The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli. However, to date, little is known about the contribution of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch processing. Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging, we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC. Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis. Together, this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP⁺ neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior, which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.
Animals ; Pruritus/physiopathology* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism* ; Interneurons/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Histamine ; Chloroquine ; Optogenetics ; Mice, Transgenic

Objective To explore the predictive value of electroencephalograph(EEG)quantitative parameters combined with serum microRNAs(miR)-146a-5p in cognitive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A total of 96 AD patients diagnosed in Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital from March 2022 to May 2024 were selected to assess whether the patients had cognitive impairment according to the Montreal cognitive scale(MoCA)score,and 40 patients with cognitive impairment were set as occurrence group(MoCA score＜26points).A total of 56 patients with normal cognitive function were set as non-developing group(MoCA score ≥ 26points).Quantitative electroencephalography(EEG)parameters and serum miR-146a-5p were compared between the two groups.The risk factors of cognitive dysfunction in AD patients were analyzed by Logistic regression,and receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict efficacy of EEG quantitative parameters and serum miR-146a-5p on cognitive dysfunction in AD patients.Results The δ frequency band,θ frequency band,and serum miR-146a-5p levels were lower in occurrence group than those in non occurrence group,while β frequency band and α frequency band were higher in occurrence group than in those non occurrence group(P＜0.05).δ frequency band,θ frequency band,miR-146a-5p,age,and years of education were risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in AD patients(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of predicting cognitive impairment in AD patients using the combination of δ frequency band,θ frequency band,βfrequency band,α frequency band,and miR-146a-5p was 0.908.The sensitivity of predicting cognitive impairment in AD patients using the combination of delta frequency band,δ frequency band,β frequency band,α frequency band,and miR-146a-5p was higher than that of individual detection(P＜0.05).Conclusion The decrease in δ frequency band,θ frequency band,serum miR-146a-5p,and the increase in β frequency band and α frequency are closely related to the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction in AD patients.Combined detection of EEG of electroencephalogram and serum miR-146a-5p can improve the predictive efficiency of cognitive dysfunction.

Objective To investigate the fatigue and workload status among medical students,and to explore the latent profiles of fatigue and workload and their effects on sleep and emotion.Methods A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling was employed to distribute a comprehensive survey via mixed online and offline modes,and medical college students were enrolled as the subjects for this investigation.The general demographic data,depression,anxiety and stress scale,Pittsburgh sleep quality index,Epworth sleepiness scale,insomnia severity index,National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index(NASA-TLX)and fatigue scale-14(FS-14)were used to investigate the basic information of the medical students,their emotions(depression,anxiety and stress),sleep(sleep quality,sleepiness and insomnia),workload and fatigue status.Based on latent profile analysis,the types of workload-fatigue profiles and differences in sleep and emotion were analyzed.Results A total of 485 medical students were enrolled,with an average age of(22.07±2.42)years.The total score of the NASA-TLX was 64.44±12.50,and the total score of the FS-14 was 7.90±3.63.Latent profile analysis identified 3 distinct workload-fatigue profiles:low workload-medium fatigue group(12.8％),medium workload-low fatigue group(32.8％),and high workload-high fatigue group(54.4％).Among these,the medium workload-low fatigue group exhibited the highest performance level(all P＜0.05),while the low workload-medium fatigue group showed the lowest effort level and performance level(all P＜0.05).The high workload-high fatigue group showed the highest task-related demand and frustration level(all P＜0.05).Regarding sleep and emotional status,the medium workload-low fatigue group had significantly better outcomes compared to the high workload-high fatigue group and the low workload-medium fatigue group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Medical students experience a heavy workload and subjective fatigue.It is essential to appropriately adjust their workload,prioritize sleep and emotional well-being,and alleviate fatigue levels,so as to sustain personal physical and mental health.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an effective therapeutic strategy to delay aging in dogs, they are prone to aging and have poor genetic stability when cultured for a long time in vitro. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore a method to improve the anti-aging ability of MSCs. Previous studies have shown that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) plays an important role in anti-aging. This study constructed MSCs with overexpressed SIRT6 gene. Through Giemsa staining and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, it was found that SIRT6 significantly enhances the anti-aging capacity of MSCs. Transmission electron microscopy imaging and the detection of oxidative stress-related indicators revealed that SIRT6 improves the anti-aging capacity of MSCs by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress levels. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that SIRT6 mainly acted on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase and other aging and inflammation related pathways. In the establishment and verification of aging models in mice and dogs, it was found that the spatial memory ability of the model mice was significantly increased after intravenous transplantation of SIRT6 overexpression cells, the organ index was also significantly changed, and the anti-oxidative capacity of the dogs and mice blood was improved. The morphology of the spleens and livers in the SIRT6 overexpression cell treatment group could be effectively restored, and the expression levels of aging and inflammation-related proteins were significantly decreased. This study provides a new idea for the study of SIRT6-mediated anti-aging of MSCs.
Animals ; Dogs ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Sirtuins/genetics* ; Aging/physiology* ; Mice ; Oxidative Stress ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective:To systematically assess qualitative studies exploring the experiences of postpartum lifestyle changes among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comprehensively integrate these experiences, and provide a foundational reference for the subsequent development of targeted healthy lifestyle interventions.Methods:A comprehensive computerized search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Pro quest, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP, and China Biomedical Database, encompassing all qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria from the inception of the databases to June 21st 2024. The quality of the retrieved literature was evaluated using the Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research at the Joanna Briggs Institute, Australia. The results were integrated using the pooled integration method, and the quality of the integrated findings was rated using the ConQual method.Results:A total of 10 papers were included, and 23 findings were distilled and grouped into 9 new categories, resulting in 4 integrative findings: multiple dilemmas and challenges to postpartum lifestyle change, postpartum lifestyle change with the change of mother′s role, facilitators of postpartum lifestyle change, and impediments to postpartum lifestyle change.Conclusions:Postnatal lifestyle change in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for improving prognosis. In the future, healthcare professionals should improve the social support system, promote postnatal role change to adapt to the new life, improve women′s awareness of risk and disease, maintain the continuity of postnatal follow-up, and incorporate a variety of behavioural change strategies to stimulate the motivation for lifestyle change, so as to promote the effective change of postnatal lifestyles.

Objective:To systematically assess qualitative studies exploring the experiences of postpartum lifestyle changes among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comprehensively integrate these experiences, and provide a foundational reference for the subsequent development of targeted healthy lifestyle interventions.Methods:A comprehensive computerized search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Pro quest, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP, and China Biomedical Database, encompassing all qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria from the inception of the databases to June 21st 2024. The quality of the retrieved literature was evaluated using the Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research at the Joanna Briggs Institute, Australia. The results were integrated using the pooled integration method, and the quality of the integrated findings was rated using the ConQual method.Results:A total of 10 papers were included, and 23 findings were distilled and grouped into 9 new categories, resulting in 4 integrative findings: multiple dilemmas and challenges to postpartum lifestyle change, postpartum lifestyle change with the change of mother′s role, facilitators of postpartum lifestyle change, and impediments to postpartum lifestyle change.Conclusions:Postnatal lifestyle change in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for improving prognosis. In the future, healthcare professionals should improve the social support system, promote postnatal role change to adapt to the new life, improve women′s awareness of risk and disease, maintain the continuity of postnatal follow-up, and incorporate a variety of behavioural change strategies to stimulate the motivation for lifestyle change, so as to promote the effective change of postnatal lifestyles.

Objective To explore the predictive value of electroencephalograph(EEG)quantitative parameters combined with serum microRNAs(miR)-146a-5p in cognitive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A total of 96 AD patients diagnosed in Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital from March 2022 to May 2024 were selected to assess whether the patients had cognitive impairment according to the Montreal cognitive scale(MoCA)score,and 40 patients with cognitive impairment were set as occurrence group(MoCA score＜26points).A total of 56 patients with normal cognitive function were set as non-developing group(MoCA score ≥ 26points).Quantitative electroencephalography(EEG)parameters and serum miR-146a-5p were compared between the two groups.The risk factors of cognitive dysfunction in AD patients were analyzed by Logistic regression,and receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict efficacy of EEG quantitative parameters and serum miR-146a-5p on cognitive dysfunction in AD patients.Results The δ frequency band,θ frequency band,and serum miR-146a-5p levels were lower in occurrence group than those in non occurrence group,while β frequency band and α frequency band were higher in occurrence group than in those non occurrence group(P＜0.05).δ frequency band,θ frequency band,miR-146a-5p,age,and years of education were risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in AD patients(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of predicting cognitive impairment in AD patients using the combination of δ frequency band,θ frequency band,βfrequency band,α frequency band,and miR-146a-5p was 0.908.The sensitivity of predicting cognitive impairment in AD patients using the combination of delta frequency band,δ frequency band,β frequency band,α frequency band,and miR-146a-5p was higher than that of individual detection(P＜0.05).Conclusion The decrease in δ frequency band,θ frequency band,serum miR-146a-5p,and the increase in β frequency band and α frequency are closely related to the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction in AD patients.Combined detection of EEG of electroencephalogram and serum miR-146a-5p can improve the predictive efficiency of cognitive dysfunction.

Objective　To study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the monkeypox epidemic in Longgang District, Shenzhen, and conduct a comprehensive analysis and discussion to provide a reference for monkeypox epidemic prevention and control. Methods An epidemiological investigation was conducted on 16 monkeypox cases found in the medical institutions of Longgang District on June 2023. The distribution of cases, high-risk exposure characteristics (contact objects, methods, locations, etc.), incidence characteristics, and medical treatment situation were analyzed. Relevant discussions on epidemic prevention and control were further conducted in light of the actual situation and the problems encountered. Results The cases were all unmarried young men and men who have sex with men (MSM) population. The disease was transmitted from person to person through same-sex contact, with non-fixed sexual partners as the source of infection and exposure locations being relatively concealed, and the average incubation period was 8.42 days. Most cases were discovered through active seeking medical attention, accounting for 68.78% (11/16). Fever was the primary initial symptom accounting for 56.25% (9/16), with the main symptoms being a rash and fever, at 100% and 68.75% (11/16), respectively. Time from fever to rash onset was mainly 0-3 days, accounting for 90.91% (10/11). The eruption site involveed multiple different parts of the body, and there was no special order of eruption. The time interval from onset to seeking medical attention and from onset to discovery was similar, with 5.91 days and 5.94 days respectively. The majority of cases were HIV infected, accounting for 68.75% (11/16)。Conclusions The monkeypox epidemic is prevalent in MSM populations and is transmitted through male to male contact through human transmission. However, due to unstable sexual partners and concealed exposure locations, tracing the source is difficult, with an average incubation period of 8.42 days. The symptoms are mainly fever and rash, with a long time from onset to medical treatment. The initial manifestations are mild, leading to missed diagnoses on the first visit, resulting in difficulty in timely discovery and prevention of further cases. At the same time, investigating and handling the epidemic are challenging, making the prevention and control of the outbreak a difficult task.

Objective:To construct prediction models of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) using machine learning (ML) methods.Methods:From January 2015 to October 2021, neonates with suspected NEC symptoms receiving abdominal ultrasound examinations in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The neonates were assigned into NEC group (modified Bell's staging≥Ⅱ) and non-NEC group for diagnostic prediction analysis (dataset 1). The NEC group was subgrouped into surgical NEC group (staging≥Ⅲ) and conservative NEC group for severity analysis (dataset 2). Feature selection algorithms including extremely randomized trees, elastic net and recursive feature elimination were used to screen all variables. The diagnostic and severity prediction models for NEC were established using logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, light gradient boosting machine and other ML methods. The performances of different models were evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value.Results:A total of 536 neonates were enrolled, including 234 in the NEC group and 302 in the non-NEC group (dataset 1).70 were in the surgical NEC group and 164 in the conservative NEC group (dataset 2). The variables selected by extremely randomized trees showed the best predictive performance in two datasets. For diagnostic prediction models, the SVM model had the best predictive performance, with AUC of 0.932 (95% CI 0.891-0.973) and accuracy of 0.844 (95% CI 0.793-0.895). A total of 11 predictive variables were determined, including portal venous gas, intestinal dilation, neutrophil percentage and absolute monocyte count at the onset of illness. For NEC severity prediction models, the SVM model showed the best predictive performance, with AUC of 0.835 (95% CI 0.737-0.933) and accuracy of 0.787 (95% CI 0.703-0.871). A total of 25 predictive variables were identified, including age of onset, C-reactive protein and absolute neutrophil count at clincial onset. Conclusions:NEC prediction model established using feature selection algorithm and SVM classification model in ML is helpful for the diagnosis of NEC and grading of disease severity.

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) involves two major public health issues: mother-infant safety and prevention and controlling major chronic disease. HDP poses a serious threat to maternal and neonatal safety, and it is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as an important risk factor for long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD). In order to explore effective strategies to prevent and control the source of CVD and reduce its risk, we have established a cohort of HDPs in Shenzhen for the primordial prevention of CVD. The construction of the HDP cohort has already achieved preliminary progress till now. A total of 2 239 HDP women have been recruited in the HDP cohort. We have established a cohort data management platform and Biobank. The follow-up and assessment of postpartum cardiovascular metabolic risk in this cohort has also been launched. Our efforts will help explore the pathophysiological mechanism of HDP, especially the pathogenesis and precision phenotyping, prediction, and prevention of pre-eclampsia, which, therefore, may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and provide a bridge to linking HDP and maternal-neonatal cardiovascular, metabolic risk to promote the cardiovascular health of mothers and their infants.