ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

ObjectiveSodium hyaluronate (HA) was used as the research object to modify it with phenolic acid in order to obtain the molecular structure with better antioxidant activity or even new activity. MethodsIn this study, 5 kinds of phenolic acid-sodium hyaluronate was prepared by free radical-mediated grafting method, and the grafts with the highest grafting degree were selected to optimize the synthesis conditions. Then, grafts structure and physicochemical properties were analyzed. The grafts were characterized by IR, UV, ¹H NMR, FESEM and TGA spectra. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of grafts was determined by the scavenging ability of DPPH·, ABTS⁺· and O^2-·. ResultsAmong 5 kinds of phenolic acid-sodium hyaluronate, the grafting rate of ferulic acid-sodium hyaluronate copolymer (FA-HA) was highest , which was chosen as experimental sample in the following tests. Firstly, the reaction conditions were investigated and the highest grafting rate was (16.59±0.31) mg/g at the optimal preparation conditions. Then, FA-HA structure and physicochemical properties were analyzed. Data from UV, IR, ¹H NMR analyses, TGA showed that FA were successfully grafted to HA. Compared with HA, the results of gel permeation chrematography (GPC) showed that the molecular mass distribution ofFA-HA copolymer decreased from 34.4 to 31.5 ku, but the uniformity of molecular distribution was improved. FESEM results showed that the structure of copolymer exhibited a closely connected lamellar structure with a relatively smooth surface. TGA results showed that thermal stability of FA-HA had a little decline. The antioxidant performance in vitro results showed that, during 0.25-10 g/L, FA-HA can eliminate (83.76±4.86)% DPPH·, (76.95±5.06)% ABTS⁺· and (83.08±2.51)% O^2-· respectively at 10 g/L. which were higher than that of native HA and FA. ConclusionFA and HA were successfully grafted together by free radical grafting, and the grafted FA-HA had better antioxidant activity in vitro, which provided a theoretical basis for further research and development of phenolic acid-HA grafts.

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is one of the most effective formulation approaches to enhance the water solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, maintenance of physical stability of amorphous drug is one of the main challenges in the development of ASD. Crystallization is a process of nucleation and crystal growth. The nucleation is the key factor that influences the physical stability of the ASD. However, a theoretical framework to describe the way to inhibit the nucleation of amorphous drug is not yet available. We reviewed the methods and theories of nucleation for amorphous drug. Meanwhile, we also summarized the research progress on the mechanism of additives influence on nucleation and environmental factors on nucleation. This review aims to enhance the better understanding mechanism of nucleation of amorphous drug and controlling over the crystal nucleation during the ASD formulation development.

Objective To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of acellular nerve allografts(ANA)combined with electroacupuncture on spinal ganglia in rats with sciatic nerve injury(SNI).Methods Totally 50 male adult SD rats were randomly selected for this experiment.Ten rats were prepared for the ANA.Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,ANA group and combinational group,with 10 rats in each group.The SNI model was established by cutting off the nerves 10 mm at the 5 mm on the inferior border of piriformis after separating the right sciatic nerves.The rats in the ANA group were bridged with ANA to the two broken ends of injured nerves.The rats in the combinational group were treated with electroacupuncture 2 days after ANA bridging,Huantiao(GB30)and Yanglingquan(GB34)were performed as the acupuncture points,each electroacupuncture lasted 15 minutes and 7 days as a course of treatment,4 courses in all.Sciatic nerve conduction velocity was measured by electrophysiology to evaluate the regeneration of damaged axons.Morphology of spinal ganglia was observed by Nissl staining.The expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining.Results Compared with the normal group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in model group decreased significantly(P<0.01),Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia were swollen and dissolved,with incomplete structure and the number decreased dramatically(P<0.01),while the level of NGF and BDNF also decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in ANA and combinational groups strongly increased(P<0.01),the damage of Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia reduced and the number obviously increased(P<0.01),the level of NGF and BDNF increased considerably(P<0.01).Compared with the ANA group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in combinational group increased significantly(P<0.01),the morphology of Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia were more regular and the number increased(P<0.01),moreover,the level of NGF also increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion ANA combined with electroacupuncture can enhance the sciatic nerve conduction velocity,improve the morphology of neurons in spinal ganglia and play a protective effect on spinal ganglia.The mechanism can be related to the higher expression of NGF and BDNF proteins,especially the expression of NGF protein.

To summarize Professor AI Rudi's experience in the staged external treatment of eczema by traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It is believed that dampness is the key pathological factor of eczema， and the treatment for dampness should be carried out throughout the whole process， with the leading idea of “three-stage treatment， dampness as the root， and treatment according to the symptoms”. The preparation and formulas of the external treatment can be applied according to the pathogenesis and lesion characteristics of each stage. In acute stage with wind-dampness and heat in the skin as the main mechanism， the treatment is to clear heat and astringe， resolve toxins and relieve itching， and the preparation is mostly solution and lotion， and the formula could be Yangzheng Xi Formula （痒症洗方）， Jingfang Kushen Decoction （荆防苦参汤）， Kuding Erhuang Decoction （苦丁二黄汤）， and Xianglian Jinhuang Powder （香连金黄散）. In subacute stage with phlegm-dampness and heat as the main mechanism， the treatment is to remove dampness and turbidity， clean up the residual heat； the preparation is mostly ointment， and the formula include Shehuang Ointment （蛇黄软膏）， Huanglian Ointment （黄连膏）， and Zihuan Diding Ointment （紫花地丁软膏）. In chronic stage with phlegm-dampness stagnation as the main mechanism， the treatment is to remove dampness and eliminate phlegm， remove blood stasis and stop itching， and the formula could be Zhiyang soft Ointment （止痒软膏）， Runji Ointment （润肌膏）， Yufu Ointment （愈肤膏）； jojoba oil and olive oil are often used as external moisturiser for daily care.

Objective To understand the spectrum and changes of pathogens causing healthcare-associated infec-tion(HAI)in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods Clinical medical records of neonates with HAI in a hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected,spectrum of pathogens causing HAI were and analyzed retrospectively.Results A total of 7 597 hospitalized neonates were investigated,and 240 of whom had 263 cases of HAI,with an HAI incidence of 3.16％and healthcare-associated case infection incidence of 3.46％.96 cases(36.50％)were bloodstream infection,70(26.62％)were respiratory system infection,and 57(21.67％)were in-fection without clear sites.A total of 170 pathogens were detected from specimens,78(45.88％)of which were Gram-positive bacteria,with Staphylococcus spp.accounting for the highest proportion,78(45.88％)were Gram-negative bacteria,mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae,and 14(8.24％)were fungi.The detection rate of Gram-negative bacteria showed an upward trend from 2018 to 2022(P＜0.01).Conclusion The majority of HAI in NICU is bloodstream infection.In recent years,the detection rate of Gram-negative bacteria has been increasing year by year,and it is necessary to streng-then the prevention and control of HAI in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Objective To investigate the association of triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its diagnostic value for NAFLD in non-obese individuals.Methods We retrospectively collected the data of non-obese individuals(BMI<25 kg/m2)undergoing routine health examination at Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between May,2020 and December,2023,who all received abdominal ultrasound examination for NAFLD screening.The nonlinear relationship between TyG and non-obese NAFLD was explored using restricted cubic splines(RCS),and LASSO regression was used for variable screening;the correlation between TyG and NAFLD risk was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The diagnostic value of TyG for non-obese NAFLD was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic(ROC)curves and sensitivity analysis.Results A total of 3723 non-obese subjects were enrolled in this study,including 432(11.6%)patients with NAFLD.Compared with the healthy individuals,the patients with NAFLD had significant elevations of systolic and diastolic blood pressures,total cholesterol,triglycerides,LDL-C,blood uric acid,fasting blood glucose,and TyG index and a decreased HDL-C level(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that for each one-unit increase of TyG,the risk of non-obese NAFLD increased by 2.2 folds(OR=3.22,95%CI:2.53-4.12,P<0.001).Compared with a TyG index in the lowest quartile Q1,a TyG index in the Q2,Q3 and Q4 quartiles was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD by 1.52 folds(OR=2.52,95%CI:1.20-5.95),3.56 folds(OR=4.56,95%CI:2.28-10.46),and 8.66-folds(OR=9.66,95%CI:4.83-22.18),respectively.The RCS curve demonstrated a significant linear correlation between TyG index and non-obese NALFD risk(P for nonlinear=0.019).For diagnosing non-obese NALFD,TyG index had an area under ROC curve of 0.819 with a sensitivity of 78.0%and a specificity of 71.2%.Conclusion An increase of TyG index is correlated with increased risks of NAFLD in non-obese individuals and can serve as an indicator for screening early NAFLD in healthy individuals.

Objective To investigate the association of triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its diagnostic value for NAFLD in non-obese individuals.Methods We retrospectively collected the data of non-obese individuals(BMI<25 kg/m2)undergoing routine health examination at Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between May,2020 and December,2023,who all received abdominal ultrasound examination for NAFLD screening.The nonlinear relationship between TyG and non-obese NAFLD was explored using restricted cubic splines(RCS),and LASSO regression was used for variable screening;the correlation between TyG and NAFLD risk was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The diagnostic value of TyG for non-obese NAFLD was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic(ROC)curves and sensitivity analysis.Results A total of 3723 non-obese subjects were enrolled in this study,including 432(11.6%)patients with NAFLD.Compared with the healthy individuals,the patients with NAFLD had significant elevations of systolic and diastolic blood pressures,total cholesterol,triglycerides,LDL-C,blood uric acid,fasting blood glucose,and TyG index and a decreased HDL-C level(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that for each one-unit increase of TyG,the risk of non-obese NAFLD increased by 2.2 folds(OR=3.22,95%CI:2.53-4.12,P<0.001).Compared with a TyG index in the lowest quartile Q1,a TyG index in the Q2,Q3 and Q4 quartiles was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD by 1.52 folds(OR=2.52,95%CI:1.20-5.95),3.56 folds(OR=4.56,95%CI:2.28-10.46),and 8.66-folds(OR=9.66,95%CI:4.83-22.18),respectively.The RCS curve demonstrated a significant linear correlation between TyG index and non-obese NALFD risk(P for nonlinear=0.019).For diagnosing non-obese NALFD,TyG index had an area under ROC curve of 0.819 with a sensitivity of 78.0%and a specificity of 71.2%.Conclusion An increase of TyG index is correlated with increased risks of NAFLD in non-obese individuals and can serve as an indicator for screening early NAFLD in healthy individuals.