ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 patients with spinal cord injury accompanied by spasticity from September, 2019 to December, 2024. Their age, gender, cause of injury, injury site, severity of injury, spasticity severity and other indicators were recorded. The relationships between different characteristics were analyzed, and a correlation analysis of disease duration, spasticity grade, injury level, injury severity and age were conducted. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (Z = 0.806, P = 0.420). The proportions of trauma (χ² = 3.982, P = 0.046) and tetraplegia (χ² = 10.559, P = 0.010) were higher in males than in females. Trauma was the main cause of injury in both tetraplegia and paraplegia patients; the proportion of tetraplegia was higher than paraplegia in trauma patients, while paraplegia was higher than tetraplegia in non-trauma patients (χ² = 11.885, P < 0.001). Patients with tetraplegia was dominated by incomplete injury, whereas patients with paraplegia was dominated by complete injury (χ² = 10.885, P = 0.012). Grade A injury was predominant in trauma patients (P = 0.003). Spasticity grade showed a very weak positive correlation with disease duration (r = 0.175, P = 0.032) and age (r = 0.168, P = 0.040). Injury severity showed a very weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.183, P = 0.025). ConclusionCharacteristics of patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity is different with gender, cause of injury, injury level, injury severity.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the evolution of drug delivery systems in reproductive medicine with a focus on the emerging role of exosomes, a class of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes offer unique advantages in overcoming these challenges due to their inherent biocompatibility, stability, and ability to facilitate targeted delivery. This review provides a detailed examination of exosome biogenesis and their function in cellular communication, setting the stage for understanding their potential as drug delivery vehicles. We explore the mechanisms through which exosomes can be loaded with small molecule drugs and the benefits they offer over synthetic nanoparticles. The review highlights groundbreaking case studies that illustrate the successful application of exosome-mediated drug delivery in reproductive health, including enhancing fertility treatments, supporting gamete and embryo development, and facilitating maternal-fetal communication. This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how exosomal drug delivery can revolutionize treatments for reproductive health disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Lastly, we touch upon the promising therapeutic implications of exosomal delivery for proteins and genes, offering a window into future treatments for reproductive health disorders.

Objective:To investigate the utilization of inpatient service and influencing factors among pneumoconiosis patients in Chongqing within one year, and to provide a reference basis for the formulation of relevant policies by health management departments.Methods:From October 2020 to October 2023, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was adopted to select 2002 patients with confirmed pneumoconiosis as the research subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted on their basic information, inpatient service utilization within one year, treatment for pneumoconiosis-related symptoms, and choice of medical service institutions. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results:All 2002 pneumoconiosis patients were male, with 40.16% (804/2002) aged 46-55 years old, and 83.32% (1668/2002) currently residing in rural areas. The monthly income of the patients was 833 (167, 2000) yuan, and 22.03% (441/2002) had no income. 30.97% (620/2002) of the patients spent more than 5001 yuan per year on treatment for pneumoconiosis, and 14.64% (293/2002) had debts of more than 5001 yuan. 42.06% (842/2002) had no work-related injury insurance. 21.68% (434/2002) of the patients self-assessed their health status as very poor or poor. The one-year inpatient rate of the patients was 51.25% (1026/2002), and the total inpatient time within one year was 18 (10, 51) days. The inpatient expenses were 6000 (1000, 16625) yuan. Through univariate analysis, the one-year inpatient rates of pneumoconiosis patients were statistically significantly different among different age groups, current employment status, annual household income levels, types of pneumoconiosis, stages of pneumoconiosis, presence or absence of work-related injury insurance, whether receiving minimum living allowances and social assistance related to pneumoconiosis, and different segments of self-assessed health status ( P<0.05). Patients with stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis, those who received social assistance and minimum living allowances related to pneumoconiosis had higher one-year inpatient rates ( P<0.05), with OR values of 3.893, 1.859, and 2.589, respectively. Conclusion:The utilization of inpatient service by pneumoconiosis patients is influenced by demographic characteristics, social support, and disease factors. It is necessary to enhance the occupational disease diagnosis and treatment capabilities of primary health institutions, build a multi-level social support network, and ensure that patients can conveniently access medical services.

Imaging examination is a crucial part in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infection(CNSI),involving complex imaging sequences and parameters.This consensus was jointly written by multiple CNSI imaging experts in China,aimed to standardize imaging examination of CNSI.

Imaging examination is a crucial part in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infection(CNSI),involving complex imaging sequences and parameters.This consensus was jointly written by multiple CNSI imaging experts in China,aimed to standardize imaging examination of CNSI.

Objective:To investigate the utilization of inpatient service and influencing factors among pneumoconiosis patients in Chongqing within one year, and to provide a reference basis for the formulation of relevant policies by health management departments.Methods:From October 2020 to October 2023, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was adopted to select 2002 patients with confirmed pneumoconiosis as the research subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted on their basic information, inpatient service utilization within one year, treatment for pneumoconiosis-related symptoms, and choice of medical service institutions. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results:All 2002 pneumoconiosis patients were male, with 40.16% (804/2002) aged 46-55 years old, and 83.32% (1668/2002) currently residing in rural areas. The monthly income of the patients was 833 (167, 2000) yuan, and 22.03% (441/2002) had no income. 30.97% (620/2002) of the patients spent more than 5001 yuan per year on treatment for pneumoconiosis, and 14.64% (293/2002) had debts of more than 5001 yuan. 42.06% (842/2002) had no work-related injury insurance. 21.68% (434/2002) of the patients self-assessed their health status as very poor or poor. The one-year inpatient rate of the patients was 51.25% (1026/2002), and the total inpatient time within one year was 18 (10, 51) days. The inpatient expenses were 6000 (1000, 16625) yuan. Through univariate analysis, the one-year inpatient rates of pneumoconiosis patients were statistically significantly different among different age groups, current employment status, annual household income levels, types of pneumoconiosis, stages of pneumoconiosis, presence or absence of work-related injury insurance, whether receiving minimum living allowances and social assistance related to pneumoconiosis, and different segments of self-assessed health status ( P<0.05). Patients with stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis, those who received social assistance and minimum living allowances related to pneumoconiosis had higher one-year inpatient rates ( P<0.05), with OR values of 3.893, 1.859, and 2.589, respectively. Conclusion:The utilization of inpatient service by pneumoconiosis patients is influenced by demographic characteristics, social support, and disease factors. It is necessary to enhance the occupational disease diagnosis and treatment capabilities of primary health institutions, build a multi-level social support network, and ensure that patients can conveniently access medical services.

ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for diabetic kidney disease （DKD） based on optical coherence tomography angiography （OCTA）. MethodsThis study enrolled 567 diabetes patients. The random forest algorithm as well as logistic regression analysis were applied to construct the prediction model. The model discrimination and clinical usefulness were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve （ROC） and decision curve analysis （DCA）， respectively. ResultsThe clinical prediction model for DKD based on OCTA was constructed with area under the curve （AUC） of 0.878 and Brier score of 0.11. ConclusionsThrough multidimensional verification， the clinical prediction nomogram model based on OCTA allowed for early warning and advanced intervention of DKD.

Aging and age-related ailments have emerged as critical challenges and great burdens within the global contemporary society.Addressing these concerns is an imperative task,with the aims of postponing the aging process and finding effective treatments for age-related degenerative diseases.Recent investigations have highlighted the significant roles of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD+)in the realm of anti-aging.It has been empirically evidenced that supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN)can elevate NAD+levels in the body,thereby ameliorating certain age-related degenerative diseases.The principal anti-aging mechanisms of NMN essentially lie in its impact on cellular energy metabolism,inhibition of cell apoptosis,modulation of immune function,and preservation of genomic stability,which collectively contribute to the deferral of the aging process.This paper critically reviews and evaluates existing research on the anti-aging mechanisms of NMN,elucidates the inherent limitations of current research,and proposes novel avenues for anti-aging investigations.

Existing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related databases are still insufficient in data standardization, integrity and precision, and need to be updated urgently. Herein, an Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine version 2.0 (ETCM v2.0, http://www.tcmip.cn/ETCM2/front/#/) was constructed as the latest curated database hosting 48,442 TCM formulas recorded by ancient Chinese medical books, 9872 Chinese patent drugs, 2079 Chinese medicinal materials and 38,298 ingredients. To facilitate the mechanistic research and new drug discovery, we improved the target identification method based on a two-dimensional ligand similarity search module, which provides the confirmed and/or potential targets of each ingredient, as well as their binding activities. Importantly, five TCM formulas/Chinese patent drugs/herbs/ingredients with the highest Jaccard similarity scores to the submitted drugs are offered in ETCM v2.0, which may be of significance to identify prescriptions/herbs/ingredients with similar clinical efficacy, to summarize the rules of prescription use, and to find alternative drugs for endangered Chinese medicinal materials. Moreover, ETCM v2.0 provides an enhanced JavaScript-based network visualization tool for creating, modifying and exploring multi-scale biological networks. ETCM v2.0 may be a major data warehouse for the quality marker identification of TCMs, the TCM-derived drug discovery and repurposing, and the pharmacological mechanism investigation of TCMs against various human diseases.