ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes （T2DM）. MethodsA 12-week randomized， placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group （40 cases） was administered with Astragali Radix Granules， while the control group （40 cases） received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose （FPG）， 2-hour postprandial blood glucose （2 h PG），glycated albumin（GA）， and glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide （FCP）， 2-hour postprandial C-peptide （2 h CP）， and C-peptide area under the curve （AUC_cp）. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， clinical efficacy， and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators， compared with the baseline， both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG， 2 h PG， GA and HbA1C （P<0.01），while FCP， 2 h CP and AUC_cp were significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after the treatment， the observation group showed significantly lower FPG， 2 h PG， GA and HbA1C（P<0.05， P<0.01），and significantly higher FCP， 2 h CP and AUC_cp （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota， no significant differences were detected in the Chao1， Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However， compared with the post-treatment control group， the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1， Shannon and Simpson indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups， indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level， compared with the baseline， both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota（P<0.01）. The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment （P<0.01）. Compared with the post-treatment control group， the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota（P<0.01）. No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota （F/B） ratio between the two groups after treatment， and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level， compared with the baseline， the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides （P<0.01） and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella （P<0.01）， whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides （P<0.01）. No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis （LDA） identified potential characteristics taxa： in the observation group， Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level， in the control group， Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes， F/B ratio and Fusobacterium， and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota， Proteobacteria， Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy， compared with the control group， the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher （P<0.05）. Compared with the baseline， the scores for shortness of breath， fatigue， weakness， spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group （P<0.01），indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety， compared with the baseline， alanine aminotransferase （ALT） levels significantly decreased in both groups （P<0.05，P<0.01），indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control， possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of prefrontal cortical neurons， methyltransferase-like 3 （METTL3）， fat mass and obesity-associated gene （FTO）， and AlkB homolog 5 （ALKBH5） proteins in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder （PTSD）. MethodsA PTSD mouse model was established using a single prolonged stress and foot shock stimulation （SPSS） method. The despair， anxiety， and learning and memory functions of PTSD mice were assessed through the open field test， Y-maze test， and forced swimming test. Neuronal damage was detected via HE and Nissl staining. The expression levels of METTL3， FTO， ALKBH5， and neuronal nuclear protein （NEUN） were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared to control group， PTSD mice subjected to SPSS exhibited signs of despair， anxiety， and impaired learning and memory. HE and Nissl staining results showed neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of the m6A-related proteins METTL3 and FTO decreased， while the expression of ALKBH5 increased in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally， NEUN protein levels showed a declining trend. ConclusionThe pathogenesis of PTSD may be associated with neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex and alterations in m6A methylation proteins.

Obesity, as a chronic recurrent disease, has become a major public health challenge in China. To implement the requirements of the Healthy China Initiative (2019—2030), under domestic guidelines or consensus statements on overweight and obesity, and in alignment with the latest scientific advances globally, the Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition) was developed. This protocol was drafted by the Health Management Center of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and formulated through multiple rounds of deliberation by experts in China’s health examination quality control field. The protocol establishes unified standards for screening facilities, personnel qualifications, and measurement or testing procedures. It defines specific screening items, outlines a standardized screening pathway, and sets requirements for the final medical review, ensuring the scientific validity, effectiveness, and safety of the screening process. The implementation of this protocol will enhance the consistency of weight management practices for adults across health examination institutions and strengthen the quality control of overweight and obesity screening programs.

Objective:To describe the temporal trend of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 1990 to 2021 and predict the incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 to provide references for the formulation of relevant health policies and measures.Methods:Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database regarding idiopathic epilepsy in China, changes in disease burden from 1990 to 2021 were acquired. Disease burden was quantified using age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) and their 95% uncertain interval (UI). Temporal trend analysis was performed using a linear regression model to estimate the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of idiopathic epilepsy and their 95% CI. Additionally, incidence and number of patients with idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 were predicted using Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Results:The ASIR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 22.35 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 15.04-30.92 per 100,000 population) to 28.19 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 19.03-37.89 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of 0.12% (95% CI: -0.10%-0.34%); ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 189.27 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 132.48-252.95 per 100,000 population) to 214.71 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 150.10-278.56 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -0.32% (95% CI: -0.57%-0.06%); ASMR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 1.86 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 1.59-2.24 per 100,000 population) to 0.80 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 0.67-1.00 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.96% (95% CI: -3.09%-2.82%); ASDR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 178.60 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 143.44-220.63 per 100,000 population) to 101.39 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 72.51-139.40 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.38% (95% CI: -2.54%-2.22%). The prediction model showed that by 2035, the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in China will be 28.27 per 100,000 (95% CI: 23.19-38.66), with an estimated 394,928 incident cases (95% CI: 324,037-540,128). Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR and ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy in China show an upward trend, while the ASMR and ASDR hace a decline trend. Incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China is expected to remain stable over the next decade.

Acute large vessel occlusion stroke(ALVOS)of anterior circulation is associated with severe clinical manifestations and high rates of disability and mortality.Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as the primary therapeutic intervention.However,post-procedural outcomes remain highly variable,and patients continue to face elevated risks of poor prognosis.Machine learning,a transformative tool in medical research,enables comprehensive analysis of multimodal data to identify specific biomarkers and improve the accuracy of predictions for clinical outcomes and adverse events.This review summarized the latest developments in machine learning applications aim at predicting post-thrombectomy prognosis and risk of adverse event,including futile recanalization,hemorrhagic transformation,and malignant cerebral edema in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS in order to provide a basis for developing personalized treatment plan and improve their clinical prognosis.

Acute large vessel occlusion stroke(ALVOS)of anterior circulation is associated with severe clinical manifestations and high rates of disability and mortality.Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as the primary therapeutic intervention.However,post-procedural outcomes remain highly variable,and patients continue to face elevated risks of poor prognosis.Machine learning,a transformative tool in medical research,enables comprehensive analysis of multimodal data to identify specific biomarkers and improve the accuracy of predictions for clinical outcomes and adverse events.This review summarized the latest developments in machine learning applications aim at predicting post-thrombectomy prognosis and risk of adverse event,including futile recanalization,hemorrhagic transformation,and malignant cerebral edema in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS in order to provide a basis for developing personalized treatment plan and improve their clinical prognosis.

Objective:To describe the temporal trend of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 1990 to 2021 and predict the incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 to provide references for the formulation of relevant health policies and measures.Methods:Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database regarding idiopathic epilepsy in China, changes in disease burden from 1990 to 2021 were acquired. Disease burden was quantified using age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) and their 95% uncertain interval (UI). Temporal trend analysis was performed using a linear regression model to estimate the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of idiopathic epilepsy and their 95% CI. Additionally, incidence and number of patients with idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 were predicted using Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Results:The ASIR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 22.35 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 15.04-30.92 per 100,000 population) to 28.19 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 19.03-37.89 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of 0.12% (95% CI: -0.10%-0.34%); ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 189.27 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 132.48-252.95 per 100,000 population) to 214.71 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 150.10-278.56 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -0.32% (95% CI: -0.57%-0.06%); ASMR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 1.86 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 1.59-2.24 per 100,000 population) to 0.80 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 0.67-1.00 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.96% (95% CI: -3.09%-2.82%); ASDR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 178.60 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 143.44-220.63 per 100,000 population) to 101.39 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 72.51-139.40 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.38% (95% CI: -2.54%-2.22%). The prediction model showed that by 2035, the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in China will be 28.27 per 100,000 (95% CI: 23.19-38.66), with an estimated 394,928 incident cases (95% CI: 324,037-540,128). Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR and ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy in China show an upward trend, while the ASMR and ASDR hace a decline trend. Incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China is expected to remain stable over the next decade.

Objective:To explore the latent classes of health behavior and explore the predictive factors among stroke patients.Methods:A total of 1 250 participants were recruited using cluster random sampling in September 2022. The general information, the modified Rankin scale(mRS), stroke prevention knowledge questionnaire(SPKQ), health behavior scale for stroke patients (HBS-SP), and short form-health belief model scale (SF-HBMS) were administered in the cross-sectional survey. Mplus 8.3 software was used to conduct a latent class analysis (LCA) on the health behavior of stroke patients, and SPSS 27.0 software was used to carry out multinomial Logistic regression to analyze the predictive factors of different latent classes of health behavior of stroke patients.Results:The health behavior of stroke patients obtained three latent classes: low health behaviors-lack of health responsibility group (66.9%, n=794), moderate health behaviors-poor compliance group (11.9%, n=141), and good health behaviors-insufficient exercise group (21.2%, n=251). Compared with good health behaviors-insufficient exercise group, stroke patients with shorter duration education time ( B=-0.589, OR=0.555, P=0.036), hemorrhagic stroke ( B=0.082, OR=1.086, P<0.001), fewer comorbidities ( B=-0.022, OR=0.978, P=0.026), higher mRS score ( B=-0.046, OR=1.047, P=0.004), lower SPKQ score ( B=-0.055, OR=0.947, P=0.016), and lower SF-HBMS score ( B=-0.085, OR=0.919, P<0.001) were more likely to be included in moderate health behaviors-poor compliance group. However, stroke patients with shorter duration education time ( B=-0.026, OR=0.974, P=0.003), rural areas dwelling ( B=0.800, OR=2.225, P=0.004), fewer comorbidities ( B=-0.056, OR=0.945, P<0.001), lower SPKQ score ( B=-0.101, OR=0.904, P<0.001), and lower SF-HBMS score ( B=-0.071, OR=0.931, P<0.001) were more likely to be included in low health behaviors-lack of health responsibility group. Conclusion:The health behavior of stroke patients has three latent classes. A targeted intervention should be carried out according to the characteristics of different classes to improve their health behavior levels.

Objective:To explore the anxiety level, influencing factors among surrogate decision-makers of patients with acute ischemic stroke during thrombolysis decision-making, and their correlation with decision-making duration.Methods:Acute ischemic stroke patients and their surrogate decision-makers who visited the Emergency Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects.Sociodemographic data and disease related data of patients and surrogate decision-makers were collected.Surrogate decision-makers were evaluated with the state-trait anxiety inventory, decision participation expectation scale, Wake Forest physician trust scale, and perceived social support scale.SPSS 26.0 software was used for data processing.Pearson correlation analysis, Spearman correlation analysis and ridge regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results:The score of state anxiety of decision-makers was (49.47±9.04), and 18.2% (70/383) of decision-makers had a decision duration exceeding 15 minutes.The score of state anxiety of decision-makers was positively correlated with decision duration ( r=0.189, P<0.001). The influencing factors of state anxiety level of decision-makers included sociodemographic factors (age of decision-makers and patients, relationship between payers and patients, whether decision-makers bear the current medical expenses, type of medical insurance for patients), psychological factors (trust level in physicians, perceived social support), factors related to patient disease (numbers of stroke relapses, National Institutes of Health stroke scale scores for patients), characteristics of the decision-making process (whether patients participate in the decision-making process, and the role of decision-makers in the decision-making process) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Most surrogate decision-makers experience anxiety.Medical staff should pay attention to the emotions of decision-makers and adopt appropriate communication skills when communicating with informed consent for thrombolysis, alleviate the anxiety of surrogate decision-makers, so as so reduce the decision-making duration.

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of the Yiqi Jiedu formula （YQ） in treating ischemic stroke （IS） from the perspective of the microbial-gut-brain axis （MGBA）. MethodRats were randomly divided into five groups， with six in each group， including sham surgery group， model group， and low， medium， and high dose YQ groups （1， 5， and 25 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the sham surgery group， all other groups were established with a middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） model using the thread occlusion method. The success of modeling was determined through neurobehavioral scoring， and the protective effect of YQ on IS was evaluated. Then， the changes in gut microbiota before and after MCAO modeling and YQ administration were compared using 16S rDNA sequencing technology， and the possible biological pathways related to the effect of this formula were analyzed. The expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-17A （IL-17A）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was used to detect the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain and intestinal tissue， and hematoxylin-eosin staining （HE） was used to observe pathological changes in the cerebral cortex and colon， so as to validate the possible mechanism of action. ResultYQ significantly improved the neurobehavioral score of MCAO rats （P<0.01） and played a good regulatory role in intestinal microbial disorders caused by enriched pathogens and opportunistic pathogens during the acute phase. Among them， significantly changed microorganisms include Morgentia， Escherichia Shigella， Adlercreutzia， and Androbacter. Bioinformatics analysis found that these bacteria may be related to the regulation of inflammation in the brain. Compared with the blank group， the detection of inflammatory factors in the serum of IS model rats showed an increase in inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17A （P<0.01） and a decrease in the content of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the content of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17A in the serum of the treatment group decreased （P<0.05）， and that of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased （P<0.01）. The expression results of barrier proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain and intestinal tissue showed that the expression levels of both decreased in IS model rats （P<0.05）， while the expression levels of both increased in the treatment group （P<0.05）. ConclusionAcute cerebral ischemia can lead to an imbalance of intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier， and it can increase intestinal permeability. YQ can regulate intestinal microbiota imbalance caused by ischemia， inhibit systemic inflammatory response， and improve the disruption of the gut-blood brain barrier， preventing secondary cascade damage to brain tissue caused by inflammation. The MGBA may be an important mechanism against the IS.