Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and its effect on astrocytic glycolytic function,further exploring how EA ameliorates AD-related cognitive impairment.Methods Eighteen APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model,EA,and sham EA groups(n=6)using the random number table method.Six wild-type C57BL/6J mice served as the control group.The EA group received EA stimulation at acupoints"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)(administered every other day,20 min per session,for 4 weeks).The sham EA group received identical needle insertions at the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The control and model groups were only restrained.Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation tests.Hippocampal morphology was observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Hippocampal β-amyloid peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)deposition was detected using immunohistochemistry.HIF-1α protein expression,the p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were measured using Western blotting.Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)activities were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hexokinase(HK)activity and L-lactate content were determined using a colorimetric assay.Co-localization of LDHA with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence double-labeling combined with Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice exhibited cognitive decline,as shown by prolonged escape latency(P<0.01),reduced number of platform crossings,lower time spent in the target quadrant,and decreased spontaneous alternation accuracy(P<0.01).The hippocampal neurons showed cell body swelling,deeper nuclear staining,enlarged intercellular spaces,and increased average optical density of Aβ1-42(P<0.01).The p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,were elevated(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes was enhanced.Compared to the model group,the EA group of mice showed improved cognitive function.The hippocampal neurons had more intact structures,with a more uniform cell distribution.The average optical density of Aβ1-42 decreased(P<0.01),and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,decreased(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels decreased(P<0.05),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes significantly decreased(P<0.01).No significant improvement was observed in any of the indicators in the sham EA group compared with the EA group.Conclusion EA at"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice.The underlying mechanism may involve suppressing the overactivation of the hippocampal Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway,thereby downregulating key glycolytic enzyme activities and reducing abnormal lactate accumulation.Furthermore,the astrocytic glycolytic metabolic pathway may constitute a key therapeutic target for this intervention.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and its effect on astrocytic glycolytic function,further exploring how EA ameliorates AD-related cognitive impairment.Methods Eighteen APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model,EA,and sham EA groups(n=6)using the random number table method.Six wild-type C57BL/6J mice served as the control group.The EA group received EA stimulation at acupoints"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)(administered every other day,20 min per session,for 4 weeks).The sham EA group received identical needle insertions at the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The control and model groups were only restrained.Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation tests.Hippocampal morphology was observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Hippocampal β-amyloid peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)deposition was detected using immunohistochemistry.HIF-1α protein expression,the p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were measured using Western blotting.Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)activities were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hexokinase(HK)activity and L-lactate content were determined using a colorimetric assay.Co-localization of LDHA with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence double-labeling combined with Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice exhibited cognitive decline,as shown by prolonged escape latency(P<0.01),reduced number of platform crossings,lower time spent in the target quadrant,and decreased spontaneous alternation accuracy(P<0.01).The hippocampal neurons showed cell body swelling,deeper nuclear staining,enlarged intercellular spaces,and increased average optical density of Aβ1-42(P<0.01).The p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,were elevated(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes was enhanced.Compared to the model group,the EA group of mice showed improved cognitive function.The hippocampal neurons had more intact structures,with a more uniform cell distribution.The average optical density of Aβ1-42 decreased(P<0.01),and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,decreased(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels decreased(P<0.05),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes significantly decreased(P<0.01).No significant improvement was observed in any of the indicators in the sham EA group compared with the EA group.Conclusion EA at"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice.The underlying mechanism may involve suppressing the overactivation of the hippocampal Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway,thereby downregulating key glycolytic enzyme activities and reducing abnormal lactate accumulation.Furthermore,the astrocytic glycolytic metabolic pathway may constitute a key therapeutic target for this intervention.

Objective To construct and validate of a nomogram predictive model for high-volume lymph node metastasis(HVM)in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma(MPTC).Methods Between January 2010 to January 2024,a total of 1146 and 234 patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma(MPTC)were diagnosed at Hangzhou First People's Hospital(Center A)and Hangzhou Cancer Hospital(Center B),respectively.Patients from Center A were randomly allocated to training set(n=803)and testing set(n=343)in a 7:3 ratio,while those from Center B(n=234)comprised an external validation set.Independent risk factors for HVM in MPTC patients were identified through univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis in training set,leading to the development of a nomogram predictive model.The generalizability of this model was subsequently assessed using both testing set and external validation set.The area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic curve,sensitivity,and specificity evaluate the discriminative ability of the model.Results The incidence of HVM was 13.3％at center A and 12.8％at center B.Logistic regression identified male gender(OR=2.91,95％CI:1.835-4.599),maximum lesion diameter(OR=1.05,95％CI:1.021-1.070),and age(OR=0.95,95％CI:0.936-0.972)as independent risk factors for HVM.Anomogram based on these factors showed an AUC of 0.767 with 72.6％sensitivity and 70.2％specificity in training set,and 0.838 with 94.9％sensitivity and 68.4％specificity in testing set,and 0.769 with 63.3％sensitivity and 84.3％specificity in external validation set.The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement with the ideal curve.Conclusion The prediction model constructed based on clinical risk factors can effectively predict the probability of HVM in MPTC patients.

Objective:To investigate the current status of discharged patients at risk of pressure injury and analyze risk factors of pressure injury.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, 54 medical alliance units of Chongqing Fuling Central Hospital were selected for a cross-sectional survey. Patients at risk of pressure injury when discharged from the hospital and their caregivers were selected as the research objects from August 2019 to June 2020. The general demographic data sheet, clinical test data sheet, Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, Barthel index, and Family Caregiver Task Inventory (FCTI) were used for investigation. In this study, a total of 409 questionnaires were issued and 409 were effectively received, with an effective recovery of 100%.Results:There were 224 patients (54.8%) at light risk of pressure injury, 74 patients (18.1%) at moderate risk, 89 patients (21.8%) at high risk and 22 (5.4%) patients at extreme risk. The differences in general demographic data, clinical test data and self-care ability grade of 409 patients were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The FCTI scores of caregivers for patients with different risk levels were compared, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The results of ordered logistic regression analysis showed that white blood cell count ( OR=1.103, 95% CI: 1.006-1.209, P=0.035) , care ability of caregivers ( OR=1.060, 95% CI: 1.017-1.104, P=0.005) , fecal incontinence ( OR=14.112, 95% CI: 2.505-79.497, P=0.003) , indwelling catheter ( OR=3.111, 95% CI: 1.332-7.269, P=0.009) , severe dependence ( OR=15.705, 95% CI: 2.655-92.918, P=0.002) were risk factors for the risk of pressure injury in discharged patients. Conclusions:Among discharged patients with Braden score less than or equal to 18 points, there are 45.2% (185/409) patients with moderate risk of pressure injury and above. It is necessary to focus on discharged patients with high levels of white blood cells, weak care ability of caregivers, indwelling catheters and self-care ability of heavy dependence grade to prevent pressure injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To assess segmental liver stiffness (LS) with MRI before and after endovascular intervention in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients (13 males and 10 females; mean age, 42.6 ± 12.6 years; age range, 31–56 years) with BCS as a primary liver disease were recruited for this study. Two consecutive magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examinations were performed before the endovascular treatment. Fifteen patients who underwent endovascular intervention treatment also had follow-up MRE scans within three days after the procedure. LS was measured in three liver segments: the right posterior, right anterior, and left medial segments. Inter-reader and inter-exam repeatability were analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis. Segmental LS and clinical characteristics before and after the intervention were also compared. RESULTS: Within three days of the endovascular intervention, all three segmental LS values decreased: LS of the right posterior segment = 7.23 ± 0.88 kPa (before) vs. 4.94 ± 0.84 kPa (after), LS of the right anterior segment = 7.30 ± 1.06 kPa (before) vs. 4.77 ± 0.85 kPa (after), and LS of the left medial segment = 7.22 ± 0.87 kPa (before) vs. 4.87 ± 0.72 kPa (after) (all p = 0.001). There was a significant correlation between LS changes and venous pressure gradient changes before and after treatments (r = 0.651, p = 0.009). The clinical manifestations of all 15 patients significantly improved after therapy. The MRE repeatability was excellent, with insignificant variations (inter-reader, ICC = 0.839–0.943: inter-examination, ICC = 0.765–0.869). Bland-Altman analysis confirmed excellent agreement (limits of agreement, 13.4–19.4%). CONCLUSION: Segmental LS measured by MRE is a promising repeatable quantitative biomarker for monitoring the treatment response to minimally invasive endovascular intervention in patients with BCS.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; Liver ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Venous Pressure

Objective: To explore the curative effect and safety of botulintum toxin A (BTX-A) on depressive disorder in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD). Methods: Forty-two cases of PD with depression prospectively recruited in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from August 2016 to November 2018 were divided into two groups: 28 patients in BTX-A group (administered with 100 U BTX-A injection on patients′ eyebrow, forehead, bilateral lateral canthus and temporal region at 20 loci), 14 patients in sertraline (control) group (administered with 50-100 (55.36±14.47) mg/d sertraline). The scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) after treatment for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks were compared with the scores of each emotional rating scale for baseline respectively. Meanwhile, the differences in the scores of each emotional scale between the two treatment groups were compared. In addition, the remission rates of depression and anxiety (defined as HAMD, HAMA scores<7) at each follow-up time point between the two groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTX-A in the treatment of PD patients with depression. Results: The scores of HAMD, HAMA, SDS, SAS in the BTX-A group and the sertraline group reduced compared to baseline after treatment (at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks). The scores of HAMD and SDS in the BTX-A group (HAMD scores: F=12.930, P<0.01; SDS scores: F=5.022, P=0.001) and those in the sertraline group (HAMD scores: F=2.883, P=0.030; SDS scores: F=3.427, P=0.013) were significantly lower compared to baseline, but there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of HAMD and SDS between the two groups (P>0.05). HAMD score showed that the remission rate of depression in the BTX-A group (17.9% (5/28), 35.7% (10/28)) was higher than that of the sertraline group (2/14, 4/14) at the 2nd and 4th weeks. At the 8th and 12th weeks, the remission rate of depression in the sertraline group (7/14, 9/14) was higher than that of the BTX-A group (46.4% (13/28), 53.6% (15/28)). There was no statistically significant difference in remission rate of depression between the two groups at each follow-up time point (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between males and females in the BTX-A group (P>0.05). Two of the 28 patients in the BTX-A group had frown muscle stiffness, which lasted for two weeks and improved in one month. Two patients in the sertraline group had headache and dizziness, and two patients had dry mouth and nausea, which improved after two weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P=0.197). Conclusion BTX-A intraocular facial muscle injection can significantly improve the depressive symptoms of PD patients, and the effect lasts for a long time, with low incidence of side effects and high safety, which can be considered as a safe and effective new method for PD patients with depressive symptoms.

Objective To explore the curative effect and safety of botulintum toxin A (BTX?A) on depressive disorder in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD). Methods Forty?two cases of PD with depression prospectively recruited in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from August 2016 to November 2018 were divided into two groups: 28 patients in BTX?A group (administered with 100 U BTX?A injection on patients′eyebrow, forehead, bilateral lateral canthus and temporal region at 20 loci), 14 patients in sertraline (control) group (administered with 50-100 (55.36±14.47) mg/d sertraline). The scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self?rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Self?rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) after treatment for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks were compared with the scores of each emotional rating scale for baseline respectively. Meanwhile, the differences in the scores of each emotional scale between the two treatment groups were compared. In addition, the remission rates of depression and anxiety (defined as HAMD, HAMA scores<7) at each follow?up time point between the two groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTX?A in the treatment of PD patients with depression. Results The scores of HAMD, HAMA, SDS, SAS in the BTX?A group and the sertraline group reduced compared to baseline after treatment (at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks). The scores of HAMD and SDS in the BTX?A group (HAMD scores: F=12.930, P<0.01; SDS scores: F=5.022, P=0.001) and those in the sertraline group (HAMD scores: F=2.883, P=0.030; SDS scores:F=3.427, P=0.013) were significantly lower compared to baseline, but there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of HAMD and SDS between the two groups (P>0.05). HAMD score showed that the remission rate of depression in the BTX?A group (17.9% (5/28), 35.7% (10/28)) was higher than that of the sertraline group (2/14, 4/14) at the 2nd and 4th weeks. At the 8th and 12th weeks, the remission rate of depression in the sertraline group (7/14, 9/14) was higher than that of the BTX?A group (46.4% (13/28), 53.6% (15/28)). There was no statistically significant difference in remission rate of depression between the two groups at each follow?up time point (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between males and females in the BTX?A group (P>0.05). Two of the 28 patients in the BTX?A group had frown muscle stiffness, which lasted for two weeks and improved in one month. Two patients in the sertraline group had headache and dizziness, and two patients had dry mouth and nausea, which improved after two weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P=0.197). Conclusion BTX?A intraocular facial muscle injection can significantly improve the depressive symptoms of PD patients, and the effect lasts for a long time, with low incidence of side effects and high safety, which can be considered as a safe and effective new method for PD patients with depressive symptoms.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children under five years of age and analyze the safety and efficiency of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) ventilation for CAP in this population. Method: This was a prospective multicenter study. Children who were admitted to these six centers with CAP and met the NCPAP ventilation indications, aged from 29 d to 5 years, were continuously included during November 2013 to October 2015. The baseline data were collected and NCPAP ventilation were then followed up by operation standards, and the vital signs and arterial blood gas change at special time points were observed and recorded. Any side effect associated with NCPAP were recorded. For categorical variables, comparisons were performed using Fisher test. Rank-sum test and t test were performed respectively for abnormal and normal distribution continuous variables. The variables pre-NCPAP and post-NCPAP were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA analysis. Result: Totally 145 children were included, and 13 children were excluded due to incomplete data. One hundred and two children(77.3%)were ≤12 months; 91 children (68.9%) were from rural area. NCPAP ventilation was effective in 123 children, with a response rate of 93.2%, were all discharged with a better condition; it was ineffective in 9 children(6.8%), and they were all intubated and went on mechanical ventilation, 5 were discharged with a better condition, and 4 died after gaving up treatment. The gender, age, body weight, residence, main symptoms, main signs, imaging diagnosis, medications, partial pressure of oxygen(PaO₂), breath and heart rate before NCPAP treatment of two groups had no significant differences(allP>0.05). The rates of combining underlying diseases, trouble with feeding and cyanosis, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO₂ ) before NCPAP ventilation were higher in NCPAP ineffective group ((59±11 )vs.( 49±11) mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, t=-2.597, P=0.028); while the PaO₂/fraction of inspiration O₂ (FiO₂ ) before NCPAP was lower((150±37) vs. (207±63) mmHg, t=2.697, P=0.008). The breathing, heart rate and PaCO₂ of NCPAP effective group decreased significantly, while the PaO₂ and PaO₂/FiO₂ increased significantly after 2, 8, 24 h of NCPAP ventilation(all P=0.000). PaCO₂ in children with hypercapnia before NCPAP ventilation in NCPAP effective group decreased significantly ((48±9), (47±12), (45±11)vs.(58±7)mmHg, all P=0.000). All children tolerated well to NCPAP ventilation, and there were no severe side effects or complications associated with NCPAP ventilation. Conclusion NCPAP ventilation is safe and effectively improved the oxygenation and hypercapnia in infants with CAP. But it may not work well in children with underlying diseases, manifest as difficulty in feeding/cyanosis and extremely high PaCO₂ or low PaO₂/FiO₂, and they may need early intubation.

Objective To observe the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) exposure on the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) in rats with simulated high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).Methods Fifty-six rats were randomly divided into five groups:control (normal),HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema model),1 HBOT (HAPE model and HBO therapy for 1 time),2 HBOT (HAPE model and HBO therapy twice) and NOT (normal pressure oxygen therapy) groups,and was intervened accordingly.Western blotting and real-time PCR techniques were used to analyze the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in their lungs.The wet-todry (W/D) weight ratio and morphology of the lungs was also examined.Results The protein and gene expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the HAPE group decreased significantly compared with the control group.There were obvious differences in the protein and mRNA expression of AQP1 and AQP5 between the 2 HBOT group and the HAPE group and between the 2 HBOT group and the 1 HBOT group.Compared with the control group and the 1 HBOT group,marked lung injury could be seen in the HAPE group.Compared with the NOT group and the 1 HBOT group,lung injury in the 2 HBOT group was relieved significantly.Conclusions HAPE in rats is associated with down-regulation of the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the lungs.This down-regulation can be attenuated and lung injury can be alleviated by HBOT.Two sessions of HBOT could be more helpful than one for promoting this improvement.