ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on the rat model of depression established by solitary culture combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment and mediating changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized by a random number table into six groups： control group， model group， fluoxetine group （0.003 6 g·kg^-1）， and high-（10 g·kg^-1）， medium-（5 g·kg^-1）， low-dose （2.5 g·kg^-1）Suanzaoren Tang groups， with 12 rats per group. The sucrose preference rate and open field test scores of rats in each group were observed. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of the key proteins in the specificity protein 1 （SP1）/sphingosine kinase 1 （SK1）/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 （S1PR1） signaling pathway， as well as hippocampal proteins synaptophysin Ⅰ （SYNⅠ）， postsynaptic density protein-95 （PSD-95）， and family with sequence similarity 19， member A5 （FAM19A5）. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of SP1， PSD-95， SYNⅠ， interleukin （IL）-10， and IL-6. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of SP1 and S1PR1. Finally， transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampal synapses. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited a decrease in sucrose preference index （P<0.01） and reduced total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test （P<0.01）， which indicated the successful modeling of depression. Moreover， the model group showed reduced synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus （P<0.01）， up-regulated expression of SP1， SK1， S1PR1， and IL-6 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated expression of SYNⅠ， PSD-95， FAM19A5， and IL-10 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference index and the total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test （P<0.01）. All Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group demonstrated reductions in SP1， SK1， S1PR1， and IL-6 expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alongside restored synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang modulates hippocampal expression of FAM19A5， SYNⅠ， PSD-95， IL-10， IL-6， and the SP1/SK1/S1PR1 pathway in the rat model of depression. The antidepressant effects may be related to the ability of reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on the rat model of depression established by solitary culture combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment and mediating changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized by a random number table into six groups： control group， model group， fluoxetine group （0.003 6 g·kg^-1）， and high-（10 g·kg^-1）， medium-（5 g·kg^-1）， low-dose （2.5 g·kg^-1）Suanzaoren Tang groups， with 12 rats per group. The sucrose preference rate and open field test scores of rats in each group were observed. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of the key proteins in the specificity protein 1 （SP1）/sphingosine kinase 1 （SK1）/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 （S1PR1） signaling pathway， as well as hippocampal proteins synaptophysin Ⅰ （SYNⅠ）， postsynaptic density protein-95 （PSD-95）， and family with sequence similarity 19， member A5 （FAM19A5）. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of SP1， PSD-95， SYNⅠ， interleukin （IL）-10， and IL-6. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of SP1 and S1PR1. Finally， transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampal synapses. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited a decrease in sucrose preference index （P<0.01） and reduced total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test （P<0.01）， which indicated the successful modeling of depression. Moreover， the model group showed reduced synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus （P<0.01）， up-regulated expression of SP1， SK1， S1PR1， and IL-6 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated expression of SYNⅠ， PSD-95， FAM19A5， and IL-10 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference index and the total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test （P<0.01）. All Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group demonstrated reductions in SP1， SK1， S1PR1， and IL-6 expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alongside restored synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang modulates hippocampal expression of FAM19A5， SYNⅠ， PSD-95， IL-10， IL-6， and the SP1/SK1/S1PR1 pathway in the rat model of depression. The antidepressant effects may be related to the ability of reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

Neuropsychiatric disorders arise from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. DNA methylation, a reversible and environmentally responsive epigenetic regulatory mechanism, serves as a crucial bridge linking environmental exposure, gene expression regulation, and neurobehavioral outcomes. During long-duration deep-space missions, astronauts face multiple stressors-including microgravity, cosmic radiation, circadian rhythm disruption, and social isolation, which can induce alterations in DNA methylation and increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Genome-wide DNA methylation research can be divided into 3 major methodological stages: Study design, sample preparation and detection, and data analysis, each of which can be applied to astronaut neuropsychiatric health monitoring. Systematic comparison of the Illumina MethylationEPIC array and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing reveals their complementary strengths in terms of genomic coverage, resolution, cost, and application scenarios: the array method is cost-effective and suitable for large-scale population studies and longitudinal monitoring, whereas sequencing provides higher resolution and coverage and is more suitable for constructing detailed methylation maps and characterizing individual variation. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as single-cell methylation sequencing, nanopore long-read sequencing, and machine-learning-based multi-omics integration are expected to greatly enhance the precision and interpretability of epigenetic studies. These methodological advances provide key support for establishing DNA-methylation-based monitoring systems for neuropsychiatric risk in astronauts and lay an epigenetic foundation for safeguarding neuropsychiatric health during future long-term deep-space missions.
DNA Methylation ; Humans ; Space Flight ; Mental Disorders/genetics* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Astronauts/psychology* ; Weightlessness/adverse effects* ; Epigenomics

BACKGROUND:Croton cream can activate ERK pathways and have anti-apoptotic effects on neuronal cells.It is not clear whether it synergistically exerts anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting the activation of JNK and p38 pathways. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of croton cream on neuronal damage and apoptosis in the ischemic cortex of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:(1)Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,croton cream low-dose group,croton cream medium-dose group,croton cream high-dose group and nimodipine group,with 15 rats in each group.Except for the sham operation group,animal models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were prepared in rats by the thread method.Rats in the three croton cream groups were given 20,40,and 60 mg/kg croton cream,respectively.Rats in the sham operation and model groups were given the same amount of normal saline,once a day,for 7 consecutive days.The optimal concentration of croton cream,namely the high dose of croton cream,was selected based on neurological deficit score,TTC staining,brain tissue water content,hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining.(2)Another 120 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,croton cream group,JNK inhibitor group,croton cream+JNK inhibitor group,p38 MAPK inhibitor group,croton cream+p38 MAPK inhibitor group,and nimodipine group,with 15 rats in each group.Animal models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were prepared using the thread method in all the groups except in the sham operation group.Thirty minutes before modeling,10 μL of SP600125(JNK inhibitor)and 10 μL of SB203580(p38 MAPK inhibitor)were injected into the lateral ventricle of the rats,respectively.Rats in croton cream groups were intragastrically given 60 mg/kg croton cream.Seven days later,the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins and cell apoptosis were detected by western blot,TUNEL staining and flow cytometry,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham operation group,neurological deficit score,cerebral water content,cerebral infarction volume and apoptosis rate were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05),where nerve cells showed scattered distribution.Compared with the model group,neurological deficit score,water content of brain tissue and cerebral infarction volume were significantly decreased in the croton cream medium-dose group,high-dose group and nimodipine group(P<0.05),and the pathological morphology of nerve cells was significantly improved.(2)Compared with the JNK inhibitor group,p-JNK/JNK,p-p38/p38 and Bax expressions in rat brain tissue and the apoptotic rate were significantly decreased in the croton cream+inhibitor groups(P<0.05),while the expression of and Bcl-2 was significantly increased(P<0.05).To conclude,croton cream may inhibit the activation of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway and reduce neuronal apoptosis to achieve neuroprotective effects in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of nucleic acid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry（MALDI-TOF MS）in sputum smear-negative patients with nontuberculous Mycobacterial（NTM）pulmonary disease.Methods:Clinical data of 123 patients suspected of NTM pulmonary disease admitted in Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Shandong University between July 2022 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid（BALF）specimens were collected for MALDI-TOF MS assay and MGIT 960 culture. The diagnostic efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS for NTM pulmonary disease in patients with negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software and MedCalc statistical software.Results:Diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease was finally confirmed in 66 out of the 123 suspected patients. It took 8 to 24 h for MALDI-TOF MS to identify NTM species and resistance. By MALDI-TOF MS，72 NTM strains were identified，with the Mycobacterium avium complex being the most prevalent（34 strains，47.22%），followed by the Mycobacterium abscessus complex（13 strains，18.06%）；resistance to macrolides was detected in 6 cases，while no resistance to aminoglycosides was found. It took 9 to 45 days for BALF MGIT 960 culture to identify NTM，and took 7 to 15 days for NTM typing and drug sensitivity testing. By BALF MGIT 960 culture，28 NTM strains were identified；and 1 case was found to be resistant to macrolides. Using confirmed diagnosis as the gold standard，MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated higher sensitivity，negative predictive value，and agreement rate compared to MGIT 960 culture（84.85% vs. 42.42%，81.13% vs. 56.32%，80.49% vs. 62.60%， χ2=25.667，8.998，9.664， P<0.05 or <0.01）. The area under ROC curve（AUC）for MALDI-TOF MS was significantly higher than that of MGIT 960 culture（0.801 vs. 0.642， Z=3.300， P=0.001）. Conclusion:Compared to MGIT 960 culture，MALDI-TOF MS exhibits superior diagnostic efficiency in detecting NTM pulmonary disease in patients with acid-fast bacilli smear-negative sputum，with advantage of rapidly identifying NTM species and resistance.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of ANCA-associated vasculitic neuropathy (VN) and analyze the predictors of treatment outcomes.Methods:Retrospective case series. In all, 652 consecutive patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis were admitted to the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2006 and December 2022. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 91 patients. Patients were excluded if other known causes of neuropathy were present. Sixty-one patients were eventually enrolled, including 17 with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), 11 with granulomatosis polyangiitis (GPA), and 33 with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Their clinical data were collected and clinical characteristics, VN manifestations, electrophysiological findings (including interside amplitude ratio [IAR]), and treatment outcomes were compared among the three subsets of AAV. Then, factors influencing the treatment outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results:Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 62.1%(18/29) of EGPA, 8.3%(15/180) of GPA, and 13.1%(58/443) of MPA patients. The age at onset and examination was higher in patients with MPA than those with EGPA or GPA ( P<0.01). The occurrence of VN was later in patients with GPA than those with EGPA ( P<0.01), and the GPA group had fewer affected nerves than the other two groups ( P<0.016). The abnormal IARs of motor nerves in lower limbs were more detected in the EGPA than the MPA group ( P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis suggested that higher Birmingham vasculitis activity score-version 3 (BVAS-V3) ( OR=6.85, 95% CI 1.33-35.30) was associated with better treatment outcomes of VN. However, central nervous system involvement was a risk factor for poor treatment outcomes ( OR=0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.89). Conclusions:The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of VN were slightly different among subsets of AAV. Patients with GPA often presented with polyneuropathy and had fewer nerves affected; mononeuritis multiplex was more common in EGPA than GPA and MPA. Higher BVAS-V3 and central nervous system involvement might predict the treatment outcome of VN.

Objective To research the procedure for creating an animal model of mitral regurgitation by implanting a device through the apical artificial chordae tendineae, and to assess the stability and dependability of the device. Methods Twelve large white swines were employed in the experiments. Through a tiny hole in the apex of the heart, the artificial chordae tendineae of the mitral valve was inserted under the guidance of transcardiac ultrasonography. Before, immediately after, and one and three months after surgery, cardiac ultrasonography signs were noted. Results All models were successfully established. During the operation and the follow-up, no swines died. Immediately after surgery, the mitral valve experienced moderate regurgitation. Compared with preoperation, there was a variable increase in the amount of regurgitation and the values of heart diameters at a 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion In off-pump, the technique of pulling the mitral valve leaflets with chordae tendineae implanted transapically under ultrasound guidance can stably and consistently create an animal model of mitral regurgitation.

Objective:To analyze the association between periampullary diverticula (PAD) and the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP), and to further classify diverticula types, and explore the impact of different types of diverticula on PEP.Methods:Data of 505 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for various reasons in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from May 2021 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into the diverticula group ( n=133) and the non-diverticula group ( n=372) based on the presence of PAD. The diverticula group was subdivided into types Ⅰ ( n=29), Ⅱ ( n=57), Ⅲ ( n=34), Ⅳ ( n=13) according to the Li-Tanaka classification. The incidences of PEP were compared between the diverticula group and the non-diverticula group, as well as among the four subgroups within the diverticula group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for PEP. Results:There were significant differences in median age (72 years VS 66 years, Z=-4.626, P<0.001), common bile duct stones [80.45% (107/133) VS 59.94% (223/372), χ2=18.191, P<0.001], acute cholangitis [81.20% (108/133) VS 67.10% (231/372), χ2=16.208, P<0.001], malignant biliary stricture [8.27% (11/133) VS 23.39% (87/372), χ2=14.314, P<0.001] and pancreatic malignant diseases [7.52% (10/133) VS 18.55% (69/372), χ2=9.032, P=0.003] between the diverticula group and the non-diverticula group. The incidence of PEP in the diverticula group was significantly higher than that in the non-diverticula group [24.81% (33/133) VS 7.26% (27/372), χ2=28.835, P<0.001]. The incidence of PEP (36.84%,21/57) in type Ⅱ PAD patients was the highest, showing a significant difference compared with that of type Ⅲ [11.76% (4/34), χ2=6.984, P=0.008]. PAD ( OR=5.045, 95% CI: 2.898-11.194, P<0.001) and difficult cannulation ( OR=4.123, 95% CI: 1.968-8.490, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for PEP. In the Li-Tanaka classification, type Ⅰ ( OR=3.055, 95% CI: 1.131-8.251, P=0.028) PAD and type Ⅱ PAD ( OR=6.082, 95% CI: 3.468-13.344, P<0.001) had a higher risk of PEP compared with non-PAD patients. Conclusion:PAD is one of the independent risk factors for PEP. Types Ⅰ and Ⅱ PAD, according to the Li-Tanaka classification, are associated with an elevated risk of PEP when compared with non-PAD patients.

Objective To investigate the effects of acute sleep deprivation on the behavior and synaptic protein expression of rats.Methods Seventy healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups,a Control group and sleep deprivation groups(24,48,72,96,120 and 144 hours).The sleep deprivation rat model was established by the modified multiplatform water environment sleep deprivation method.Spatial learning and memory were assessed by the Morris water maze.Anxiety was assessed by the open field test.The morphology and quantity of hippocampal neurons were observed by Nissl staining.Western blot and Real-time PCR were used to determine the expression of synaptophysin(SYN),post-synaptic density protein-95(PSD-95),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in rats.Results Compared with the Control group,the numbers of standing and modification were significantly increased by prolongation of the sleep deprivation time(P＜0.05).The escape latency and path length were significantly increased in 120 and 144 h groups(P＜0.05),whereas the number of platform crossings and the percentage of the target quadrant time were significantly decreased(P＜0.01)and negatively correlated to the sleep deprivation time.The expression levels of BDNF,SYN,and PSD-95 were significantly decreased with the prolongation of sleep deprivation time(P＜0.01).Conclusions With the increase in sleep deprivation time,cognitive dysfunction and anxiety gradually deteriorated,which may be related to decreases in the expression of synaptic biomarkers.

【Objective】 To investigate the effects of high-dose hyperbaric trioxygen autologous blood therapy (HOT) on oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) and serum inflammatory factors in dogs with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). 【Methods】 Twelve healthy adult beagles were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=4). The blank group was injected with normal saline intravenously. The ARDS model was established by intravenous injection of oleic acid (0.12 mL/kg) in the ARDS group and ARDS+ HOT group. The mark of a successful model is that the oxygen and index (PaO2/FiO2) <300 mmHg. In the ARDS+ HOT group, after the ARDS model was established, 16 G indwelling needle was used to puncture the left femoral vein and connect the line of the HOT device. Venous blood (50 mL/ dog) was collected from the femoral vein under negative pressure to the blood storage bottle (100 mL blood storage bottle), and then the blood collection was stopped and the gas injection switch of the HOT device was turned on. Inject 50 mL of 20ng/dL trioxygen gas into the blood storage bottle. After gas injection, turn the blood storage bottle upside down three times to fully trioxidize the blood and then inject it back into the dog. Repeat this treatment for 10 cycles. PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were detected before treatment and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 h after treatment. The serum was retained after treatment, and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were detected by ELISA. The animals were euthanized, and the gross lung morphology of the dogs was observed at autopsy. The dorsal segment of the left lower lobe of the lung was taken for pathological section HE staining, and the morphological changes of the lung tissue were observed under the microscope. 【Results】 After 5 hours of treatment, the PaO2/FiO2 of blank group was 481.85±35.31, and that of ARDS group was 183.67±20.18, which was significantly lower than that of blank group (P<0.01). The ARDS HOT group was 271.90±21.35, which was significantly higher than the ARDS group (P<0.01). The inflammatory factor IL-6 was (206.49±38.85) pg/mL in the blank group, and (293.12±30.38) pg/mL in the ARDS group, which was significantly higher than that in the blank group (P<0.01). There was a significant difference between the ARDS HOT group and ARDS group (221.56±46.69) pg/mL (P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor IL-8 detection showed that the IL-8 in ARDS group was increased compared with the blank group (P<0.01); and the IL-8 in ARDS HOT group was decreased compared with ARDS group (P<0.01). Myeloperoxidase MPO test results showed that the blank group was (505.58±73.94) pg/mL, and the ARDS group was (605.69±108.88) pg/mL, which was significantly higher than the blank group (P<0.05). The ARDS HOT group was (476.52±103.85) pg/mL, which was significantly lower than the ARDS group (P<0.05). Microscopic examination of lung pathology showed that the lung tissue injury in ARDS HOT group was significantly reduced compared with ARDS group. 【Conclusion】 HOT can reduce the inflammation and injury of lung in ARDS model dogs through significantly increasing the PaO2/FiO2, down-regulating the expression of MPO, then inhibiting the activity of neutrophils and reducing the levels of IL-6 and IL-8.