ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in patients with sepsis, and to construct a nomogram prediction model. Methods A total of 360 patients with sepsis admitted from January 2020 to December 2025 were enrolled as study subjects. The risk factors for ICU-AW were identified by logistic regression analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed, and the model was validated. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, APACHE II score, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of immobilization, duration of sedation, and NLR were risk factors for the occurrence of ICU-AW (P<0.05), while ALB was a protective factor (P<0.05). A nomogram model was constructed based on these seven variables. After validation via Bootstrap resampling, ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.949 (0.929–0.969) and a corrected AUC of 0.942 (0.940–0.948), indicating good discrimination degree of the model. Hosmer-Lemeshow test for calibration curve revealed a chi-square value of 10.188 (P=0.252), suggesting that the predicted value of fitting was generally consistent with the actual value. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that when the threshold was in the range of 0.05–0.9, the model had a good net benefit. Conclusion The nomogram prediction model for sepsis ICU-AW based on seven indicators including age, APACHE II score, NLR, ALB, and the durations of mechanical ventilation, immobilization, and sedation exhibits good predictive efficiency and stability. This nomogram prediction model is helpful for the clinical rapid screening of ICU-AW high-risk groups in patients with sepsis, and meets clinical needs for early warning and precise prevention and control.

ObjectiveTo verify the protective effect and pharmacological mechanism of Qishen granules against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity， thus providing a basis for developing new drug options for clinical treatment of cardio-oncology disease. MethodsFifty mice were randomly assigned into a normal group （n=10） and a modeling group （n=40）. The model was established by intravenous injection of doxorubicin （5 mg·kg^-1） via the tail vein， once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The normal group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline during the same period. The modeled mice were further assigned into four groups： doxorubicin （no drug control）， low-dose （3.33 mg·kg^-1） Qishen granules， high-dose （6.67 mg·kg^-1） Qishen granules， and enalapril （15 mg·kg^-1）. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks. At the end of the experiment， echocardiography， histopathological staining， and live-cell imaging were employed to determine relevant indicators， on the basis of which the protective effect of Qishen granules against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was evaluated. ResultsCompared with the normal group， doxorubicin treatment reduced the left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （P<0.05） and caused pathological changes including disarrangement of cardiomyocytes， increased cell spacing， cardiomyocyte hypertrophy， and increased apoptosis in the heart tissue. Meanwhile， doxorubicin prolonged the mitochondria-lysosome contact time， downregulated the expression of TBC1 domain family member 15 （TBC1D15） （P<0.01）， upregulated the levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） and sequestosome 1 （p62） （P<0.01）， and induced mitochondrial cristae breakage， resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. Compared with the doxorubicin group， intervention with Qishen granules reversed the above indicators. It not only increased the LVEF （P<0.01） and alleviated pathological damage to the heart， but also upregulated the expression of TBC1D15 （P<0.01）， shortened the mitochondria-lysosome contact time （P<0.05）， and downregulated the protein levels of LC3 and p62. When TBC1D15 in cells was knocked down， the autophagy-activating and mitochondrion-protecting effects of Qishen granules partially disappeared. ConclusionQishen granules upregulate the expression of TBC1D15 to shorten the mitochondria-lysosome contact time， thereby activating autophagy and ultimately exerting a protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

ObjectiveTo verify the protective effect and pharmacological mechanism of Qishen granules against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity， thus providing a basis for developing new drug options for clinical treatment of cardio-oncology disease. MethodsFifty mice were randomly assigned into a normal group （n=10） and a modeling group （n=40）. The model was established by intravenous injection of doxorubicin （5 mg·kg^-1） via the tail vein， once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The normal group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline during the same period. The modeled mice were further assigned into four groups： doxorubicin （no drug control）， low-dose （3.33 mg·kg^-1） Qishen granules， high-dose （6.67 mg·kg^-1） Qishen granules， and enalapril （15 mg·kg^-1）. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks. At the end of the experiment， echocardiography， histopathological staining， and live-cell imaging were employed to determine relevant indicators， on the basis of which the protective effect of Qishen granules against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was evaluated. ResultsCompared with the normal group， doxorubicin treatment reduced the left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （P<0.05） and caused pathological changes including disarrangement of cardiomyocytes， increased cell spacing， cardiomyocyte hypertrophy， and increased apoptosis in the heart tissue. Meanwhile， doxorubicin prolonged the mitochondria-lysosome contact time， downregulated the expression of TBC1 domain family member 15 （TBC1D15） （P<0.01）， upregulated the levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） and sequestosome 1 （p62） （P<0.01）， and induced mitochondrial cristae breakage， resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. Compared with the doxorubicin group， intervention with Qishen granules reversed the above indicators. It not only increased the LVEF （P<0.01） and alleviated pathological damage to the heart， but also upregulated the expression of TBC1D15 （P<0.01）， shortened the mitochondria-lysosome contact time （P<0.05）， and downregulated the protein levels of LC3 and p62. When TBC1D15 in cells was knocked down， the autophagy-activating and mitochondrion-protecting effects of Qishen granules partially disappeared. ConclusionQishen granules upregulate the expression of TBC1D15 to shorten the mitochondria-lysosome contact time， thereby activating autophagy and ultimately exerting a protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type (SPINK) is a skin keratinizing protease inhibitor, which was initially found in animal serum and is widely present in plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses, and they act as key regulators of skin keratinizing proteases and are involved in the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation, primarily through the inhibition of deregulated tissue kinin-releasing enzymes (KLKs) in skin response. This process plays a crucial role in alleviating various skin problems caused by hyperkeratinization and inflammation, and can greatly improve the overall condition of the skin. Specifically, the different members of the SPINK family, such as SPINK5, SPINK6, SPINK7, and SPINK9, each have unique biological functions and mechanisms of action. The existence of these members demonstrates the diversity and complexity of skin health and disease. First, SPINK5 mutations are closely associated with the development of various skin diseases, such as Netherton’s syndrome and atopic dermatitis, and SPINK5 is able to inhibit the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively preventing the metastasis of melanoma cells, which is important in preventing the invasion and migration of malignant tumors. Secondly, SPINK6 is mainly distributed in the epidermis and contains lysine and glutamate residues, which can act as a substrate for epidermal transglutaminase to maintain the normal structure and function of the skin. In addition, SPINK6 can activate the intracellular ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways through the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and protease receptor-2 (EphA2), which can promote the migration of melanoma cells, and SPINK6 further deepens its role in stimulating the migration of malignant tumor cells by inhibiting the activation of STAT3 signaling pathway. This process further deepens its potential impact in stimulating tumor invasive migration. Furthermore, SPINK7 plays a role in the pathology of some inflammatory skin diseases, and is likely to be an important factor contributing to the exacerbation of skin diseases by promoting aberrant proliferation of keratinocytes and local inflammatory responses. Finally, SPINK9 can induce cell migration and promote skin wound healing by activating purinergic receptor 2 (P2R) to induce phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor and further activating the downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In addition, SPINK9 also plays an antimicrobial role, preventing the interference of some pathogenic microorganisms. Taken as a whole, some members of the SPINK family may be potential targets for the treatment of dermatological disorders by regulating multiple biological processes such as keratinization metabolism and immuno-inflammatory processes in the skin. The development of drugs such as small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies has great potential for the treatment of dermatologic diseases, and future research on SPINK will help to gain a deeper understanding of the physiopathologic processes of the skin. Through its functions and regulatory mechanisms, the formation and maintenance of the skin barrier and the occurrence and development of inflammatory responses can be better understood, which will provide novel ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster(LFS)on neuropathic pain(NP)and its molecular mechanism.Methods Mouse models of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury(CCI)were treated with low,medium,and high doses(2.2,4.4,and 8.8 cm2,respectively)of LFS by topical application for 14 consecutive days.The therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating the mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT),paw withdrawal latency(PWL),plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and histopathology of the sciatic nerve.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and signaling pathways.The key targets were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.The biosafety of LFS was evaluated by measuring the organ indices and damage indicators of the heart,liver,and kidneys.Results Compared with the CCI group,LFS dose-dependently increased MWT and PWL,reduced plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and alleviated sciatic nerve inflammation in the mouse models.Network pharmacology identified 378 bioactive compounds targeting 279 NP-associated genes enriched in TLR and TNF signaling.Molecular docking showed that quercetin and ursolic acid in LFS could stably bind to TLR4 and TNF-α.In the mouse models of sciatic nerve CCI,LFS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Tlr4 and Tnf-α in the spinal cord in a dose-dependent manner and lowered the protein expressions of TLR4 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve.LFS treatment did not cause significant changes in the organ indices or damage indicators of the heart,liver and kidneys as compared with those in the CCI model group and sham-operated group.Conclusion LFS alleviates NP in mice by suppression of TLR4/TNF-α-mediated neuroinflammation with a good safety profile.

Objective:To evaluate the design and application of the superior thyroid artery perforator flap (STAPF) for reconstruction after head and neck oncological resection.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 consecutive patients (22 men, 2 women; age 40-72 years) treated at Hunan Cancer Hospital between June 2018 and December 2023. Their primary tumors included buccal carcinoma ( n=7), tongue carcinoma ( n=8), oropharyngeal carcinoma ( n=2), floor-of-mouth carcinoma ( n=3), laryngeal carcinoma ( n=3), and hypopharyngeal carcinoma ( n=1). Flap design, venous drainage strategy, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results:Flap dimensions were length of 9.4±0.5 cm, width of 3.3±0.6 cm, thickness of 0.5±0.2 cm, and pedicle length of 7.3±0.6 cm. Fifteen flaps were based on a single perforator (diameter ≥0.5 mm), whereas, nine fascial flaps incorporated multiple perforators (capillary diameter ≤0.5 mm). Venous drainage routes were as follows: superior thyroid vein ( n=12, retrograde in 3), facial vein ( n=5, all retrograde), anterior jugular vein ( n=4, retrograde in 1), and external jugular vein ( n=3, retrograde in 2). All 24 flaps survived completely. Donor sites were closed primarily and all cervical wounds healed. No flap-related complications, inculding orocutaneous, pharyngocutaneous, laryngocutaneous fistula and wound infection, were observed. Final pathologic stages were T1N0M0 ( n=2), T2N0M0 ( n=16), T2N1M0 ( n=3), and T3N0M0 ( n=3). With follow-up of 12-46 months, aside from one patient with tongue cancer died of contralateral cervical and parapharyngeal lymph-node metastases at 6 months, others remained disease-free. Patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma had their tracheostomy tubes removed within 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion:STAPF offers flexible design, with minimal donor-site morbidity and low functional impairment. It is particularly advantageous for reconstruction of small-to-moderate defects following head and neck tumor ablation.

Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.

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