The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease （MASLD） is fundamentally rooted in spleen deficiency and is closely associated with phlegm turbidity， damp-heat and blood stasis. Clinically， liver constraint with spleen deficiency and internal retention of damp turbidity represent the predominant traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome patterns. Researches have indicated intrinsic connections between the syndrome patterns and biological indicators such as gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Regarding treatment， classical famous formulas， modern empirical formulas， and newly developed TCM drugs show positive effects in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism， improving insulin resistance， and alleviating metabolic inflammation， exhibiting multi-target mechanisms of action； acupuncture and other external therapies also provide adjunctive value. Nevertheless， current researches still have limitations such as the lack of high-quality clinical evidence and insufficient systematic elucidation of the uncerlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-quality TCM clinical trials with hard endpoint outcomes such as hepatic histology outcomes， and utilizing modern technologies like multi-omics to elucidate TCM's mechanisms of action， thereby advancing the position of TCM as a first-line therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of gray matter structure and clinical symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease （AD） comorbid with apathy （AD-A）. MethodsThe study included 30 patients with AD-A， 30 AD disease patients without apathy （AD without apathy， AD-NA）， and 30 healthy controls （HCs） matched in gender， age， and years of education. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） scans. Voxel-based morphometry （VBM） was used to analyze changes in gray matter volume among the three groups. Additionally， the correlation between the identified abnormal brain regions and apathy scale scores was analyzed. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of age， gender， years of education， or total intracranial volume. Compared with the HCs group， both the AD-A and AD-NA groups showed significantly lower scores in cognitive function （P<0.001）. The AD-A group exhibited significantly higher apathy scale scores compared with the AD-NA group （P<0.001）. Compared with the AD-NA group， the AD-A group showed reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus， left orbitofrontal cortex， lingual gyrus， inferior frontal gyrus， superior frontal gyrus， entorhinal cortex， right middle frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. Compared with the HCs group， the AD-A group exhibited reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus， left fusiform gyrus， calcarine sulcus， postcentral gyrus， right inferior frontal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. Compared with the HCs group， the AD-NA group showed reduced gray matter volume in the left precuneus， inferior temporal gyrus， and right inferior temporal gyrus （FWE-corrected， P<0.05 for all）. In the AD-A group， changes in the gray matter volume of the left caudate nucleus （r= -0.557， P=0.002） and right middle frontal gyrus （r=-0.620， P=0.001） were negatively correlated with the apathy evaluation scale （AES） scores. ConclusionPatients in the AD-A group exhibited significant atrophy in the frontal-temporal-basal ganglia circuit， and the degree of gray matter atrophy was correlated with the severity of apathy.

AIM To evaluate the chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula.METHODS HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established,the analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic YMC-Triart C18 column(4.6 mm× 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2％phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.Puerarin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of 3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin apioside,magnolflorine,paeoniflora,daidzin,baicalin,palmatine,berberine,wogonoside and benzoylpaeoniflorin,after which the content detemination was made by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS).RESULTS The characteristic chromatograms of 9 batches of formula granules and 15 bacthes of traditional decoctions demonstrated the similarities of more than 0.90 at the detection wavelengths of 192,210,240,260,280,300,320,360 nm,along with similar total peak areas.Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r＞0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 97.27％-101.64％with the RSDs of 0.36％-1.11％,the result obtained by QAMS and external standard method demonstrated no significant differences(P＞0.05).The contents of various constituents in the formula granules approximated those in the traditional decoctions.CONCLUSION The consistent kinds and contents of various constituents are obversable in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula,which can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of this formula.

Objective:To observe the characteristics of multi-muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) network indices during static standing among hemiplegic stroke survivors, and to evaluate the value of the indices in assessing neuromuscular dysfunction.Methods:Ten male stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited into the hemiplegia group, and 10 age-matched healthy males were chosen as the control group. Both groups were required to perform 30s static standing tasks with their eyes open and closed. The sEMG signals from the bilateral gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were synchronously collected. Linear time-frequency domain indices were then calculated from the sEMG signals, including the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF). Network indices were extracted from the multiplex recurrence network and weighted networks were constructed from the sEMG signals, including the average interlayer mutual information (I), average edge overlap (ω), clustering coefficient (C), average shortest path length (L) and degree of centrality (DC).Results:With the eyes closed, the RMS values of the bilateral GMs of the hemiplegia group, as well as the values for the RF and BF on the unaffected side were significantly higher than the control group′s values. In the hemiplegia group, the RMS values of the RF and BF muscles on the unaffected side were significantly higher than on the affected side during standing with the eyes closed. For the RF muscles the RMS values on the unaffected side were, on average, significantly higher than with the eyes open. The MF of the GM muscles on the unaffected side in the hemiplegia group was significantly lower than the average MF values of the bilateral GM muscles in the control group with the eyes open or closed. With the eyes closed, the MF of the unaffected-side GM was significantly lower than that of the affected-side GM in the hemiplegia group. Compared with the control group, the hemiplegia group showed a significant increase in I and ω values, but a significant decrease in L values with the eyes open or closed. The DC values of the bilateral GM, RF and BF muscles in the hemiplegia group were significantly higher than among the control group with the eyes open, which was also true of the bilateral GM and RF muscles with the eyes closed. With the BF muscles it was true only of the unaffected side. In the hemiplegia group, the DC values of the unaffected-side GM with the eyes open or closed, and of the unaffected-side BF with the eyes closed.Conclusions:When standing still, hemiplegic stroke survivors exhibit increased overall synchronous muscle adjustment with involvement of unaffected-side muscles, especially the GM. sEMG network indices such as I, ω, L and DC can assess multi-muscle synchronous adaptability and the involvement of single muscles. sEMG network algorithms thus have potential as a new method for localizing and quantitatively assessing neuromuscular dysfunction among such patients.

This article analyzed the use of veno-arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAV-ECMO) in the treatment of a patient with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency caused by inhalation of dilute nitric acid liquid and aerosol. Combined with relevant literature, the pathogenesis was discussed and the treatment experience was summarized. The inhalation of a large amount of dilute nitric acid liquid and aerosol caused severe chemical pneumonia in the patient, which resulted in severe cardiac insufficiency due to the dysregulation of the ventricular artery coupling. After the administration of VAV-ECMO, the well-oxygenated blood was effectively supplied to the systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation, and the load of the heart was reduced, providing valuable time for the recovery of the patient's cardiopulmonary function.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) in children, and to analyze its influencing factor of prognosis.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data from 40 children with FCA who were hospitalized at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2015 to August 2024 were collected. A centralized follow-up was conducted in October 2024 via outpatient clinics or the internet. The pediatric stroke outcome measure (PSOM) was used to evaluate their outcomes. Based on the PSOM, the children were further divided into a group with normal neurological function and another group with abnormal neurological function. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors for neurological outcomes in children with FCA. Results:A total of 40 children were included, with 20 males and 20 females, and the onset age of 9.2 (6.8, 12.5) years. Among them, 12 cases (30%) had a history of varicella within 1 year before onset. There were 23 cases (58%) presenting with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or recurrent fluctuating symptoms of onset, while 3 cases (8%) developed progressive stroke within the first month of onset. The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected vascular site, with a total of 16 cases (40%). Arterial occlusion occurred in 8 cases (20%). Lumbar puncture was completed in 36 children, and white blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid was increased in 6 cases. All 23 patients who completed magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) showed circular enhancement of the arterial wall. A total of 28 patients (70%) received antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, and 16 patients (40%) received hormone therapy. At admission, the pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score was 6.0 (2.0, 8.8) points, which decreased to 0.5 (0, 3.0) points at discharge. The follow-up duration was 1.6 (0.8, 4.9) years, with 1 case lost to follow-up. There was 1 case presenting with recurrence course manifesting as TIA. Among the 39 cases who completed the follow-up, 23 cases (59%) were assessed as neurologically normal by PSOM, while 16 cases (41%) were assessed as neurologically abnormal. Among the 29 cases who completed the imaging review, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) review in 23 cases indicated stability or improvement in the original arterial stenosis, with 6 cases experiencing transient worsening of arterial stenosis early in the disease course (within 2 months), which later improved. Arterial stenosis progression occurred in 6 cases at the final review of 29 cases who completed the imaging review, with 1 case developing progressive cerebral arteriopathy. The proportion of patients with headache, altered consciousness, and aphasia in the abnormal neurological function group, as well as the PedNISS scores at admission and discharge, were all higher than those in the normal neurological function group (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that only a PedNISS score>6 points at onset was an influencing factor for abnormal neurological function ( OR=20.58, 95% CI 3.93-107.70, P<0.001). Conclusions:Childhood FCA often presents with fluctuating onset, and the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery is frequently affected. Progression of arterial stenosis is common within 2 months of the disease course, but clinical progression and new ischemic lesions are uncommon. Most patients have a favorable long-term prognosis. PedNIHSS score>6 points at admission is related to abnormal neurological function outcomes.

Objective To analyze the effect of sodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection(SCV)on four human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cell lines(SMMC-7721,Bel-7402,Huh7,and HepG2)and explore its mechanism.Methods Normal hepatic cell line L02 was treated with SCV at concentrations of 0 μmol/L(control),0.5,1,2,4,8,16,and 32 μmol/L,and the cytotoxicity of SCV on L02 cells was detected using CCK-8 assay.Human HCC cell lines(SMMC-7721,Bel-7402,Huh7,and HepG2)were cultured.SCV-untreated control group(0 μmol/L)and 2,4,and 8 μmol/L SCV-treated groups were set up.CCK-8 assay,plate cloning formation assay,Transwell assay,wound healing assay,and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of SCV on the growth and proliferation capacity,colony formation ability,invasion and migration capabilities,cell cycle,and apoptosis of the four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines,respectively.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins,including nuclear factor kappa-B subunit p65(p65),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),and Caspase-3,and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanism.Results The CCK-8 assay showed that SCV at 0.5,1,2,4,and 8 μmol/L had no significant cytotoxic effect on L02 cells compared with untreated control group,so 2,4,and 8 μmol/L SCV were selected for subsequent experiments.Compared with the untreated control group(0 μmol/L),SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly inhibited the proliferation of the four HCC cell lines(P<0.001).The plate cloning formation assay showed that SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly reduced the colony formation ability of the four HCC cell lines(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).In addition,Transwell and wound healing assays revealed that SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).In the above results,the inhibitory effect of SCV was concentration-dependent.Flow cytometry analysis indicated that SCV arrested cells in the G2/M phase(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001)and significantly promoted cell apoptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).Western blotting showed that SCV significantly down-regulated the expression of p65(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and Bcl-2(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions SCV can significantly inhibit the proliferation,colony formation,invasion,and migration of multiple human HCC cell lines and arrest the cell cycle.SCV may inhibit the expression of p65 and Bcl-2,thereby lifting their inhibitory effect on the apoptotic pathway and activating Caspase-3 to promote apoptosis.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of malignant melanoma (MM) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods:We collected the clinical and follow-up data of 503 MM patients admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between 2010 and 2022. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed for survival analysis, with Log rank test used for comparing the survival rates between groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors of patient prognosis.Results:From 2010 to 2022, the number of MM patients admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University demonstrated an upward trend. Among the 503 MM patients, the primary tumor sites were located in the extremities in 264 cases, the skin in 155 cases, the mucosal in 49 cases, and the ocular uvea in 22 cases, and in 13 cases the primary lesion was unknown. The median follow-up duration was 44 months, with a median overall survival time of 44.0 months. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 85.2%, 54.3%, and 42.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, Breslow thickness, Clark grading, presence of ulcers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, clinical stage at initial treatment, tumor recurrence, distant metastasis (lung, liver, bone, or brain), and postoperative adjuvant therapy were all associated with overall survival in MM patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age ( HR=1.022, 95% CI: 1.013-1.032), LDH level ( HR=1.696, 95% CI: 1.223-2.353), clinical stage at initial treatment (TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅱ: HR=0.255, 95% CI: 0.096-0.679; TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅲ: HR=0.293, 95% CI: 0.190-0.452; TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅳ: HR=0.414, 95% CI: 0.284-0.603), bone metastasis ( HR=2.032, 95% CI: 1.252-3.298), and postoperative adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.551, 95% CI: 0.426-0.713) are independent factors influencing the overall survival of MM patients. Stratified analysis by different subtype indicated that age, clinical stage at initial treatment, gene mutations, and postoperative adjuvant therapy usage are independent factors affecting the overall survival of patients with limb MM, while age and clinical stage at initial treatment are independent factors influencing the overall survival of patients with skin and mucosal MM. Conclusions:The number of MM patients in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region may be on the rise. Age, LDH level, clinical stage at initial treatment, presence of bone metastasis, and postoperative adjuvant therapy are independent risk factors for the prognosis of MM patients. Among these, age and clinical stage at initial treatment are common independent risk factors that affect the prognosis of different subtypes of MM patients.

This article analyzed the use of veno-arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAV-ECMO) in the treatment of a patient with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency caused by inhalation of dilute nitric acid liquid and aerosol. Combined with relevant literature, the pathogenesis was discussed and the treatment experience was summarized. The inhalation of a large amount of dilute nitric acid liquid and aerosol caused severe chemical pneumonia in the patient, which resulted in severe cardiac insufficiency due to the dysregulation of the ventricular artery coupling. After the administration of VAV-ECMO, the well-oxygenated blood was effectively supplied to the systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation, and the load of the heart was reduced, providing valuable time for the recovery of the patient's cardiopulmonary function.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of open ventilation masks in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing vitrectomy under local anesthesia.Methods:A randomized clinical trial was conducted.Eighty PDR patients (80 eyes) undergoing vitrectomy with local anesthesia were enrolled at Xuzhou Municipal Hospital from May to July 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method, with 40 cases (40 eyes) in each group.The experimental group received oxygen through an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask during the operation, while the control group used a traditional nasal cannula.The respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation before and after oxygen inhalation during the operation were compared between the two groups.Patient comfort level, airway patency, anxiety status, satisfaction level, operation time, surgical success rate, and incidence of intraoperative complications were also compared.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was appreed by the Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Municipal Hospital (No.2024-KY-065).Results:After oxygen inhalation during the operation, improvements in respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were greater in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=4.671, 7.894, 1.588; all P<0.05).The Borg, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=2.828, 4.880; both P<0.05), while the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale score was higher than that in the control group ( t=2.774, P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, surgical success rate or incidence of complications between the two groups ( t=0.595, P=0.554; χ2=0.346, 0.263; both P>0.05).Satisfaction rate of patients in the experimental group was 97.5%(39/40), which was higher than 85.0%(34/40) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=3.914, P=0.048). Conclusions:For PDR patients undergoing vitreous surgery under local anesthesia, using an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask for oxygen inhalation can effectively enhance respiratory comfort level, alleviate anxiety, maintain stable vital signs, improve overall comfort level, and ensure smooth surgery, without observed adverse reactions related to mask use, which makes it worthy of clinical promotion and application.