Ischemic stroke(IS) is a complex pathological process involving multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms and it is characterized by high mortality, high disability, and high recurrence. In recent years, the incidence of IS in China has been increasing year by year, and it has a trend of occurring in increasingly young individuals. Herb pairs are the smallest unit of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compatibility and an important part of TCM compounding, and the research on them is of great significance in guiding the clinical medication. Pharmacological studies have confirmed that certain herb pairs can exert anti-ischemic effects through various pathways such as reducing inflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, protecting the nervous system, and promoting neovascularization. By reviewing the relevant articles in the past decade, this paper probes into the combination rules, modern experimental studies, and combination ratios of the commonly used herb pairs from the etiology and pathogenesis of IS and summarizes 18 commonly used and deeply studied herb pairs, with a view to providing reference for the application, research, and development of clinical medicines.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Animals ; Ischemic Stroke/metabolism* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children that significantly affects academic performance and quality of life. At present, diagnosis mainly relies on standardized tests and professional evaluations, a process that is complex and time-consuming. Multiple studies have shown that machine learning can analyze diverse data, including test scores, handwriting samples, eye movement data, neuroimaging data, and genetic data, to automatically learn the relationships between input features and output labels and achieve efficient prediction. It shows great potential for early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, and research on underlying mechanisms in SLD. This article reviews the applications of machine learning in the auxiliary diagnosis of SLD and discusses its performance when handling different data types.
Humans ; Machine Learning ; Specific Learning Disorder/diagnosis* ; Child

ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca²⁺ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca²⁺ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca²⁺ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca²⁺ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca²⁺ chelator EGTA, Ca²⁺-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca²⁺ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca²⁺ influx and intracellular Ca²⁺ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca²⁺ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2^-, Gβ ^-, and Erk2^- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ^- mutant cells. ConclusionCa²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.

AIM To investigate the effects of Huazhuo Jiedu Shugan Formula(HJSGF)on improving learning and memory impairment in a rat model of vascular dementia(VD)via SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the sham control group,the model group,the donepezil group(0.5 mg/kg),and the low-,medium-and high-dose HJSGF groups(2.7,5.4,10.8 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group.The VD rat models established by bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation(2-VO)had their neurological behavior assessment using the Longa5-point scale,and their modeling success confirmed by the Morris water maze test and their 3-week corresponding dosing of drugs by gavage afterward.After the drug administration,the rats had their spatial memory ability tested through behavioral experiments;their serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β measured by ELISA;their histopathological changes and neuronal morphology in the hippocampal CA1 region observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham control group,the model group showed prolonged escape latency(P＜0.01);decreased platform crossing times and target quadrant residence time(P＜0.01);disorganized arrangement of hippocampal CA1 neurons,nuclear condensation,reduced Nissl bodies,increased secretion and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.01);and reduced hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with donepezil or HJSGF showed shortened escape latency(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased platform crossing times and target quadrant residence time(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);alleviated damage of the hippocampal CA1 region,reduced secretion and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and elevated hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION HJSGF may alleviate the inflammatory responses in VD rats and therefore improve their learning and memory impairment by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway.

Objective To explore an assessment model for multi-level integrated training in health service based on advanced intelligent trauma simulators in order to innovate health service training.Methods An assessment model for multi-level integrated training that involved advanced trauma simulators was adopted to assess chains of treatment and rescue that were composed of multi-hierarchy medical institutions.The assessment focused on trauma emergency response capabilities at each level and the overall therapeutic effect.Results In terms of capabilities for treatment and rescue,group B was the best one,followed by group C and group A.As for the overall therapeutic effect,group A was outstanding,followed by group B and group C.Based on the priorities of combat casualty care,the final results of assessment were as follows:group A was the best one,followed by group B and group C.Conclusion The analysis of processes and outcomes of assessment reveals the edge of this model,as evidenced by the continuity of treatment and rescue,integrity of overall effectiveness,and adaptability of this assessment model.

The U.S.Department of Defense(DoD)has made tremendous efforts to build up its biological defense capability in recent years,so that the annual biological defense budget accounts for 14％to 15％of the total of the U.S.government,which is closely related to the rapid development of biotechnology and its strategic significance during the rival between world powers.A second contributor is that the United States has been seeking hegemony in the biological field.In fiscal year 2019-2024,the expenditure/budget of the US DoD's biological defense spikedwith the layout focused on early warning of threats,pathogen detection and response,and capability enhancement.This initiative is characterized by simultaneous implementation of multiple projects in a wide range of fields,strong synergy between different agencies,integration of military and civil resources,systematic planning of support systems for biological defense technologies.

Objective To investigate the mechanical effects of various height combinations of canine long-arm hooks and micro-im-plant anchorage on the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment.It focuses on analyzing the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament and the movement tendencies of the anterior teeth,providing scientific evidence for optimizing orthodon-tic treatment strategies.Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were developed using CBCT scan data of patients and soft-ware including Mimics,Geomagic Studio,and Hypermesh.The models incorporated 16 different configurations of canine long-arm hooks(4,6,8,10 mm)and micro-implant anchorage(6,8,10,12 mm).Elastic traction forces of 3/16,3.5 oz were applied to these models.Simulations assessed how these variables influenced periodontal ligament stress distribution and the movement patterns of the maxillary anterior teeth.Results Stress during anterior teeth retraction was predominantly concentrated in the cervical and apex re-gions of the periodontal ligament,where it interfaced with the alveolar bone,indicating significant local concentration.Increasing the height of micro-implant anchorage and traction hooks markedly reduced positional changes in both the crown and apex.Specifically,when hooks exceeded 8 mm and anchorage heights surpassed 10 mm,canine movement became more uniform,preventing extrusion and minimizing the deepening of the overbite.Additionally,combinations of high traction hooks and high micro-implant anchorage promoted more uniform tooth movement,reducing unnecessary tipping and rotation.Conclusion In the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with clear aligners,using high-position micro-implant anchorage and high-position traction hooks significantly enhances torque control of anterior teeth and effectively prevents deepening of the overbite.

Objective To investigate the mechanical effects of various height combinations of canine long-arm hooks and micro-im-plant anchorage on the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment.It focuses on analyzing the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament and the movement tendencies of the anterior teeth,providing scientific evidence for optimizing orthodon-tic treatment strategies.Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were developed using CBCT scan data of patients and soft-ware including Mimics,Geomagic Studio,and Hypermesh.The models incorporated 16 different configurations of canine long-arm hooks(4,6,8,10 mm)and micro-implant anchorage(6,8,10,12 mm).Elastic traction forces of 3/16,3.5 oz were applied to these models.Simulations assessed how these variables influenced periodontal ligament stress distribution and the movement patterns of the maxillary anterior teeth.Results Stress during anterior teeth retraction was predominantly concentrated in the cervical and apex re-gions of the periodontal ligament,where it interfaced with the alveolar bone,indicating significant local concentration.Increasing the height of micro-implant anchorage and traction hooks markedly reduced positional changes in both the crown and apex.Specifically,when hooks exceeded 8 mm and anchorage heights surpassed 10 mm,canine movement became more uniform,preventing extrusion and minimizing the deepening of the overbite.Additionally,combinations of high traction hooks and high micro-implant anchorage promoted more uniform tooth movement,reducing unnecessary tipping and rotation.Conclusion In the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with clear aligners,using high-position micro-implant anchorage and high-position traction hooks significantly enhances torque control of anterior teeth and effectively prevents deepening of the overbite.

AIM To investigate the effects of Huazhuo Jiedu Shugan Formula(HJSGF)on improving learning and memory impairment in a rat model of vascular dementia(VD)via SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the sham control group,the model group,the donepezil group(0.5 mg/kg),and the low-,medium-and high-dose HJSGF groups(2.7,5.4,10.8 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group.The VD rat models established by bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation(2-VO)had their neurological behavior assessment using the Longa5-point scale,and their modeling success confirmed by the Morris water maze test and their 3-week corresponding dosing of drugs by gavage afterward.After the drug administration,the rats had their spatial memory ability tested through behavioral experiments;their serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β measured by ELISA;their histopathological changes and neuronal morphology in the hippocampal CA1 region observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham control group,the model group showed prolonged escape latency(P＜0.01);decreased platform crossing times and target quadrant residence time(P＜0.01);disorganized arrangement of hippocampal CA1 neurons,nuclear condensation,reduced Nissl bodies,increased secretion and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.01);and reduced hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with donepezil or HJSGF showed shortened escape latency(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased platform crossing times and target quadrant residence time(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);alleviated damage of the hippocampal CA1 region,reduced secretion and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and elevated hippocampal protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α and PPARγ(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION HJSGF may alleviate the inflammatory responses in VD rats and therefore improve their learning and memory impairment by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway.

Background/Aims: Activation of the cold receptor, transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) by menthol inhibits esophageal secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is common. This study is to evaluate the effects of acute infusion of menthol on esophageal peristalsis in patients with IEM. Methods: Twenty patients with IEM (males 11, mean age 36) were studied for esophageal peristalsis using high-resolution manometry. All participant had primary peristalsis performed with 10 water swallows and secondary peristalsis generated with 10 rapid air injections of 20 mL via mid-esophageal infusion port. Two different sessions by randomly performing acute administration of placebo or menthol (3 mM) were used for testing their effects on esophageal peristalsis. Results: Menthol infusion had no effects on distal contractile integral (P = 0.471), distal latency (P = 0.58), or complete peristalsis (P = 0.251). Menthol infusion did not change basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (P = 0.321), esophagogastric junction contractile integral (P = 0.758), or integrated relaxation pressure (P = 0.375) of primary peristalsis, but reduced upper esophageal sphincter pressure (P = 0.037). Infusion of menthol significantly reduced the frequency of secondary peristalsis for air injects of 20 mL (P = 0.002), but did not affect distal contractile integral of secondary peristalsis for air injections of 20 mL. Conclusion This work has suggested that activation of TRPM8 by menthol can attenuate mechanosensitivity of secondary peristalsis in response to rapid air distension regardless of the presence of IEM.