OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules （WYJYG） via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3）/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group， model group， MCC950 （NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor） group （10 mg/kg）， fluoxetine group （positive control，2.08 mg/kg），low-dose WYJYG（3.78 g/kg） and high-dose WYJYG group （7.56 g/kg），with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment， rats in the fluoxetine group， low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration， the contents of ASC， ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba1）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3， cluster of differentiation 68 （CD68）， Caspase-1， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined， and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration， compared with the model group， the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged （ P ＜0.05）， and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened （ P ＜0.05） in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue， the contents of ASC， Iba1， IL-1β， and IL-18， as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and CD68， and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated （ P ＜0.05）. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated （ P ＜0.05）， and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway， reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation， and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.

ObjectiveTo design a "roly-poly" style interactive home-based hand function training device based on the principle of self-stabilization and recovery in light of the characteristics of post-stroke hand dysfunction and the current scarcity of home-based hand function training devices; and explore the feasibility and clinical value of this device in hand function rehabilitation training for stroke patients. MethodsThis study adopted a phased research design consisting of two stages: device development and clinical validation. At the first stage, focusing on the principle of the tumbler's automatic return to center, combined with the clinical needs of hand function rehabilitation training for stroke patients, the development of a home-based interactive hand function training device was completed, and the application and authorization of a utility model patent were obtained. At the second stage, 30 stroke patients with post-stroke hand dysfunction hospitalized at Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from May to October, 2025 were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy, the control group added routine hand function training every evening, and the experimental group added hand function training using the device developed in this study every evening, for four weeks. The grip strength, lateral pinch strength, finger pad pinch strength, three-finger pinch strength and wrist joint range of motion (dorsal-flexion, palm-flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation) were measured before and after intervention. The upper limb and hand motor function was assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to evaluate activities of daily living (ADL). ResultsA self-stabilizing hemispherical hand functional rehabilitation device was developed and granted a utility model patent. After intervention, the grip strength, lateral pinch strength, finger pad pinch strength, three-finger pinch strength, wrist joint range of motion, and FMA and MBI scores significantly improved in both groups (|t| > 5.683, P < 0.05); except for the score of MBI (P > 0.05), all the other indicators were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.633, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe self-stabilizing, closed-loop home-based functional hand interaction training device designed in this study effectively improves hand grip, pinching function and wrist joint range of motion of stroke patients, significantly enhancing upper limb and hand motor function, and demonstrates feasibility for home-based hand rehabilitation training. However, the device does not provide notable additional improvements in patients' ADL, necessitating further optimization to enhance its clinical application value.

In modern society, sugary foods have become an integral part of many people′s lives. However, excessive sugar consumption has adverse effects on both overall health and oral health, serving as a contributing factor to the global increasing incidence in oral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity, and diabetes. In response to the health risks related to high-sugar diets, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Dental Federation (FDI) have proposed initiatives and recommendations, with various governments implementing different policies and strategies to reduce sugar intake. Chinese government has also taken proactive measures. The "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" initiative introduced by the State Council in 2019 established a crucial benchmark in limiting the average daily intake of added sugar to 25 g per person forward to 2030. Experts from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the field of oral health have meticulously examined the impacts of sugar reduction on oral health, as well as strategies, methods, and practical considerations related to reducing sugar intake through several meeting and wrote the "Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention", which was subsequently reviewed and revised based on the feedback from multiple stakeholders. They have conducted thorough analyses of global trends in sugar reduction and best practices to provide valuable insights to China for crafting effective policies and strategies on sugar reduction. This consensus mainly includes the classification of free sugars, the latest scientific evidence on dental caries, recommendations from WHO on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, nutrition labeling, advertising, food reform, adjusting supply systems, education, and promotion strategies, as well as sugar reduction actions taken by various governments around the world. Combining the actual situation in China, policy recommendations and authoritative popular science knowledge on sugar reduction for caries prevention to public are proposed to advocate for experts in multiple fields to focus on sugar reduction for caries prevention, promote the work process, and provide the scientific basis for oral health educators.

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations of medically refractory hereditary movement disorders in children and the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS).Methods:A case series study.The clinical and follow-up data of 20 children with medically refractory hereditary movement disorders who underwent DBS treatment at the Neurology and Functional Neurosurgery Departments of Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2018 to April 2024, were retrospectively analyzed.The severity of movement disorder symptoms and surgical effects were evaluated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale Movement(BFMDRS-M) or the Unified Parkinson′s Disease Rating Scale Ⅲ(UPDRS Ⅲ).Results:There were 12 males and 8 females among the 20 children, with an onset age ranging from 4 months to 12 years and 5 months.Fourteen patients had hereditary dystonia, which is related to KMT2B in 11 patients, TOR1A in 2 patients and SGCE in 1 patient.Two patients had choreoathetosis, which is related to ADCY5-related familial movement disorders.Two patients had early-onset Parkinson′s disease, which is related to ATP6AP2 in 1 patient and VPS13C in 1 patient.Two patients had neurodevelopmental disorders with involuntary movements, which is related to GNAO1 in 1 patient, and the other patient was idiopathic.All the children were given oral Levodopa, Benzhexol, Baclofen, Tiapride Hydrochloride, Clonazepam alone or in combination.Three children showed obvious dyskinesia after Levodopa treatment.The symptoms of movement disorders in all children exhibited little to no improvement.Levetiracetam and Zonisamide had unstable effects in the treatment of myoclonia.DBS surgery was performed on all the patients aged from 3 to 16 years.Electrodes were successfully inserted into bilateral globus pallidus internus in 14 cases and bilateral subthalamic nuclei in 4 cases.The target was unknown in 2 cases.No surgery-related complications were observed.The patients were followed up for 3 months to 6 years, and the last follow-up age of the patients ranged from 5 years and 7 months to 22 years and 1 month.The rate of improvement in BFMDRS-M score was 37%-100% in 16 patients and >70% in 7 patients with hereditary dystonia.The rate of improvement in UPDRS Ⅲ score was 23% in 1 patient with VPS13C-related early-onset Parkinson′s disease. Conclusions:Childhood medically refractory hereditary movement disorders are a case series that exhibits significant phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity.DBS surgery demonstrates significant efficacy for KMT2B-, TOR1A-, and SGCE-related hereditary movement disorders.

Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of modified TROPIS surgery, incorporating both open and hanging stitches on the treatment of elevated anal fistula.Methods:For our study, 92 patients with high anal fistula, admitted between Jan. 2023 and Jun. 2024, were selected. They were divided into two categories: the observation group (45 modified TROPIS surgery) and the control group (47 cuts) ,to observe the clinical efficacy, postoperative recovery, quality of life and complications of the two groups.Results:Compared with the control group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospitalization time decreased in the observation group ( P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the healing time of anal fistula in the observation group was (28.01±5.02) d, shorter than that in the control group (35.05±7.09) d, the healing rate was 97.78%, higher than that in the control group (80.85%) , and the recurrence rate was 4.44%, lower than that in the control group (19.14%) ( P<0.05) . The degree of postoperative pain and Wexner anal incontinence score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05) . The life quality score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05) . The complication rate of observation group was lower than that of control group ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The modified TROPIS surgical method evidently provides advantages in anal fistula treatment. It can not only efficiently eliminate infections but also reduce anal movements and decrease the chances of post-surgical injuries and complications, presenting enhanced clinical options and suggesting a promising outlook for traditional anal fistula surgery.

Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) in children, and to analyze its influencing factor of prognosis.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data from 40 children with FCA who were hospitalized at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2015 to August 2024 were collected. A centralized follow-up was conducted in October 2024 via outpatient clinics or the internet. The pediatric stroke outcome measure (PSOM) was used to evaluate their outcomes. Based on the PSOM, the children were further divided into a group with normal neurological function and another group with abnormal neurological function. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors for neurological outcomes in children with FCA. Results:A total of 40 children were included, with 20 males and 20 females, and the onset age of 9.2 (6.8, 12.5) years. Among them, 12 cases (30%) had a history of varicella within 1 year before onset. There were 23 cases (58%) presenting with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or recurrent fluctuating symptoms of onset, while 3 cases (8%) developed progressive stroke within the first month of onset. The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected vascular site, with a total of 16 cases (40%). Arterial occlusion occurred in 8 cases (20%). Lumbar puncture was completed in 36 children, and white blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid was increased in 6 cases. All 23 patients who completed magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) showed circular enhancement of the arterial wall. A total of 28 patients (70%) received antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, and 16 patients (40%) received hormone therapy. At admission, the pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score was 6.0 (2.0, 8.8) points, which decreased to 0.5 (0, 3.0) points at discharge. The follow-up duration was 1.6 (0.8, 4.9) years, with 1 case lost to follow-up. There was 1 case presenting with recurrence course manifesting as TIA. Among the 39 cases who completed the follow-up, 23 cases (59%) were assessed as neurologically normal by PSOM, while 16 cases (41%) were assessed as neurologically abnormal. Among the 29 cases who completed the imaging review, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) review in 23 cases indicated stability or improvement in the original arterial stenosis, with 6 cases experiencing transient worsening of arterial stenosis early in the disease course (within 2 months), which later improved. Arterial stenosis progression occurred in 6 cases at the final review of 29 cases who completed the imaging review, with 1 case developing progressive cerebral arteriopathy. The proportion of patients with headache, altered consciousness, and aphasia in the abnormal neurological function group, as well as the PedNISS scores at admission and discharge, were all higher than those in the normal neurological function group (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that only a PedNISS score>6 points at onset was an influencing factor for abnormal neurological function ( OR=20.58, 95% CI 3.93-107.70, P<0.001). Conclusions:Childhood FCA often presents with fluctuating onset, and the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery is frequently affected. Progression of arterial stenosis is common within 2 months of the disease course, but clinical progression and new ischemic lesions are uncommon. Most patients have a favorable long-term prognosis. PedNIHSS score>6 points at admission is related to abnormal neurological function outcomes.

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture on intestinal flora and inflammatory factor interleukin(IL)-6 in ulcerative colitis(UC)model rats and to explore the related mechanism of acupuncture in treating UC.Methods:Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a model(MO)group,a mesalazine(ME)group,and an acupuncture(AC)group,with 8 rats in each group.Rats,except those in the NC group,were given a 2.5%sodium dextran sulfate solution to establish UC models.After successful modeling,rats in the ME group were treated with mesalazine by gavage twice a day for 7 continuous days;rats in the AC group received acupuncture at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)with needles retained for 20 min each time,once a day for 7 consecutive days.After intervention,changes in the intestinal flora diversity,colon tissue damage degree,and inflammatory factor expression in each group of rats were evaluated.Results:The body mass increased slowly in the MO group compared to the NC group.After intervention,the body mass increased more significantly,colon injuries recovered,and intestinal flora diversity improved in the ME and AC groups compared to the MO group(P<0.05).The IL-6 expression level was higher in the MO group compared to the NC group(P<0.05).The IL-6 expression level decreased in the AC group compared to the MO group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)improves body mass loss and colon injuries,regulates intestinal flora diversity,and reduces the expression of inflammatory factor IL-6 in the colon tissue of UC rats,therefore alleviating the disease severity of UC.

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture on intestinal flora and inflammatory factor interleukin(IL)-6 in ulcerative colitis(UC)model rats and to explore the related mechanism of acupuncture in treating UC.Methods:Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a model(MO)group,a mesalazine(ME)group,and an acupuncture(AC)group,with 8 rats in each group.Rats,except those in the NC group,were given a 2.5%sodium dextran sulfate solution to establish UC models.After successful modeling,rats in the ME group were treated with mesalazine by gavage twice a day for 7 continuous days;rats in the AC group received acupuncture at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)with needles retained for 20 min each time,once a day for 7 consecutive days.After intervention,changes in the intestinal flora diversity,colon tissue damage degree,and inflammatory factor expression in each group of rats were evaluated.Results:The body mass increased slowly in the MO group compared to the NC group.After intervention,the body mass increased more significantly,colon injuries recovered,and intestinal flora diversity improved in the ME and AC groups compared to the MO group(P<0.05).The IL-6 expression level was higher in the MO group compared to the NC group(P<0.05).The IL-6 expression level decreased in the AC group compared to the MO group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)improves body mass loss and colon injuries,regulates intestinal flora diversity,and reduces the expression of inflammatory factor IL-6 in the colon tissue of UC rats,therefore alleviating the disease severity of UC.