Objective:To explore the effects of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on model rats of tinnitus with syndrome of liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency (TLSSD) and its preliminary mechanisms.Methods:The rats were divided into four groups: a blank group, a model group, a positive group, and Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups, with 7 rats in each group according to random number table method. Except for the blank group, the TLSSD model was prepared by the composite etiological method in all groups of rats. The positive group received a gavage of carbamazepine at 15 mg/kg, while Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups were given 30 g/kg and 15 g/kg of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction, respectively. The blank and model groups were administered an equal volume of saline once daily for 4 weeks. The frequency of conditioned avoidance response behaviors in rats was recorded before and at 2 and 4 weeks post-drug administration; TCM syndrome scores were documented before and after treatment; auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were monitored at frequencies of 4, 12, 20, and 28 kHz; IL-1β mRNA expression in the inferior colliculus and cochlea was detected by RT-qPCR; and the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in hippocampal tissues were determined by LC-MS/MS.Results:The model group exhibited symptoms of liver depression, including irritability, yellow fur, and a dark red tongue, along with signs of spleen deficiency such as lethargy, decreased activity, and loose stools. Compared to the model group, rats in the Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups demonstrated a reduction in conditioned avoidance response behaviors ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), a decrease in TCM syndrome scores ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), lower ABR thresholds at 12, 20, and 28 kHz ( P<0.01), reduced levels of IL-1β mRNA in the inferior colliculus and cochlea ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased hippocampal Glu levels ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on TLSSD rats may be related to its ability to improve the mood disorders and stress, reduce the neuroinflammatory response, regulate the CNS neurotransmitter balance, and correct the overexcitability of the auditory centre, etc.

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)measured by critical care ultrasound combined with serum biomarkers[S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β)and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)]in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods A total of 103 adult severe traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the intensive care unit of this hospital from A-pril 1,2023,to April 1,2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent invasive intracranial pressure monitoring after admission,alongside bedside critical care ultrasound measurement of ONSD at 3 mm behind the globe and serum biomarker testing.Baseline data and Glasgow outcome scale(GOS)scores at 90 days after dis-charge were recorded.Patients were divided into the survival and the non-survival groups based on GOS scores.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive performance of ONSD and serum biomarkers for poor prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury patients.Results Ninety-six patients were ultimately included,with 52(54.1％)in the survival group and 44(45.9％)in the non-survival group.Significant differences were observed in blood glucose,Glas-gow coma scale(GCS)score,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,ONSD,NSE,and S100β levels(P＜0.05)between the two groups.Multivariate analysis identified ONSD(OR=4.962,95％CI:3.473-6.254),NSE(OR=2.704,95％CI:1.987-3.033),S100β(OR=2.983,95％CI:1.843-4.571),and APACHE Ⅱ score(OR=3.726,95％CI:2.837-4.592)as independent predictors of mortality in severe traumatic brain injury patients(P＜0.05).The combination of ONSD,NSE,and S100β yielded an AUC of 0.840 for predicting poor prognosis,with a specificity of 88.3％and sensitivity of 98.6％.Conclusion ONSD and serum brain injury biomarkers(NSE,S100β)are associated with in-hospital prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury patients.Their combined detection can effectively predict a poor outcome.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as a neurodegenerative disease, and it has been proposed that AD may be a systemic disease. Studies have reported associations between non-neurological diseases and AD. The correlations between AD pathology and systemic (non-neurological) pathological changes are intricate, and the mechanisms underlying these correlations and their causality are unclear. In this article, we review the association between AD and disorders of other systems. In addition, we summarize the possible mechanisms associated with AD and disorders of other systems, mainly from the perspective of AD pathology. Regarding the relationship between AD and systemic pathological changes, we aim to provide a new outlook on the early warning signs and treatment of AD, such as establishing a diagnostic and screening system based on more accessible peripheral samples.
Alzheimer Disease/therapy* ; Humans ; Brain/pathology*

Objective To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus-schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission. Methods B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5-miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL. Results The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double-stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein-coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism-related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency. Conclusions This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus.

Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Objective:To explore the value of deep learning models based on ultrafast dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (UF-DCE MRI) in predicting malignant breast lesions.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 347 patients with breast lesions who received treatment at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from March 2023 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 347 lesions were observed in the 347 patients, including 75 benign and 272 malignant lesions. The random number method was used to divide into the training set with 243 cases and the validation set with 104 cases in a ratio of 7∶3. All patients underwent breast UF-DCE MRI and conventional dynamic-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). A 27-channel model (27-phase enhancement images of input UF-DCE MRI), a 3-channel model (3-phase enhancement images of input DCE-MRI), and a 1-channel model (1st-phase enhancement images of DCE-MRI) were built based on the pre-trained ResNet18 deep learning model on ImageNet. The efficacy of each model in predicting breast malignant lesions was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC). The differences of AUC were compared using DeLong test.Results:In the training and validation sets, the 27-channel model had the highest AUC for diagnosing malignant breast lesions, which were 0.848 (95% CI 0.818-0.877) and 0.784 (95% CI 0.752-0.817), respectively. DeLong test showed no statistically significant difference in the AUC values of the three models in the validation set for the diagnosis of malignant lesions of the breast in a two-by-two comparison ( P>0.05). UF-DCE MRI scans were 27 phases totaling 81 s with a temporal resolution of 3 s/phase; DCE-MRI scans were 3 phases totaling 270 s with a temporal resolution of 90 s/phase. Conclusions:The model combining UF-DCE MRI with deep learning demonstrates comparable efficacy to DCE-MRI deep learning model in diagnosing breast malignant lesions. However the UF-DCE MRI has the advantages of high temporal resolution and short scanning time, which makes this model valuable for precise diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and severity of symptom burden among long-term survivors of oropharyngeal cancer after radiotherapy, to identify core symptom clusters, and to explore their correlation with quality of life.Methods:A previous retrospective study was conducted by the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences on patients with oropharyngeal cancer who underwent radiotherapy between January 2010 and December 2020. Patients who were still alive as of December 2023 were further followed and analyzed. From December 2023 to August 2024, symptom burden and quality of life were assessed using the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Head and Neck Module (MDASI-HN) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Exploratory factor analysis (principal component analysis with Promax rotation) were used to identify symptom clusters. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between total symptom cluster scores and standardized domain scores of quality of life. Multivariate linear regression analysis was further employed to determine the relationship between identified symptom clusters and overall quality of life.Results:A total of 273 patients were included, with a median follow-up duration of 6.2 years (range: 3.5-14.5 years) and a median age of 61 years (range: 27-88 years) at follow-up. The top 5 incidence rates of symptom reported by patients were mucus problems in the mouth or throat (147 cases, 53.8%), dental or gum issues (143 cases, 52.4%), xerostomia (140 cases, 51.3%), difficulty swallowing or chewing (95 cases, 34.8%), and taste disturbance (79 cases, 28.9%). Among them, xerostomia was the most serious symptom. The most frequently reported interference was impact on work (including household chores) (55 cases, 20.1%). Exploratory factor analysis identified 3 symptom clusters: fatigue-nausea cluster, eating-voice cluster, and xerostomia-sleep cluster, all of which were significantly correlated with lower overall quality of life of patients (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Long-term survivors of oropharyngeal cancer after radiotherapy experience substantial symptom burden. The fatigue-nausea, eating-voice, and xerostomia-sleep clusters are the core symptom clusters impacting quality of life.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of macrophage depletion by clodronate liposomes(CL)in a carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model,and to analyze the transcriptomic features.Methods Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into plain control liposomes for clophosome(PL)and clodronate liposome(CL)groups(n=16 mice per group),and administered intraperitoneal injections of PL and CL,respectively.On day 5,each group was further divided into normal(N)and model(M)subgroups(n=8 mice per subgroup).Mice in group M received 10％CCl4 intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis,while mice in group N received an equal volume of olive oil.After 4 weeks,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels were measured,and hepatic inflammation and collagen deposition were evaluated by hematoxylin/eosin and Sirius red staining,respectively.Total RNA was extracted from liver tissues for transcriptomic sequencing and subsequent differential gene expression analysis.Results Serum ALT and AST levels were significantly elevated in the PL-M group(P＜0.01),with fibrosis staging primarily at S3,compared with S1 in the CL-M group.Totals of 1462 and 2119 differentially expressed genes(|log fold change|＞2 and P＜0.05)were identified in the PL and CL groups,respectively.Gene Ontology analysis revealed enrichment in multiple biological processes,cellular components,and molecular functions in both models,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified 29 significantly enriched pathways(P＜0.05).The upregulation of genes including Lgals7 and Timp1 and the downregulation of Mup-ps16 and Mup15 were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,consistent with transcriptomic trends(P＜0.05).Conclusions This study highlights the characteristics and transcriptomic features of macrophage depletion in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model,providing a theoretical reference for research on the immune mechanisms of liver fibrosis.

[Purpose]To analyze the disease burden of malignant tumors and its changing trends in Chinese and global non-smoking female population from 1990 to 2021.[Methods]Data of mortality and disability-adjusted life year(DALY)due to malignant tumors for Chinese and global non-smoking female malignant tumors from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021(GBD 2021),and the average annual percentage change(AAPC)were calculated using Joinpoint regression model.[Results]From 1990 to 2021,the number of deaths for malignant tu-mors in Chinese non-smoking female population increased from 13.7 1×104 to 26.8 1×104,with a higher increased trend compared with the global(China:AAPC=2.19％,95％CI:2.06％～2.33％;Global:AAPC=1.92％,95％CI:1.80％～2.04％,P=0.003);the age-standardized mortality rate decreased from 32.42/105 to 24.58/105,with a higher decreased trend compared with the global(China:AAPC=-0.88％,95％CI:-1.00％～-0.76％;Global:AAPC=-0.59％,95％CI:-0.68％～-0.51％,P＜0.001).From 1990 to 2021,the DALY for malignant tumors in Chinese non-smoking female population increased from 412.96×104 to 691.20×104 person-years,with a similar changing trend compared with the global(China:AAPC=1.68％,95％CI:1.56％～1.81％,Global:AAPC=1.63％,95％CI:1.52％～1.75％,P=0.536);the age-standardized DALY rate in Chinese non-smoking female population decreased from 889.58/105 to 642.65/105,with a higher decreased trend compared with the global(China:AAPC=-1.04％,95％CI:-1.15％～-0.92％;Global:AAPC=-0.69％,95％CI:-0.78％～-0.61％,P＜0.001).The top five malignant tumors of high age-standardized mor-tality rate in Chinese non-smoking female population in 2021 were tracheal,bronchus and lung cancer,colon and rectum cancer,cervical cancer,breast cancer,and liver cancer.The top five malignant tumors of high age-standardized mortality rate globally in 2021 were cervical cancer,colon and rectum cancer,breast cancer,tracheal,bronchus and lung cancer,and pancreatic cancer.The age-standardized mortality rate and DALY rate of breast cancer,liver cancer,pan-creatic cancer and corpus cancer showed overall upward trends(all P＜0.05).[Conclusion]From 1990 to 2021,the number of deaths and DALY of malignant tumors in Chinese and global non-smoking female population showed overall increased trends,and age-standardized mortality rate and DALY rate showed overall decreased trends.In future,more targeted cancer prevention measures are needed to reduce the disease burden of malignant tumors in non-smoking female population.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of closed reduction and internal fixation combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and non-operative treatment for intertrochanteric fracture combined with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 59 patients with intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF admitted to Tianjin Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023, including 16 males and 43 females, aged 66-91 years [(80.2±6.8)years]. The injured vertebral segments included T 10 in 3 patients, T 11 in 9, T 12 in 18, L 1 in 17, L 2 in 8, and L 3 in 4. According to the Genant semi-quantitative classification of vertebral fracture, 42 patients were scaled into grade 1 and 17 into grade 2. Based on the AO classification of intertrochanteric fracture, 33 patients were classified as type A1, 21 type A2, and 5 type A3. All the patients underwent closed reduction and internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures, among whom 26 patients received PKP after the internal fixation of OVCF (PKP group) and 33 patients received non-surgical treatment after the internal fixation of OVCF (non-surgical group). The healing of the hip incision at 2 weeks after internal fixation and the healing of intertrochanteric fractures at 6 months after surgery were observed in both groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain was compared between the two groups before PKP, immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), anterior vertebral height ratio, and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were compared between the two groups before PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Harris hip function score was compared between the two groups at 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up. Cement leakage was observed. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities after internal fixation were compared between the two groups. Results:All the patients were followed up for 10-46 months [(25.5±9.9)months]. The hip incisions of both groups all healed by first intention at 2 weeks after internal fixation, and the intertrochanteric fracture in both groups had bony union at 6 months after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups in VAS or ODI before PKP ( P>0.05). Immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores for low back pain were (2.6±0.6)points, (2.4±0.9)points, and (1.5±0.5)points in the PKP group, which were lower than those in the non-surgical group [(8.2±0.8)points, (3.7±1.2)points, and (3.3±0.6)points] ( P<0.01). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the ODI values were (21.4±6.9)% and (16.2±6.3)% in the PKP group, which were lower than (38.6±11.6)% and (32.7±12.0)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The VAS for low back pain and ODI in both groups were gradually improved at each time point after PKP compared with those before PKP ( P<0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio or Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the two groups before PKP ( P>0.05). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the anterior vertebral height ratio was (79.8±9.6)% and (79.3±9.4)% in the PKP group, which were higher than (73.4±9.3)% and (62.0±10.4)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.05 or 0.01); the values of the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were (12.6±3.6)° and (12.0±3.3)°in the PKP group, which were lower than (15.5±2.6)° and (20.4±4.9)° in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the PKP group before PKP and at each time point after PKP ( P>0.05) while in the non-surgical group, the anterior vertebral height ratio at each time point after PKP was lower than that before PKP and the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae was increased compared with that before PKP ( P<0.01). At 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up, the Harris hip function scores in the PKP group were (76.4±3.4)points and (87.7±4.5)points, which were higher than (57.0±6.8)points and (76.3±8.9)points in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The Harris hip function scores in both groups were improved at the last follow-up, compared with those at 3 months after internal fixation. Five patients had cement leakage in the PKP group, all of which were lateral leakage.There was no occurrence of radiating pain in the lower extremities. The incidence of DVT at 1 month after internal fixation was 19.2% (5/26) in the PKP group, which was lower than 57.6% (19/33) in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with non-operative treatment after the closed reduction and internal fixation, PKP after internal fixation can significantly relieve low back pain in the early stage, improve the functional restoration of the vertebral column, maintain vertebral height, prevent kyphosis, promote the recovery of the hip joint function, and reduce the occurrence of DVT in the lower extremities in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF.