Objective To investigate the sleep status in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relationship with executive function and neurodevelopment. Methods The medical records of 346 children with ASD in the hospital from April 2023 to January 2025 were retrospectively collected. The sleep status of children was investigated by Children’ s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). According to the score, the children were divided into good sleep group (CSHQ score<41 points, 189 cases) and sleep disorder group (CSHQ score≥41 points, 157 cases). The general data were compared between groups of children. Chinese version of Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) and developmental behavior assessment scale of children aged 0-6 years (Children's psychological scale-II) were used to analyze the relationship between sleep status and executive function and neurodevelopment in children with ASD. Results The CSHQ score of 346 children was (39.08±3.24) points, including 157 cases with CSHQ score≥41 points and 189 cases with CSHQ score<41 points. The proportion of severe previous medical history and executive function score in sleep disorder group were significantly higher than those in good sleep group, and the evaluation result of developmental quotient was lower than that in good sleep group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that executive ability and neurodevelopment were closely related to sleep status in children with ASD (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that sleep status in children with ASD was negatively correlated with executive function (r=-0.456, P<0.05), and was positively correlated with the developmental quotient (r=0.547, P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of sleep disorder is high in children with ASD, and sleep status is closely related to executive function and neurodevelopment. Clinically, it is necessary to pay attention to the sleep problems in children with ASD, and take effective intervention measures to improve the sleep quality of children and promote the training of executive function and neurodevelopment.

Objective To assess the intervention effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on the mouse model of hematotoxicity induced by subacute benzene exposure. Methods Benzene exposure and NMN intervention were adopted in a 2×2 factorial design, as benzene exposure and non-exposure, and NMN intervention and non-intervention. Male specific pathogen-free C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to negative control group, NMN control group, simple benzene exposure group and NMN intervention group, with 12 mice in each group. Benzene exposure of mice in simple benzene exposure group and NMN intervention group was conducted by dynamic inhalation of benzene at a concentration of 325 mg/m³ for six hours per day, five days per week for four weeks (28 days). Mice in the negative control and NMN control group inhaled clean air. During benzene exposure, mice in the NMN control group and NMN intervention group received NMN in drinking water at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. Peripheral blood samples of mice were collected for complete blood count analysis and calculation of composite inflammatory indices after 28 days. Results Interaction analysis showed that the counts of peripheral white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet of mice in the simple benzene exposure group were lower than those in the negative control group (all P<0.05). Neutrophil and platelet counts in the NMN intervention group were higher than those in the simple benzene exposure group (all P<0.05). The results of main effect analysis showed that the monocyte count of peripheral blood, systemic inflammatory index, systemic inflammatory response index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio of mice in the benzene exposure group increased (all P<0.05), and the basophil count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio decreased (all P<0.05), compared with the control group. Conclusion Oral NMN alleviates subacute benzene-induced decreases in peripheral neutrophil and platelet counts in mice. This protective effect may be related to the targeted intervention of NMN on mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder and oxidative damage induced by benzene exposure in male mice.

Objective To observe the impact of brain-computer interface(BCI)robot combined with task-oriented training(TOT)on hand function and activities of daily living in stroke patients.Methods A total of 40 patients with subacute stroke who were hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Anhui No.2 Province People's Hospital from December 2022 to December 2024 were prospectively and consecutively included in this study.The stroke patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group using the random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.Baseline data were collected from all patients,including gender,age,personal history(smoking,drinking),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes),stroke type(hemorrhagic stroke,ischemic stroke),hemiplegia side(left,right),disease course,stroke location(basal ganglia,internal capsule),and admission assessment indicators(including kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaire[KVIQ-20]score,mini-mental state examination[MMSE]score and National Institutes of Health stroke scale[NIHSS]score).Both groups of patients received conventional rehabilitation training and TOT.The experimental group then underwent BCI robot training combined with TOT on this basis.Both groups received treatments for 4 weeks,and the upper limb and hand functions of all patients were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity function assessment scale(FMA-UE),the wrist-hand part of the FMA-UE scale(FMA-WH),the Wolf motor function test(WMFT),and the modified Ashworth scale(MAS)before and after the treatment;the hand function related part(feeding[10 score],bathing[5 score],dressing[10 score],grooming[5 score],and toilet using[10 score])of modified Barthel index(MBI)was used to assess the patients'hand dexterity to perform daily activities.Results(1)No statistically significant differences were found in the baseline data between the two groups of patients(all P＞0.05).(2)Before treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(18.75±7.38),(2.95±1.54),(26.90±8.69),(1.10±0.66),and(15.45±1.82)respectively,while those in the control group were(15.90±5.39),(2.25±1.12),(24.15±6.78),(1.25±0.60),and(15.65±3.12)respectively.There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI between the two groups before treatment(all P＞0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(27.10±7.76),(5.75±2.97),(40.85±10.19),(0.73±0.57),and(21.15±2.66)respectively,while those in the control group were(21.25±5.29),(4.00±1.49),(31.85±7.60),(0.73±0.64),and(17.40±3.14)respectively.The time main effects(Ftime values were 925.061,138.138,624.635 and 405.986 respectively,all P＜0.01),group main effects(Fgroup values were 4.460,4.562,5.011 and 4.411 respectively,all P＜0.05),and the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group values were 44.358,7.356,52.506 and 114.128 respectively,all P＜0.05)of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT and hand function related score of MBI scores were all significant.The time main effect of MAS scores was significant(Ftime value was 59.478,P＜0.01),while the group main effect(Fgroup value was 0.162,P＞0.05),the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group value was 1.652,P＞0.05)were not significant.Conclusion The combined task-oriented training with BCI robots can improve the upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients,enhance their ability to perform daily activities,and the effect is superior to that of single task-oriented training.

Objective To observe the impact of brain-computer interface(BCI)robot combined with task-oriented training(TOT)on hand function and activities of daily living in stroke patients.Methods A total of 40 patients with subacute stroke who were hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Anhui No.2 Province People's Hospital from December 2022 to December 2024 were prospectively and consecutively included in this study.The stroke patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group using the random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.Baseline data were collected from all patients,including gender,age,personal history(smoking,drinking),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes),stroke type(hemorrhagic stroke,ischemic stroke),hemiplegia side(left,right),disease course,stroke location(basal ganglia,internal capsule),and admission assessment indicators(including kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaire[KVIQ-20]score,mini-mental state examination[MMSE]score and National Institutes of Health stroke scale[NIHSS]score).Both groups of patients received conventional rehabilitation training and TOT.The experimental group then underwent BCI robot training combined with TOT on this basis.Both groups received treatments for 4 weeks,and the upper limb and hand functions of all patients were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity function assessment scale(FMA-UE),the wrist-hand part of the FMA-UE scale(FMA-WH),the Wolf motor function test(WMFT),and the modified Ashworth scale(MAS)before and after the treatment;the hand function related part(feeding[10 score],bathing[5 score],dressing[10 score],grooming[5 score],and toilet using[10 score])of modified Barthel index(MBI)was used to assess the patients'hand dexterity to perform daily activities.Results(1)No statistically significant differences were found in the baseline data between the two groups of patients(all P＞0.05).(2)Before treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(18.75±7.38),(2.95±1.54),(26.90±8.69),(1.10±0.66),and(15.45±1.82)respectively,while those in the control group were(15.90±5.39),(2.25±1.12),(24.15±6.78),(1.25±0.60),and(15.65±3.12)respectively.There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI between the two groups before treatment(all P＞0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT,MAS and hand function related score of MBI in the experimental group were(27.10±7.76),(5.75±2.97),(40.85±10.19),(0.73±0.57),and(21.15±2.66)respectively,while those in the control group were(21.25±5.29),(4.00±1.49),(31.85±7.60),(0.73±0.64),and(17.40±3.14)respectively.The time main effects(Ftime values were 925.061,138.138,624.635 and 405.986 respectively,all P＜0.01),group main effects(Fgroup values were 4.460,4.562,5.011 and 4.411 respectively,all P＜0.05),and the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group values were 44.358,7.356,52.506 and 114.128 respectively,all P＜0.05)of FMA-UE,FMA-WH,WMFT and hand function related score of MBI scores were all significant.The time main effect of MAS scores was significant(Ftime value was 59.478,P＜0.01),while the group main effect(Fgroup value was 0.162,P＞0.05),the interaction effects of time and group(Ftime×group value was 1.652,P＞0.05)were not significant.Conclusion The combined task-oriented training with BCI robots can improve the upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients,enhance their ability to perform daily activities,and the effect is superior to that of single task-oriented training.

AIM:To investigate the molecular mechanism of long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)SNHG1 in regu-lating ferroptosis to alleviate inflammation in CHME-5 human microglia induced by HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop.METHODS:CHME-5 human microglia were cultured in vitro,and were divided into 7 groups:blank group,random peptide group,gp120 V3 loop group(HIV-1 gp120 group),HIV-1 gp120+shCon group,HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group,HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+ferrostatin-1(Fer-1;ferroptosis inhibitor)group,and HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+EX527(Sirt1 in-hibitor)group.Normal CHME-5 cells were treated with random peptide or gp120 V3 loop for 24 h.After pretreatment of SNHG1 sh2 cells with inhibitors for 2 h,the cells were then treated with gp120 V3 loop for 24 h.The levels of inflammato-ry cytokines in the cell supernatants were detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),Sirt1 and p53.Microplate reader was used to detect the levels of intracellular ferrous ion(Fe2+)and malondialdehyde(MDA).RESULTS:(1)The results of ELISA showed that the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and IL-1β in HIV-1 gp120 group were significantly higher than those in blank group(P<0.05).Compared with HIV-1 gp120 group,the ex-pression levels of inflammatory cytokines in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group,the expression levels of inflammatory factors in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+Fer-1 were significantly decreased(P<0.05),but those in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+EX527 group were significant-ly increased(P<0.01).(2)The results of Western blot showed that compared with blank group,the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11 and GPX4 in HIV-1 gp120 group were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01).Com-pared with HIV-1 gp120 group,the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group were sig-nificantly up-regulated(P<0.01).Compared with HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group,the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+Fer-1 group were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),but the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+EX527 group were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01),and the expression level of p53 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).(3)Compared with blank group,the levels of Fe2+and MDA in HIV-1 gp120 group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with HIV-1 gp120 group,the levels of Fe2+and MDA in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2 group,Fe2+and MDA in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+Fer-1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),but those in HIV-1 gp120+SNHG1 sh2+EX527 group was significantly increased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Knockdown of SNHG1 can attenuate the inflammation in microglia induced by HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop,which may be achieved by regulating ferrop-tosis-related signaling molecules through the Sirt1/p53 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effect of thalidomide combined with infliximab (IFX) in treatment of refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Methods A total of 120 patients with refractory IBD were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 60 cases in each group. The two groups were given conventional treatment (mesalazine), the control group was given IFX, and the experimental group was given IFX combined with thalidomide, continuous treatment for two months. The efficacy, intestinal flora disturbance rate, adverse reactions, Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), Lewis score, serum IGF-1, TGF-β1 levels and nutritional status indexes[albumin (ALB), transferrin (Tf)]before and after treatment for 1 month and 2 months of the two groups were compared. Results The total effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After one month and two months of treatment, CDAI and Lewis scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05); the serum levels of IGF-1, TGF-β1 as well as ALB and Tf in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The improvement of intestinal flora disturbance rate in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of oral and nasal mucosa dryness, throat discomfort, nausea and vomiting between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of refractory IBD patients, thalidomide combined with IFX can regulate serum IGF-1 and TGF-β1 levels, effectively relieve clinical manifestations, inhibit inflammatory activities, and improve nutritional status and intestinal flora disorders of patients, and it has high safety.

Objective To investigate the effect of salidroside on intestinal mucosal immune status in rats under compound stress of hypoxia and training (HTCS) and the mechanism. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into HTCS model group (model), placebo group (placebo) and salidroside group (salidro). Model group received no intervention, and placebo and salidro group received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline and salidroside, respectively. Then, ileum tissue of rats were collected and the intestinal damage was assayed by HE staining and Chiu scores. Intestinal permeability indices, including serum D-diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid (DLA) and endotoxin (END) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) of intestinal tissue were detected by ELISA. T lymphocyte subsets of intestinal tissue were detected by flow cytometry. Expression of tight junction molecules, including ZO-1, Claudin-3, occluding, were detected by PCR and western blot. Activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was detected by Western blot analysis. Results Compared with model group and placebo group, salidro group had the decreased intestinal mucosal injury and low Chiu score, and the level of intestinal permeability indices including serum DAO, DLA and END fell off. CD4⁺ T cell percentage, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and sIgA level were went up, while CD8⁺ T cell percentage was went down. mRNA and the level of protein expressions of ZO-1, claudin-3 and occludin increased, while activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited. Conclusion Salidroside can alleviate the intestinal barrier injury and improve intestinal mucosal immune status of rats under compound stress of hypoxia and training via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.
Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NF-kappa B ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics* ; Claudin-3 ; Hypoxia ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; Signal Transduction

Objective:To observe the effect of early temperature control on the prognosis of brain injury patients after severe carbon monoxide poisoning (COP).Methods:A total of 277 patients hospitalized with severe COP were randomly divided into a fever group ( n=78), a normal temperature group ( n=113) and a mild hypothermia group ( n=86). All were given hyperbaric oxygen therapy and any necessary supportive treatment. The mild hypothermia group were kept in a room at 34 to 35℃. Evaluation was with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), version II of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), the Hasegawa dementia scale (HDS) and the mini mental state examination (MMSE). The incidence of delayed encephalopathy (DEACMP) and mortality were compared among the three groups. The bispectral index (BIS) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were correlated with DEACMP. Results:After the treatments, improvement was observed in multiple indexes of all three groups compared with before the treatment. Compared with the fever group, the average GCS of the mild hypothermia group was significantly higher on the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 31st day after the intervention. It was significantly higher than the normal temperature group′s averages on the 4th, 8th and 31st day. The average APACHE scores of the normal temperature and the mild hypothermia groups were significantly lower than the fever group′s average, with that of the mild hypothermia group significantly lower than that of the normal group. The average HDS scores of the normal temperature and mild hypothermia groups were significantly higher than the fever group′s average, with that of the mild hypothermia group significantly higher than that of the normal group. The average MMSE score of the mild hypothermia group was significantly improved after 7 days, one month and three months of treatment. That of the normal group showed significant improvement after one and three months, but the mild hypothermia group′s averages were superior. Compared with the fever group, the average BIS score of the mild hypothermia group was significantly better after one, three and seven days, and one month. This was true for the normal group beyond three days after the intervention. The average NSE concentration of the normal group after 7 days and one month was significantly lower than that of the fever group. For the mild hypothermia group this was true after only 3 days. Compared with the other two groups, the average coma time, incidence of DEACMP and nervous system injury were significantly lower in the hypothermia group. The average GCS, BIS and NSE values were closely related to the occurrence of DEACMP.Conclusions:Early temperature control can significantly reduce the severity of brain injury after COP and reduce the incidence of neurological sequelae. Early dynamic detection of GCS, NSE concentration and BIS is of great significance for predicting the incidence of DEACMP.

Objective:To investigate the changes in peripheral blood and liver-infiltrating natural killer-like B (NKB) cells in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to assess the influence of IL-18 on NKB cells in vitro and the underlying mechanism. Methods:Forty-three HCC patients and 21 normal controls (NC) were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected to isolate plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHL) were isolated from tumor tissues and para-tumor tissues obtained from 16 HCC patients who received surgery. IL-12, IL-18 and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) levels in plasma were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The percentages of CD3 -NKp46 + CD19 + NKB cells and IL-18 + NKB cells in PBMC and IHL were analyzed by flow cytometry. Changes in the percentages of NKB cells and IL-18 + NKB cells were measured after stimulating PBMC and IHL with recombinant human IL-18 (1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml). Changes in IL-18BP levels in the culture supernatants and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in NKB cells were also assessed. Student′s t test, one-way analysis of variance or LSD-t test was used for statistical analysis. Results:There was no significant difference in plasma IL-12 level between HCC patients and NC ( P=0.245). Compared with NC, HCC patients had decreased IL-18 level in plasma [(224.3±58.89) pg/ml vs (327.0±52.27) pg/ml, P<0.000 1], but increased IL-18BP level [(4.421±0.97) ng/ml vs (0.92±0.18) ng/ml, P<0.000 1]. The percentages of peripheral blood NKB cells and IL-18 + NKB cells were lower in HCC patients than in NC [(2.68±1.23)% vs (8.88±2.95)% and (54.42±12.60)% vs (69.74±12.65)%, both P<0.000 1]. The percentage of NKB cells in IHL was reduced in tumor tissues as compared with that in para-tumor tissues [(2.89±0.86)% vs (4.66±1.17)%, P<0.000 1]. Moreover, the percentage of IL-18 + NKB cell was also down-regulated in tumor tissues as compared with that in para-tumor tissues [(51.50±13.18)% vs (62.13±9.24)%, P=0.013]. Recombinant human IL-18 stimulation reduced the IL-18BP level in the culture supernatants ( P<0.05). IL-18 stimulation at 1 ng/ml did not affect NKB cell percentage, IL-18 + NKB cell percentage or NF-κB phosphorylation in NKB cells from PBMC or IHL ( P>0.05), while 10 ng/ml of IL-18 not only elevated NKB cell percentage and IL-18+ NKB cell percentage, but also promoted NF-κB phosphorylation in NKB cells ( P<0.01). Conclusions:In vitro stimulation with high concentration of IL-18 might promote NF-κB phosphorylation by inhibition of IL-18BP expression. This process might play a positive feedback role to induce the activation of NKB cells and IL-18 secretion.

Objective:To explore the correlation between parents′ posttraumatic growth, mental resilience and family functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder.Methods:Using the convenience sampling method, 169 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders were selected. General data questionnaire, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD - RISC) and Family Assessment Device (FAD) were investigated.Results:The total PTGI score of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder was 58.79±18.92. The scores of appreciation of life, new possibilities, personal strength, relating to others and spiritual change were 19.49±6.15, 10.46±4.59, 9.05±3.32, 7.79±3.65, 12.01±3.83. The PTGI score of 37.3% parents was lower than 52, which was at a low level. Parents in the high score (> 74) group and the low score (< 52) group had statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) in the total score of CD - RISC and scores in all dimensions, as well as the differences in the scores of the four dimensions of FAD, namely problem solving, communication, role and behavior control. The total score of PTGI of parents was positively correlated with the total score of CD - RISC and the scores of its all dimensions ( r values were 0.201-0.317, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the scores of Problem Solving, Communication and Behavioral Control of FAD ( r values were -0.233 - -0.196, P<0.05). Conclusions:The parents of children with autism spectrum disorder have an average level of posttraumatic growth. People with better mental resilience and healthier family functions have higher post-traumatic growth level.