced generation of ROS by neutrophils and the formation of NETs.

Objective: To identity patterns of psychological abuse and neglect among male and female adolescents, and to examine the relationship between psychological abuse and neglect with mobile phone dependence. Methods: A total of 1 070 adolescents from 5 middle schools in Ganzhou and Wuhan were investigated with Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS), Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale (MPAI) and demographic questionnaire. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to construct typologies of psychological abuse and neglect involvement in male and female adolescents. Results: Three latent classes were identified for boys: low level psychological abuse and neglect group (56.68%), medium level psychological abuse and neglect group ( 29.80 %), high level psychological abuse and neglect group (13.52%). For girls, four latent classes were identified including low level psychological abuse and neglect group (49.38%), medium level psychological abuse and neglect group (29.01%), high level psychological abuse and neglect group (11.12%); high level psychological abuse group (10.49%). Adolescents who suffered from psychological abuse and neglect were more likely to be dependent on mobile phones. Among them, boys dependence on mobile phones was manifested as out of control, withdrawal, escape and inefficiency[Medium level： B(95%CI )=0.28(0.12-0.44)，0.29(0.11-0.46)，0.35(0.16-0.53)，high level： B(95%CI )=0.37(0.16-0.59)，0.42(0.19-0.65)，0.33(0.07-0.59)，0.50(0.25- 0.74 )， P ＜0.05], while girls showed evasion and inefficiency in high levels of psychological abuse[ B(95%CI )=0.34(0.01-0.67)，0.46(0.14-0.78)， P ＜0.05]. Conclusion There are heterogeneous differences in psychological abuse and neglect between male and female adolescents, and the relationship between each category and mobile phone dependence varies. The results provide suggestions for adolescent mental health intervention.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of lung abscess related to adenovirus (ADV).Methods:The data of 5 cases suffering from pulmonary abscess by ADV in Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from January to December 2019 were collected, including general information, clinical characteristics, examination and follow up visits.Results:The age of the patients ranged from 4 months to 12 months and the mean age was 8.6 months.All of them had fever and the degree was more than 39 ℃.What′s more, they had the history of cough and sputum.Somebody had dyspnea and pleural effusion.The imaging examinations of 5 cases strongly suggested that the interstitial and parenchymal lung disease subsequently appeared different sized cystic shadow, liquid flat cystic shadow, thickened wall empty tissue image, while some cases displayed the pleural effusion.The ADV-PCR or ADV-IgM were positive in the children, while the C-reactive protein, white blood cells and neutrophile were higher than the normal, but some were not.All the platelet count and lactate dehydrogenase were higher than the normal.Three children experienced the surgical treatment and their pathologic result revealed lung abscess.All the children were cured after the treatment, with good prognosis.Conclusions:Lung abscess related to ADV was rare in children and its system was not clear.If children who suffered from ADV were not cured after the treatment for a long time, the CT scan can differentiate whether it was combined with the complication of lung abscess or not.Early therapy for these patients could obtain satisfactory prognosis.

Objective:The research was aimed to investigate the association between serum total homocysteine (tHcy) and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD).Methods:A retrospective survey of 106 newly diagnosed patients with SCD were enrolled in this research who were treated in the department of neurology of Xijing Hospital from January 2008 to February 2019, meanwhile, 121 patients with spinal cord lesion (not SCD) and 104 neurology mild outpatients were selected as controls. Serum tHcy level was determined by using the chemiluminescent immunoassay assay. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for SCD. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of tHcy. Spearman correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between tHcy and SCD severity. The SCD patients were categorized into normal or mild tHcy group, moderate tHcy group, and severe tHcy group based on tHcy levels. Clinical symptoms, nerve conduction velocity, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings from the patients were studied.Results:The serum tHcy levels in SCD patients were 64.3(26.5, 98.8) μmol/L, while in patients with spinal cord lesion (not SCD) group were 13.7(10.8, 19.2) μmol/L, neurology mild outpatients were 10.6(8.2, 13.0) μmol/L, which was higher in SCD group ( H=112.020, P<0.001), ( H=165.525, P<0.001).The multivariate logistic regression model showed tHcy is the impact factor of SCD ( OR=1.107, 95% CI:1.077-1.139, P<0.001). At ROC analysis, tHcy showed diagnostic value with an optimal cut-off value of 24.9 μmol/L (AUC 0.913, 95% CI: 0.875-0.951, sensitivity 79.2%, specificity 91.6%). Spearman correlation analysis showed that tHcy was positively correlated with functional disability rating scale ( r=0.254, P=0.009). Conclusions:Serum tHcy is the risk factor for SCD and related to its disability. Focus on the increased level of tHcy plays a positive role in the diagnosis of SCD.