Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

The modernization and development of traditional Chinese medicine has led to higher standards for the quality of traditional Chinese medicine products. The extraction process is a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine production, and it directly impacts the final quality of the product. However, the currently relied upon methods for quality assurance of the extraction process, such as simple wet chemical analysis, have several limitations, including time consumption and labor intensity, and do not offer precise control of the extraction process. As a result, there is significant value in incorporating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the production process of traditional Chinese medicine to improve the quality control of the final products. In this study, we focused on the extraction process of Xiao'er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid (XXZOL), using near-infrared spectra collected by both a Fourier transform near-infrared spectrometer and a portable near-infrared spectrometer. We used the concentration of synephrine, a quality control index component specified by the pharmacopoeia, to achieve rapid and accurate detection in the extraction process. Moreover, we developed a model transfer method to facilitate the transfer of models between the two types of near-infrared spectrometers (analytical grade and portable), thus resolving the low resolution, poor performance, and insufficient prediction accuracy issues of portable instruments. Our findings enable the rapid screening and quality analysis of XXZOL onsite, which is significant for quality monitoring during the traditional Chinese medicine production process.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of prenatal cold stress on the behavior and mood of offspring in pregnant rats. METHODS: Six SPF-class Wister pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal temperature control group and cold stress group with 3 rats in each group. The pregnant female rats in the normal temperature control group were kept in the environment of (22 ±2)℃, and the pregnant female rats in the cold stress group were placed in the artificial intelligence climate chamber at(4 ±0.1)℃ for 7 days before the birth, and the young rats were divided into normal temperature after the young rats were born. After the young rats were born, they were divided into normal temperature control group of male rats (MR, 22), normal temperature control group of mother rats (FR, 15), cold stress group of male rats (MC, 15), and cold stress group of female rats (FC, 15) .In the fourth generation of the offspring, the open field experiment and the elevated cross maze test were carried out. RESULTS: In the open field experiment, there was no significant difference in spontaneous activity and exploration behavior between the normal temperature control group and the cold stress group (P＞0.05). In the elevated plus maze experiment, the retention time of the open arms, the number of open arms and the distance of the male and female rats in the cold stress group were significantly higher than those in the normal temperature control group (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION Prenatal maternal cold stress has no significant effect on spontaneous activity, exploration behavior and activity level of offspring, but the offspring have obvious abnormal behaviors with reduced anxiety behavior.
Animals ; Anxiety ; Behavior, Animal ; Cold-Shock Response ; Exploratory Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Maze Learning ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Stress, Psychological

AIM To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS) method for the simultaneous content determination of five constituents in Roudoukou-8 Powder (Myristicae Semen,Auck landiae Radix,Lignum aquilariae Resinatum,etc.).METHODS The analysis of 75％ methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Apollo C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.1％ phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 225,254,273,281 nm.With eugenol as an internal standard,the relative correction factors of the other four constituents were calculated,after which the content determination was made.RESULTS Ellagic acid,eugenol,costunolide,dehydroroma lactone,dehydrodiisoeugenol showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 0.227 0-1.135 2,5.272 2-26.361 0,0.540 8-2.704 0,0.530 4-2.652 0,0.059 0-0.299 5 μg (r ＞0.999 0),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 96.37％ (2.07％),102.19％ (2.78％),101.66％ (1.66％),103.46％ (1.17％),98.25％ (1.98％),respectively.The results obtained by QAMS approximated those obtained by external standard method.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Roudoukou-8 Powder.

A series of isoindoline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their double inhibitory activities. All of them were new compounds, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS. Preliminary in vitro pharmacological tests showed that all compounds exhibited 5-HT or NE reuptake inhibition activity. Among the tested compounds, compound I-3 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against 5-HT and NE reuptake in vitro, and exhibited potent antidepressant activity in vivo. These compounds designed can be further optimized for finding more potent 5-HT/NE dual reuptake inhibitors and antidepressant candidates as well.
Antidepressive Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Biological Transport ; Drug Design ; Isoindoles ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Structure-Activity Relationship

A series of isoindoline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their double inhibitory activities. All of them were new compounds, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS. Preliminary in vitro pharmacological tests showed that all compounds exhibited 5-HT or NE reuptake inhibition activity. Among the tested compounds, compound I-3 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against 5-HT and NE reuptake in vitro, and exhibited potent antidepressant activity in vivo. These compounds designed can be further optimized for finding more potent 5-HT/NE dual reuptake inhibitors and antidepressant candidates as well.

Objective To discuss features of angiogenesis in degenerative intervertebral disc and related factors.Methods In this case-control study,52 patients undergoing single level posterior lumbar interbody fusion during October 2012 to December 2013 were selected as research objects.Annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus and cartilage end plate of responsible level were collected in surgery for frozen section and HE staining.Angiogenesis in the intervertebral disc was identified according to the morphological characteristics of vascular endothelial cells,i.e.typical lumen structure and blue stained nucleus.These intervertebral disc specimens were divided into two groups according to the angiogenesis phenomenon.All specimens with angiogenesis were evaluated by blood micro-vessel density (MVD) counting.Related factors of angiogenesis including gender,age,VAS score,JOA lumbar score,classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration,intervertebral disc calcification rate and classification of intervertebral disc herniation were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was further conducted on indicators with differences of statistical significance.Results In our group of 52 patients,28 patients had obvious angiogenesis:12 patients in annulus fibrosus,7 patients in cartilage endplate and 9 patients in annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.Angiogenesis rate was 53.8％ (28/52).The mean value of MVD was 12.5±3.1.24 patients did not have obvious angiogenesis.Intervertebral disc calcification rate (75.0％ vs.37.5％),VAS score (6.79±2.06 vs.5.25±2.23) and JOA lumbar score (16.32±3.89 vs.19.08±4.24) were significant differences between two groups (P=0.006,0.013,0.018).Multi-factor regression analysis showed that VAS score (OR=7.248,P=0.011) and intervertebral disc calcification (OR=8.881,P=0.006) were important factors associated with intervertebral disc angiogenesis.JOA lumbar score (OR=3.739,P=0.070) was not associated with intervertebral disc angiogenesis.Conclusion Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is accompanied by angiogenesis.Intervertebral disc calcification and VAS score are important factors associated with angiogenesis in intervertebral disc.

OBJECTIVETo study characteristic presentations of Brucellar spondylitis on MRI in order to improve the diagnostic level.

METHODSFrom October 2009 to December 2010,15 patients with Brucellar spondylitis were evaluated by MRI. They included 11 males and 4 females ranging in age from 31 to 64 (mean 49) years. The major clinical manifestations were different degrees of fatigue,fever and low back pain. All patients underwent MRI and treated with antibiotic drugs.

RESULTSBrucellar spondylitis was mostly localized at the lumbar spine with obvious bony hyperostosis in the vertebral periphery. Most foci were in the edge, anterior and middle parts of the vertebral body, with low signals on T1WI and mixed low signals on T2WI, and high signals on T2 fat suppression, mostly without significant changes in intervertebral space. Paraspinal abscess was observed in 5 cases. Thirteen cases involved the lumbar vertebrae, 1 case involved the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and 1 case involved the lumbar and sacral vertebrae. Two vertebrae were affected in 14 cases, and 3 vertebrae were affected in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONMRI can provide imaging clues for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Brucellar spondylitis, and has a high clinical value.

Adult ; Brucellosis ; diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spondylitis ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of percutaneous lung biopsy in hematologic patients with lung infection.

METHODS28 cases hematologic patients received CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy when they developed a fever associated with pulmonary nodules or lumps in CT scan whose clinical diagnosis were unclear during or after chemotherapy. Sample of each lesion were drawn twice. The lung tissue was re-scanned after lung biopsy to check up in order to discover bleeding and pneumothorax. Biopsy tissue was examined by bacteria culture, acid-fast staining and pathology. Pathological examination contained HE staining, acid-fast stain, PAS stain, TB-DNA, methenamine silver and others.

RESULTS28 cases contain 24 males and 4 females. Median age was 40 15 - 77 years old. Blood tests were as follows: 3 cases with HGB > 110 g/L, 9 with HGB 90 - 110 g/L, 12 with HGB 60 - 89 g/L, 4 with HGB < 60 g/L. 8 with WBC > 10×10(9)/L, 6 with WBC (4 - 10)×10(9)/L, 13 with WBC < 4×10(9)/L, 1 with WBC < 2×10(9)/L; 14 with PLT > 100×10(9)/L, 5 with PLT (50 - 100)×10(9)/L, 5 with PLT < 50×10(9)/L, 4 with PLT < 30×10(9)/L. 4 cases had mild extended PT, 3 mild extended APTT, 3 FIB lower than normal. Lung CT scans were as follows: 4 cases with simply lesion in right lung, 4 with simply lesion in left lung, 20 with lesions in bilateral lung. 8 cases were diagnosed as fungal infection, 3 as tuberculosis infection, 1 as lung cancer, 1 as pulmonary infiltration of lymphoma, 1 as pulmonary infiltration of leukemia, and 14 as inflammatory changes with no specific diagnosis. 4 cases came with pneumothorax during lung biopsy, mild to moderate in 3 cases and severe in 1 case. Severe patient turned better after CT-guided suction. 3 cases with mild hemoptysis turned better after treatment.

CONCLUSIONWhen hematopathy patients are with pulmonary nodules or lumps in CT scan whose clinical diagnosis is unclear, CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is safe and conducive to early diagnosis and conducive to early rehabilitation of patients if the coagulation function is basically normal and platelet count is not too low.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Female ; Hematologic Diseases ; microbiology ; pathology ; Humans ; Lung ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonia ; diagnosis ; Young Adult