19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound 4f displayed excellent anti-β-amyloid protein (Aβ)-mediated cytotoxicity (EC₅₀ = 2.03 ± 2.45 μmol·L^-1) in APPswe cells and acetylcholinesterase inhibiton (IC₅₀ = 4.88 ± 4.70 μmol·L^-1). Further study indicated that, at dosages of (1, 5 and 25 mg·kg^-1), compound 4f was effective in improving spatial learning and memory deficits in Aβ_1-42-impaired mice, which was achieved by promoting the nonamyloidogenic signaling and inhibiting the amyloidogenic pathway, along with the suppression of Aβ-induced Tau phosphorylation. All animal experiments in this study were approved by the Experimental Animal Care and Use Committee of the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology (IMB-20220908D701). In conclusion, compound 4f holds promise as a lead candidate for AD treatment, and the present study lays the foundation for its subsequent development.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Diet ; Diet, Fat-Restricted ; Feeding Behavior ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Diet, Vegetarian

A 12-year-old boy was admitted with symptoms of cough and fever lasting over a month, accompanied by weight loss 2 kg. Prior anti-infective treatments proved ineffective in alleviating the symptoms. Chest imaging revealed diffuse interstitial pulmonary edema in the right lung with obstructed lymphatic drainage. Combined with histopathological examinations, the diagnosis was confirmed as lung cancer with pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis. The patient underwent chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin, yet the disease progressively worsened, resulting in death three months after diagnosis. This case highlights lung cancer should not be overlooked in patients with persistent respiratory symptoms of unknown etiology. Early imaging examinations, along with necessary pathological evaluations, are crucial for timely detection and diagnosis. The presence of pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis often indicates an advanced-stage of cancer, associated with a poor prognosis.
Humans ; Male ; Lung Neoplasms/complications* ; Child ; Carcinoma/drug therapy*

Neuroinflammatory responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly those affecting the central nervous system. Inhibition of neuroinflammation is a crucial therapeutic strategy for the management of central nervous system disorders. The intestinal microbial-gut-brain axis serves as a key regulatory pathway that modulates neuroinflammatory processes. Intestinal flora metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, indoles and their derivatives, lipopolysaccharides, trimethylamine oxide, and secondary bile acids exert direct or indirect effects on neuroinflammation. Studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) modulates the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, while also suppressing neuroinflammation by targeting the TLR4/NF- κ B, NLRP3/caspase-1, and microglial cell M2-type transformation pathways. This review discusses the mechanisms by which EA regulates neuroinflammation via intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, providing information and a foundation for further investigation of the precise therapeutic mechanisms of EA in neurological disorders.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Electroacupuncture ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of liriodendrin on the intestinal flora and the ferroptosis signaling pathway in renal tissue of rats with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP group), and liriodendrin intervention group (CLP+LIR group), with 10 rats in each group. The CLP+LIR group was given 0.2 mL of 100 mg/kg liriodendrin by gavage 2 hours before modeling; Sham group and CLP group were given the same volume of normal saline by gavage. The samples were collected after anesthesia 24 hours after modeling. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of renal function indicators such as creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UREA) in peripheral blood, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue were detected. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in renal tissues. The changes of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS: Compared with the Sham group, the CLP group showed significantly enlarged glomeruli, noticeable renal interstitial edema, disorganized kidney tissue, and significantly increased pathological scores. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cr, and UREA in peripheral blood and the levels of MDA and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue were significantly increased. The protein expressions of Nrf2, GPX4, and HO-1 in renal tissue were significantly down-regulated. The species richness of intestinal flora decreased significantly, and the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Morganella, Citrobacter, Proteus, Klebsiella, Shigella, Aggregatibacter, and Enterococcus increased significantly, while the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Butyricimonas, Veillonella, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus decreased significantly. Compared with the CLP group, CLP+LIR group could significantly reduce the pathological damage of renal tissue, the pathological score significantly decreased (1.80±0.84 vs. 4.20±1.30, P < 0.05), and improve the composition of intestinal flora, reduce the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Proteus, Klebsiella, Shigella, Aggregatibacter, and Enterococcus, and significantly increase the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus, significantly reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cr, and UREA in peripheral blood and the levels of MDA and Fe²⁺ in renal tissue [blood TNF-α (ng/L): 191.31±7.23 vs. 254.90±47.89, blood IL-1β (ng/L): 11.15±4.04 vs. 23.06±1.67, blood IL-6 (ng/L): 163.20±17.83 vs. 267.69±20.92, blood Cr (μmol/L): 24.14±4.25 vs. 41.17±5.43, blood UREA (mmol/L): 4.59±0.90 vs. 8.01±1.07, renal MDA (μmol/g): 9.67±0.46 vs. 16.05±0.88, renal Fe²⁺ (mg/g): 0.71±0.07 vs. 0.93±0.04, all P < 0.05], and increase the protein expressions of Nrf2, GPX4, and HO-1 (Nrf2/GAPDH: 1.21±0.01 vs. 0.39±0.01, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.74±0.04 vs. 0.48±0.04, HO-1/GAPDH: 0.91±0.01 vs. 0.41±0.02, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Liriodendrin has an obvious protective effect on sepsis-induced AKI. The mechanism may involve regulating the intestinal flora, increasing the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway in renal tissue, and reducing ferroptosis.
Animals ; Acute Kidney Injury/microbiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sepsis/complications* ; Male ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the effect and influencing factors of non-invasive correction of infants with congenital auricular deformity.Methods:The data of infants with congenital auricular deformity were retrospectively analyzed, who were treated with domestic external ear orthosis in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Tianjin Hospital from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023. Before treatment, the skin was prepared routinely. First, the orthosis base was installed and pressed to fit the skin around the ear. Then, according to the type of auricle deformity, the ear hook and ear cover were installed, and the adhesive tape was fixed. During the corrective treatment, the orthosis was worn all day, and the treatment was ended if there was no obvious rebound after 1 month of observation. The complications were closely observed during treatment. After the treatment, the treatment effect was evaluated and divided into markedly effective, effective and ineffective. The markedly effective rate (markedly effective ears/total ears × 100%) and effective rate [(markedly effective ears + effective ears)/ total ears × 100%] were calculated. At the same time, the cure time of the markedly effective children was recorded, and they were grouped according to different types of auricle deformities and the initial age of correction (<2, 2-6, >6 weeks groups), and the related indicators were compared. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data were expressed by Mean±SD. The comparison between multiple groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The pairwise comparison between groups was performed by LSD method. The counting data was expressed by frequency (% or ratio). The comparison between multiple groups was performed by χ 2 test, and the pairwise comparison between groups was performed by Fisher test with adjusted α value. Results:A total of 31 cases (55 ears) were included, including 13 males (23 ears) and 18 females (32 ears), aged 4 to 127 d. There were 13 lop ears, 6 constricted ears, 6 cup ears, 4 Stahl’s ears, 5 prominent ears, 18 helical rim deformity ears, 2 conchal crus ears and 1 Ⅱ degree microtia ear. During the treatment, 5 ears had skin lesions, 5 ears had mild allergic reactions, and 2 ears had severe allergic reactions, who improved significantly and continued treatment after removal of the external orthosis and use of erythromycin ointment. After noninvasive correction treatment, the auricle deformity of the children was improved to different extent. The overall markedly effective rate was 70.91% (39/55), and the overall effective rate was 90.91% (50/55). The markedly effective rate of lop ear, constricted ear, cup ear, Stahl’s ear, prominent ear, helical rim deformity ear, conchal ear and Ⅱ degree microtia ear were 13/13, 4/6, 4/6, 4/4, 4/5, 8/18, 2/2, 0/1 respectively. The average cure time of 39 markedly effective ears was (36.08±14.77) d. The cure time of different auricle deformity types was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Pairwise comparison between the groups showed that the cure time of lop ears was shorter than constricted ears, cup ears, Stahl’s ear, prominent ears, and that the cure time of prominent ears was longer than lop ears, constricted ears, cup ears, Stahl’s ears, helical rim deformity ears, conchal crus ears (all P<0.05). According to different initial ages of correction, the children were divided into <2-week-old group (12 cases, 21 ears), 2-6-week-old group (10 cases, 18 ears), and >6-week-old group (9 cases, 15 ears), excluding 1 Ⅱ degree microtia ear. The markedly effective rates were (90.5%) 19/21, 13/18, and 7/15, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The comparison between groups showed that the markedly effective rate of <2-week-old group was significantly higher than that of >6-week-old group ( P<0.017), but there was no statistically significant difference in the cure time among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effect of non-invasive correction for congenital auricular deformity in infants is significant. The type of congenital auricular deformity is a key factor that affects the therapeutic effect and cure time. In lop ear, Stahl’s ear, prominent ear and conchal crus deformity, good therapeutic effects can be seen, but in constricted ear, cup ear, helical rim deformity ear and Ⅱ degree microtia, the effects are poor. The cure time of lop ear is short, while the cure time of prominent ear is long. The better effect can be acquired in the earlier non-invasive correction.

Objective:To investigate the effect and influencing factors of non-invasive correction of infants with congenital auricular deformity.Methods:The data of infants with congenital auricular deformity were retrospectively analyzed, who were treated with domestic external ear orthosis in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Tianjin Hospital from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023. Before treatment, the skin was prepared routinely. First, the orthosis base was installed and pressed to fit the skin around the ear. Then, according to the type of auricle deformity, the ear hook and ear cover were installed, and the adhesive tape was fixed. During the corrective treatment, the orthosis was worn all day, and the treatment was ended if there was no obvious rebound after 1 month of observation. The complications were closely observed during treatment. After the treatment, the treatment effect was evaluated and divided into markedly effective, effective and ineffective. The markedly effective rate (markedly effective ears/total ears × 100%) and effective rate [(markedly effective ears + effective ears)/ total ears × 100%] were calculated. At the same time, the cure time of the markedly effective children was recorded, and they were grouped according to different types of auricle deformities and the initial age of correction (<2, 2-6, >6 weeks groups), and the related indicators were compared. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data were expressed by Mean±SD. The comparison between multiple groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The pairwise comparison between groups was performed by LSD method. The counting data was expressed by frequency (% or ratio). The comparison between multiple groups was performed by χ 2 test, and the pairwise comparison between groups was performed by Fisher test with adjusted α value. Results:A total of 31 cases (55 ears) were included, including 13 males (23 ears) and 18 females (32 ears), aged 4 to 127 d. There were 13 lop ears, 6 constricted ears, 6 cup ears, 4 Stahl’s ears, 5 prominent ears, 18 helical rim deformity ears, 2 conchal crus ears and 1 Ⅱ degree microtia ear. During the treatment, 5 ears had skin lesions, 5 ears had mild allergic reactions, and 2 ears had severe allergic reactions, who improved significantly and continued treatment after removal of the external orthosis and use of erythromycin ointment. After noninvasive correction treatment, the auricle deformity of the children was improved to different extent. The overall markedly effective rate was 70.91% (39/55), and the overall effective rate was 90.91% (50/55). The markedly effective rate of lop ear, constricted ear, cup ear, Stahl’s ear, prominent ear, helical rim deformity ear, conchal ear and Ⅱ degree microtia ear were 13/13, 4/6, 4/6, 4/4, 4/5, 8/18, 2/2, 0/1 respectively. The average cure time of 39 markedly effective ears was (36.08±14.77) d. The cure time of different auricle deformity types was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Pairwise comparison between the groups showed that the cure time of lop ears was shorter than constricted ears, cup ears, Stahl’s ear, prominent ears, and that the cure time of prominent ears was longer than lop ears, constricted ears, cup ears, Stahl’s ears, helical rim deformity ears, conchal crus ears (all P<0.05). According to different initial ages of correction, the children were divided into <2-week-old group (12 cases, 21 ears), 2-6-week-old group (10 cases, 18 ears), and >6-week-old group (9 cases, 15 ears), excluding 1 Ⅱ degree microtia ear. The markedly effective rates were (90.5%) 19/21, 13/18, and 7/15, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The comparison between groups showed that the markedly effective rate of <2-week-old group was significantly higher than that of >6-week-old group ( P<0.017), but there was no statistically significant difference in the cure time among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effect of non-invasive correction for congenital auricular deformity in infants is significant. The type of congenital auricular deformity is a key factor that affects the therapeutic effect and cure time. In lop ear, Stahl’s ear, prominent ear and conchal crus deformity, good therapeutic effects can be seen, but in constricted ear, cup ear, helical rim deformity ear and Ⅱ degree microtia, the effects are poor. The cure time of lop ear is short, while the cure time of prominent ear is long. The better effect can be acquired in the earlier non-invasive correction.

Objective To compare the dosimetric effects of volume modulated arc therapy(VMAT)and intensity modulated radiation therapy(I M RT)on the anal sphincter(AS)and its sub-structures in neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer to facilitate the selection of radiotherapy techniques.Methods Fifty rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy were selected,and 2 types of radiotherapy plans,including coplanar double full-arc VMAT and coplanar seven-field homo-geneous IMRT,were designed based on the CT images of the patients,respectively.Under the premise of ensuring that the irradiated doses to the target area and the major organs at risk reached the standard and met the clinical requirements,AS and its substructures were added as the organs at risk for dosimetric evaluation.The absolute dose parameters and relative dose parameters of AS and its substructures were counted by dose-volume histograms.Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 22.0 software.Results The VMAT plan had the relative dose parameters V20,V30,and V40 of AS and its substructures lower those of the IMRT plan,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),while the differences in V5 and V 10 were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The VMAT plan had the absolute dose parameterDmeanlower while the D2％slightly higher than those of the IMRT plan,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference in D98％between the two plans was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion During rectal cancer radiotherapy VMAT generally behaves better than IMRT in protecting AS and its sub-structures and decreasing injuries of AS and its sub-structures dosimetrically.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(8):63-67]