Objective: To investigate how Zuogui Jiangtang Qingzhi Formula (ZGJTQZF), a traditional Chinese medicine compound for lowering blood glucose levels and clearing lipids based on Zuogui Pill, regulates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) signaling pathway to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: According to fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, body weight, and sex, 40 MKR mice, with half being male and the other half female, were randomly divided into four groups: blank, model, ZGJTQZF (29.6 g/kg), metformin + simvastatin ([65.0+ 2.6] mg/kg), 10 mice per group, and a normal group consisting of 10 age-matched FVB mice. Mice in all groups, except in the normal and blank groups, were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce the disease model. Each group received daily gavage of the respective treatments for 8 weeks after successful modeling. Various parameters were measured, including FBG, liver function (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]), and blood lipids (triglyceride [TG] and total cholesterol [TC]). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Histological liver changes were examined using transmission electron and optical microscope. cGAS, STING, and TBK1 protein and mRNA expression levels in liver tissues were detected using Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Results: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant fat accumulation in hepatocytes and liver damage. Additionally, FBG, ALT, AST, serum TNF-α, IL-6, cGAS, STING and TBK1 expression levels in liver tissues were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Treatment with ZGJTQZF and metformin + simvastatin significantly improved FBG, ALT, AST, TG, TC, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.01). Histologically, hepatic steatosis was notably alleviated. Expression of protein and mRNA of cGAS, STING, and TBK1 in liver tissues was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion ZGJTQZF improves lipid and glucose metabolism, mitigates liver injury, and reduces inflammatory markers in MKR mice. These effects may be mediated through the regulation of the cGAS/STING/TBK1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To construct an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) based on a topic-oriented quality control circle method, aiming to improve the quality of early rehabilitation management.Methods:Using a convenience sampling method, 120 TKA patients with kinesiophobia treated in the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to April 2022 and September to December 2022 were selected. The patients from January to April 2022 were set as the control group, and those from September to December 2022 were set as the observation group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation management after TKA surgery, while the observation group received the early rehabilitation management model based on the 10 steps of the topic-oriented quality control circle (topic selection, activity planning, clarification of the topic, goal setting, countermeasure formulation, pursuit of optimal strategies, etc.) in addition to the routine management. The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of kinesiophobia score, knee function score, pain score, early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, and 24-hour ambulation rate.Results:After the intervention, the observation group showed significantly lower knee pain scores (2.89±0.66) and kinesiophobia scores (23.27±4.87) compared to the control group, with a significantly higher knee function score (74.47±7.40), all differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Additionally, the observation group had a significantly higher early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, 24-hour ambulation rate, early rehabilitation compliance rate, earlier time for the first ambulation, shorter hospital stay, and reduced costs compared to the control group, with all differences showing statistical significance (all P<0.01) . Conclusions:The application of the topic-oriented quality control circle to construct and implement an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after TKA can effectively improve the quality of early rehabilitation management, reduce kinesiophobia levels, enhance knee joint function, and alleviate the economic burden.

Objective:To construct an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) based on a topic-oriented quality control circle method, aiming to improve the quality of early rehabilitation management.Methods:Using a convenience sampling method, 120 TKA patients with kinesiophobia treated in the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to April 2022 and September to December 2022 were selected. The patients from January to April 2022 were set as the control group, and those from September to December 2022 were set as the observation group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation management after TKA surgery, while the observation group received the early rehabilitation management model based on the 10 steps of the topic-oriented quality control circle (topic selection, activity planning, clarification of the topic, goal setting, countermeasure formulation, pursuit of optimal strategies, etc.) in addition to the routine management. The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of kinesiophobia score, knee function score, pain score, early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, and 24-hour ambulation rate.Results:After the intervention, the observation group showed significantly lower knee pain scores (2.89±0.66) and kinesiophobia scores (23.27±4.87) compared to the control group, with a significantly higher knee function score (74.47±7.40), all differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Additionally, the observation group had a significantly higher early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, 24-hour ambulation rate, early rehabilitation compliance rate, earlier time for the first ambulation, shorter hospital stay, and reduced costs compared to the control group, with all differences showing statistical significance (all P<0.01) . Conclusions:The application of the topic-oriented quality control circle to construct and implement an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after TKA can effectively improve the quality of early rehabilitation management, reduce kinesiophobia levels, enhance knee joint function, and alleviate the economic burden.

Objective:To investigate the effect of separation exercise training of upper limb robot in improving upper limb motor function of stroke patients,and to explore the underlying mechanism by transcranial magnetic stimu-lation motor-evoked potential(MEP)evoked potentials. Method:Stroke patients were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=21)and the control group(n=23).The experimental group was trained with a fixed trajectories(the separation movement of elbow flexion-extension and shoulder adduction-abduction),while the control group underwent upper limb robot training with random movement trajectories(a compound action that can reach for objects).Both groups received robot train-ing once a day,20min/time,5 times/week for 3 weeks.The Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity(FMA-UE)and modified Barthel index(modified Barthel index,MBI)were used to evaluate motor function.The la-tency period and central motor conduction time(CMCT)of MEP were detected before and after treatment. Result:After 3 weeks of treatment,the FMA-UE,MBI and MEP were improved compared with before treat-ment in the experimental group(P＜0.05),There was no significant difference between the FMA-UE,MBI and MEP of the control group and that before treatment(P＞0.05);There were no significant differences in in FMA-UE,MBI and MEP between-group comparisons after 3 weeks of treatment. Conclusion:The separation exercise training of the upper limb robot can improve the upper limb motor func-tion and enhance daily living activities in stroke patients,which may be related to enhanced remodeling of brain function in stroke patients.

Background::Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe and acute cardiovascular syndrome with high mortality among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). Accurate prediction and timely intervention play a pivotal role in enhancing survival rates. However, there is a notable scarcity of practical early prediction and risk assessment systems of PE in patients with AIIRD.Methods::In the training cohort, 60 AIIRD with PE cases and 180 age-, gender-, and disease-matched AIIRD non-PE cases were identified from 7254 AIIRD cases in Tongji Hospital from 2014 to 2022. Univariable logistic regression (LR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select the clinical features for further training with machine learning (ML) methods, including random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), neural network (NN), logistic regression (LR), gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT), classification and regression trees (CART), and C5.0 models. The performances of these models were subsequently validated using a multicenter validation cohort.Results::In the training cohort, 24 and 13 clinical features were selected by univariable LR and LASSO strategies, respectively. The five ML models (RF, SVM, NN, LR, and GBDT) showed promising performances, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.962-1.000 in the training cohort and 0.969-0.999 in the validation cohort. CART and C5.0 models achieved AUCs of 0.850 and 0.932, respectively, in the training cohort. Using D-dimer as a pre-screening index, the refined C5.0 model achieved an AUC exceeding 0.948 in the training cohort and an AUC above 0.925 in the validation cohort. These results markedly outperformed the use of D-dimer levels alone.Conclusion::ML-based models are proven to be precise for predicting the onset of PE in patients with AIIRD exhibiting clinical suspicion of PE.Trial Registration::Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2200059599.

Objective:To explore the effects of dual task training assisted by a lower limb rehabilitation robot on lower extremity mobility and the walking ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty-one stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group with 30 in the control group and 31 in the experimental group. In addition to routine exercise training and physical therapy, both groups were given cognitive-motor dual task training 5 times a week for 3 weeks. But only in the experimental group was the dual task training assisted by a lower limb rehabilitation robot. Both groups′ lower limb motor function, walking ability, cognition, balance and ability in the activities of daily living were evaluated before and after the experiment using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), functional ambulation categories (FAC), the digital span test (DST), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Additionally, 6 survivors of a right hemisphere stroke from the experimental group received cognitive-motor dual task training both with and without the robotic assistance alternately. Near-infrared functional brain imaging was applied before and after the intervention, and the functional network connectivity of the resting brains was analyzed.Results:After the intervention the average FMA-LE, FAC, BBS and MBI scores had improved in both groups, with the improvement in the experimental group significantly better than in the control group on average. In terms of cognition there was no significant difference in the DST forward and backward assessment results between the two groups. The analysis of brain network functional connectivity showed that the intensity of functional connectivity between the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the left premotor cortex and supplementary motor cortex (PMC/SMA) increased significantly more, on average, after training assisted by the robot.Conclusion:Dual task training with the assistance of a lower limb rehabilitation robot can effectively improve the lower limb motor function, walking, balance and ability in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors. Enhanced functional connection of the PFC and the PMC/SMA in the healthy hemisphere induced by the robot may be the cause.

ObjectiveTo clarify the feasibility of the 3D scanning volume method for distal upper limb volume measurement, and to analyze its scorer reliability and criterion-related validity. MethodsFrom January to March, 2022, a therapist (operator A) who had not been exposed to 3D scanning volume method and water displacement method was trained to use a handheld 3D laser scanner and a spilt cup to measure the volume of a PVC distal upper limb model. The operation time of 30 operations of each method was recorded. The learning curves of the two methods were plotted using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. The curve was cut into the learning stage and the mastery stage by the vertex of peak. The times required to reach the mastery stage and the operation time of the mastery stage for the two methods were recorded. A total of 20 healthy subjects were recruited from Huashan Hospital of Fudan University. Two trained therapists (operator A and operator B) measured the bilateral distal upper limb volume using a handheld 3D laser scanner, and operator A measured the bilateral distal upper limb volume using a spilt cup. ResultsThe fitting learning curve of the 3D scanning volume method (R² = 0.984) reached its peak after eight times of operation; while that of the water displacement method (R² = 0.494) reached its peak after five times of operation. At mastery stage, the operator spent less time using 3D scanning volume method than using water displacement method (P < 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient between the two operators were both 0.979 for bilateral distal upper limb volume measure (P < 0.001). The Pearson coefficients was above 0.979 between 3D scanning volume method and water displacement method (P < 0.001). ConclusionA therapist can master the use of the 3D scanning volume method after eight times of operation, and the operation time of 3D scanning volume method is shorter than that of water displacement method at mastery stage. The 3D scanning volume method is well reliable and valid, that can be used as an alternative to the water displacement method for distal upper limb volumetric measurement.

Objective:To evaluate the role of hypothalamic aromatase in sevoflurane anesthesia-induced epileptic waves in neonatal rats.Methods:Thirty clean-grade healthy neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, aged 5 days, weighing 10-15 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) according to a random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane group (group S), and aromatase inhibitor formestane plus sevoflurane group (group F). The electroencephalogram (EEG) in the neonatal rat cortex was monitored, 30 min later formestane 2 mg/kg was subcutaneously injected in F group, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in C and S groups.At 30 min after subcutaneous administration, 6% sevoflurane was inhaled to induce anesthesia for 3 min, and then the concentration was adjusted to 2.1% to maintain anesthesia for 57 min in S and F groups.The total duration and single duration of epileptic waves and the number of seizure during sevoflurane anesthesia were recorded.After the end of EEG recording, the laparotomy was performed, the left ventricular puncture was performed, and blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis and for determination of corticosterone levels (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Brain tissues were obtained, and then the hypothalamus was rapidly isolated for determination of the expression of aromatase mRNA, Na + -K + -2Cl - cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) mRNA and K + -Cl - cotransporter-2 (KCC2) mRNA (by polymerase chain reaction). Results:No epileptic waves were found in group C. Compared with group C, the total duration and single duration of cortical epileptic waves were significantly prolonged, and the number of seizures was increased, the serum corticosterone concentration was increased, the expression of aromatase mRNA was up-regulated, and NKCC1/KCC2 mRNA ratios were increased in S and F groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group S, the total duration and single duration of cortical epileptic waves were significantly shortened, and the number of seizures was decreased, the serum corticosterone concentration was decreased, the expression of aromatase mRNA was down-regulated, and NKCC1/KCC2 mRNA ratios were decreased in group F ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Up-regulation of hypothalamic aromatase expression is involved in the development of sevoflurane anesthesia-induced epileptic waves in newborn rats.

Background: No currently available biomarkers or treatment regimens fully meet therapeutic needs of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Circular RNA (circRNA) is a recently identified class of stable noncoding RNA that have been documented as potential biomarkers for various diseases. Our objective was to identify and analyze plasma circRNAs altered in T1DM. Methods: We used microarray to screen differentially expressed plasma circRNAs in patients with new onset T1DM (n=3) and age-/gender-matched healthy controls (n=3). Then, we selected six candidates with highest fold-change and validated them by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in independent human cohort samples (n=12). Bioinformatic tools were adopted to predict putative microRNAs (miRNAs) sponged by these validated circRNAs and their downstream messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to gain further insights into T1DM pathogenesis. Results: We identified 68 differentially expressed circRNAs, with 61 and seven being up- and downregulated respectively. Four of the six selected candidates were successfully validated. Curations of their predicted interacting miRNAs revealed critical roles in inflammation and pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Functional relations were visualized by a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. GO and KEGG analyses identified multiple inflammation-related processes that could be potentially associated with T1DM pathogenesis, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, inflammatory mediator regulation of transient receptor potential channels and leukocyte activation involved in immune response. Conclusion Our study report, for the first time, a profile of differentially expressed plasma circRNAs in new onset T1DM. Further in silico annotations and bioinformatics analyses supported future application of circRNAs as novel biomarkers of T1DM.

Objective:To evaluate the behaviors and eye movement data of the crew in different interface layouts, so as to provide a reference for the interface design of full ocean depth manned submersible.Methods:To simulate the visual stipulations of 7 interface areas in full ocean depth manned submersible by E-prime software, then to record and analyze the correct rates and reaction time of the subjects, and continuously record their eye movement data, i. e. visual dwell time, visual intake frequency, average time of visual intake, average pupil diameter, saccade amplitude, average saccade acceleration, and average speed of saccade.Results:The interface areas were ranked according to the correct rates from the highest to the lowest: 3#, 6#, 7#, 2#, 1#, 4#, 5#. The interface areas were ordered according to the reaction time from the shortest to the longest: 3#, 2#, 4#, 6#, 7#, 1#, 5#. The visual dwell time of 3# and 4# areas were significantly longer than others with statistical significance ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The visual intake frequency of 3# and 4# areas were significantly higher than others with statistical significance ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The average time of visual intake of 3# area was significantly longer than others with statistical significance ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The average pupil diameter of 6# and 7# areas were significantly smaller than others, except 3# area, with statistical significance ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the comparison of saccade amplitude, average saccade acceleration, and average speed of saccade among all the areas ( P>0.05). Conclusion:When designing the man-machine interface in full ocean depth manned submersible, the key information should be displayed in 3# and 4# areas, primary information should be displayed in 1#, 2#, and 5# areas, and the secondary information should be displayed in 6# and 7# areas.