ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.

ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.

Objective:To explore the implementation effect of the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode in the course of laboratory diagnostics under the background of automatic laboratory.Methods:The"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode conducted teaching in course of laboratory diagnostics through carefully designed"anchors",self-directed learning,a second"anchor"placement,and outcome sharing.A total of 224 medical students of the 2021 and 2022 grades,who majored Chinese medicine in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and conducted their internships in the Laboratory of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to April 2025,were selected.According to different teaching modes,the 108 medical students of 2022 grade were divided into the combined teaching group that adopted the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode to conduct teaching,and 116 medical students of 2021 grade were divided into the conventional teaching group that adopted conventional teaching mode to conduct teaching.After completed the courses,the comprehensive competency of these students of two groups during the internship were measured,and the application effect of the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode was assessed by self-made survey questionnaire.Results:The scores of theoretical knowledge test and clinical case analysis assessment of the students of combined teaching group were respectively(44.19±2.36)and(48.20±1.52),all of which were higher than(38.36±2.14)and(37.56±2.47)of conventional teaching group,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=28.72,55.71,P<0.05),respectively.In the combined teaching group,91.67%of the students expressed a preference for the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode.Conclusion:Under the background of automatic laboratory,the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode of laboratory diagnostics can effectively enhance students'transfer ability for knowledge,and strengthen their self-directed learning awareness,and lay a solid foundation for training clinical practice abilities of medical students.

OBJECTIVE: The results of limited studies on the relationship between environmental pollution and dementia have been contradictory. We analyzed the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in an elderly community-dwelling Chinese population. METHODS: We assessed 24,117 individuals along with the annual average PM _2.5 concentrations from 2012 to 2016. Dementia was confirmed in the baseline survey at a qualified clinical facility, and newly suspected dementia was assessed in 2017, after excluding cases of suspected dementia in 2015. National census data were used to weight the sample data to reflect the entire population in China, with multiple logistic regression performed to analyze the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking frequency on dementia and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Individuals exposed to the highest PM _2.5 concentration and smoked daily were at higher risk of dementia than those in the lowest PM _2.5 concentration group ( OR, 1.603; 95% CI [1.626-1.635], P < 0.0001) and in the nonsmoking group ( OR, 1.248; 95% CI [1.244-1.252]; P < 0.0001). Moderate PM _2.5 exposure and occasional smoking together increased the short-term risk of cognitive impairment. High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia, so more efforts are needed to reduce this risk through environmental protection and antismoking campaigns. CONCLUSION High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia. Lowering the ambient PM _2.5, and smoking cessation are recommended to promote health.
Humans ; Dementia/etiology* ; Male ; Aged ; Female ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Smoking/epidemiology* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of embolization of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula (ACF-DAVF) via different arterial approaches, and provide evidence for individualized treatment of ACF-DAVF. Methods:A retrospective study was performed; 25 patients with ACF-DAVF admitted to Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled. Vascular approaches, including the anterior cerebral artery ( n=7), facial artery ( n=3), middle meningeal artery ( n=8), ophthalmic artery ( n=6), and vein ( n=1), were selected based on angioarchitectural features and microcatheter accessibility. Fistula and proximal draining vein occlusions were confirmed by immediate post-embolization digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and perioperative complications were recorded. At a 6-month follow-up, prognoses were assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and DSA or MRA was performed to detect the recurrence of ACF-DAVF. Results:Six patients had complete embolization and 2 patients had near-total embolization of the fistula and proximal draining vein immediately after embolization via middle meningeal artery approach; 4 patients achieved complete embolization and 2 patients achieved near-total embolization via ophthalmic artery approach; 6 patients achieved complete embolization and one patient achieved near-total embolization via anterior cerebral artery approach; 3 patients achieved complete embolization via facial artery approach; one patient achieved complete embolization via venous approach. No perioperative intracranial hemorrhage or central retinal artery occlusion was noted. Follow-up for 6 months was performed in 25 patients: mRS score was 0 in 19 patients, 1 in 2 patients, and 2 in 4 patients; DSA in 19 patients and MRA in 6 patients indicated no ACF-DAVF recurrence. Conclusion:Based on the angioarchitectural features and microcatheter accessibility, individualized selection of vascular approaches for ACF-DAVF embolization can achieve better efficacy and safety.

Aim To explore the mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lym-phoblastic leukemia(ALL)based on network pharma-cology and in vitro experiments.Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the suitable conditions for heat stimulation to interfere ALL cell lines Jurkat,CCRF-CEM,Hut-78 and a normal lymphocyte HMy2.CIR,and the effects of baicalin combined with heat stimulation on the proliferation of three ALL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte were tested.The key targets of baicalin combined with fever stimulation for the treatment of ALL were obtained based on network phar-macological analysis,and the potential mechanisms were predicted by gene ontology(GO)annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)en-richment.The expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,TYMS and CASP3 mRNA in ALL cell lines Jurkat and CCRF-CEM were examined by RT-qPCR with baicalin alone and baicalin combined with heat stimulation.Results The optimal conditions for heat stimulation to intervene ALL cells were 41 ℃ for 24 h,and heat stimulation combined with baicalin synergistically inhibited the growth of ALL cell lines and effectively reduced the cy-totoxicity of baicalin.Based on the network pharmaco-logical analysis,55 intersecting targets of baicalin with ALL diseases and 77 intersecting targets of baicalin with fever were obtained.The results of GO annotation and KEGG enrichment suggested that baicalin com-bined with fever stimulation to intervene ALL might be associated with influencing intracellular reactive oxygen species metabolism,DNA transcription and apoptotic processes involved in cysteine enzymes.Apoptosis,TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways were the key pathways for baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating ALL.Under heat stimulation at 41 ℃ using SDHA gene as housekeeping gene,in vitro experiments showed that baicalin significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and CASP3,and down-regulated the expression of TYMS in ALL cells.Conclusions Based on net-work pharmacologic analyses and in vitro experiments,baicalin combined with heat stimulation can regulate TNF-α and CASP3 gene levels in ALL cells and de-stroy cellular structure to promote cell apoptosis,thus synergistically treating ALL.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of thickness changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)and identify related risk factors in patients with Moyamoya disease(MMD).Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 150 MMD patients(150 eyes)aged 6-65 years admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the Fifth Medical Center,Chinese PLA General Hospital from May 2016 to December 2023(observation group),and 150 age-matched healthy volunteers(150 eyes)from the hospital's ophthalmology outpatient department(control group).Both groups were subdivided into pediatric(≤18 years),young adult(18-40 years),and middle-aged(40-65 years)subgroups.The pRNFL thickness in four quadrants was measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT):superior(pRNFL-Sup),inferior(pRNFL-Inf),nasal(pRNFL-Nas),temporal(pRNFL-Tmp),and average thickness(pRNFL-Avg).General clinical data and pRNFL thickness were compared between two groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for pRNFL thinning in MMD patients.The cohort was randomly divided into training(n=210)and validation(n=90)sets at a 7:3 ratio.A predictive model for pRNFL thinning in MMD patients was constructed based on logistic regression results.Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),and clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis.Results Compared with control group,MMD patients exhibited significantly reduced pRNFL-Avg,pRNFL-Sup,pRNFL-Tmp,and pRNFL-Inf thickness(P<0.05 or P<0.001),while pRNFL-Nas showed no significant difference(P>0.05).In the pediatric subgroup,pRNFL-Avg and pRNFL-Inf were thinner(P<0.05).In the young adult subgroup,pRNFL-Avg and pRNFL-Sup were reduced(P<0.001 or P<0.05).In the middle-aged subgroup,pRNFL-Avg,pRNFL-Sup,pRNFL-Inf,and pRNFL-Tmp were all thinner(P<0.05 or P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression identified visual field defects(OR=15.28,95%CI 2.95-79.10),disease duration(OR=1.11,95%CI 1.05-1.18),and the number of involved cerebral vessels(OR=1.49,95%CI 1.01-2.22)as independent risk factors for pRNFL thinning.The predictive model achieved AUC of 0.94(95%CI 0.91-0.97)and 0.95(95%CI 0.91-0.99)in the training and validation sets,respectively.Decision curve analysis confirmed the model's favorable clinical net benefit.Conclusion Thinning of pRNFL was observed in Moyamoya disease patients with visual field defects,disease duration,and cerebral vascular involvement identified as independent risk factors for pRNFL atrophy.

Objective To compare the gut fungal composition between gout patients and healthy individuals through high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1(ITS1).Methods Gout patients and healthy volunteers who visited our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled in this study.Then based on established medical guidelines,the gout patients were categorized into 3 groups:Group H(asymptomatic hyperuricemia,n=14),Group G(acute gouty arthritis,n=14),and Group I(intercritical period of gouty arthritis,n=15),and the healthy individuals were assigned into Group N(n=9).Fecal samples were collected from all the participants to undergo ITS1 sequencing analysis.The differences in diversity and composition of gut mycobiome,and FunGuild-derived fungal functions and nutritional status were compared among the 4 groups,and the correlation between the gut mycobiome and clinical indicators was analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in baseline features such as gender,age,glomerular filtration rate(GFR),and levels of serum creatinine(SCr)and serum urea among Group N and other gout groups,but obvious differences were observed in body mass index(BMI),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),serum uric acid(SUA),and IL-1β and IL-6(P<0.05).In terms of gut fungal diversity,ITS1 analysis showed there were no statistical differences in α-diversity or the principal coordinate analysis(PCoA)of β-diversity among the groups.However,as gout progressed,significant changes were observed in β-diversity indices,indicating a shift in the gut fungal community composition with disease advancement(P<0.05).The phyla Ascomycota,Basidiomycota,and Mucoromycotina were the dominant fungal phyla in all groups.Compared with the other 3 gout groups,the abundance of Pichia was significantly increased in Group N(P<0.05),that of Saccharomyces was in Group H(P<0.05),and that of Starmerella was in Group G(P<0.05).Correlation analysis between the gut mycobiome and clinical indices indicated that the relative abundance of Starmerella was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β(P<0.01)and IL-6(P<0.05).The relative abundance of Pichia was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with serum urea level(P<0.05),and the relative abundance of Saccharomyces was negatively correlated with IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Conclusion There exist significant alterations in both the diversity and composition of gut fungi among patients with gout at various stages.Notably,the fluctuations in the relative abundance of Starmerella,Pichia and Saccharomyces appear to correlate with key clinical indicators.

Objective:To establish a quality control method for the standard decoction of Polygoni Avicularis Herba.Methods:Totally 12 batches of decoction pieces from different origins were collected, the standard decoction was prepared and the quality evaluation method was established, the content of index components in the decoction pieces and the standard decoction was determined with HPLC, the index components, solution pH and other parameters were calculated, and the similarity analysis was carried out against the fingerprints.Results:The total content of myricetin in 12 batches of decoction pieces was >0.12%, and the content of myricetin in the standard decoction was >0.03%, which met the standard of the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The pH value was 5.1-5.5, the transfer rate of myricetin components ranged from 50.0%-106.3%, and the fingerprint study showed that there were 7 common peaks. The similarity analysis results indicated that the standard decoction of 12 batches of decoction pieces of Polygoni Avicularis Herba had good consistency.Conclusion:The preparation process is stable and feasible in line with the traditional decoction preparation method, and can be used for the research and quality evaluation of the standard decoction.

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the policy texts on mutual recognition of examination and inspection results at the national and local levels in China from 2006 to 2025 based on the PMC index model,and provide reference for policy formulation and improvement.Methods:The ROSTCM6 software was used to sort out and conduct text mining on 27 policy documents issued at the national and local levels,establishing the PMC index model for the mutual recognition of examination and inspection results in China.Quantitative analysis was conducted through a PMC evaluation system consisting of 9 first-level variables and 39 second-level variables.Results:The average PMC index was 6.06(excellent level).Among the 27 policies,4 were rated as perfect,18 as excellent,and 5 as acceptable.Conclusions:Current policies need to strengthen the formulation of scientific and feasible goals,improve legal guarantees and medical insurance coordination mechanisms,and build a complete data security maintenance system to provide policy support and guarantees for the continuous advancement of the mutual recognition of examination and inspection results.