Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of PD, and numerous studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of modulations in the intestinal microbiota. This review provides insights into the characterization of the gut microbiota in patients with PD and highlights associations with clinical symptoms and underlying mechanisms. The discussion underscores the increased influence of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PD. While the relationship is not fully elucidated, existing research demonstrates a strong correlation between changes in the composition of gut microbiota and disease development, and further investigation is warranted to explain the specific underlying mechanisms.
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/microbiology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology* ; Dysbiosis/microbiology*

BACKGROUND: Gait impairment is closely related to quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to explore alterations in brain microstructure in PD patients and healthy controls (HCs) and to identify the correlation of gait impairment in the ON and OFF states of patients with PD, respectively. METHODS: We enrolled 24 PD patients and 29 HCs from the Movement Disorders Program at Beijing Friendship Hospital Capital Medical University between 2019 and 2020. We acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and processed the diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) images. Preprocessing of diffusion-weighted data was performed with Mrtrix3 software, using a directional distribution function to track participants' main white matter fiber bundles. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Quantitative gait and clinical scales were used to assess the status of medication ON and OFF in PD patients. RESULTS: The axial kurtosis (AK), mean kurtosis (MK), and radial kurtosis (RK) of five specific white matter fiber tracts, the bilateral corticospinal tract, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, left anterior thalamic radiation, forceps minor, and forceps major were significantly higher in PD patients compared to HCs. Additionally, the MK values were negatively correlated with Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) scores in both the ON and OFF in PD patients. Within the PD group, higher AK, MK, and RK values, whether the patients were ON or OFF, were associated with better gait performance (i.e., higher velocity and stride length). CONCLUSIONS PD exhibits characteristic regional patterns of white matter microstructural degradation. Correlations between objective gait parameters and DKI values suggest that dopamine-responsive gait function depends on preserved white matter microstructure. DKI-based Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analysis may serve as a tool for evaluating PD-related motor impairments (e.g., gait impairment) and could yield potential neuroimaging biomarkers.
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/diagnostic imaging* ; White Matter/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Gait/physiology* ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods*

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with its primary risk factor arising from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to an imbalance between aqueous humor production and outflow. This study aims to establish quantitative correlations among IOP, iris mechanical properties, channel microstructures, and aqueous humor dynamics through three-dimensional modeling and finite element analysis, overcoming the limitations of conventional experimental techniques in studying aqueous flow within the trabecular meshwork (TM) outflow pathway. A three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model incorporating the layered TM structure, Schlemm's canal (SC), iris, and other anterior segment tissues was developed based on human ocular anatomy. FSI simulations were performed to quantify the effects of IOP variations and iris Young's modulus on tissue morphology and aqueous humor dynamics parameters. The computational results demonstrated that axial iris deformation showed significant correlations with IOP and iris Young's modulus. Although elevated IOP exhibited minimal effects on hydrodynamic parameters in the anterior and posterior chambers, it markedly suppressed aqueous flow velocity in the TM region. Additionally, wall shear stress in SC and collector channels displayed high sensitivity to IOP variations. These findings reveal that the tissue mechanics-FSI mechanism modulates outflow resistance by regulating aqueous humor dynamics, offering valuable references for developing clinical therapies targeting IOP reduction in glaucoma management.
Humans ; Trabecular Meshwork/anatomy & histology* ; Finite Element Analysis ; Aqueous Humor/metabolism* ; Intraocular Pressure/physiology* ; Glaucoma/physiopathology* ; Iris/anatomy & histology* ; Computer Simulation ; Models, Biological

Objective To explore and verify the active components of Dachengqi decoction in regulating autophagy and its mechanism of protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier through network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods The chemical components and autophagy-related target points of Dachengqi decoction were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and GeneCards databases.The intersection of the drug target points and disease target points was taken and analyzed.The Cytoscape 3.10.2 software's Network Analyzer tool was used to analyze the drug components and target points,and the core target points were screened out to construct a traditional Chinese medicine compound regulatory network.The drug active component target point-disease network model and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were visualized.Then,30 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the Dachengqi decoction group,the intestinal infection group,and the control group,with 10 mice in each group.The intestinal infection group was given 200 μL/d of Klebsiella pneumoniae strain by gavage for 5 consecutive days,with a colony count of 109 CFU/mL,to create an intestinal infection model.The control group was given 200 μL/d of sterile normal saline by gavage.The Dachengqi decoction group(drug composition:Rhubarb 12 g,Aurantii Fructus 12 g,Magnolia Officinalis 24 g,Mirabilite 9 g,the drugs were dissolved in boiling distilled water to make a 1 kg/L solution)was given by gavage at a dose of 8 g·kg-1·d-1 for 3 consecutive days,and then given Klebsiella pneumoniae by gavage for 5 consecutive days on the 4th day.Detection indicators and methods:after the experiment,the mice were sacrificed and the terminal ileum tissues were collected.The tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin(HE),and the pathological changes of the intestinal mucosa were observed under a light microscope;immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive expressions of junction proteins ZO-1,Claudin-2,light chain 3-Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ),and Beclin-1 and the intestinal mucosal autophagy;the mRNA expression levels of autophagy genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results The intersection of the obtained drug targets and disease targets yielded 111 potential autophagy-related targets for drug treatment of diseases.Key targets included β2-adrenergic receptor(ADRB2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),etc.,and the signaling pathways involved included AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway,mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway,etc.Animal experiments confirmed that the intestinal mucosal barrier function in the Dachengqi decoction group was better than that in the intestinal infection group,and the positive expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 lingt chain 3-Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ)and autophagy gene Beclin1 was significantly higher than that in the intestinal infection group.Transcriptome sequencing results showed that the key genes associated with autophagy and oxidative stress included ADRB2,HO-1,etc.The mRNA expression levels of ADRB2 and HO-1 in the Dachengqi decoction group were significantly higher than those in the intestinal infection group[HO-1 mRNA expression(FPKM):11.20±0.80 vs.6.63±0.53,ADRB2 mRNA expression(FPKM):6.98±0.54 vs.3.98±0.32,both P<0.01],verifying some of the predictions from network pharmacology.Conclusions Dachengqi decoction regulates autophagy through multiple components,multiple targets and multiple pathways,protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier function and reducing the translocation of intestinal microbiota.This lays a certain foundation for further in-depth research on the mechanism of reducing intestinal bacterial translocation by Dachengqi decoction.

Takotsubo syndrome is a transient, reversible syndrome characterized by acute regional dysfunction of the left ventricle, with symptoms resembling those of acute coronary syndrome. Takotsubo syndrome can lead to left ventricular thrombus formation, which may embolize and cause ischemic stroke. However, such cases are relatively rare. A case of acute ischemic stroke with middle cerebral artery occlusion caused by Takotsubo syndrome is reported in this article. The patient presented primarily with left-sided limb weakness. Cerebral angiography indicated occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery, and complete vascular recanalization was achieved after endovascular thrombectomy. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging indicated multiple infarctions in both the anterior and posterior circulations. Transthoracic echocardiography showed apical thrombus formation in the left ventricle and significantly reduced left ventricular systolic function. After a short course of anticoagulation combined with antiplatelet therapy, the apical thrombus resolved, and left ventricular systolic function significantly improved. This case indicates that although large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke caused by Takotsubo syndrome is relatively rare, comprehensive etiological evaluation should be emphasized in patients with suspected cardioembolic stroke. Dynamic monitoring of echocardiographic changes is important for accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.

Objective To explore the impacts of remimazolam on intraoperative intracranial pressure(ICP)and cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing laparoscopic lower abdominal and pelvic surgery under CO2 pneumoperitoneum combined with Trendelenburg position.Methods Eighty-eight patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic lower abdominal and pelvic surgery were randomly assigned to the remimazolam group(n=44)and the sevoflurane group(n=44).In the remimazolam group,continuous infusion of remimazolam at a rate of 1 mg/(kg·h)was administered for anesthesia maintenance.In contrast,the sevoflurane group inhaled 2％sevoflurane.Heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),peak airway pressure(Peak),plateau airway pressure(Plat),end-tidal CO2(PETCO2),regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO2),and optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)of both eyes were measured and recorded at the following time points:prior to anesthesia induction(T0),5 minutes after induction(T1),10 minutes(T2),30 minutes(T3),and 60 minutes(T4)after the establishment of pneumo-peritoneum in Trendelenburg position,as well as 30 minutes after deflation in the supine position(T5).Results No significant intergroup differences were detected in HR,MAP,Peak,Plat,or PETCO2 at any time point(P>0.05).In both groups,Peak and Plat values were significantly higher at T2-T4 compared to T1(P<0.05).Regard-ing the ONSD)no intergroup differences were noted at T0 and T1(P>0.05).From T2 to T5,ONSD in both groups increased significantly relative to T0..It gradually rose with the prolongation of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelen-burg positioning and showed a slight decrease at T5(P<0.05).Specifically,at T3 and T4,the remimazolam group exhibited significantly smaller ONSD values than the sevoflurane group(P<0.05).Throughout the study,no inter-group differences in rSO2 were observed(P>0.05).Conclusion In laparoscopic lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries performed in the Trendelenburg position,intravenous anesthesia with remimazolam may be more effective in mitigating the elevation of intracranial pressure compared to sevoflurane inhalation.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) are two types of cerebrovascular diseases. Their pathogenesis is closely related, with common risk factors, but there are differences. Early detection and effective management of common risk factors, while taking into account differentiated risk factors, are of great significance for stroke prevention. This article reviews the similarities and differences in the major risk factors between CSVD and LAA.

Blood-bi-syndrome is primarily characterized by localized numbness and mild pain in the limbs.Records about the diagnosis and treatment of blood-bi-syndrome are scattered throughout classical medical literature.According to the theory of Yindan and Yangdan formulas in the classical prescription system,when the body's ascending function of qi movement is insufficiency,Yangdan formulas which contain Astragali Radix can be used for warming and uplifting yang qi.Conversely,when the descending function of qi movement is insufficiency,Yindan formulas which contain containing Bupleuri Radix can be used for astringing,descending,clearing and purging.This article,based on the principles of Yindan and Yangdan formulas,analyzed the fundamental pathogenesis of blood-bi-syndrome developing from the transmission of superficial syndromes,as well as its clinical manifestations during the transmission and change between taiyin disease and yangming disease.And the therapeutic strategies for blood-bi-syndrome were also summarized.It is proposed that taiyin blood-bi-syndrome arises in individuals with constitutionally deficient cold after the attack of pathogenic factors,resulting from fluid depletion,blood insufficiency,and stomach deficiency,which should be treated by Yangdan Formulas with pungent-sweet-warm properties for warming and uplifting yang qi.For the treatment of patients with taiyin blood-bi-syndrome characterized by exterior syndrome,Astragali Radix-containing classical prescriptions like Astragali Radix and Cinnamomi Ramulus Five-Component Decoction(Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction)can be chosen;for the treatment of patients with taiyin blood-bi-syndrome characterized by interior syndrome,Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens-containing classical prescriptions like Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Bambusae Caulis in Taenia Decoction(Jupi Zhuru Decoction)is adopted.Conversely,yangming blood-bi-syndrome occurs in individuals with constitutionally excessive heat after the attack of pathogenic factors,resulting from the internal accumulation of blood stasis and heat and the impairment of the fluid and blood,which should be treated by Yindan Formulas with pungent-sweet-cold or sour-cold properties for astringing,descending,clearing and purging.For the treatment of patients with yangming blood-bi-syndrome characterized by exterior syndrome,Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing classical prescriptions like Phyllostachydis Henonis Folium and Puerariae Lobatae Radix Decoction(Zhuye Gegen Decoction)can be used;for the treatment of patients with yangming blood-bi-syndrome characterized by interior syndrome,Paeoniae Radix Alba-containing classical prescriptions like Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga Decoction(Dahuang Zhechong Wan)is recommended.

Objective:To explore the impact of National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) mode on the metabolic indexes in different age patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM).Methods:A prospective study method was used. A total of 798 T2DM patients underwent the MMC mode management in Shanghai Punan Hospital of Pudong New District from May 2021 to August 2024 were selected. The patients followed the MMC one-stop diagnosis and treatment management service standards to enter the registration, treatment, examination and follow-up processes. The average follow-up time was 12.0 months. The glucose and lipid metabolism indexes, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) before intervention and after receiving the intervention by MMC were measured. The glucose and lipid metabolism indexes included triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. The control rates of blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure and BMI were calculated after intervention.Results:The triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin after intervention in patients with T2DM were significantly lower than those before intervention: (1.75 ± 1.63) mmol/L vs. (2.08 ± 1.74) mmol/L, (4.37 ± 1.11) mmol/L vs. (4.88 ± 1.24) mmol/L, (2.47 ± 0.92) mmol/L vs. (2.92 ± 0.98) mmol/L, (6.54 ± 1.71) mmol/L vs. (8.12 ± 3.05) mmol/L, (9.04 ± 3.49) mmol/L vs. (12.10 ± 5.28) mmol/L and (6.89 ± 1.23)% vs. (8.85 ± 2.31)%, the HDL-C after intervention was significantly higher than that before intervention: (1.21 ± 0.31) mmol/L vs. (1.13 ± 0.29) mmol/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The control rates of blood lipid and blood glucose after intervention in patients with T2DM were significantly higher than those before intervention: 54.6% (436/798) vs. 37.3% (298/798) and 62.0% (495/798) vs. 26.1% (208/798), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the control rates of BMI and blood pressure before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05). In T2DM patients with age <50 years and from 50 to 59 years, the triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention, the HDL-C after intervention was significantly higher than that before intervention, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); the control rates of blood lipid and blood glucose after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention, the patients with <50 years: 44.5% (114/256) vs. 27.7% (71/256) and 76.6% (196/256) vs. 28.9% (74/256), the patients with 50 to 59 years: 54.8% (86/157) vs. 28.0% (44/157) and 66.9% (105/157) vs. 24.8% (39/157), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the control rates of BMI and blood pressure between before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05). In T2DM patients with age from 60 to 69 years, the triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); there was no statistical differences in HDL-C before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05); the control rates of blood lipid and blood glucose after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention: 59.0% (177/300) vs. 47.3% (142/300) and 53.3% (160/300) vs. 25.7% (77/300), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the control rates of BMI and blood pressure before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05). In T2DM patients with aged ≥70 years, the total cholesterol, LDL-C, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); there were no statistical difference in triacylglycerol, HDL-C and fasting blood glucose between before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05); the control rate of blood glucose after intervention was significantly higher than that before intervention: 48.2% (41/85) vs. 22.4% (19/85), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the control rates of BMI, blood pressure and blood lipid between before intervention and after intervention ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The intervention based on MMC mode management could effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM, especially for patients with aged <70 years. However, additional health guidance is needed for patients with aged ≥ 70 years to further enhance their health benefits.

Objective To explore the syndrome differentiation rules of the Yin Dan and Yang Dan method,and summarize Professor Yang Zhimin's valuable experience in the treatment of insomnia.Methods The case data of 11390 insomnia patients treated by Professor Yang Zhimin was retrospectively analyzed,and the distribution of symptoms,signs,pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation rules of insomnia patients was examined based on latent structure analysis.Result A total of 44 symptoms and signs can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients,showing the characteristics of both excess and deficiency,cold and heat.A total of 36 hidden categories(symptom clusters and pathogenesis)was composed.Symptoms and signs such as fear of wind and cold can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi,symptoms and signs such as pale eyelid can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve,and established diagnostic criteria for insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi and heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve.Conclusion Based on the Yang Dan and Yin Dan method to distinguish and treat insomnia from the perspective of disharmony between Ying and Wei,it is in line with the basic understanding of the pathogenesis of insomnia in the classics of traditional Chinese medicine.The pattern differentiation rules obtained through the latent structure analysis method are helpful to summarize valuable clinical experience and provide a certain reference and basis for clinical practice.