OBJECTIVE To analyze the prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves， so as to provide a reference for clarifying the pharmacological material basis of its prevention and treatment of central nervous system dis eases. METHODS The ethanol extract of L. litseifolius leaves， as well as the gastric lavage fluid and perfusion solution were prepared. Using rats as subjects， plasma samples of intestinal wall metabolism， intestinal flora metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared via in situ intestinal perfusion and closed intestinal loop method； while comprehensive metabolic plasma samples， brain tissue samples， and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS technology was utilized to analyze and identify chemical components and prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves. RESULTS A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified in L. litseifolius leaves， primarily consisting of flavonoids， organic acids， and others. A total of 16， 13， 11， and 5 prototype components were identified in intestinal wall metabolism， intestinal flora metabolism， hepatic metabolism， and comprehensive metabolic plasma samples， respectively. Additionally， 4 prototype components were detected in brain tissue and 9 in cerebrospinal fluid. Phloridzin， trilobatin， phloretin-2- O -malonyl hexoside， and phloretin were identified as common components across all sample types. CONCLUSIONS Prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves， such as phloridzin， trilobatin， phloretin， and other components may serve as the pharmacological material basis for their therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases.

Objective:To document any effect of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) to relieve shoulder pain in hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors with shoulder pain were randomly divided into a Central Group ( n=20), a Peripheral Group ( n=20), and a Combined Group ( n=20). In addition to routine pharmacological intervention and rehabilitation training, the Central Group received 10Hz rTMS over the M1 area of the affected hemisphere, the Peripheral Group received 20Hz rPMS at Erb′s point of the affected limb, while the Combined Group received rTMS followed by rPMS. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, all were assessed using a numerical pain intensity rating scale (NRS), for passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder joint, and using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA). Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. After 2 weeks there was significant improvement in the average shoulder PROM and FMA scores, and a significant decrease in the average NRS ratings. After 4 weeks there was continued significant improvement. After 2 and 4 weeks, the Combined Group gave significantly lower NRS ratings than the others and had greater average shoulder PROM improvement. The average FMA score of the Combined Group (36.10±13.32) after two weeks was significantly better than those of the Central and Peripheral groups. However, no significant differences were found between the Central and Peripheral Groups in the other measurements.Conclusions:Both rTMS and rPMS can relieve shoulder pain and promote the recovery of motor function, with superior synergistic effects observed in their combined application.

To analyze the impact of salt reduction interventions on the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding the salt reduction of students′ parents based on the home-school interaction model. In April 2021, parents of students in grades 3-5 from three primary schools in Yichang City were selected as the target population using a cluster sampling method, and the parent population was divided into an intervention group and a control group. In the intervention group, a comprehensive home-school interaction salt reduction intervention was implemented, and in the control group, no intervention measures were taken for students′ parents. Baseline and final surveys were conducted before and after the intervention period, which included general information, previous salt reduction interventions received, and salt reduction knowledge, attitude and behavior. Difference-in-difference (DID) method was used to compare the knowledge, attitude and behavior status of two groups before and after the intervention, and stratified analysis of parents with different literacy levels was conducted to assess the net effect of intervention implementation. The results showed that 740 parents completed the baseline and final surveys, with 231 in the intervention group and 509 in the control group. After propensity score matching, there were 231 (33.33%) in the intervention group and 462 (66.67%) in the control group. After the intervention, the proportion of the intervention group who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was 87.45%, 86.58% and 75.45%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). After the intervention, the proportion of parents with a high school and lower education who obtained salt control pots was higher in the intervention group (89.23%) than in the control group (74.49%), with significant differences ( P<0.05). The proportion of parents with a college degree or above who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The results of DID method showed that after controlling for monthly income and other factors, the scores of parents′ salt reduction-related knowledge and low-salt behavior in the intervention group increased significantly higher than those in the control group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.18 (0.15-2.21) and 0.62 (0.16-1.09), respectively, indicating a significant net effect of intervention implication. After stratification according to the education level of parents, this difference still existed in the college degree or above group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.39 (0.13-2.66) and 0.76 (0.16-1.36), respectively. The home-school interaction model for salt reduction measures can improve the salt-related knowledge and low-salt behavioral choices of students′ parents.

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

Pancreatic cancer has a concealed onset and poor prognosis,and surgical resection is the main treatment method.Neoadjuvant therapy may improve the rate of negative resection margin and prolong overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.Functional and quantitative imaging can non-invasively reflect tumor microenvironment characteristics related to chemotherapy resistance,providing a new perspective for evaluating and predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.The research progresses in functional and quantitative imaging for evaluating and predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy of pancreatic cancer were reviewed in this article.

Objective:To analyze the association between inflammation-related dietary patterns and the risk for cognitive impairment in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas in China by using reduced rank regression (RRR) analysis.Methods:This study used cross-sectional data from the 2021 Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study, including the information about study participants' demographic characteristics, lifestyles, daily life activities, and disease histories. Dietary intake was obtained by using a simplified food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive impairment was evaluated based on the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale combined with years of education. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to detect inflammatory markers, especially high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). RRR analysis was used to obtain inflammation-related dietary patterns using hs-CRP and PLR as response variables. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dietary pattern score and the risk for cognitive impairment. Restricted cubic spline was used to explore the dose response relationship, and mediation analysis was used to quantify the mediating effects of hs-CRP and PLR.Results:Two dietary patterns were identified with RRR. The primary pattern was characterized by higher intakes of flour, red meat, and dairy products, and lower intake of fresh vegetables, explaining 6.84% of the variance in food intake and 0.50% of the variance in inflammatory markers. Compared with the T1 group, the T3 group had significantly higher risk for cognitive impairment ( OR=1.242, 95% CI: 1.034-1.491). Each one standard deviation increase in the dietary pattern score was associated with an 8.7% increase in the risk for cognitive impairment ( OR=1.087, 95% CI: 1.008-1.172), with a significant linear trend (overall-model P<0.001, non-linear P=0.295). Mediation analysis indicated that hs-CRP mediated 6.2% of the association between the dietary pattern and the risk for cognitive impairment. Conclusion:The inflammation- related dietary pattern characterized by higher consumption of flour, red meat, and dairy products and lower consumption of fresh vegetables is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment in older adults, and hs-CRP partially mediates this association.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between dietary behavior and sarcopenia in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas of China based on latent class analysis.Methods:A total of 4 358 older adults aged ≥65 years were selected from the 2021 Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study. The information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and chronic disease histories were collected. A simplified food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information about their dietary intake in the last month. The food intake frequency and food category score were calculated, and the higher the food category score, the richer the dietary intake. Latent class analysis was used to identify the latent classes of the dietary behavior. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the SARC-CalF. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of food category scores and different latent classes of the dietary behavior with the risk for sarcopenia.Results:In 4 358 older adults, 1 841 (42.24%) had sarcopenia. The frequencies of intakes of cereals and potatoes, vegetable and fruit, meat and bean products were lower in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. The risk for sarcopenia decreased with the increase of food category score in older adults ( OR=0.850, 95% CI: 0.796-0.907). Latent class analysis identified 4 latent classes of the dietary behavior. Compared with those with class 1 (frequency of intake of all 5 food species was higher probability in T3 group), those with class 2 (frequency of intake of vegetables and fruits and energy-only foods were less likely to be in the T3 group) and class 3 (frequency of intake of all 5 food species was lower probability in T3 group) had significantly increased risk for sarcopenia ( OR=1.377, 95% CI: 1.131-1.676) and ( OR=1.354, 95% CI: 1.091-1.680), 37.7% and 35.4% increased risk for sarcopenia, respectively. Conclusion:Increasing dietary intake category and sufficient intake of various foods for a balanced dietary pattern can reduce the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

Objective:To explore the evaluation method for key performance indicators of autonomous ultrasound scanning robots,so as to establish a testing scheme and conduct experiments.Methods:Based on the working principle of autonomous ultrasound scanning robots,three key performance indicators,which included scanning speed,scanning contact force,and accuracy of online adjustment,were established.The speed of the robotic arm,which execute autonomous scanning,was tested through laser rangefinders and a design of process equipment for displacement.The contact force of autonomous scanning was monitored and evaluated using a combination of ultrasound phantom and sensor with six-dimensional force.The displacement differences of phantom and robotic arm were monitored to evaluate the accuracy of online adjustment through designed a synchronization detection device for the displacements of phantom and robotic arm.Results:This research designed and provided test method and test device,which realized successful measurements for the speed,contact force,and accuracy of online adjustment in autonomous scanning of the ultrasonic scanning robot.Conclusion:The speed,contact force,and accuracy of online adjustment in scanning can be used as evaluation indicators of systematic performance of autonomous ultrasound scanning robots.The feasibility of these indicators is demonstrated through designed evaluation methods and corresponding experiments.

Purpose To construct an ultrasound molecular probe carrying miRNA-452/Let-7i and analyze its targeting effect on human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes(hiPSCs-CMs)in vitro.Materials and Methods The biotinylated core lipid microbubbles(NBs),lipid microbubbles carrying adenovirus overexpressing miRNA-452/Let-7i(Ad-miR-452/Let-7i)and ultrasound molecular probes carrying adenovirus overexpressing miRNA-452/Let-7i and targeting protein MYH6(Ad-miR-452/Let7i-MYH6)were synthesized,and the expression rates of fluorescent proteins to verify their binding were compared.The physical and chemical properties,stability,and in vitro imaging of those abovementioned parameters were measured,respectively,and theirs biological safety was evaluated.hiPSCs-CMs was divided into Ad-miR-452/Let-7i group and Ad-miR-452/Let7i-MYH6 group,then theirs cell binding status were compared.Results The constructed NBs,Ad-miR-452/Let-7i and Ad-miR-452/Let7i-MYH6 had regular morphology and good stability.Detection data showed that theirs concentrations were(1.62±0.40)×108 particles/ml,(1.83±0.20)×108 particles/ml and(1.35±0.33)×108 particles/ml,respectively.The average particle sizes were(605.94±17.46)nm,(726.53±14.95)nm and(729.31±16.62)nm,respectively.The zeta potentials were(2.61±0.30)mV,(-11.21±0.71)mV and(-12.28±0.52)mV,respectively.The polydispersity indices were 0.24±0.07,0.26±0.14 and 0.25±0.13,respectively.With a concentration of 107 particles/ml,the imaging strengths of the three samples were 99.24±5.04,102.18±3.61 and 99.07±3.87,respectively.The miRNA-loaded ultrasound molecular probes exhibited no significant toxicity to the cells,with in vitro imaging lasting over 15 minutes,and they could specifically bind to hiPSC-CMs.Conclusion The constructed ultrasound molecular probe has stability and in vitro targeting,effectively improving virus transfection efficiency.

Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bacteroides ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology* ; Escherichia coli/classification* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Metagenomics ; East Asian People