This comprehensive review synthesizes the latest advancements in understanding inflammatory disorders affecting cerebral small vessels, a distinct yet understudied category within cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD). Unlike classical SVD, these inflammatory conditions exhibit unique clinical presentations, imaging patterns, and pathophysiological mechanisms, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Highlighting their heterogeneity, this review spans primary angiitis of the central nervous system, cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation, systemic vasculitis, secondary vasculitis, and vasculitis in autoinflammatory diseases. Key discussions focus on emerging insights into immune-mediated processes, neuroimaging characteristics, and histopathological distinctions. Furthermore, this review underscores the importance of standardized diagnostic frameworks, individualized immunomodulation approaches, and novel targeted therapies to address unmet clinical demands.
Humans ; Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases/pathology* ; Inflammation/pathology* ; Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy/pathology* ; Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/pathology* ; Vasculitis/pathology*

With the development of critical medical emergency technology, the success rate of sepsis treatment has been significantly improved, and the improvement of the long-term quality of life of sepsis survivors has also attracted more and more attention. ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) refers to a group of syndromes with systemic and symmetrical muscle weakness during the intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization and cannot be explained by the patient's own disease, which often involve diaphragm and skeletal muscle, resulting in difficulty in weaning and nosocomial infection. The incidence of ICU-AW in sepsis patients is over 50%, making it an important factor affecting the prognosis of these patients. The occurrence of sepsis ICU-AW is related to many factors, which can be summarized into two categories, including sepsis-related factors such as sepsis-associated inflammatory response, sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), and treatment-related factors such as physical immobilization and insufficient nutritional support. The current ICU-AW risk assessment tools are mainly on subjective assessment scales, but there are some limitations in clinical application, and objective assessment tools including predictive model and imaging assessment, which are still in the research stage. "ABCDEF bundle strategy" is an important measure to prevent ICU-AW, in which early rehabilitation is the core element. This review of the literature from the risk factors, risk assessment and early rehabilitation of ICU-AW, and focuses on the timing, content, method and safety assessment of early rehabilitation, aims to improve the understanding of ICU-AW, strengthen the prevention of sepsis with ICU-AW, and improve the prognosis of sepsis patients, not only survive, but also live better.
Humans ; Sepsis/complications* ; Muscle Weakness/etiology* ; Intensive Care Units ; Prognosis ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanisms of sepsis pathogenesis in intensive care unit (ICU), with a specific focus on the role of skin microbiota, and to evaluate the causal relationships between skin microbiota and ICU sepsis using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: A two-sample MR analysis was performed using skin microbiota genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from German population cohorts as exposures, combined with ICU sepsis susceptibility and 28-day mortality GWAS summary data from the IEU OpenGWAS database as outcomes. The primary causal effect estimates were generated using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by validation through MR-Egger and weighted median approaches. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, along with sensitivity analyses, were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Regarding risk of ICU sepsis, IVW analysis showed that order Pseudomonadales [odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.88-0.98], family Flavobacteriaceae (OR = 0.93, 95%CI was 0.90-0.96), and genus Acinetobacter (OR = 0.96, 95%CI was 0.93-0.99) were significantly negatively correlated with the risk of ICU sepsis (all P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the risk of ICU sepsis and the presence of β-Proteobacteria (OR = 1.05, 95%CI was 1.00-1.11) and Actinobacteria (OR = 1.05, 95%CI was 1.00-1.11), both P < 0.05. Regarding 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis, IVW analysis showed that phylum Bacteroidetes (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.86-0.99), family Streptococcaceae (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.85-0.98), family Flavobacteriaceae (OR = 0.90, 95%CI was 0.83-0.97), genus Streptococcus (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.86-0.99), ASV016 [Enhydrobacter] (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.87-0.98), and ASV042 [Acinetobacter] (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.88-0.97) were significantly negatively correlated with the 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis (all P < 0.05); family Moraxellaceae (OR = 1.09, 95%CI was 1.00-1.18) and ASV008 [Staphylococcus] (OR = 1.08, 95%CI was 1.03-1.14) was significantly positively correlated with the 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis (both P < 0.05). Sensitivity analysis and MR-PRESSO showed no heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or horizontal pleiotropy between skin microbiota and ICU sepsis risk and 28-day mortality rate. Analysis of confounding factors showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with relevant skin bacteria could independently and causally affect the risk of ICU sepsis or ICU sepsis related mortality rate, independent of other confounding factors. The Steiger test results indicated that the established causal relationship was not due to reverse causality. CONCLUSIONS Skin microbiota composition may influence both sepsis susceptibility and 28-day mortality in ICU settings. Family Flavobacteriaceae demonstrated protective effects against sepsis onset and mortality. These findings provide new perspectives for early detection and management strategies.
Humans ; Sepsis/mortality* ; Intensive Care Units ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Microbiota ; Skin/microbiology* ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Risk Factors ; Skin Microbiome

To develop a milestone-based evaluation system for the core "knowledge and skills" competency of neurology residents that is tailored to China's medical context, so as to provide precise guidance for their training and assessment.

Objective This study aimed to explore the prescription regularity of Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification formula in Tibetan classic medical literatures based on data mining.Methods Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification formula of were collected from 22 ancient Tibetan medical literatures including the Four Medical Tantras,Medicine of Moon King,One Hundred Thousand Fists and Eight Essential Collections of Medicine,et al.The database of drugs,medicinal properties,five-source,six-flavor,and three-chemical flavor was established.R 4.2.2,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0,Origion 2024 and other software were used to conduct frequency statistical analysis,Apriori association rule analysis and cluster analysis of the category,property and flavor,and five-source of Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification compound drugs,and interpret the statistical results in combination with the theory of Tibetan medicine.Results A total of 52 formulas were collected,containing 213 Tibetan medicines,with a cumulative frequency of 1066 times.The medicines involved in the prescription are mainly plant-based,and most of them are"cold"drugs;the medicinal flavor of drugs is mainly bitter,sweet,and pungent,with the five sources of emptiness,wind and water predominating;the most frequently occurring medicine was Mercury(Zuotai),followed by Terminalia Chebula,Musk,Geranium,Saffron,and Nutmeg.High-frequency medicines such as Mercury(Zuotai),Musk,Strychni Semen,Aconitum Tanguticum,Pedicularis Trichoglossa,Swertia Verticillifolia,and Sinapis Alba have detoxification effects.Musk also has the effect of aromatherapy,Terminalia Chebula can reconcile the nature of the medicine and the three causes of the disease effectively.The"six good medicines",including Geranium,Saffron,Nutmeg,White cardamom,Cloves,and Tsaoko Amomum Fruit,can harmonize qi and blood,and treat diseases of internal organs of the body.The analysis of association rules showed 24 pairs of medicines combinations with a support degree exceeding 59.62,and 9 groups of three-drug combinations,predominantly involving Mercury(Zuotai),Terminalia Chebula,Musk,and"six good medicines".The cluster analysis of medicines with a frequency of>10 produced 7 clustered formulas,primarily characterized by their efficacy in clearing away heat and toxins,as well as regulating the five internal organs and six viscera.Conclusion Most medicines in the Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification formula are primarily composed of botanicals,cold and bitter drugs,which is consistent with the heat-clearing and detoxifying therapy in Tibetan medicine.The medication pattern of the Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification formula is characterized by the use of Terminalia Chebula to reconcile the medicinal properties,detoxifying medicines to detoxify,aromatic drugs to rapidly eliminate or expel toxins,and six good medicines to protect the viscera.The combined use of these medicines plays a role in clearing away heat and toxins,opening up the orifices and collaterals,and harmonizing the functions of the viscera.The study provides data to support the medication rules of the Tibetan medicine Mercury(Zuotai)detoxification prescription.

Objective:To observe the clinical features and disease outcomes of patients with fundus lesions associated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).Methods:A case series observational study was conducted.Eighteen eyes of 10 patients with COVID-19 related fundus lesions diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2022 to February 2023 were included.The affected eyes were examined by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp microscopy, scanning laser fundus photography (SLO), infrared fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field and microperimetry.After the diagnosis was confirmed, according to the patients' willingness, 6 patients were treated with mecobalamin, vinblastine, and Aescuven forte orally.The other 4 patients were treated with glucocorticoid and methylprednisolone tablets orally with an initial dose of 32 mg/d, and the dose was reduced by 4 mg every 5 days, and potassium chloride tablets, calcium carbonate tablets, and omeprazole enteric-coated capsules were taken orally.According to the diagnosis and treatment of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN), the patients were divided into glucocorticoid treatment group (4 cases, 7 eyes) and non-glucocorticoid treatment group (4 cases, 8 eyes).The patients were followed up for 4 weeks.The BCVA, retinal morphology and structure, retinal sensitivity and fixation stability were compared before and after treatment.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2022-KY-1482-002).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Among the enrolled 10 cases (18 eyes), there were 9 cases (17 eyes) of AMN, including 1 eye with Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR), 1 eye with acute para-central medial maculopathy (PAMM), and 1 eye with multiple transient white dot syndrome (MEWDS).The SLO images of AMN patients showed redbrown irregular lesions in the fovea or parafovea of the macular area.The OCT images showed patchy strong reflection between the OPL and ONL in the fovea or parafovea of the macular area, and the adjacent EZ/IZ had different degrees of local fracture, and the reflection signal was disordered.The BCVA of the eyes after 4 weeks of treatment was higher than that before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.823, P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment, the retinal sensitivity of the eyes was (26.57±2.24)dB, which was significantly higher than that before treatment (24.17±2.73)dB ( t=-11.329, P<0.001).There was no statistically significant difference in LogMAR BCVA and retinal sensitivity between the AMN glucocorticoid treatment group and the AMN non-glucocorticoid treatment group before and after 4 weeks of treatment ( Z=-0.986, P>0.05; t=-1.656, P>0.05). Conclusions:The main manifestations of COVID-19 related fundus lesions are AMN, PAMM, PLR, MEWDS, etc.OCT, microperimetry and other auxiliary examinations can help to diagnose the disease.The visual impairment and fundus structural changes caused by COVID-19 gradually improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Objective:To construct a clinical prediction scale for focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)type Ⅱ in the malformation of cortical development (MCD) disease spectrum in children.Methods:A case-sectional study.From January 2014 to June 2019, patients who underwent surgery at the Pediatric Epilepsy Center of Peking University First Hospital and were pathologically diagnosed with MCD after surgery were enrolled and randomly divided into the training set and the validation set using random numbering.Clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging data of patients in the training set were analyzed.Variables that could predict FCD type Ⅱ were screened out using a Logistic regression model, and a rating scale was constructed.The diagnostic efficiency of the scale was validated in the validation set to determine the optimum cut-off value, and a consistency test was performed.Results:A total of 381 patients were enrolled in the study, with 260 in the training set and 121 in the validation set.Five clinical factors that exhibited a significant correlation with FCD type Ⅱ were identified in the training set through the logistic regression model: (1) age of seizure onset (<24 months); (2) lesion involving the frontal lobe; (3) epileptic spasms; (4) family history of epilepsy; (5) hippocampal atrophy ± signal change.Based on these 5 variables, the FCD type Ⅱ prediction scale was developed and validated in the validation set with an area under the curve of 0.732.The optimum cut-off value for the prediction scale was 1, at which point the Youden index was 0.384.The scale′s positive predictive value was 0.836, and the negative predictive value was 0.500.The diagnostic consistency between the pathological diagnosis and the FCD type Ⅱ prediction scale was acceptable (Kappa value=0.351), and there was no statistically significant difference between the two diagnostic methods ( P value of the McNemar test=0.065). Conclusions:The FCD type Ⅱ prediction scale has clinical practicability.The application of this scale to predict the pathological type of MCD before operation can help doctors choose the appropriate surgical strategy.

Zuotai(mercury preparation)is considered the treasure of Tibetan medicine and is commonly referred to as the"King of Medicines".It is widely utilized in clinical practice as a core ingredient in the precious Tibetan medicine compounds,which possesses multiple therapeutic properties such as disease treatment,detoxification,health maintenance,and tonic effect.This paper conducted a comprehensive review of the classical Tibetan medical literature and recent research literature to elucidate the historical development and modern applications of the"Zuotai"concoction method.There are three main representative approaches of Zuotai concoction,including the mercury concoction method in the"Four Medical Tantras"by Udo-Yundan Pao(708-833),the concoction method in the"Mercury Concoction Classics"by Dongshun Nu Gyatso(13th century),and the mercury concoction method by Master Tsuru Tsering(1926-2004),who has imparted the Zuotai concoction process since the establishment of New China.In addition,Zuotai has been extensively studied by researchers in the fields of modern pharmacochemistry,pharmacokinetics,and toxicology.Overall,this paper provides a comprehensive review of the concoction methods of"Zuotai"in the classical Tibetan medical literature and modern pharmacological and toxicological research,so as to provide important reference value for in-depth understanding of the origin and history of"Zuotai".