BackgroundDementia seriously affects the quality of life and lifespan of elderly people， with Alzheimer's disease （AD） being the most common type of dementia. Previous studies have suggested that gout may reduce the risk of developing AD， but the causal relationship between the two still requires further research. ObjectiveTo investigate the potential causal relationship between gout and AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization （MR） analysis， so as to provide references for the prevention and treatment of AD. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies （GWAS） extracted in 2024 were analyzed， using pooled data on gout （6 810 cases in the case group and 477 788 cases in the control group） published by UK Biobank in 2021 as the exposure variable， and data on AD （3 899 cases in the case group and 214 893 cases in the control group） published by FinnGen in the same year as the outcome variable. The inverse-variance weighted， MR-Egger regression， weighted median estimation， simple model and weighted model were used to analyze the potential causal relationship between gout and AD. Pleiotropic effects were assessed using MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity assessment was conducted using Cochran's Q test. The leave-one-out analysis was carried out for sensitivity analysis. And a funnel plot was drawn to detect potential publication bias. ResultsThe inverse-variance weighted analysis demonstrated a negative causal relationship between gout and AD （OR=0.004， 95% CI： 0~0.700， P<0.05）. The plot resembled a symmetrical inversed funnel， indicating the absence of publication bias. No heterogeneity was detected by Cochran's Q test. The MR-Egger regression indicated no significant horizontal pleiotropy. Concerning the reverse directions， no significant associations between AD and gout were noted. ConclusionThere is a negative causal relationship between gout and AD， with gout potentially reducing the risk of developing AD. ［Funded by The Third Batch of Social Welfare and Basic Research Projects （Medical and Health） of Zhongshan City in 2022 （number， 2022B3017）］

This study explores the therapeutic differences and mechanisms of salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in improving insulin resistance(IR) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiments. The components and intersection targets of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in improving IR were collected from databases, and a "drug-component-target-disease" network and protein-protein interaction(PPI) network were constructed to screen core components and targets. A total of 29 active components and 240 intersection targets were identified, of which 13 were core targets. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used to identify key signaling pathways, and molecular docking was performed to validate the binding activity between core components and targets. An IR model in HepG2 cells was induced using insulin combined with high glucose, and the effects of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex before and after salt-processing on cell glucose consumption were evaluated. The expression of proteins related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT) signaling pathways was detected by Western blot. The cellular experimental results showed that, compared with the model group, glucose consumption in the drug-treated groups was significantly increased(P<0.01), the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK) was decreased(P<0.05), the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT were increased, and the expression of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) was also upregulated(P<0.05). Furthermore, the effect of salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex was better than that of raw Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. The study demonstrates that Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, both before and after salt-processing, improves IR by regulating the expression of related proteins in the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, with enhanced effects after salt-processing.
Humans ; Network Pharmacology ; Phellodendron/chemistry* ; Insulin Resistance ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Glucose/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of depressive symptoms and to construct and verify the prediction model of depressive symptoms in middle school students, so as to provide risk assessment tools for effectively screening depressive symptom. Methods: Physical examination and questionnaire survey were conducted among middle school students in one city in Guangdong Province from September to October in 2021 ( n =2 376) and from September to October in 2022 ( n =4 344) by a multistage cluster sampling method, and a nomographic prediction model of depressive symptoms in middle school student was constructed. The questionnaire survey was conducted using the student health status and influencing factors questionnaire (secondary school version) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to measure the lifestyle and depressive symptom of middle school students. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms in 2021 was 23.3%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that irregular breakfast ( OR =2.64), school bullying ( OR =4.28), being beaten by parents ( OR =2.86), using mobile devices for a long time ( OR =1.08) and sitting for a long time ( OR =1.05) were positively related to depressive symptoms in middle school students ( P <0.05). Long sleep duration ( OR =0.78) and outdoor activity durations of 1-<2, 2-<3 and ≥3 h/d (compared with <1 h/d, OR =0.63, 0.61, 0.49) were negatively related to depressive symptoms in middle school students ( P < 0.05 ). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that 7 statistically signifucant predictive factors constructed a nomogram, and the AUC of the nomogram was 0.77, which had been verified internally and externally with good differentiation and reliability. Conclusions The nomogram prediction model of depressive symptoms provides a convenient and effective risk assessment tool for depressive symptoms among middle school students. The life behavior, diet behavior and injury behavior of middle school students play an important role in the formation of depressive symptoms. It should pay attention to the impact of the behavioral factors on the mental health of middle school students.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, which severely impair the quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. PD’s pathogenesis is complex, involving oxidative stress, immune inflammation, and genetic factors. Despite extensive research, precise therapeutic targets for PD remain elusive, necessitating further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of regional brain iron overload, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in PD’s pathogenesis. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron dependency and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical factor in PD pathology. This review examines the relationship between ferroptosis and PD and explores the potential of exercise as a therapeutic intervention to modulate ferroptosis and alleviate PD symptoms. Ferroptosis, distinct from other forms of cell death such as necrosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and apoptosis, is characterized by mitochondrial shrinkage, reduced cristae, and membrane collapse, without nuclear fragmentation, DNA cleavage, or caspase activation. It is induced by the accumulation of intracellular Fe²⁺, which enhances lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, ultimately leading to cell death. Studies show disrupted iron metabolism in PD patients, with elevated iron levels in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra correlating with disease severity. Iron chelation therapy has shown promise in alleviating PD symptoms by reducing brain iron levels, highlighting the significance of iron metabolism in PD pathogenesis. Lipid peroxidation, a hallmark of ferroptosis, involves the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in cell membranes, compromising membrane integrity and increasing permeability. Elevated lipid peroxidation in the substantia nigra contributes to neuronal damage in PD. Enzymes such as ACSL4 and LPCAT3, crucial in PUFA metabolism, play significant roles in ferroptosis. Exercise has been shown to modulate these enzymes, potentially reducing lipid peroxidation and preventing ferroptosis in PD. Glutathione (GSH) metabolism is another crucial factor in ferroptosis regulation. GSH depletion impairs ROS detoxification, exacerbating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. PD patients exhibit reduced GSH levels in the substantia nigra, making dopaminergic neurons more vulnerable to oxidative damage. Exercise enhances GSH synthesis and activity, mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis in PD. α-Synuclein aggregation, a hallmark of PD, is closely linked to iron metabolism and oxidative stress. Excessive α‑synuclein binds to iron, promoting its aggregation and inducing ferroptosis. Exercise has been found to reduceα-synuclein accumulation and its pathological phosphorylation, potentially through the upregulation of neuroprotective proteins like DJ-1 and Irisin. These proteins enhance antioxidant defenses and facilitate α‑synuclein degradation, providing a protective effect against PD progression. Additionally, glutamate excitotoxicity, driven by dysregulated glutamate metabolism and receptor activity, contributes to ferroptosis in PD. Exercise modulates glutamate levels and receptor expression, reducing excitotoxicity and iron-induced neuronal damage. In conclusion, emerging research suggests that exercise may inhibit ferroptosis through multiple mechanisms, including regulation of iron metabolism, enhancement of antioxidant defenses, reduction of α-synuclein aggregation, and modulation of glutamate metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention in the prevention and treatment of PD. Further research is needed to elucidate precise mechanisms and optimize exercise protocols for maximum therapeutic benefit.

Objective To prepare FLIVIGSII peptide(FI peptide)and investigate its physicochemical properties and hemostatic effect in vivo and in vitro.Methods The self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels were prepared by the FI peptide mixed with water.After gross observation for the hydrogel state of the FI peptide,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)were used for its microstructure,and dynamic light scattering(DLS)was performed for its size.The hemostatic effect of FI peptide after being mixed with blood samples treated with 3.8％sodium citrate was observed,and the microstructure of the blood clot was observed with SEM.CCK-8 assay and hemolysis assay were performed to verify its biocompatibility.After a rat model of hepatic parenchymal perforation and hemorrhage was established,15 female SD rats(6～8 weeks old,weighing 150 g)were randomly divided into control group,FI peptide group and fibrin sealant group.The hemostatic effect of FI peptide and prognosis was observed and analyzed after treatment in each group,and the hemostatic mechanism was also investigated.Results FI peptides were successfully prepared,and it could rapidly self-assemble into a nanofiber network hydrogel in water,and further cause formation of blood clots.SEM showed that FI peptides self-assembled to form fibrous hydrogels after mixing with water.TEM results verified that the FI peptide formed into nanofibers in a diameter of 13.70±2.31 nm after gelatinization in water,and DLS results verified that the FI peptide formed polydisperse and multi-size nanofibers in water(in a range of 148.2～208.0 nm or 575.0～807.0 nm).The fibrous hydrogel formed by the FI peptide mixed with the blood could envelop the red blood cells,thus form a physical hemostatic barrier to achieve blood clotting in seconds.FI peptide hydrogel had no cytotoxicity to normal hepatocytes(L-O2 cells)and did not cause hemolysis of red blood cells.In in vivo experiment,FI peptide quickly formed nanofiber hydrogel when in contact with blood,thus formed physical hemostasis barrier to achieve hemostasis within a few seconds(hemostasis time＜5 s).Conclusion The FI peptide exhibits a rapid and efficient hemostatic effect,indicating a promising clinical application in the hemostasia of hepatic parenchymal traumatic hemorrhage.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of cyclopofol injection and propofol injection combined with afentanil injection in patients undergoing tracheoscopy under laryngeal mask ventilation under general anesthesia.Methods The patients to undergo tracheoscopy were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.Induction of anesthesia:treatment group received 20 μg·kg-1 afentanil,0.4 mg·kg-1 ciprofol and 0.2 mg·kg-1 cisatracurium;control group received 20 μg·kg-1afentanil,2 mg·kg-1 propofol and 0.2 mg·kg-1 cisatracurium.Two groups were given laryngeal mask ventilation for general anesthesia.The treatment group received 0.8 mg·kg-1·h-1 cypofol and 0.5-1.0 μg·kg-1·min-1 afentanil to perform the anesthesia maintenance;the control group was received 8 mg·kg-1·h-1propofol and 0.5-1.0 μg·kg-1·min-1 afentanil to perform the anesthesia maintenance.The vital signs,induction and recovery time,dosage of afentanil during anesthesia and safety were compared between the two groups.Results Treatment group were enrolled 70 cases,10 cases dropped out,and 60 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.Control group were enrolled 70 cases,10 cases dropped out,and ultimately 60 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.Three minutes after induction of anesthesia(T1),the mean arterial pressure(MAP)of treatment group and control group were(79.32±5.73)and(73.15±6.20)mmHg,the heart rate(HR)were(70.53±8.20)and(65.77±7.75)beat·min-1,respectively.At insert the bronchoscope(T2),MAP of treatment group and control group were(82.52±5.81)and(75.99±6.09)mmHg,HR were(70.27±7.94)and(65.42±7.73)beat·min-1,respectively.The MAP and HR of treatment group at T1 and T2 were significantly higher than those of control group at the same time,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The induction time of treatment group and control group was(76.23±6.51)and(66.93±6.26)s,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The eye opening time during anesthesia recovery of treatment group and control group was(8.42±1.94)and(8.48±2.13)min,the intraoperative dosage of fentanyl was(3 456.67±608.51)and(3 515.00±619.41)μg,respectively,the differences of above indexes in two groups were not statistical significance(all P＞0.05).The incidences of injection pain during induction period in treatment group and control group were 3.33％and 30.00％,the incidences of hypotension in treatment group and control group were 18.33％and 40.00％,the incidences of intraoperative bradycardia in treatment group and control group were 3.33％and 13.33％,respectively,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared with propofol injection combined with afentanil injection,cipofol injection combined with afentanil injection can better maintain hemodynamic stability during anesthesia induction and maintenance in patients undergoing tracheoscopy under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask ventilation,and has better safety.

Objective To construct and apply a management plan for microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions in ICU intubated patients.Methods Based on evidence summaries and expert consultation,a management plan for microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions in ICU intubated patients was constructed,consisting of 19 items covering 7 aspects including identification of risk factors,position management,tube and cuff selection,cuff management,mechanical ventilation management,pain and sedation management,removal of oropharyngeal and subglottic secretions,and oral care.Convenience sampling was used to select 141 ICU intubated patients from a tertiary A comprehensive hospital in Suzhou from June,2022 to September,2023.Patients were divided into an experimental group(n=72)and a control group(n=69)according to the wards.The experimental group received the management plan for microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions in ICU intubated patients.The control group received the nursing bundle for ventilator associated pneumonia(VAP).The incidence and time from intubation to microaspiration and VAP,duration of mechanical ventilation,ICU length of stay,and disease outcome were compared between the 2 groups.Results The incidence of microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions,the duration of mechanical ventilation,time from intubation to microaspiration showed significant differences between the 2 groups(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia,ICU length of stay,and disease outcome between the 2 groups(P>0.05).The time from intubation to VAP in the experimental group was 7.5 days,and that in the control group was 3.8 days.Conclusion The application of the management plan for microaspiration of orophaiyngeal secretions in ICU intubated patients is beneficial for reducing the incidence of microaspiration,delaying the time from intubation to microaspiration and VAP,and shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Background: and Purpose Myasthenia gravis (MG) is clinically heterogeneous and can be classified into subgroups according to the clinical presentation, antibody status, age at onset, and thymic abnormalities. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of generalized MG (GMG) patients based on these subgroups. Methods: Medical records of MG patients from 1976 to 2023 were reviewed retrospectively.Patients with pure ocular MG were excluded. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory features, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: This study included 120 GMG patients. There was a slight preponderance of female patients over male patients (male:female ratio=1:1.3), with the age at onset exhibiting a bimodal distribution. Female patients peaked at a lower age (21–30 years) whereas male patients peaked at a higher age (61–70 years). Most (92%, 105 of 114) patients had positive anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Five patients were also tested for anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, with two showing positivity. Thymectomy was performed in 62 (52%) patients, of which 30 had thymoma, 16 had thymic hyperplasia, 7 had an involuted thymus, and 6 had a normal thymus. There were significantly more female patients (68% vs. 45%, p=0.011) with early-onset disease (<50 years old) and thymic hyperplasia (33% vs. 0%, p<0.025). Most (71%) of the patients had a good outcome based on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America postintervention status. GMG patients with early-onset disease had a significantly better outcome than patients with a late onset in univariate (58% vs. 37%, p=0.041) and multivariate (odds ratio=4.68, 95% confidence interval=1.17–18.64, p=0.029) analyses. Conclusions Female patients with early-onset MG and thymic hyperplasia had significantly better outcomes, but only early-onset disease was independently associated with a good outcome. These findings are comparable with those of other studies.