Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) accounts for up to a third of these cases, and neuro-inflammation is thought to play a role in such cases. Despite being a long-debated issue in the field of DRE, the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation have yet to be fully elucidated. The pro-inflammatory microenvironment within the brain tissue of people with DRE has been probed using single-cell multimodal transcriptomics. Evidence suggests that inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the nervous system can lead to extensive biochemical changes, such as connexin hemichannel excitability and disruption of neurotransmitter homeostasis. The presence of inflammation may give rise to neuronal network abnormalities that suppress endogenous antiepileptic systems. We focus on the role of neuroinflammation and brain network anomalies in DRE from multiple perspectives to identify critical points for clinical application. We hope to provide an insightful overview to advance the quest for better DRE treatments.
Humans ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/metabolism* ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/immunology* ; Animals ; Brain/pathology* ; Nerve Net/pathology*

Objective To compare the long-term prognosis differences between surgical radical resection and endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer patients based on the SEER database. Methods A total of 1 437 patients with stage Tis to T_1b gastric adenocarcinoma were selected from the SEER database from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013. They were divided into a surgery group (n=1 257) and an endoscope group (n=180) according to the treatment method. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression model were used to analyze survival outcomes. Results The patients in the surgery group were younger than those in the endoscope group ([67.63±12.97] years old vs [71.29±10.82] years old), with higher rates of T₁ stage (97.45% vs 87.78%) and lymph node metastasis (19.73% vs 5.00%, all P＜0.001). The median follow-up time for all patients was 37 (15, 66) months, and the mortality rate of gastric cancer in the endoscope group was lower than that in the surgery group (23.33% vs 27.13%, P＜0.001). Univariate Cox analysis showed that treatment modality, age, sex, T stage, lymph node metastasis were all associated with early gastric cancer mortality (all P＜0.05), and the risk of death in the endoscope group was 43% of that in the surgery group (HR=0.43, P=0.015). After adjusting for multiple factors, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality risk between the two groups (P=0.067), but after excluding lymph node positive patients, the mortality risk in the endoscope group was 46% of that in the surgery group (HR=0.46, P=0.048). Conclusions For early gastric cancer patients with negative lymph nodes, endoscopic resection may provide better survival benefits than surgical procedures, suggesting that it can be the preferred treatment strategy for patients with low risk of lymph node metastasis.

Objective:To analyze the effects of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet count (HALP) scores on the survival of gallbladder cancer patients after radical surgery, and to construct a prognostic prediction model and evaluate based on HALP scores.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent surgical treatment in Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (the 900th Hospital) from January 2010 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 40 males and 55 females, with the age of (63.3±12.2) years. All patients were divided into a low HALP group (HALP score ≤35.4, n=45) and a high HALP group (HALP score >35.4, n=50) based on the optimal cut-off value of 35.4 for predicting postoperative survival as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of HALP score on survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer. Based on the multifactorial results, nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of gallbladder cancer patients after radical surgery, and ROC curves, consistency indexes were evaluated in the model. Results:A total of 95 patients were followed up for 1-150 months, with a median of 13 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year postoperative cumulative survival rates of patients in the low HALP group were 56.2%, 31.2%, and 11.1%, respectively, which were lower than those of the high HALP group, which were 82.9%, 59.6%, and 40.7%, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=12.50, P<0.001). Based on multifactorial Cox regression analysis, preoperative total bilirubin ≥23 μmol/L, with lymph node metastasis, tumor TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, and postoperative incision infection were the risk factors for survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer, and a HALP score of >35.4 and Child-Pugh A were protective factors (all P<0.05). Based on the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis to construct a nomogram for predicting overall survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer, the consistency index between the prediction of the nomogram and the actual situation was 0.801 (95% CI: 0.752-0.850), and the area under the ROC curve for predicting overall survival was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.704-0.902). Conclusion:The preoperative high HALP score (HALP > 35.4) is a protective factor for survival after radical surgery in gallbladder cancer patients, and the nomogram constructed based on the HALP score for survival prediction after radical surgery for gallbladder cancer has high accuracy and can be used for the assessment of postoperative survival.

This study explores the antiviral effects of Lopinavir on porcine hemagglutinating en-cephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)in vitro and in vivo.Using PHEV-infected N2a cells as an in vitro experimental model,the impact of varying concentrations of Lopinavir on PHEV replication was analyzed through Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques.The results demonstrated that Lopinavir was beneficial to PHEV replication at low-concentration,but as the concentration increased,Lopi-navir began to exert an inhibitory effect,with the most pronounced effect observed at a concentra-tion of 8 μmol/L.PHEV-infected 3-week-old male BALB/c mice were utilized in vivo experi-ments,with Lopinavir(10 mg/kg)administered intragastrically three days post-infection.Follow-ing the onset of illness in the control group,all mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were col-lected for histopathological examination.The findings indicated that Lopinavir significantly reduced the distribution of PHEV and ameliorated the pathological damage in brain tissue,and prolonged the survival time of the mice.In conclusion,Lopinavir exhibits an antiviral effect against PHEV both in vitro and in vivo,offering a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of PHEV in-fections in clinical practice.

Objective To explore the optimization strategy of Qishen Granules in treating coronary heart disease with heart failure(CHD-HF)based on data mining and the pathogenic"toxin"theory,and to predict its active components and mechanisms using network pharmacology.Methods Literature on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for treating CHD-HF was collected from relevant databases,and prescriptions were screened and established into a database according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.Frequency,association rules,and hierarchical clustering analyses were performed using the Ancient and Modern Medical Case Cloud Platform.Network pharmacology techniques were applied to screen potential targets of the optimized combination for treating CHD-HF,and carry out the targets and pathways enrichment analysis.Results A total of 336 articles and 339 prescriptions involving 191 herbs were included,with 12 herbs used more than 100 times.The core drug combinations for treating CHD-HF included Astragali Radix,Poria,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,etc,while commonly used detoxifying herbs included Leonuri Herb,Coptidis Rhizoma,etc.Association rule analysis yielded 10 two-item associations and 17 three-item associations;clustering analysis grouped the data into 5 categories.Based on data mining and the pathogenic"toxin"theory,the combination for treating CHD-HF was optimized to include Astragali Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Coptidis Rhizoma,and Taraxaci Herba.Network pharmacology analysis identified 366 common targets between the optimized combination and CHD-HF,with 16 core targets screened out.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways such as cancer pathways,lipid and atherosclerosis,Rap1 signaling pathway,hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)signaling pathway,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway,Ras signaling pathway,and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.Conclusion TCM treatment for CHD-HF primarily focuses on replenishing qi and warming yang,activating blood circulation and resolving fluid retention.Based on data mining results and the pathogenic"toxin"theory,the formulation strategy of Qishen Granules for treating CHD-HF was optimized,potentially exerting therapeutic effects through anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and anti-hypoxia physiological processes.

Objective To discuss the causes and the therapeutic strategy of acute cardiac tamponade(ACT)occurring as a complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)so as to improve the success rate of the surgery and to make a further understanding of this complication.Methods The general clinical data,surgical procedures,and postoperative follow-up results of five patients,who received TAVR at the Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital of Yangzhou University of China and developed ACT from March 2018 to September 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.Results After developing ACT,all the 5 patients received pericardiocentesis together with other adjuvant therapies including blood volume expansion with infusion,vasopressors,heparin neutralization,and blood transfusion.However,due to no obvious reduction in drainage volume and unstable hemodynamics all the 5 patients had eventually to receive open-chest surgery to identify the source of bleeding and to make hemostasis.Surgical exploration revealed that the perforation or rupture of cardiac structures caused by the temporary pacemaker lead or a super-stiff guide wire during the procedure was the main cause of ACT.Finally,after active treatment four patients recovered and discharged,and one patient died.The discharged patients were followed up for 3-12 months,and no procedure-related complications such as acute coronary artery occlusion,severe arrhythmia,exacerbation of heart failure symptoms,valve displacement,or stroke occurred.Conclusion As a severe complication occurring during the TAVR procedure,ACT requires to get a rapid diagnosis and management.Improvement of surgical techniques and operative methods,comprehensive preoperative assessment,and close intraoperative monitoring are crucial points for the prevention of ACT.

Objective:To analyze the effects of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet count (HALP) scores on the survival of gallbladder cancer patients after radical surgery, and to construct a prognostic prediction model and evaluate based on HALP scores.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent surgical treatment in Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (the 900th Hospital) from January 2010 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 40 males and 55 females, with the age of (63.3±12.2) years. All patients were divided into a low HALP group (HALP score ≤35.4, n=45) and a high HALP group (HALP score >35.4, n=50) based on the optimal cut-off value of 35.4 for predicting postoperative survival as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of HALP score on survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer. Based on the multifactorial results, nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of gallbladder cancer patients after radical surgery, and ROC curves, consistency indexes were evaluated in the model. Results:A total of 95 patients were followed up for 1-150 months, with a median of 13 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year postoperative cumulative survival rates of patients in the low HALP group were 56.2%, 31.2%, and 11.1%, respectively, which were lower than those of the high HALP group, which were 82.9%, 59.6%, and 40.7%, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=12.50, P<0.001). Based on multifactorial Cox regression analysis, preoperative total bilirubin ≥23 μmol/L, with lymph node metastasis, tumor TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, and postoperative incision infection were the risk factors for survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer, and a HALP score of >35.4 and Child-Pugh A were protective factors (all P<0.05). Based on the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis to construct a nomogram for predicting overall survival after radical surgery in patients with gallbladder cancer, the consistency index between the prediction of the nomogram and the actual situation was 0.801 (95% CI: 0.752-0.850), and the area under the ROC curve for predicting overall survival was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.704-0.902). Conclusion:The preoperative high HALP score (HALP > 35.4) is a protective factor for survival after radical surgery in gallbladder cancer patients, and the nomogram constructed based on the HALP score for survival prediction after radical surgery for gallbladder cancer has high accuracy and can be used for the assessment of postoperative survival.

This study explores the antiviral effects of Lopinavir on porcine hemagglutinating en-cephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)in vitro and in vivo.Using PHEV-infected N2a cells as an in vitro experimental model,the impact of varying concentrations of Lopinavir on PHEV replication was analyzed through Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques.The results demonstrated that Lopinavir was beneficial to PHEV replication at low-concentration,but as the concentration increased,Lopi-navir began to exert an inhibitory effect,with the most pronounced effect observed at a concentra-tion of 8 μmol/L.PHEV-infected 3-week-old male BALB/c mice were utilized in vivo experi-ments,with Lopinavir(10 mg/kg)administered intragastrically three days post-infection.Follow-ing the onset of illness in the control group,all mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were col-lected for histopathological examination.The findings indicated that Lopinavir significantly reduced the distribution of PHEV and ameliorated the pathological damage in brain tissue,and prolonged the survival time of the mice.In conclusion,Lopinavir exhibits an antiviral effect against PHEV both in vitro and in vivo,offering a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of PHEV in-fections in clinical practice.

To preliminarily understand the pathogenic mechanism of Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) GroEL protein, we used bioinformatics tools to predict the structure and function of Mg GroEL protein and then constructed the recombinant plasmid pET-28a-GroEL. The protein expression was induced by 0.2 mmol/L IPTG, and the expressed protein was purified by Ni-iminodicitic acid (IDA) column affinity. Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cells were exposed to 2 μg/mL Mg rGroEL. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the cell supernatant were measured by ELISA, and that of IL-6 was measured by an automatic chemiluminescence instrument. The activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was visualized by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The results showed that Mg GroEL was a stable hydrophilic protein composed of 543 amino acid residues, with the relative molecular mass of 58.44 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.68, and a molecular formula of C₂₅₆₈H₄₃₀₀N₇₀₀O₈₂₅S₈. The secondary structure was mainly composed of α-helices and random coils. Mg GroEL contained 12 B-cell dominant epitopes and 10 T-cell dominant epitopes. It exhibited high homology with the GroEL proteins from Mycoplasma pneumoniae, M. agalactiae, M. arthritidis, M. hyopneumoniae, and M. bovis. Mg rGroEL activated the NF-κB signaling pathway and promoted the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that Mg GroEL exhibits substantial antigenicity and possesses the capability of triggering inflammation in host cells. This study establishes a theoretical basis for future investigations pertaining to the role and pathogenic mechanisms of Mg GroEL.
Mycoplasma genitalium/metabolism* ; Chaperonin 60/metabolism* ; Computational Biology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics* ; THP-1 Cells ; Signal Transduction ; Escherichia coli/metabolism*