Objective:To investigate the changes in brain functional network and structural-functional network coupling in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and to analyze their correlation with cognitive function, disease duration, and age of onset.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 19 children with DRE who received consultation and treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from August 2021 to August 2023 (DRE group) were prospectively included. Another 27 age-and sex-matched healthy children were collected as the healthy control group. All subjects had 3D-T 1WI, T 2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and Wechsler Intelligence Scale assessments. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the global and local topological attributes, as well as the structural-functional coupling (SFC) values at the whole brain and modular levels in two groups. Correlations between abnormal resting state brain functional network indicators and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale score [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), processing speed index (PSI), full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ)], disease duration and age of onset was evaluated using a Spearman or Pearson correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the healthy control group, DRE group exhibited decreased VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI, FSIQ and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Both brain functional networks had small world attributes. There was a statistically significant difference in the area under the curve of sparsity of degree centrality (DC) in the left pallidum between the DRE group and healthy control group (2.998±0.942, 4.992±1.945, t=-4.07, FDR corrected P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the DRE group had decreased SFC within the limbic network (LN) ( P<0.05), increased SFC within the sensorimotor (SMN) ( P<0.05), decreased SFC between the default mode network-LN ( P<0.05), and increased SFC between the SMN-attentional network (AN) ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in SFC at the whole brain level between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that DC in left pallidum in DRE group negatively correlated with the PSI ( r=-0.537, P=0.018), and SFC between the SMN and AN demonstrated a negative correlation with age of onset ( r=-0.537, P=0.018). Conclusion:The altered DC in left pallidum may be related to cognitive impairment in children with DRE, providing biomarker information for the study of neural mechanisms in children with DRE.

In hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), the programmed cell death known as ferroptosis is significantly activated. Microglial cells demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to iron accumulation. Understanding how to regulate the dual role of microglia and transforming the microglial ferroptosis to a moderate and controllable process has considerable implications for the targeted treatment in HIBD. This paper serves as an overview of microglia-mediated ferroptosis in HIBD as a disease model. We discuss various aspects centered around microglia, including pathophysiological mechanisms, polarization and functions of microglia, molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, signaling pathways, and therapeutic strategies. The review aims to provide a reference for studies of ferroptosis in microglia.
Microglia/physiology* ; Ferroptosis/physiology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/pathology* ; Signal Transduction

Objective:To investigate the changes in brain functional network and structural-functional network coupling in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and to analyze their correlation with cognitive function, disease duration, and age of onset.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 19 children with DRE who received consultation and treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from August 2021 to August 2023 (DRE group) were prospectively included. Another 27 age-and sex-matched healthy children were collected as the healthy control group. All subjects had 3D-T 1WI, T 2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and Wechsler Intelligence Scale assessments. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the global and local topological attributes, as well as the structural-functional coupling (SFC) values at the whole brain and modular levels in two groups. Correlations between abnormal resting state brain functional network indicators and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale score [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), processing speed index (PSI), full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ)], disease duration and age of onset was evaluated using a Spearman or Pearson correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the healthy control group, DRE group exhibited decreased VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI, FSIQ and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Both brain functional networks had small world attributes. There was a statistically significant difference in the area under the curve of sparsity of degree centrality (DC) in the left pallidum between the DRE group and healthy control group (2.998±0.942, 4.992±1.945, t=-4.07, FDR corrected P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the DRE group had decreased SFC within the limbic network (LN) ( P<0.05), increased SFC within the sensorimotor (SMN) ( P<0.05), decreased SFC between the default mode network-LN ( P<0.05), and increased SFC between the SMN-attentional network (AN) ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in SFC at the whole brain level between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that DC in left pallidum in DRE group negatively correlated with the PSI ( r=-0.537, P=0.018), and SFC between the SMN and AN demonstrated a negative correlation with age of onset ( r=-0.537, P=0.018). Conclusion:The altered DC in left pallidum may be related to cognitive impairment in children with DRE, providing biomarker information for the study of neural mechanisms in children with DRE.

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy and regulation of skin microbiota in children with atopic dermatitis and damp-heat accumulation syndrome treated by Zhaqu Xiaofeng Powder （楂曲消风散， ZXP）. MethodsNinety children were randomized into a treatment group and a control group， each with 45 children. The treatment group received ZXP orally， while the control group received levocetirizine hydrochloride syrup， both for 4 weeks. The atopic dermatitis severity index （SCORAD）score， visual analog scale （VAS）score for itching， children dermatology life quality index （CDLQI）score， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score were assessed before and after 2- and 4-week treatment. Simultaneously， adhering to the principles of sample size in microbial sequencing， 25 children were randomly selected from each group （total 50 children）； skin samples were collected before and after treatment， and skin specimen DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA gene amplifier sequencing； the skin microbiota levels were detected， and the distribution of bacteria， diversity of flora， and differences between groups were compared. ResultsThere were five drop-outs in each group， and 40 cases in each group were included in final analysis. After 2- and 4-week treatment， both groups showed a significant reduction in SCORAD scores， VAS scores， and CDLQI scores， and more reductions were shown after 4-week treatment than 2-week treatment （P＜0.01）. The SCORAD score， VAS score， and CDLQI score of the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group after 4-week treatment （P＜0.01）. The scores of upset， thirsty， poor appetite， short red urine， and dry stool were reduced in the treatment group （P＜0.05）， while the scores of thirsty， poor appetite， short and red urine decreased after treatment （P＜0.05）. After 4 weeks of treatment， among the differential genera with abundances ＞0.5% in the treatment group， The cumulative relative abundances of Staphylococcus aureus， Streptococcus_mitis， Escherichia coli and Gemella_haemolysans in the treatment group were downregulated after treatment； in the control group， there was a relative cumulative decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus_mitis. The control group had reduced relative abundance of Streptococcus_mitis， Escherichia coli， Staphylococcus aureus and Gemella_haemolysans， after treatment （P＜0.05）. Alpha diversity analysis revealed an increase in both Chaol index and Shannon index after treatment （P＜0.05）， while there was no significant difference in Chaol index and Shannon index in the control group before and after treatment （P＞0.05）. Higher Chaol index and Shannon index were found in the treatment group （P＜0.05）. Beta diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the microbial community structure at the lesion site between the treatment group and the control group before treatment. The microbial community structure in the treatment group was similar after treatment， while there was no significant change in the microbial community structure in the control group before and after treatment. There were significant structure differences of key bacteria genus in both groups before and after treatment. ConclusionZXP used in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis （AD）with the syndrome of damp-heat accumulation， has shown efficacy in reducing the severity of skin lesions， alleviating itching， and enhancing the quality of life in children. This modulation aims to decrease the abundance of pathogenic bacteria while promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria， thereby altering the skin microbiota and contributing to the treatment of pediatric AD.

Objective This study aims to provide further clarification regarding the activity enhancement effects of peppermint oil,eucalyptus oil,Litsea cubeba oil,patchouli oil,and lemon oil on pyrethrin aerosol insecticide,and to establish a theoretical basis for the development of this insecticide.Methods The common mosquito Culex pipiens pallens was employed as the test insect.The fumigant effect of five essential oils on Cx.pipiens pallens was determined by the closed cylindrical fumigation method.Based on the 5.8 m3 room method,the oils exhibiting discernible activity enhancement were combined by multiple combinations.In addition,the optimal combination was selected and formulated into a finished aerosol insecticide.This was then subjected to a comparison of indoor efficacy and a simulated field test of commercially available products.Results The closed cylindrical fumigation method demonstrated the efficacy of various essential oils,including Litsea cubeba oil,lemon oil,peppermint oil,eucalyptus oil,and patchouli oil,against Cx.pipiens pallens.The KT50 values for these oils were all within 25 min,indicating their potential for rapid biological activity.The combinations that exhibited superior enhancement effects when utilizing the 5.8 m3 room method were as follows:The following combinations were identified as having the most promising enhancement effects:P-A(10.0%Litsea cubeba oil+1.0%pyrethrin),P-B(10.0%eucalyptus oil+1.0%pyrethrin),P-G(6.0%eucalyptus oil+10%Litsea cubeba oil+1.0%pyrethrin);and P-G exhibited the highest enhancement coefficient(1.3646),followed by P-B(1.211 2)and P-A(1.175 4).The P-G formula was selected for the production of the aerosol,and the 5.8 m3 cabin method was used for the indoor efficacy test.The simulated field test was carried out using the 28 m3 simulated field method.In determining the indoor efficacy of the formulation,P-G,the KT50 was found to be 2.775 2 min,with a 24-hour mortality rate of 98.67%.In the simulated field trials,the KT50 of the aerosol formulation,P-G,was determined to be 11.680 0 min,with a 24-hour mortality rate of 73%.Conclusions The pyrethrin aerosol insecticide enhancement formulation P-G,which has been obtained in this study,produces an evident enhancement effect and thus represents a promising candidate for industrial development.

Interleukin 24 (IL-24) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family and is primarily synthesized by lymphocytes and activated monocytes. IL-24 exerts its immunological functions by interacting with membrane receptors or intracellular proteins, leading to the activation of Janus protein tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways in target cells. This versatile cytokine has specific abilities to inhibit tumor proliferation and invasion, expedite wound healing, and contribute to cardiovascular protection. IL-24 is involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, presenting itself as a prospective therapeutic target for the treatment of such conditions. This article primarily delves into the role and mechanisms of IL-24 in physiological processes, aiming to provide novel insights and avenues for disease treatment.
Humans ; Animals ; Interleukins/physiology* ; Signal Transduction ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Autoimmune Diseases/metabolism* ; Inflammation/immunology* ; STAT Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Janus Kinases/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To study and analyze the diagnostic value and interventional treatment value of high-frequency ultrasound for elbow cyst. METHODS: From February 2018 to February 2021, the data of 60 patients with elbow cyst treated by high-frequency ultrasound interventional therapy were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 males and 30 females with an average age of (30.93±5.32) years old ranging from 20 to 54 years old. The course of disease ranged from 1 to 10 years with an average of (3.45±0.25) years. High-frequency ultrasound features of all patients were analyzed. The clinical efficacy, the occurrence of adverse events and the changes of psychological status before and after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: In 60 cases of elbow cyst, the cyst size was from 6 mm×7 mm to 111 mm×60 mm. The characteristics of ultrasonic images included such as most of the morphology was regular, which was round or oval, and a few were irregular;the boundary was clear, there was a capsule wall, most of the inside of the capsule was good, no echo;when accompanied by bleeding or infection, small dense points can be seen floating;the cystic wall of the patients with long course of disease was coarser, and the internal light bands were separated, showing multilocular shape;no significant blood flow signal was observed. Final results involved olecranon bursa cysts in 19 cases, annular ligament cysts in 10 cases, radial bursa cysts in 9 cases, accessory ligament cysts in 7 cases, epidermoid cysts in 4 cases, ganglion cysts in 6 cases, nerve sheath cysts in 5 cases. After treatment, 33 cases were cured, 16 cases had obvious effect, 11 cases were improved, 0 cases were invalid. After treatment, mild adverse events occurred in 1 case, moderate adverse events in 1 case, and severe adverse events in 0 cases, with a total incidence of 3.33% (2/60). After treatment, positive affect score (38.04±1.74) was higher than that before treatment (35.92±2.34), and negative affect score (24.61±1.51) was lower than that before treatment (30.15±3.46), with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSION High-frequency ultrasound has high diagnostic value for elbow cyst, and it has ideal effect in interventional therapy.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Elbow ; Cysts ; Ultrasonography ; Treatment Outcome

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant proliferative disease of plasma cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) play an important role in the progression of MM. Compared with normal donor derived MSC (ND-MSC), MM patients derived MSC (MM-MSC) exhibit abnormalities in genes, signaling pathways, protein expression levels and cytokines secreted by themselves. Moreover, the exosomes of MM-MSC can interact with the bone marrow microenvironment. The above reasons can lead to MM cell proliferation, chemoresistance, impaired osteogenic differentiation of MM-MSC, and affect the immunomodulatory capacity of MM patients. In order to further understand the pathogenesis and related influencing factors of MM, this paper reviews the latest research progress of MM-MSC.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/pathology* ; Osteogenesis ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Cell Differentiation ; Bone Marrow/metabolism* ; Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of one patient with TAFRO syndrome, and to strengthen the understanding of this rare type. METHODS: The clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment process, and prognosis of the patient admitted in Gansu Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Combined with laboratory tests, bone marrow examination, imaging, pathology, etc, the patient was diagnosed with TAFRO syndrome. After three cycles of treatment with pomalidomide (2-3 mg/d, d1-21), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m², 0.54 g once a week) and dexamethasone (20 mg/d, two days a week), platelet count, serum creatinine and procalcitonin returned to normal, the systemic edema disappeared, and the patient's condition was alleviated. The therapeutic effect was good. CONCLUSION TAFRO syndrome is rare, involves multiple systems, progresses rapidly, and has a worse prognosis. The choice of the "Pomalidomide+cyclophosphamide+dexamethasone" regimen is help to improve the survival prognosis of patient with TAFRO syndrome.
Humans ; Thrombocytopenia ; Retrospective Studies ; Castleman Disease/diagnosis* ; Dexamethasone ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use*

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.
Adult ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Imatinib Mesylate/adverse effects* ; Incidence ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pyrimidines/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzamides/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase/drug therapy* ; Aminopyridines/therapeutic use* ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*