ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point， this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） formula Zhizi Houpotang， and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism， with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/gasdermin D （GSDMD） signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group， a chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） depression model group， a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group （6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex （MOC）-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus （AFI） herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Gardeniae Fructus （GF）-MOC herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a GF-AFI herbal pair group （3.6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and a positive drug group （fluoxetine， 12 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Ibal） and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 （P2RX7） in the prefrontal cortex （PFC）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 （Panx1）， P2RX7， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， Caspase-1， GSDMD， postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition， the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased （P<0.01）， the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of Panx1， P2RX7， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated （P<0.01）. In contrast， the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators （P<0.01）. The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and PSD95 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In contrast， the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair， GF-MOC， can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling， thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously， it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density， promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula， and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a critical role in severe cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) pathogenesis, but the benefits of anti-inflammatory therapies remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between steroid therapy combined with anticoagulation and the prognosis of acute/subacute severe CVT patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled patients with acute/subacute severe CVT at Xuanwu Hospital (July 2020-January 2024). Patients were allocated into steroid and non-steroid groups based on the treatment they received. Functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) were evaluated at admission, discharge, and 6 months after discharge. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6, and intracranial pressure were measured at admission and discharge in the steroid group. Fundoscopic Frisén grades were assessed at admission and 6 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluat associations between steroid use and favorable outcomes (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. Paired tests assessed changes in hs-CRP and other variables before and after treatment, and Spearman's correlations were used to analyze relationships between these changes and functional improvements. RESULTS: A total of 107 and 58 patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups, respectively, were included in the analysis. Compared with the non-steroid group, the steroid group had a higher likelihood of achieving an mRS score of 0-2 (93.5% vs . 82.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, P  = 0.037) at the 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for confounding factors, the result remained consistent. Pulsed steroid therapy did not increase mortality during hospitalization or follow-up, nor did it lead to severe steroid-related complications (all P  >0.05). Patients in the steroid group showed a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP, IL-6, CSF IL-6, and intracranial pressure at discharge compared to at admission, as well as a significant reduction in the fundoscopic Frisén grade at the 6-month follow-up compare to at admission (all P  <0.001). A reduction in serum inflammatory marker levels during hospitalization positively correlated with improvements in functional outcomes ( P  <0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term steroid use may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for acute/subacute severe CVT when used alongside standard anticoagulant treatments, which are likely due to suppression of the inflammatory response. However, these findings require further validation in randomized controlled trials. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05990894.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Intracranial Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Steroids/therapeutic use* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy*

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic relapsing mental disorder characterized by uncontrolled use of alcohol, compulsive drinking, and a high relapse rate. Long-term heavy drinking damages the cardiovascular and neurological systems of AD patients, resulting in dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and impaired emotional regulation, which is also associated with craving and relapse. Monitoring autonomic nervous system is beneficial for improving the prognosis of AD and promoting abstinence. Heart rate variability (HRV) effectively reflects autonomic nervous system function. The current study found that the HRV index of AD patients with imbalanced autonomic nervous system is associated with compulsive drinking, negative mood, and attentional bias. These indices can reflect and predict post-discharge relapse in AD and are expected to become effective and objective electrophysiological indicators for guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment. Research on HRV in AD patients is currently widespread. This article reviews relevant studies in recent years, aiming to deepen understanding of the current status in this field and provide a reference for future research and clinical work.

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic relapsing mental disorder characterized by uncontrolled use of alcohol, compulsive drinking, and a high relapse rate. Long-term heavy drinking damages the cardiovascular and neurological systems of AD patients, resulting in dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and impaired emotional regulation, which is also associated with craving and relapse. Monitoring autonomic nervous system is beneficial for improving the prognosis of AD and promoting abstinence. Heart rate variability (HRV) effectively reflects autonomic nervous system function. The current study found that the HRV index of AD patients with imbalanced autonomic nervous system is associated with compulsive drinking, negative mood, and attentional bias. These indices can reflect and predict post-discharge relapse in AD and are expected to become effective and objective electrophysiological indicators for guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment. Research on HRV in AD patients is currently widespread. This article reviews relevant studies in recent years, aiming to deepen understanding of the current status in this field and provide a reference for future research and clinical work.

Background: and Purpose To examine the clinical and safety outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) with different anesthetic modalities. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis using data from the Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion (ATTENTION) registry. Patients were divided into two groups defined by anesthetic modality performed during EVT: general anesthesia (GA) or non-general anesthesia (non-GA). The association between anesthetic management and clinical outcomes was evaluated in a propensity score matched (PSM) cohort and an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) cohort to adjust for imbalances between the two groups. Results: Our analytic sample included 1,672 patients from 48 centers. The anesthetic modality was GA in 769 (46.0%) and non-GA in 903 (54.0%) patients. In our primary analysis with the PSM-based cohort, non-GA was comparable to GA concerning the primary outcome (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.25; P=0.91). Mortality at 90 days was 38.4% in the GA group and 35.8% in the non-GA group (adjusted risk ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.08; P=0.44). In our secondary analysis with the IPTW-based cohort, the anesthetic modality was significantly associated with the distribution of modified Rankin Scale at 90 days (acOR: 1.45 [95% CI: 1.20 to 1.75]). Conclusion In this nationally-representative observational study, acute ischemic stroke patients due to BAO undergoing EVT without GA had similar clinical and safety outcomes compared with patients treated with GA. These findings provide the basis for large-scale randomized controlled trials to test whether anesthetic management provides meaningful clinical effects for patients undergoing EVT.

Objective:To explore the occurrence and influencing factors of serum uric acid elevation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treated with favipiravir.Methods:Medical records of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and treated with the 5- or 10-day regimen of favipiravir were collected and retrospectively analyzed. After favipiravir withdrawal, if the elevation in serum uric acid was ≥30% of baseline level, it was defined as serum uric acid elevation. Then patients were divided into serum uric acid elevation group and non-serum uric acid elevation group. The clinical characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking and drinking behavior, COVID-19 grade, favipiravir regimen, and serum uric acid level and renal function before treatment in patients between the 2 groups were compared. Influencing factors of favipiravir-associated serum uric acid elevation was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression method.Results:A total of 179 patients were included in the analysis, including 104 (58.1%) males and 75 (41.9%) females, aged from 19 to 70 years with a median age of 43 years. The level of serum uric acid in 179 patients after favipiravir treatment was significantly higher than before [(451±119) μmol/L vs. (332±94) μmol/L, P<0.001]. The change rate of serum uric acid from baseline level ranged from -57.1% to 157.8% with the median of 38.6%. The elevation in serum uric acid of ≥ 30% of baseline level occurred in 108 (60.3%) patients. The incidences of serum uric acid elevation in patients treated with 5-day and 10-day regimens of favipiravir were 46.8% (36/77) and 70.6% (72/102), respectively, and the difference between them was significant ( P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index 24.0 to <28.0 kg/m 2 ( OR=3.109, 95 %CI: 1.209-7.994, P=0.019) and 10-day regimen of favipiravir ( OR=3.017, 95 %CI: 1.526-5.964, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for favipiravir-associated serum uric acid elevation. Conclusions:More than half of COVID-19 patients treated with favipiravir can develop serum uric acid elevation. Overweight and 10-day regimen of favipiravir are independent risk factors for serum uric acid elevation in patients.

Objective:To explore the occurrence and influencing factors of serum uric acid elevation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treated with favipiravir.Methods:Medical records of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and treated with the 5- or 10-day regimen of favipiravir were collected and retrospectively analyzed. After favipiravir withdrawal, if the elevation in serum uric acid was ≥30% of baseline level, it was defined as serum uric acid elevation. Then patients were divided into serum uric acid elevation group and non-serum uric acid elevation group. The clinical characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking and drinking behavior, COVID-19 grade, favipiravir regimen, and serum uric acid level and renal function before treatment in patients between the 2 groups were compared. Influencing factors of favipiravir-associated serum uric acid elevation was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression method.Results:A total of 179 patients were included in the analysis, including 104 (58.1%) males and 75 (41.9%) females, aged from 19 to 70 years with a median age of 43 years. The level of serum uric acid in 179 patients after favipiravir treatment was significantly higher than before [(451±119) μmol/L vs. (332±94) μmol/L, P<0.001]. The change rate of serum uric acid from baseline level ranged from -57.1% to 157.8% with the median of 38.6%. The elevation in serum uric acid of ≥ 30% of baseline level occurred in 108 (60.3%) patients. The incidences of serum uric acid elevation in patients treated with 5-day and 10-day regimens of favipiravir were 46.8% (36/77) and 70.6% (72/102), respectively, and the difference between them was significant ( P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index 24.0 to <28.0 kg/m 2 ( OR=3.109, 95 %CI: 1.209-7.994, P=0.019) and 10-day regimen of favipiravir ( OR=3.017, 95 %CI: 1.526-5.964, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for favipiravir-associated serum uric acid elevation. Conclusions:More than half of COVID-19 patients treated with favipiravir can develop serum uric acid elevation. Overweight and 10-day regimen of favipiravir are independent risk factors for serum uric acid elevation in patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antibacterial activity of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) under acidic environment in vitro.

METHODSWorking culture were prepared by inoculation of S. mutans into TPY broth followed by static incubation under anaerobic condition at 37 degrees C for 24 h. TPY broth was supplemented with three kinds density of GA (0.78, 1.57, 3.13 mg x mL(-1)), whose acidity was regulated to pH7.0, pH 5.5 and pH4.0. And the group of pH 7.0 was used as negative control. The growth of S. mutans was measured by A600 of bacteria suspension and counting colony forming unit (CFU). In addition, the survival rate of S. mutans was calculated.

RESULTSIn pH 5.5 groups, the survival rates of 0.78, 1.57 and 3.13 mg x mL(-1) GA groups were 60.96%, 60.27% and 45.58%, respectively, and in pH4.0 groups, the survival rates were 68.75%, 53.12% and 45.83%. In 0.78, 1.57 and 3.13 mg x mL(-1) GA groups, the survival rates of pH5.5 and pH4.0 were 52.25% and 39.05%, 74.39% and 43.11%, 86.38% and 55.30%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONGA could inhibit the growth of S. mutans under acidic environment, which the effect is improved as the acidity increased.