Long-term spaceflight exposes astronauts to multiple extreme environmental factors, such as cosmic radiation, microgravity, social isolation, and circadian rhythm disruption, that markedly increase the risk of depressive symptoms, posing a direct threat to mental health and mission safety. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain complex and incompletely understood. The potential mechanisms of spaceflight-induced depressive symptoms involve multiple domains, including alterations in brain structure and function, dysregulation of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuroendocrine system imbalance, and gut microbiota disturbances. Collectively, these changes may constitute the biological foundation of depressive in astronauts during spaceflight. Space-related stressors may increase the risk of depressive symptoms through several pathways: impairing hippocampal neuroplasticity, suppressing dopaminergic and serotonergic system function, reducing neurotrophic factor expression, triggering oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and disrupting gut microbiota homeostasis. Future research should integrate advanced technologies such as brain-computer interfaces to develop individualized monitoring and intervention strategies, enabling real-time detection and effective prevention of depressive symptoms to safeguard astronauts' psychological well-being and mission safety.
Space Flight ; Humans ; Astronauts/psychology* ; Depression/physiopathology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Weightlessness/adverse effects* ; Oxidative Stress ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Pituitary-Adrenal System

During long-duration manned space missions, the complex and extreme space environment exerts significant impacts on astronauts' physiological, psychological, and cognitive functions, thereby posing direct risks to mission safety and operational efficiency. As a key bridge between the brain and external devices, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology enables precise acquisition and interpretation of neural signals, offering a novel paradigm for human-machine collaboration in manned spaceflight. Non-invasive BCI technology shows broad application prospects across astronaut selection, mission training, in-orbit task execution, and post-mission rehabilitation. During mission preparation, multimodal signal assessment and neurofeedback training based on BCI can effectively enhance cognitive performance and psychological resilience. During mission execution, BCI can provide real-time monitoring of physiological and psychological states and enable intention-based device control, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety. In the post-mission rehabilitation phase, non-invasive BCI combined with neuromodulation may improve emotional and cognitive functions, support motor and cognitive recovery, and contribute to long-term health management. However, the application of BCI in space still faces challenges, including insufficient signal robustness, limited system adaptability, and suboptimal data processing efficiency. Looking forward, integrating multimodal physiological sensors with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate monitoring and individualized intervention, and combining BCI with virtual reality and robotics to develop intelligent human-machine collaboration models, will provide more efficient support for space missions.
Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Humans ; Space Flight ; Astronauts/psychology* ; Neurofeedback ; Cognition ; Electroencephalography ; Man-Machine Systems

Objective·To measure the parameters of the uterine artery,umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery in a rat model of preeclampsia(PE)by Doppler ultrasound,and compare the pathological changes in placental blood vessels and pregnancy outcomes,in order to provide an effective method and reference for evaluating placental function in PE animal models.Methods·PE(n=8)and normal pregnancy(NP,n=8)groups in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rat models were established by intraperitoneal injections of N'-nitro-L-arginine methylesterhydrochloride(L-NAME)and 0.9%sodium chloride solution.Blood pressure and proteinuria indexes were detected to evaluate whether the model was successfully established.On gestational day 19(GD19),Doppler ultrasound was utilized to measure the parameters of the uterine artery,umbilical artery and the fetal middle cerebral artery in both the PE and NP groups.After termination of the pregnancies,placental function was evaluated through the pathology of placental blood vessels and the quality of the fetuses and placentas.Results·In the PE group,both blood pressure(GD15:P=0.001;GD19:P=0.001)and proteinuria(GD15:P=0.001;GD19:P=0.001)were significantly higher than those in the NP group.The pulsatility index(PI)of the umbilical artery and uterine artery was notably elevated in the PE group compared to the NP group(both P=0.000).Furthermore,the resistance index(RI)of the fetal middle cerebral artery was significantly lower than that in the PE group(P=0.000).While the number of fetal rats did not differ significantly,the quality of placental and fetal rats was notably lower in the PE group(P=0.006 and P=0.000,respectively).Immunohistochemical staining of placental tissue revealed that the number of placental micro vessel densities in the PE group was less than that in the NP group(P=0.001).Correlation analysis revealed that placental micro vessel density,fetal quality and placental quality were inversely related with the RI of the umbilical artery and the PI and RI of the uterine artery,and positively correlated with the S/D,PI and RI of the fetal middle cerebral artery(all P<0.05).Conculsion·Doppler ultrasound assessment of the uterine artery,umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery indices in L-NAME-induced PE rat models effectively reflects pregnancy outcomes and placental vascular pathology.This method is valuable for evaluating placental vascular perfusion in PE rat models,offering practicality and convenience for research involving animal models.

Chlorfenapyr,an emerging synthetic pesticide,has been linked to a growing number of poisoning incidents,attributed to heightened human exposure as its application becomes more widespread.However,the toxicokinetics and toxicology of chlorfenapyr remain incompletely understood.Research since the 1990s,including animal experiments,has illuminated the absorption,distribution,excretion,and metabolism of chlorfenapyr.Toxicological investigations have revealed that the primary toxicity of chlorfenapyr is the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.Chlorfenapyr exposure in humans and other animals can lead to various toxic effects,including neurotoxicity,cardiotoxicity,skeletal muscle toxicity,genotoxicity,reproductive and developmental toxicity,renal toxicity,splenic toxicity,and hematotoxicity.This article presents a comprehensive review of the toxicokinetics and toxicology of chlorfenapyr,integrating data from animal experiments,human cell line studies,clinical reports,and human autopsy.Its objective is to raise clinical awareness regarding chlorfenapyr poisoning and offer valuable references for its treatment and management.

Objective:To explore risk factors for refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF)and provide clinical guidance.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from elderly patients with OVCF who underwent PKP surgery at the Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2022.All patients were followed up for a minimum of one-year post-surgery.The elderly patients were categorized into a refracture group(59 cases)and a non-refracture group(200 cases)based on post-surgery refracture occurrence.Univariate analysis was initially conducted on the collected data, followed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis on statistically significant indicators to identify risk factors for refracture in elderly patients with OVCF following PKP.Results:The results of the univariate analysis indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in gender, history of diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, history of hormone medication, and body mass index(BMI)between the refracture group and the non-refracture group of elderly patients.However, the refracture group was found to be older than the non-refracture group( t=9.085, P=0.003).Additionally, there were no significant differences in preoperative indicators such as preoperative calcium, preoperative phosphorus, and site of first fracture(all P>0.05).The time from first fracture to surgery being greater than 14 days was more common in the refracture group compared to the non-refracture group( χ2=20.409, P=0.001), and the number of vertebrae fractured for the first time was higher in the re-fracture group( t=6.189, P=0.017).Cement injection method, amount of cement injected, and distribution of cement did not show significant differences between the two groups(all P>0.05).However, there were statistically significant variations in the proportion of postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)and bone mineral density( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)between the refracture and non-refracture groups.Furthermore, multifactorial Logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age( OR=1.061, 95% CI: 1.021-1.103, P=0.003), time from first fracture to surgery exceeding 14 days( OR=5.026, 95% CI: 1.968-12.835, P=0.001), lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment( OR=3.493, 95% CI: 1.239-9.846, P=0.018), and decreased bone mineral density( OR=10.682, 95% CI: 2.707-42.151, P=0.001)were identified as influential factors in the occurrence of secondary vertebral compression fracture after surgery. Conclusions:The independent risk factors for refracture after PKP in elderly patients with OVCF include increasing age, time from first fracture to surgery greater than 14 days, lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment, and decreased bone mineral density.In clinical practice, targeted interventions can be implemented for prevention and effective management based on these risk factors to enhance the prognosis of elderly patients with OVCF.

Objective:To investigate the influence of first pass effect (FPE) in prognoses of patients with acute intracranial large vessel occlusion in anterior circulation accepted mechanical thrombectomy with domestic stent retriever, and the influencing factors for FPE.Methods:A total of 223 patients with acute intracranial large vessel occlusion in anterior circulation accepted mechanical thrombectomy with domestic stent retriever were selected from 3 prospective, multicenter, open, randomized controlled clinical trials (REDIRECT trial, Tonbridge trial, CAPTURE trial). According to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores 90 d after thrombectomy, these patients were divided into good prognosis group (mRS scores≤2, n=131) and poor prognosis group (mRS scores>2, n=92); these patients were also divided into FPE group ( n=69) and non-FPE group ( n=154) according to whether FPE was achieved (complete recanalization with single stent retriever, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] 3); differences in baseline data and surgical parameters between the 2 groups were compared; multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors. Results:(1) Patients in the good prognosis group had significantly younger age, significantly lower National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores at admission, transient ischemic attack ratio, atrial fibrillation ratio and ratio of internal carotid artery as responsible occlusive vessel, statistically shorter time from onset to admission, time from onset to femoral artery puncture and time from femoral artery puncture to vascular recanalization compared with those in the poor prognosis group ( P<0.05); FPE proportion in the good prognosis group was significantly higher than that in the poor prognosis group ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle cerebral artery occlusion ( OR=0.459, 95% CI: 0.247-0.854, P=0.014), and FPE ( OR=2.485, 95% CI: 1.282-4.816, P=0.007), NIHSS score at admission ( OR=0.894, 95% CI: 0.837-0.955, P=0.001), time from femoral artery puncture to vascular recanalization ( OR=0.993, 95% CI: 0.987-0.999, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for good prognosis. (2) The FPE group had significantly shorter time from femoral artery puncture to stent thrombectomy and higher proportion of balloon guided catheter (BGC) than the non-FPE group ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that BGC application was an independent influencing factor for FPE ( OR=3.185, 95% CI: 1.494-6.791, P=0.003). Conclusion:FPE can improve prognosis of patients with acute intracranial large vessel occlusion in anterior circulation accepted mechanical thrombectomy with domestic stent retriever, and BGC application helps FPE.

As a new clinical trial mode,decentralized & digitalized clinical trial(DCT)is based on digital health equipment and uses internet and artificial intelligence technologies to complete the screening,registration,randomization,intervention,evaluation and follow-up of subjects,which is helpful to improve efficiency and reduce trial costs.The DCT mode has been applied to evaluate the treatment and management effects of cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrilla-tion,heart failure,coronary heart disease,and hypertension,showing broad development prospects and application space.This article will provide a brief introduction to representative DCT in the global cardiovascular disease field,and look for-ward to the application prospects of this model,providing reference and guidance for accelerating the development of cardio-vascular DCT in China.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of Tongdu Qishen acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction on post-stroke depression in patients. Methods:Sixty-two patients with post-stroke depression who received treatment in Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University from October 2020 to April 2022 were included in this study. They were randomly treated either with traditional Chinese medicine decoction (control group, n = 31) or Tongdu Qishen acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction (combined group, n = 31) based on routine medication. All patients were treated for 4 weeks. Depressive state, neurological function, and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups. Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and Barthel index between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the HAMD and NIHSS scores in the control group were (13.88 ± 3.92) points and (8.56 ± 1.82) points, respectively, and they were (8.72 ± 2.48) points and (6.67 ± 1.14) points in the combined group. There were significant differences in HAMD and NIHSS scores between the two groups ( t = 2.14, 2.43, both P < 0.05). The Barthel index in the combined group was (69.53 ± 13.29) points, which was significantly higher than (62.34 ± 15.67) points in the control group ( t = 2.23, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Tongdu Qishen acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction can reduce depressive symptoms and improve neurological function and activities of daily living in patients with post-stroke depression. The combined therapy has obvious efficacy in the treatment of post-stroke depression.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the imaging features of enhanced MRI in patients with central chronic pulmonary artery thromboembolism (CPTE) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).Methods:Thirty-nine patients with CPTE who had contrast-enhanced MRI examination were retrospectively enrolled this study from January 2018 to December 2020. And 33 patients who received right heart catheterization were divided into two groups based on PVR=1 000 dyn·s·cm -5. The differences of imaging features of CPTE in enhanced MRI between the two groups were compared. The relationship between gender, duration of disease, age, pleural thickening, bilateral bronchial artery dilation, number of the involved vascular segments, number of thrombosis, number of the thrombus-related delayed enhancement of artery wall and PVR was analyzed by binary logistic regression. Results:In 39 patients with central CPTE, the dilated lumen (168, 43.30%) and delayed enhancement of wall (122, 31.52%) were found in most of pulmonary arteries. The rate of the lumen dilatation associated with thrombus was the highest among that of the lumen abnormality (66, 52.80%). There were more thrombi in PVR<1 000 dyn·s·cm -5 group than those in PVR≥1 000 dyn·s·cm -5 group (χ 2=9.55, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in the incidence of wall delayed enhancement associated the thrombus between the two groups (χ 2=0.90, P=0.344). The incidence of bilateral bronchial arterial dilatation in PVR<1 000 dyn·s·cm -5 group was higher than that in PVR≥1 000 dyn·s·cm -5 group ( P=0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that female, the less number of involved vascular segments and bilateral bronchial artery dilation were correlated with the lower PVR. Conclusions:Enhanced MRI is helpful to accurately evaluate the lumen abnormality of pulmonary artery and wall remodeling in central CPTE, which is of great value for the assessment of patients′ conditions and treatment effect.

Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is a multifaceted disease with a complex pathogenesis for which there are currently no effective therapeutic interventions.Research has shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles(BMSC-EVs)may play a therapeutic role in TBI.They attenuate neuroinflammatory responses at the site of the lesion and promote neurovascular regeneration.However,the exact mechanisms underlying their actions are not fully understood.This article aims to review the current state of research on the therapeutic mechanisms of BMSC-EVs in TBI.It also aims to discuss possible future research directions and potential clinical applications of BMSC-EVs.