Objective:To analyze the differences in clinicopathological features between non-elderly and elderly patients with melanoma, and to identify risk factors for prognosis in elderly patients with melanoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and pathological data collected from non-elderly (aged < 60 years) and elderly (aged ≥ 60 years) patients with melanoma, who were confirmedly diagnosed according to clinical manifestations and histopathological findings at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2008 to December 2023. The differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The relationship between clinicopathological variables and overall survival was analyzed using a Cox regression model.Results:A total of 233 patients with cutaneous melanoma were included, with the age being 60.3 ± 14.7 years, and the number of patients was highest in the age group of 60 - 69 years. There were 102 cases (43.8%) in the < 60 years old group and 131 cases (56.2%) in the ≥ 60 years old group. Compared with the < 60 years old group, the ≥ 60 years old group showed a significant increase in the proportion of patients with active tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes ( P = 0.040), proportion of those with Ki-67 index ≥ 30% ( P = 0.010), and Charlson comorbidity index ( P = 0.002), but a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with BRAF/KIT/NRAS mutations ( P = 0.003), proportion of those receiving surgical treatment ( P = 0.034), and proportion of those receiving adjuvant therapy ( P = 0.042). There was a significant difference in the overall survival between the two groups (log-rank test, χ2 = 6.10, P = 0.014). The gender, metastasis status, presence or absence of ulceration, distant metastasis status, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, Charlson comorbidity index, and Breslow thickness were important prognostic indicators affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that males ( P = 0.015, HR = 4.622, 95% CI: 1.352 - 15.798), presence of distant metastasis ( P = 0.013, HR = 9.844, 95% CI: 4.621 - 59.763), and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3 ( P = 0.038, HR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.067 - 9.294) were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma. Conclusions:Compared with the non-elderly patients with melanoma, a higher Ki-67 index, a higher Charlson comorbidity index, less surgical treatment, and less adjuvant therapy were more common in the elderly patients with melanoma. Males, the presence of distant metastasis, and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3 appeared to be independent risk factors affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma.

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the brain, primarily responsible for clearing debris and responding to inflammation. One of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the extensive activation of immune system in the brain, and the dynamic changes and dysfunction of microglia could become key factors for AD progression. This article reviews the research progress of regulated effect of microglial on AD pathology, and summarizes its potential value in AD treatment, in order to provide theoretical basis for exploring new therapeutic strategies and intervention targets for AD.

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli. However, to date, little is known about the contribution of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch processing. Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging, we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC. Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis. Together, this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP⁺ neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior, which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.
Animals ; Pruritus/physiopathology* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism* ; Interneurons/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Histamine ; Chloroquine ; Optogenetics ; Mice, Transgenic

Objective:To analyze the differences in clinicopathological features between non-elderly and elderly patients with melanoma, and to identify risk factors for prognosis in elderly patients with melanoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and pathological data collected from non-elderly (aged < 60 years) and elderly (aged ≥ 60 years) patients with melanoma, who were confirmedly diagnosed according to clinical manifestations and histopathological findings at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2008 to December 2023. The differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The relationship between clinicopathological variables and overall survival was analyzed using a Cox regression model.Results:A total of 233 patients with cutaneous melanoma were included, with the age being 60.3 ± 14.7 years, and the number of patients was highest in the age group of 60 - 69 years. There were 102 cases (43.8%) in the < 60 years old group and 131 cases (56.2%) in the ≥ 60 years old group. Compared with the < 60 years old group, the ≥ 60 years old group showed a significant increase in the proportion of patients with active tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes ( P = 0.040), proportion of those with Ki-67 index ≥ 30% ( P = 0.010), and Charlson comorbidity index ( P = 0.002), but a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with BRAF/KIT/NRAS mutations ( P = 0.003), proportion of those receiving surgical treatment ( P = 0.034), and proportion of those receiving adjuvant therapy ( P = 0.042). There was a significant difference in the overall survival between the two groups (log-rank test, χ2 = 6.10, P = 0.014). The gender, metastasis status, presence or absence of ulceration, distant metastasis status, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, Charlson comorbidity index, and Breslow thickness were important prognostic indicators affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that males ( P = 0.015, HR = 4.622, 95% CI: 1.352 - 15.798), presence of distant metastasis ( P = 0.013, HR = 9.844, 95% CI: 4.621 - 59.763), and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3 ( P = 0.038, HR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.067 - 9.294) were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma. Conclusions:Compared with the non-elderly patients with melanoma, a higher Ki-67 index, a higher Charlson comorbidity index, less surgical treatment, and less adjuvant therapy were more common in the elderly patients with melanoma. Males, the presence of distant metastasis, and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3 appeared to be independent risk factors affecting the overall survival in the elderly patients with melanoma.

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the brain, primarily responsible for clearing debris and responding to inflammation. One of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the extensive activation of immune system in the brain, and the dynamic changes and dysfunction of microglia could become key factors for AD progression. This article reviews the research progress of regulated effect of microglial on AD pathology, and summarizes its potential value in AD treatment, in order to provide theoretical basis for exploring new therapeutic strategies and intervention targets for AD.

This paper summarized professor ZHANG Boli's experience in treating stubborn bi （痹） with the herbal pair of Ruxiang （Olibanum）- Moyao （Myrrha）. The basic pathogenesis of stubborn bi is channel and collateral stasis and obstruction. Ruxiang and Moyao are thus used in mutual reinforcement to rectify qi and diffuse bi， activate blood and relieve pain， thereby removing static and obstructed qi and blood， unblocking the obstructed channels and colla-terals， which is especially suitable for stubborn bi caused by channel and collateral obstruction. In clinical practice， the herbal pair of Ruxiang-Moyao is used together with qi-moving and blood-activating medicinals to treat chest bi by expelling stasis and diffusing stagnation， dissipating cold and unblocking vessels. To treat long-term wither and weakness in late stage of stroke， the medicinals of boosting qi and invigorating blood， unblocking channels and venting collaterals can be added to the herbal pair so as to soothe and drain vessels and collaterals， harmonize and regulate qi and blood. Simiao Yongan Decoction （四妙勇安汤） can be integrated in the treatment of vessel bi by moving qi and dissolving stasis， and for the long-term stubborn vessel bi， integrated internal and external treatment is suggested by external use of Ruxiang-Moyao to vent bi with aromatics. Moreover， it is emphasized to use the herbal pair of Ruxiang-Moyao in accordance with indications and cautions.

Objective:To establish a method of evaluating the reproducibility of the preparation process of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm. Methods:Used fingerprint spectrum technology and in vitro release test to evaluate the reproducibility preparation process of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm. By using HPLC to establish the fingerprint of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm. The chromatographic column was an Agilent HC-C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm); the detection wavelength was 280 nm; the flow rate was 1 ml/min; the column temperature was 25 ℃. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.2% phosphoric acid aqueous solution, used gradient elution method. An HPLC method for the determination of tetrahydropalmatine content was established, and the vertical Franz diffusion cell method was used to investigate its in vitro release. Results:The results showed that the similarity between the 10 batches of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm and the control map was above 0.95, indicating that the process of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm was stable and feasible; the cumulative release amount of tetrahydropalmatine was 0.23 mg in 24 hours, and the cumulative release rate in 8 hours was 91.54%, and the RSD of 6 samples at each time point was <3%. Conclusion:The method of evaluating the reproducibility of the preparation process of Xiaozheng-Zhitong cataplasm was established by using fingerprint technology and in vitro release; it can provide a reference and scientific basis for the evaluation of the reproducibility of the preparation process of the plaster.

Objective To explore the classic MRI appearance of secondary hemochromatosis (SHC)related liver iron overload, and the feasibility of quantitative evaluation of liver iron overload by iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and leastGsquares estimationGiron quantification (IDEALGIQ).Methods 20 patients with SHCGrelated liver iron overload (experimental group)and 20 healthy adults (control group)underwent routine liver MRI and IDEALGIQ.The MRI images were comparatively analyzed to assess the hallmark of liver iron overload.In both two groups,the R2 ? values were measured on R2 ? maps,which were generated by IDEALGIQ,then the differences in age,gender and R2 ? value between two groups were comparatively analyzed.In experimental group,the serum ferritin (SF)was detected,and a correlation analysis was tested with R2 ? value.Results For all of the 20 patients, there was signal drop of liver parenchyma on T1 and T2 Gweighted images,signal loss with susceptibility artifact on DWI images,and signal dropped on inGphase images relative to outGofGphase images.Among the 20 patients,18 cases appeared "a dark liver parenchyma"on T2 G weighted images,and the spleen signal in 3 cases was similar to liver parenchyma’s hallmark.The R2 ? values in experimental group and control group were 395.58±255.75 Hz and 41.18±7.86 Hz (t＝－6.12,P＝0.00),respectively.No significant differences between two groups were found in gender and age (χ2＝0.10,P＝0.10 and t＝0.09,P＝0.93).The liver iron overload R2? value was not correlated with SF (r＝0.1 5 3 , P＝0.15).Conclusion On MRI,the typical appearance of liver iron overload is hypointense on T1 and T2Gweighted images,especially"a dark liver parenchyma"on T2 WI,signal drops on inGphase images relative to outGofGphase images,and signal loss with susceptibility artifact on DWI images.R2 ? value of IDEALGIQ can quantitatively evaluate the liver iron overload,without a correlation with SF.

Objective: To explore the psychological experience of the caregivers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hepatitis B virus. Methods: Semi-structured Interviews were performed in a total of 12 main caregivers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hepatitis B in the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from October 2016 to March 2017, and the original data was analyzed according to the Colaizzi 7-step method. Results: A total of five topics were extracted, including Awareness of relief stress when the diagnosis was informed, Indebtedness and self-blame, fear and sadness of possible loss of loved ones, stressful anxiety (stress of economy, loss of function, worrying about being infected), and joint stigma. Conclusions Many psychological experiences of main caregivers of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with hepatitis B coexist in the course of care. Exploring and providing effective care support based on the psychological experience and needs of caregivers is one way to improve physical and mental health and the quality of care for patients.

Objective To explore the effect of diammonium glycyrrhizinate(DG) and astragalus membranaceus (AM) injection on the clinical comprehensive score in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Methods According to the random number table method,a prospective random controlled study was conducted in which 60 cases of patients with ALI were divided into a study group and a control group(each,30 cases). Both groups received a comprehensive treatment based on the new guidelines,and the study group was additionally given DG and AM injection(DG 150 mg+AM 20 ml)one time per day for 7 days. The scores of lung injury,acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)and systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)were measured at baseline,3rd and 7th day after treatment,and ventilation support time and final disease mortality rate were also calculated in all the patients. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the scores of lung injury,APACHEⅡand SIRS before treatment and after treatment for 3 days(all P>0.05),with prolonged treatment,the above indexes were significantly reduced compared with those before treatment in the two groups,and the decreases in scores of indexes in study group was more significant than those in control group after treatment(lung injury score:1.31±0.99 vs. 2.29±1.08,APACHEⅡscore:18.43±8.17 vs. 24.23±6.98,SIRS score:1.69±0.89 vs. 2.60±1.04,all P<0.01). The time(hour)for ventilator support in study group was shorter than that in the control group(176.10±57.81 vs. 286.07 ± 156.27,P<0.01),but there was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups(13.33%vs.16.67%,P>0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that DG and AM injection improve the scores of lung injury,APACHEⅡand SIRS,and alleviate the lung injury,so that the injection is beneficial to the early weaning from the ventilator to support treatment in patients with acute lung injury,and has certain therapeutic effect on ALI.