Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of refractory pharyngeal ulcers. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical manifestations, laryngoscopic features, laboratory tests, histopathological examinations, and treatments of 78 patients diagnosed with refractory pharyngeal ulcers. Results:There was no significant difference in the proportion of males-to-females in benign lesions, while males were significantly more prevalent in cases of malignant lesions. Seven distinct pathological types of pharyngeal ulcers were identified, with the most common being simple inflammatory ulcers（18 cases）, followed by tuberculosis（16 cases）, fungi（15 cases）, lymphoma（14 cases）, squamous cell carcinoma（10 cases）, Behcet's disease（3 cases）, and myelosarcoma（2 cases）. Conclusion:The clinical manifestations and lesions associated with refractory pharyngeal ulcers are diverse. A clear diagnosis should be established based on a systematic and comprehensive medical history, specialized examinations, and additional tests to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Laryngoscopy and histopathological examinations are essential for identifying the type of lesion and guiding appropriate treatment.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Pharyngeal Diseases/pathology* ; Young Adult ; Ulcer/pathology* ; Adolescent ; Aged, 80 and over

Attempts have been made to modulate motor sequence learning (MSL) through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeting different sites within the sensorimotor network. However, the target with the optimum modulatory effect on neural plasticity associated with MSL remains unclarified. This study was therefore designed to compare the role of the left primary motor cortex and the left supplementary motor area proper (SMAp) in modulating MSL across different complexity levels and for both hands, as well as the associated neuroplasticity by applying intermittent theta burst stimulation together with the electroencephalogram and concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our data demonstrated the role of SMAp stimulation in modulating neural communication to support MSL, which is achieved by facilitating regional activation and orchestrating neural coupling across distributed brain regions, particularly in interhemispheric connections. These findings may have important clinical implications, particularly for motor rehabilitation in populations such as post-stroke patients.
Humans ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ; Motor Cortex/physiology* ; Male ; Electroencephalography ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology* ; Female ; Adult ; Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology* ; Young Adult ; Learning/physiology*

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

BACKGROUND:Non-traumatic necrosis of the femoral head is a difficult joint disease,and preserving one's own femoral head is of great significance for young patients.Currently,there is a lack of regular and unified functional exercise plans.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of hip abductor muscle exercise on the three-dimensional gait and collapse rate of patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,and to provide theoretical basis for effective rehabilitation of patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.METHODS:Totally 81 non-traumatic and non-surgical patients with femoral head necrosis(81 hips)admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from June 2020 to June 2022 were included.Patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=40)and a hip abductor muscle exercise group(n=41).The control group received routine physical therapy and medication treatment.The hip abductor muscle exercise group underwent hip abductor muscle exercise on the basis of the control group.The gait status(hip joint range of motion,step length difference,and ground contact time difference)of two groups of patients was evaluated using the Tecnobody balance assessment system before and 12 weeks after treatment.The BIODEX-S4 isokinetic muscle strength testing system was used to test the peak force distance of hip abduction isokinetic muscle strength.Gluteus medius width ratio was compared between two groups.The collapse rate was compared between two groups of patients 1 year after treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no statistically significant difference between the hip abductor muscle exercise group and the control group in terms of age,gender,side profile,body mass index,and etiology(P＞0.05).(2)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in the range of motion of the affected hip joint between the two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,the range of motion of the affected hip joint in both groups improved compared to before treatment(P＜0.05),and the range of motion of the affected hip joint in the hip abductor muscle exercise group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in the step length and touchdown time between the two groups(P＞0.05).12 weeks after treatment,the difference in step length and touchdown time between the two groups decreased compared to before treatment(P＜0.05),and the difference in step length and touchdown time between the hip abductor muscle exercise group after treatment was significantly greater than that of the control group(P＜0.05).(4)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in gluteus medius width ratio between the two groups(P＞0.05).12 weeks after treatment,the gluteus medius width ratio of both groups increased compared to that before treatment(P＜0.05),and the gluteus medius width ratio of the hip abductor muscle exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).(5)At 1 year after treatment,the comparison of femoral head collapse rates between the two groups showed significant statistical significance(P＜0.05),and that in the hip abductor muscle exercise group(22％)was significantly lower than that in the control group(45％).(6)It is concluded that exercise of the hip abductor muscle effectively enhances hip joint function,improves gait,and reduces the rate of femoral head collapse in patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.It is recommended to use hip abductor muscle exercise as one of the basic methods for hip preservation in non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.

Objective:To investigate the effect of GBP3 on replication of adult T-lymphocytic leukemia virus type 1(HTLV-1).Methods:Expression of GBP3 in HTLV-1-infected HeLa cell and THP1 cell was detected by Western blot.The knock-down efficiency of siRNAs targeting GBP3 in HeLa and THP1 cells was evaluated by Western blot.Effects of GBP3 overexpression or knockdown on expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts Tax,px,HBZ,Gag,ENV,5'UTR,and viral proteins Tax,p19 were investigated by RT-qPCR and Western blot.GTPase-defective mutant of GBP3,GBP3K51A was constructed to explore whether the effects of GBP3 on HTLV-1 infection were dependent on its GTPase activity.Results:GBP3 expression was upregulated in HTLV-1 infected HeLa and THP1 cells.GBP3 overexpression decreased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins,whereas the knockdown of GBP3 has the opposite effects.Overexpression of GBP3K51A increased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins.Conclusion:HTLV-1 virus infection can induce expression of GBP3;overexpression of GBP3 inhibits virus replication and may depend on GTPase.

Objective:To investigate the effect of GBP3 on replication of adult T-lymphocytic leukemia virus type 1(HTLV-1).Methods:Expression of GBP3 in HTLV-1-infected HeLa cell and THP1 cell was detected by Western blot.The knock-down efficiency of siRNAs targeting GBP3 in HeLa and THP1 cells was evaluated by Western blot.Effects of GBP3 overexpression or knockdown on expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts Tax,px,HBZ,Gag,ENV,5'UTR,and viral proteins Tax,p19 were investigated by RT-qPCR and Western blot.GTPase-defective mutant of GBP3,GBP3K51A was constructed to explore whether the effects of GBP3 on HTLV-1 infection were dependent on its GTPase activity.Results:GBP3 expression was upregulated in HTLV-1 infected HeLa and THP1 cells.GBP3 overexpression decreased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins,whereas the knockdown of GBP3 has the opposite effects.Overexpression of GBP3K51A increased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins.Conclusion:HTLV-1 virus infection can induce expression of GBP3;overexpression of GBP3 inhibits virus replication and may depend on GTPase.

BACKGROUND:Non-traumatic necrosis of the femoral head is a difficult joint disease,and preserving one's own femoral head is of great significance for young patients.Currently,there is a lack of regular and unified functional exercise plans.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of hip abductor muscle exercise on the three-dimensional gait and collapse rate of patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,and to provide theoretical basis for effective rehabilitation of patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.METHODS:Totally 81 non-traumatic and non-surgical patients with femoral head necrosis(81 hips)admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from June 2020 to June 2022 were included.Patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=40)and a hip abductor muscle exercise group(n=41).The control group received routine physical therapy and medication treatment.The hip abductor muscle exercise group underwent hip abductor muscle exercise on the basis of the control group.The gait status(hip joint range of motion,step length difference,and ground contact time difference)of two groups of patients was evaluated using the Tecnobody balance assessment system before and 12 weeks after treatment.The BIODEX-S4 isokinetic muscle strength testing system was used to test the peak force distance of hip abduction isokinetic muscle strength.Gluteus medius width ratio was compared between two groups.The collapse rate was compared between two groups of patients 1 year after treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no statistically significant difference between the hip abductor muscle exercise group and the control group in terms of age,gender,side profile,body mass index,and etiology(P＞0.05).(2)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in the range of motion of the affected hip joint between the two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,the range of motion of the affected hip joint in both groups improved compared to before treatment(P＜0.05),and the range of motion of the affected hip joint in the hip abductor muscle exercise group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in the step length and touchdown time between the two groups(P＞0.05).12 weeks after treatment,the difference in step length and touchdown time between the two groups decreased compared to before treatment(P＜0.05),and the difference in step length and touchdown time between the hip abductor muscle exercise group after treatment was significantly greater than that of the control group(P＜0.05).(4)Before treatment,there was no significant statistical difference in gluteus medius width ratio between the two groups(P＞0.05).12 weeks after treatment,the gluteus medius width ratio of both groups increased compared to that before treatment(P＜0.05),and the gluteus medius width ratio of the hip abductor muscle exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).(5)At 1 year after treatment,the comparison of femoral head collapse rates between the two groups showed significant statistical significance(P＜0.05),and that in the hip abductor muscle exercise group(22％)was significantly lower than that in the control group(45％).(6)It is concluded that exercise of the hip abductor muscle effectively enhances hip joint function,improves gait,and reduces the rate of femoral head collapse in patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.It is recommended to use hip abductor muscle exercise as one of the basic methods for hip preservation in non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D(VD)and brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and restless leg syndrome(RLS)in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods A total of 168 end-stage renal disease patients admitted to the hospital for maintenance hemodialy-sis treatment from May 2021 to May 2022 were regarded as the observation group.According to whether they had concurrent RLS,they were separated into concurrent RLS group and non concurrent RLS group.In addi-tion,121 healthy volunteers who came to the hospital for physical examination were regarded as the control group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the levels of VD and BDNF in ser-um,multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of RLS in maintenance he-modialysis patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze the predictive value of single and combined detections of VD and BDNF for RLS in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Results Compared with the control group,the serum levels of VD and BDNF in the observation group were reduced(P<0.05).Compared with the non concurrent RLS group,the continuous dialysis time and serum ferritin level in the non concurrent RLS group were increased,while serum VD and BDNF levels were reduced(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that VD and BDNF were protective factors for RLS in maintenance hemodialysis patients,while continuous dialysis time and ferritin were risk factors for RLS in maintenance hemodialysis pa-tients(P<0.05).The area under the curve of the combined prediction of VD and BDNF for RLS in mainte-nance hemodialysis patients was 0.889,which was superior to those of single detection(Zcombination-VD=3.748,Zcombination-BDNF=2.245,P<0.05),and the sensitivity of the combined detection was 86.11%,and the specificity was 79.55%.Conclusion The levels of VD and BDNF in serum are protective factors for RLS in maintenance hemodialysis patients.The combination of the two could effectively predict RLS in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Two new nor-ent-halimane diterpenes and three previously unreported nor-clerodane diterpenes,designated callicain-tides A-E(1-5),were isolated from Callicarpa integerrima.Compounds 1 and 2 feature a distinctive 5/6-membered ring system,while compounds 3-5 are characterized by progressively truncated carbon skeletons,containing 18,17,and 16 carbons,respectively.In addition,four known compounds 6-9 were also identified.Their structures were elucidated using advanced spectroscopic tech-niques,including nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS),ultra-violet(UV),infrared radiation(IR),optical rotatory dispersion(ORD),DP4+analysis and electronic circular dichroism(ECD),sup-ported by quantum chemical calculations.Compounds 1-9 were evaluated for their anti-MRSA activity.Among them,compound 6 demonstrated significant anti-MRSA activity,with a minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of 16 μg·mL-1.