Objective: This study compared the effects of personalized exercise versus acupuncture on multidimensional cognitive function in individuals at high risk for stroke with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 stroke-risk adults aged 50−80 years. Ninety participants diagnosed with MCI (MMSE, HIS, CDR criteria) were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 30), acupuncture (n = 30), or control (n = 30) groups. Interventions lasted 6 months. Cognitive outcomes (MMSE, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Animal Fluency, Rey-Osterrieth test, Stroop test) were assessed before and after intervention. Multivariate regression identified risk factors for MCI. ANOVA was used for group comparisons. Results: Hypertension (aOR = 1.5) and diabetes (aOR = 1.3) were significant risk factors for MCI. After intervention, the exercise group showed the largest MMSE improvement (Δ = 5.0), compared with acupuncture (Δ = 3.0) and control (Δ = 1.0) (p < 0.001). Exercise produced greater gains in non-verbal reasoning (31.8% vs. 26.1% in acupuncture, p < 0.01). Acupuncture more effectively enhanced processing speed and attention (DSST: Δ = 26 vs. Δ = 20 in exercise, p = 0.03) and executive function (Stroop interference time: Δ = 16 vs. Δ = 15 seconds in exercise, p = 0.04). Both interventions significantly improved verbal fluency (p < 0.001), with larger benefits in those with baseline MMSE ≤ 20. Conclusion Hypertension and diabetes are key risk factors for MCI in stroke-prone individuals. Exercise yields greater improvement in global cognition and memory, whereas acupuncture is more effective for enhancing attention and executive function. Both modalities benefit verbal fluency, particularly in lower-functioning participants.

BACKGROUND:Hydroxy safflower yellow A has anti-ischemia,anti-oxidation,anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Whether it affects neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis and its mechanism. METHODS:HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,hydroxy safflower yellow A group,colivelin group,and colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.HT22 cells were treated with glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation to establish neuronal pyroptosis model,and then treated with STAT3 agonist Colivelin and hydroxy safflower yellow A.JC-1 probe was employed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.Reactive oxygen species kit was used to determine the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.GSDMD/TUNEL staining was conducted to observe cell pyroptosis.Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect STAT3 and GSDMD protein expression.RT-PCR was utilized for assessing mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1.Western blot assay was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the number of pyroptotic cells increased in HT22 cells in the model group along with a significant increase in protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,Cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the model group,the number of pyroptotic cells reduced,and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins significantly decreased in the hydroxy safflower yellow A group.(2)In comparison with the model group,pyroptosis worsened in the colivelin group where mitochondrial membrane potential decreased along with elevated reactive oxygen species content and increased mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1,as well as increased protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the Colivelin group,above indexes were improved in the colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.These results suggest that hydroxy safflower yellow A plays a neuroprotective role through STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HT22 pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To precise classify sacral meningeal cysts, effective guide minimally invasive neurosurgery and postoperative personalized rehabilitation by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI. METHODS: From March to December 2021, based on the original 3D-fast imaging employing steadystate acquisition (FIESTA) scanning sequence, 92 patients with sacral meningeal cysts were pre-operatively evaluated by multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI. The shape of nerve root and the leakage of cyst were reconstructed according to the direction of nerve root or leakage track showed on original MRI scans. Sacral canal cysts were accurately classified as including nerve root and without nerve root, so as to accurately design the incision of skin and formulate corresponding open range of the posterior wall of the sacral canal. Under the microscope intraoperation, the shape of the nerve roots inside cysts or leakage track of the cysts without nerve roots were verified and explored. After the reinforcement and shaping operation, several reexaminations of multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI were performed to understand the deformation of the nerve root and hydrops in the operation cavity, so as to formulate a persona-lized rehabilitation plan for the patients. RESULTS: Among the 92 patients with sacral mengingeal cyst, 58 (63.0%) cysts with nerve root cyst, 29 (31.5%) cysts without nerve root cyst, and 5 (5.4%) cysts with mixed sacral canal cyst. In 58 patients with nerve root cysts, the accuracy of preoperative clinical classification on MRI image reached 96.6% (56/58) through confirmation by operating microscope. Only 2 cases of large single cyst with nerve root on the head of cyst were mistaken for without nerve root type. In 29 patients with sacral cyst without nerve root, the accuracy of preoperative image reached 100% through confirmation by operating microscope. The accuracy of judging the internal nerve root and leakage of 12 cases with recurrent sacral cyst was also 100%. Two cases of delayed postoperative hydrops were found one month after operation. After rehabilitation treatment by moxibustion and bathing, the hydrops disappeared 4-6 months after operation. CONCLUSION Multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI can precisely make clinical classification of sacral meningeal cysts before operation, guide minimally invasive neurosurgery effectively, and improve the rehabilitation effect.
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Sacrum/surgery* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Cysts/rehabilitation* ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Spinal Nerve Roots/diagnostic imaging* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Neurosurgical Procedures/methods*

Objective To screen and analyze 23 mutation sites of deafness susceptibility genes in newborns in Shenzhen using microfluidic chip technology,aiming to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of early diagnosis of congenital deafness.Methods A total of 10 561 newborns delivered in 19 hospitals in Shenzhen between November 2021 and January 2023 were selected.Heel blood samples were collected from them,and 23 key mutation sites within four core deafness susceptible genes(GJB2,SLC26A4,12S rRNA and GJB3)were detected using microfluidic chip technology.Results The results revealed that 21.87%(2 310/10 561)of the newborns carried at least one mutation in deafness susceptibility genes,with the mutation carrier rate of the GJB2 gene reaching as high as 20.42%(2 157/10 561),57 newborns were found to has compound heterozygous mutations.To further verify the accuracy of the screening results,1 203 newborns out of the 2 310 initially screened as deafness gene carriers were recalled for Sanger sequencing,the gold standard,for verification.The verification results were fully consistent with the initial screening results.Conclusion The method combining microfluidic chip technology with Sanger sequence verification significantly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy of neonatal deafness genes,providing scientific evidence and practical guidance for implementing the three-level prevention strategy for congenital deafness.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and value of nomogram based on base line clinical and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) characteristics for pretreatment predicting the depth of myometrial invasion and tumor grade of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC).Methods:Preoperative baseline clinical characteristics and DCE-MRI characteristics of 194 EEC patients were prospectively collected at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University from October 2020 to January 2022 and used as a training set. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare baseline clinical characteristics and DCE-MRI quantitative parameters [including tumor volume, and mean, median, and standard deviation of volume transfer constant (K trans), rate constant (K ep), extravascular extracellular volume fraction (V e), and initial area under the enhancement curve (iAUC)] between patients with deep myometrial invasion (DMI) and those with superficial myometrial invasion (SMI), as well as between high-grade and low-grade EEC. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for the construction of nomogram. An independent external testing set comprising 127 EEC patients was retrospectively collected from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for evaluating the model′s predictive performance and clinical net benefit, respectively. Results:(1) The depth of myometrial invasion: univariate analysis showed that in the training set, the EEC patients with DMI differed significantly from those with SMI in clinical characteristics including higher proportion of postmenopausal state and overweight [body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2], and abnormal levels of serum cancer antigen (CA) 125, CA 199, and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and in DCE-MRI quantitative parameters including tumor volume, and median, mean, and standard deviation of K trans, median of V e, as well as median, mean, and standard deviation of iAUC (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the patient′s menstrual status, BMI, CA 199, tumor volume, and mean of iAUC were independent predictors of the depth of myometrial invasion, and constructed the nomogram (recorded as Nomogram_1), achieving an AUC of 0.861 (95% CI: 0.803-0.919) in the training set. In the independent external testing set, the AUC was 0.876 (95% CI: 0.815-0.938), with corresponding sensitivity of 82.0%, specificity of 80.7%, accuracy of 81.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 65.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.0% for predicting DMI. (2) The EEC grade: univariate analysis showed that in the training set, high-grade EEC patients differed significantly from low-grade EEC in clinical characteristics including patient′s age, the proportion of postmenopausal state and overweight, and abnormal levels of serum CA 125, and in DCE-MRI quantitative parameters including tumor volume, median, mean, and standard deviation of K trans, median and mean of V e, as well as median, mean, and standard deviation of iAUC (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the patient′s menstrual status, BMI, tumor volume, and median of V e emerged as independent predictors of EEC grade, and constructed the nomogram (recorded as Nomogram_2), achieving an AUC of 0.845 (95% CI: 0.786-0.893) in the training set. While in the external testing set, the AUC was 0.819 (95% CI: 0.744-0.894), with corresponding sensitivity of 72.4%, specificity of 72.4%, accuracy of 72.4%, PPV of 43.8%, and NPV of 89.9% for predicting high-grade EEC. (3) The DCA curves demonstrated that both Nomogram_1 and Nomogram_2 yielded obvious positive clinical net benefits across a wide range of threshold probabilities. Conclusion:The nomogram based on pretreatment clinical and DCE-MRI characteristics has the potential to noninvasive predict the depth of myometrial invasion and grade of EEC, providing valuable reference information for clinical management decision-making.

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of combining low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation with Beckman oral muscle exercise training in relieving drooling among persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:A random number table was used to divide 120 PD patients with drooling into a mouth muscle training group, an electrical stimulation group, and an observation group, with 40 patients in each group. In addition to routine medication, the oral muscle training group was given Beckman oral muscle exercise training, the electrical stimulation group underwent low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation treatment, while the observation group was provided with both. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, the severity of salivation, the frequency of repeated empty swallowing, oral motor function, saliva secretion, and life quality of the three groups were evaluated using the Saliva Rating Scale (DRS), the Repeated Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), oral motor function grading, the Parkinson′s Disease Saliva Clinical Scale (SCS-PD), saliva weighing, and the PD Quality of Life Scale (PDQ-39).Results:After the treatment the average DRS, SCS-PD, saliva weighing and PDQ-39 results of the observation group were significantly better than those before treatment and better than the other 2 groups′ averages. That group′s average RSST and oral motor function scores had increased significantly compared to before treatment, and compared with the other 2 groups′ averages at the same time point.Conclusions:Combining low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation with Beckman oral muscle exercise can improve oral motor function, swallowing, and the life quality of PD patients who drool. It is more effective than electrical stimulation or oral muscle exercise training alone. Such combination therapy is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of chronic hepatitis C(CHC)patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3(HCV GT3)infection and the risk factors for disease progression.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1 002 CHC patients from 11 clinical centers in Northwest China from December 2017 to November 2023,and according to their genotype,they were divided into GT1,GT2,GT3,and GT6 groups.Clinical features were compared between the patients with different genotypes.The one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the Scheffe test was used for further comparison between two groups.The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test or Fisher test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors for the progression of CHC to liver cirrhosis.Results In terms of the genotype,there were 427 patients with GT1 infection,242 with GT2 infection,299 with GT3 infection(210 patients with GT3a infection,87 with GT3b infection,and 2 with unclassified genotype),and 34 with GT6 infection.The patients with GT3 infection had a significantly younger age than those with GT1 infection(51.3±0.5 years vs 53.2±0.6 years,P<0.05)or GT2 infection(51.3±0.5 years vs 53.7±0.8 years,P<0.05),and for the patients with liver cirrhosis,the patients with GT3 infection had a significantly younger age than those with GT1 infection(52.1±0.5 years vs 59.4±0.9 years,P<0.001)or GT2 infection(52.1±0.5 years vs 58.1±1.1 years,P<0.001).Among the patients with GT3 infection,male patients accounted for 77.9%and the patients with liver cirrhosis accounted for 46.2%,which were significantly higher than those among the patients with GT1,GT2 or GT6 infection(all P<0.001).At baseline,the patients with GT3 infection had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)than those with GT1 or GT2 infection,significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI)and fibrosis-4(FIB4)than those with GT1,GT2 or GT6 infection,a significantly lower platelet count(PLT)than those with GT2 or GT6 infection,a significantly higher level of alpha-fetoprotein than those with GT2 or GT6 infection,and a significantly lower level of albumin(Alb)than those with GT6 infection(all P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the patients with GT3a infection and those with GT3b infection in age,sex,the proportion of patients with liver cirrhosis,comorbidities,HCV RNA quantification,PLT,ALT,AST,alkaline phosphatase,Alb,APRI,and FIB-4(all P>0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PLT≤150×109/L(odds ratio[OR]=10.72,95%confidence interval[CI]:5.76-35.86,P<0.001)and Alb≤35 g/L(OR=3.74,95%CI:1.22-11.45,P=0.021)were risk factors for liver cirrhosis.Conclusion Most CHC patients with GT3 infection are male in Northwest China,and compared with the patients with other genotypes,such patients tend to have a younger age of onset and higher degrees of liver inflammation activity and fibrosis.Low PLT and a low level of Alb are risk factors for progression to liver cirrhosis in CHC patients with GT3 infection.

Objective To summarize and analyze the CT or MRI imaging signs of ovarian torsion in children.Methods The CT or MRI data of 24 children surgically confirmed ovarian torsion were analyzed retrospectively,focusing on imaging signs such as ovarian position,size,the relationship with surrounding appendages and uterus.Results In this group of cases,8 cases underwent CT examination and 16 cases underwent MRI examination.Among the age of children,12 cases were in newborns,and 6 cases were in school-age and adolescent children respectively.It was more common in newborns and children aged 10-12 years old.Among the 24 patients,3 cases(12.5％)had primary ovarian torsion,all of which were adolescent children;21 cases(87.5％)had secondary ovarian torsion,with all torsions in the neonatal period were secondary ovarian torsion.Among secondary ovarian torsion,there were 7 cases(33.3％)of ovarian teratoma with torsion,12 cases(57.1％)of simple ovarian cysts,1 case(4.7％)of ovarian serous cystadenoma,and 1 case(4.7％)of ovarian mucinous cyst.Torsion occurred in 9 cases(37.5％)of the left ovary and 15 cases(62.5％)of the right ovary,with right ovarian torsion being more common.Imaging signs included varying degrees of enlargement of the ovaries on the ipsilateral side of the torsion,with 14 cases(58.3％)of ovarian masses had a maximum diameter≥5 cm,and 3-5 cm being more common in the neonatal period.There were 11 cases(45.8％)with the pedicle sign/vortex sign on the ipsilateral side of the torsion,9 cases(37.5％)with mass and hemorrhage,4 cases(16.7％)with mass displacement to the midline or uterine displacement to the ipsilateral side,and 3 cases(12.5％)of the ovarian follicle outward migration showed fruit bowl sign.Conclusion Secondary ovarian torsion is relatively common in children,with distinctive imaging manifestations.Especially when neonatal ovarian cysts show hemorrhagic signals should be alert to the risk of ovarian torsion.CT and MRI examinations can provide a powerful reference for the clinical diagnosis of ovarian torsion in children.

Objective:To investigate the effect of ginkgolide B(GB)on astrocyte(AST)phagocytosis of myelin debris,and to investigate the mechanism of this functional therapy to demyelination by targeting AST.Methods:In vitro culture of AST,and divided AST into three groups:Control group,Myelin debris(Debris)group and Debris+GB group,incubed them in a constant temperature CO2 cell culture incubator for 24 hours,and then detected relevant indicators to observe the effect of GB on AST on phagocytic myelin debris.Results:Compared to the phagocytosis of myelin debris by primary AST,GB could effectively promote the phagocytosis by AST and show enhanced ABCA-1 expression(both P<0.05).Phagocytosis of myelin debris had no effect on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by in vitro cultured AST.Debris+GB increased the expressions of neurotrophic CNTF and B-FGF compared to Debris(both P<0.05).Furthermore,Debris+GB decreased Bax and Caspase-3,while increased Bcl-2 expression(all P<0.05).Conclusion:GB can promote the phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST,which may be related to the upregulation of ABCA-1.Meanwhile,phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST increases the expression of the neurotrophic factors and the inhibits the apoptosis of AST themselves.