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

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.

Objective:To quantify thoracic and abdominal movements during breathing using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and to build a machine learning model which identifies the abdominal breathing (AB) pattern.Methods:Ten rehabilitation therapists formed the study′s professional group, while 15 patients receiving AB training comprised the validation group. Two synchronized IMUs were applied to capture breathing motions during natural breathing (NB), deep breathing (DB) and AB. Six kinematic features were extracted from each respiratory cycle, and inter-group and inter-pattern differences were analyzed. Correlation analysis was also performed with manually measured changes in thoracic and abdominal circumferences. A support vector classification model for AB pattern detection was then developed using data from the professional and validation groups.Results:A total of 1113 respiratory cycles were extracted and analyzed. The breathing pattern significantly influenced all of the kinematic features studied (0.21≤partial η 2≤0.65, all P≤0.001). The ranges of the angles in medial-lateral axis of the IMUs showed strong correlation with the changes in abdominal and thoracic circumferences (ρ1=0.928, ρ2=0.807, P≤0.001 in both cases). A greater range of abdominal angles was found during AB compared to the other patterns. The best of the models achieved an F1 score of 0.970 (sensitivity: 0.983, specificity: 0.980) in validation. Conclusions:AB generates the greatest abdominal movement. Combining IMUs and machine learning can provide real-time quantification of chest movement and accurate detection of AB during breathing training.

Objective:To quantify thoracic and abdominal movements during breathing using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and to build a machine learning model which identifies the abdominal breathing (AB) pattern.Methods:Ten rehabilitation therapists formed the study′s professional group, while 15 patients receiving AB training comprised the validation group. Two synchronized IMUs were applied to capture breathing motions during natural breathing (NB), deep breathing (DB) and AB. Six kinematic features were extracted from each respiratory cycle, and inter-group and inter-pattern differences were analyzed. Correlation analysis was also performed with manually measured changes in thoracic and abdominal circumferences. A support vector classification model for AB pattern detection was then developed using data from the professional and validation groups.Results:A total of 1113 respiratory cycles were extracted and analyzed. The breathing pattern significantly influenced all of the kinematic features studied (0.21≤partial η 2≤0.65, all P≤0.001). The ranges of the angles in medial-lateral axis of the IMUs showed strong correlation with the changes in abdominal and thoracic circumferences (ρ1=0.928, ρ2=0.807, P≤0.001 in both cases). A greater range of abdominal angles was found during AB compared to the other patterns. The best of the models achieved an F1 score of 0.970 (sensitivity: 0.983, specificity: 0.980) in validation. Conclusions:AB generates the greatest abdominal movement. Combining IMUs and machine learning can provide real-time quantification of chest movement and accurate detection of AB during breathing training.

Objective:To construct a VP8-mRNA vaccine using human rotavirus spike protein VP8 domain as the immunogen and analyze its immunogenicity in mice.Methods:The VP8-mRNA sequence was designed, optimized, and synthesized. The VP8 gene of rotavirus G1P[8] type was used to construct the plasmid pUC57-VP8-Kan-SapⅠ, which was then sequenced. The plasmid confirmed by sequencing was subjected to large-scale amplification and extraction, followed by linearization, in vitro transcription, and capping. The purified capped products were encapsulated with lipid nanoparticles using a microfluidic control apparatus. The encapsulated VP8-mRNA vaccine was administered intramuscularly to mice at 10, 15, and 20 μg. Serum samples were collected for antibody detection by ELISA. Cellular immune responses were detected by flow cytometry and ELISPOT. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way or two-way analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer test. Results:The encapsulated VP8-mRNA vaccine was rounded and spherical, with a particle size of about 100 nm, a polymer dispersion index of 0.088, and an encapsulation rate of 92.3%. Two doses of VP8-mRNA vaccine immunization could induce a good immune response in mice. The level of IgG antibody induced after immunization in the 15 μg group was comparable to that of the 20 μg group, and there was no statistical difference ( P>0.05), but the antibody levels in the two groups were significantly higher than that in the 10 μg group ( P<0.000 1). VP8-mRNA vaccine could induce neutralizing antibodies against rotavirus G1 and G9 types. The highest level of neutralizing antibodies against rotavirus type G1 was observed in the 15 μg group, which was significantly higher than that in the 10 μg group ( P<0.05). All immunization groups exhibited good neutralizing ability against rotavirus G9 type. The results of ELISPOT showed that lymphocytes from mice in each vaccine group were able to secrete IFN-γ when stimulated with VP8 peptide. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD8 + T cell subsets in the vaccine groups were higher than that in the control group. Conclusion:The VP8-mRNA vaccine has good immunogenicity in mice and can induce good humoral and T-cell immune responses.

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.

Objective:To construct a VP8-mRNA vaccine using human rotavirus spike protein VP8 domain as the immunogen and analyze its immunogenicity in mice.Methods:The VP8-mRNA sequence was designed, optimized, and synthesized. The VP8 gene of rotavirus G1P[8] type was used to construct the plasmid pUC57-VP8-Kan-SapⅠ, which was then sequenced. The plasmid confirmed by sequencing was subjected to large-scale amplification and extraction, followed by linearization, in vitro transcription, and capping. The purified capped products were encapsulated with lipid nanoparticles using a microfluidic control apparatus. The encapsulated VP8-mRNA vaccine was administered intramuscularly to mice at 10, 15, and 20 μg. Serum samples were collected for antibody detection by ELISA. Cellular immune responses were detected by flow cytometry and ELISPOT. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way or two-way analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer test. Results:The encapsulated VP8-mRNA vaccine was rounded and spherical, with a particle size of about 100 nm, a polymer dispersion index of 0.088, and an encapsulation rate of 92.3%. Two doses of VP8-mRNA vaccine immunization could induce a good immune response in mice. The level of IgG antibody induced after immunization in the 15 μg group was comparable to that of the 20 μg group, and there was no statistical difference ( P>0.05), but the antibody levels in the two groups were significantly higher than that in the 10 μg group ( P<0.000 1). VP8-mRNA vaccine could induce neutralizing antibodies against rotavirus G1 and G9 types. The highest level of neutralizing antibodies against rotavirus type G1 was observed in the 15 μg group, which was significantly higher than that in the 10 μg group ( P<0.05). All immunization groups exhibited good neutralizing ability against rotavirus G9 type. The results of ELISPOT showed that lymphocytes from mice in each vaccine group were able to secrete IFN-γ when stimulated with VP8 peptide. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD8 + T cell subsets in the vaccine groups were higher than that in the control group. Conclusion:The VP8-mRNA vaccine has good immunogenicity in mice and can induce good humoral and T-cell immune responses.

Objective To explore the prognostic impact and clinical application value of therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE)intervention timing and liver injury periodization in patients with exertional heat stroke(EHS).Methods Data of 127 EHS patients from the First Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army from January 2011 to December 2023 were collected,then divided into the death group and the survival group based on therapeutic outcomes and into 5 stages according to the dynamic changes of ALT,AST,TBIL and DBIL.According to propensity score matching analysis,11 patients in the survival group and 12 patients in the death group were included in the statistical analysis,and 20 of them were treated with TPE.The changes in indicators and clinical outcomes before and after TPE were observed,in order to evaluate the impact of intervention timing on prognosis.Results Among the 23 patients,14 had no liver injury or could progress to the repair phase,resulting in 3 deaths(with the mortality rate of 21.43%),while 9 patients failed to pro-gress to the repair phase,resulting in 9 deaths(with the mortality rate of 100%),with significant differences(P＜0.05).The mortality rate of the first TPE intervention before the third stage of liver injury was 23.08%(3/13),while that of interven-tion after reaching or exceeding the third stage was 85.71%(6/7),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion TPE should be executed actively in EHS patients combined with liver injury before the third phase to lock its pathological and physiological processes,thereby improving prognosis and reducing mortality.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death around the world. The sequelae of ischemic stroke cause drastic effects on the quality of life for patients. Sanwujiaowan (SWJW) is a mixture prepared with 5 herbal medicines (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix, Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Aconiti Radix, and Olibanum), with a long history of application in treating the sequelae of stroke. Objectives: To provide evidence and decipher the mechanism of SWJW in alleviating stroke. Materials and methods: In this article, we expanded the indicators of SWJW by an integrated strategy based on signature metabolomics, target proteins, and bioinformatics and probed into the mechanism of SWJW intervention in ischemic stroke in a rat model. Results: The results indicated that SWJW protected rats from nerve damage during the acute phase of ischemic stroke by regulating tau phosphorylation via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusions: This study, for the first time, proved that the reduction of phosphorylated tau was harmful for the neural function in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Meanwhile, the pathological changes of phosphorylated tau proteins were detected in stroke and recalled by SWJW. This finding may provide a new reference for formulating treatment strategies for the acute phase of ischemic stroke.