ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the changes of cerebral blood flow before and after transfusion in neonates with anemia,and analyze the related influencing factors of neonatal middle cerebral artery blood flow.Methods:A total of 39 neonates with anemia who were hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from October 2021 to March 2023 and received blood transfusion treatment were selected.Basic data were collected.Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to collect peak systolic flow velocity(Vs),end-diastolic flow velocity(Vd)and vascular resistance index(RI)of left and right middle cerebral artery(MCA).To analyze the relationship between neonatal anemia and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity.To explore the effects of anemia and blood transfusion on middle cerebral artery blood flow,and analyze the related factors of middle cerebral artery blood flow.Results:A total of 39 neonates were included in this study,and the Vs on both the left and right sides of the middle cerebral artery after transfusion was lower than that before transfusion[Vs on the left side after transfusion was(44.7±16.7)cm/s compared with that before transfusion(45.9±19.2)cm/s,Vs on the right side after transfusion:(49.2±18.4)cm/s Vs(52.4±25.1)cm/s before transfusion];The mean blood pressure,Vd and RI after transfusion were all higher than those before transfusion[mean pressure(after transfusion/before transfusion):(41.7±6.3)mmHg ratio(40.9±6.9)mmHg],[Vd after transfusion on the left side:(11.7±6.6)cm/s compared with that before transfusion(10.9±5.0)cm/s,Vd after transfusion on the right side:(10.5±4.0)cm/s compared with(9.6±5.5)cm/s],[left post-transfusion RI:(0.75±0.08)compared with pre-transfusion RI:(0.74±0.09),right post-transfusion RI:(0.77±0.08)compared with(0.70±0.86)before transfusion],but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05);Through further correlation analysis,gestational age at birth,standard deviation of hemoglobin and normal value before and after transfusion,mean blood pressure,birth weight and blood flow of middle cerebral artery were respectively correlated,and it was found that gestational age was positively correlated with MCA Vd before transfusion,the standard deviation of hemoglobin before transfusion was negatively correlated with MCA on the left and right side,and the mean blood pressure was positively correlated with MCA blood flow.Birth weight was positively correlated with right side Vd of MCA after transfusion.Conclusion:Blood transfusion in anemic neonates can affect blood flow velocity in middle cerebral artery.The blood flow velocity of middle cerebral artery was correlated with gestational age,anemia degree,mean blood pressure and birth weight.

Objective To compare the pain relief and long-term clinical success rate of vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth with carious irreversible pulpitis.Methods A total of 90 patients diagnosed with carious irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth were collected at Shanghai Stomatological Hospital from Jan 2021 to Jun 2022.They were randomly divided into two groups:test group(n=45)undergoing vital pulp therapy(VPT)and control group(n=45)undergoing root canal treatment(RCT).Pain scores were recorded before treatment,24 hours after operation and 7 days after operation.We conducted clinical evaluation and imaging analysis at 1,6,and 12 months after the surgery,then compared the pain scores and treatment success rates between the two groups.Results Eighty-one patients,including 39 patients in group VPT aged(31.00±1.43)years old and 42 patients in group RCT aged(30.60±1.54)years old,received follow-up for more than 1 year,and the success rate of the test group and control was 97.44%and 95.24%.The pain degree of the two groups was reduced at 24 hours and 7 days after operation(P<0.05),and the pain score of the test group was reduced compared with that in the control group 7 days after operation(P<0.01).Conclusion Compared with root canal treatment,vital pulp therapy for mature permanent teeth with carious irreversible pulpitis can achieve good results in short-term pain evolution and long-term clinical success.

Objective To explore the effects of robot assisted training (RAT) combined with neural mobi-lization (NM) training on the recovery of upper limb functions in stroke patients. Methods A total of 110 stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into a control group (n=28),RAT group (n=27),NM group (n=28),and combination group (n=27). All patients underwent routine upper limb occupational therapy. Additionally,the patients in the RAT group were treated with upper limb rehabilitation robots,those in the NM group underwent neural mobilization for treatment,those in the combination group were managed with robot-assisted training for upper limb rehabilitation and neural mobilization. Before treat-ment and 4 weeks after treatment,the modified Ashworth scale (MAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity (FMA-UE),functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity Hong Kong version (FTHUE-HK),and modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to assess the effects. The surface electromyographic signals of the biceps and triceps at the maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) position during elbow flexion and extension were measured,the integrated electromyographic values (iEMG) were recorded and the synergistic contraction rate (CR) was calculated. Results There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the four groups in the general information and pre-treatment assessments of MAS,FMA-UE,FTHUE-HK,MBI,iEMG,and CR. After 4 weeks,significant improvements were observed in all indicators compared to the pre-treatment assessments (P<0.05),with the exception of the triceps brachii CR,biceps brachii CR,and elbow extension MIVC biceps brachii iEMG in the control group.Among the group comparisons,all indicators showed statistically significant differences in mean or distribution (P<0.05),except for MAS and triceps brachii CR. The RAT group,NM group,and combination group all demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group (P<0.05). Nota-bly,the combination group exhibited a greater degree of improvement than the RAT and NM groups. Conclusion RATcombined with NM can reduce upper limb muscle tone in stroke patients. This approacheffectively promotes the establishment of normal movement patterns,improve upper limb motor function,and enhance activities of daily living. This combination is effective and worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Objective To explore the effects of robot assisted training (RAT) combined with neural mobi-lization (NM) training on the recovery of upper limb functions in stroke patients. Methods A total of 110 stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into a control group (n=28),RAT group (n=27),NM group (n=28),and combination group (n=27). All patients underwent routine upper limb occupational therapy. Additionally,the patients in the RAT group were treated with upper limb rehabilitation robots,those in the NM group underwent neural mobilization for treatment,those in the combination group were managed with robot-assisted training for upper limb rehabilitation and neural mobilization. Before treat-ment and 4 weeks after treatment,the modified Ashworth scale (MAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity (FMA-UE),functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity Hong Kong version (FTHUE-HK),and modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to assess the effects. The surface electromyographic signals of the biceps and triceps at the maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) position during elbow flexion and extension were measured,the integrated electromyographic values (iEMG) were recorded and the synergistic contraction rate (CR) was calculated. Results There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the four groups in the general information and pre-treatment assessments of MAS,FMA-UE,FTHUE-HK,MBI,iEMG,and CR. After 4 weeks,significant improvements were observed in all indicators compared to the pre-treatment assessments (P<0.05),with the exception of the triceps brachii CR,biceps brachii CR,and elbow extension MIVC biceps brachii iEMG in the control group.Among the group comparisons,all indicators showed statistically significant differences in mean or distribution (P<0.05),except for MAS and triceps brachii CR. The RAT group,NM group,and combination group all demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group (P<0.05). Nota-bly,the combination group exhibited a greater degree of improvement than the RAT and NM groups. Conclusion RATcombined with NM can reduce upper limb muscle tone in stroke patients. This approacheffectively promotes the establishment of normal movement patterns,improve upper limb motor function,and enhance activities of daily living. This combination is effective and worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus in Liuyang People's Hospital Hunan Province for better diagnosis,treatment,prevention and control of scrub typhus.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 159 confirmed cases of scrub typhus.The demographic data of patients,clinical manifestations of scrub typhus,laboratory tests,and chest CT findings,complications,treatment,and outcomes were analyzed.Results The 159 patients with scrub typhus included 142 males and 17 females.The average age of patients was(53.8±11.9)(18-82)years old.The peak incidence of scrub typhus was in the period from July to September(87.42％).The common clinical manifestations included fever(97.48％),headache(41.51％),and fatigue(23.90％).The most common signs were eschar(92.45％)on the lower limbs(25.16％),scrotum(15.72％),and buttocks(11.32％).Laboratory test results upon admission showed decreased platelet count(64.15％),elevated creatinine(38.36％),elevated AST(90.57％),ALT(80.50％),and LDH(90.57％).Pulmonary imaging study revealed pulmonary inflammation(22.64％),pleural effusion(13.21％),and pericardial effusion(6.29％).The common complications included liver impairment(69.81％)and decreased platelet count(50.94％),as well as other complications such as renal dysfunction,myocardial injury,sepsis,respiratory failure,and disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC).Doxycycline-based therapies resulted in cure rate of 98.11％(156/159).Three patients died due to severe complications.Conclusions The peak incidence of scrub typhus was in the period from July to September in Hunan Province.Eschar is a key feature for clinical diagnosis.Scrub typhus can affect multiple organ systems,leading to various systemic complications.The cure rate is high with doxycycline treatment,but some patients may die from severe complications due to delayed medical treatment.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

The interactions between microorganisms and medicinal plants are crucial to the quality improvement of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants attract microorganisms to colonize by secreting specific compounds and provide niche and nutrient support for these microorganisms, with a symbiotic network formed. These microorganisms grow in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endophytic tissues of plants and significantly improve the growth performance and medicinal component accumulation of medicinal plants by promoting nutrient uptake, enhancing disease resistance, and regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Microorganisms are also widely used in the ecological planting of medicinal plants, and the growth conditions of medicinal plants are optimized by simulating the microbial effects in the natural environment. The interactions between microorganisms and medicinal plants not only significantly improve the yield and quality of medicinal plants but also enhance their geoherbalism, which is in line with the concept of green agriculture and eco-friendly development. This study reviewed the research results on the interactions between medicinal plants and microorganisms in recent years and focused on the analysis of the great potential of microorganisms in optimizing the growth environment of medicinal plants, regulating the accumulation of secondary metabolites, inducing systemic resistance, and promoting the ecological planting of medicinal plants. It provides a scientific basis for the research on the interactions between medicinal plants and microorganisms, the research and development of microbial agents, and the application of microorganisms in the ecological planting of medicinal plants and is of great significance for the quality improvement of medicinal plants and the green and sustainable development of TCM resources.
Plants, Medicinal/metabolism* ; Bacteria/genetics* ; Symbiosis