Objective:To investigate functional outcomes and condition-specific quality-of-life (CSQoL) after intersphincteric resection (ISR) in patients with low rectal cancer using traditional and exploratory questionnaires.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in the Characteristic Medical Center of the People′s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ISR with ileostomy reversal from May 2020 to April 2023 were enrolled. An electronic self-assessment survey was sent to enrolled patients at 3 to 6, 12, and 24 to 36 months after reversal, and differences in functional and CSQoL results between the 3 groups were analyzed with generalized estimation equations. Functional outcomes were determined by the Wexner incontinence score (WIS) and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. In line with the five frequency responses ranging from never (score 0) to always (score 4) defined by the WIS, an exploratory survey was used to measure the severity of 16 LARS-specific variables confirmed by the latest international Delphi consensus. Furthermore, CSQoL was evaluated using the fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale (FIQL) and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results:A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 64 males and 26 females, aged (58.6±10.4) years (range: 28 to 79 years). The median distance from the distal tumor margin to the anal verge( M(IQR)) was 3.0 (1.5) cm (range: 1.0 to 5.0 cm). There were 55 patients who completed the questionnaires at 3 to 6 months, 59 patients at 12 months, and 40 patients at 24 to 36 months of follow-up, respectively. The summary score of FIQL and VAS improved significantly after reversal (2.33±0.69 vs. 2.40±0.66 vs. 2.79±0.76, χ2=11.703, P=0.003; 5.31±1.65 vs. 5.61±1.90 vs. 6.58±1.92, χ2=12.781, P=0.002), but the differences in the WIS and LARS score did not reach statistical significance (both P>0.05). The survey responses for the LARS-specific variables indicated that “emptying difficulties” and “dissatisfaction with the bowels” were the most frequent symptom and consequence after ISR, respectively. The exploratory severity score for LARS improved significantly among the 3 time periods(34 (14) vs. 31 (13) vs. 23 (17), χ2=13.952, P=0.001). Furthermore, the FIQL summary score was strongly correlated with the LARS severity score ( r s=-0.72, P<0.01). Conclusions:Although a high prevalence of LARS may persist for years, patients reported an improvement in CSQoL and functional outcomes after ISR. The highest priorities recommended by the international consensus might provide better assessments the severity of LARS.

Objective:To investigate functional outcomes and condition-specific quality-of-life (CSQoL) after intersphincteric resection (ISR) in patients with low rectal cancer using traditional and exploratory questionnaires.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in the Characteristic Medical Center of the People′s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ISR with ileostomy reversal from May 2020 to April 2023 were enrolled. An electronic self-assessment survey was sent to enrolled patients at 3 to 6, 12, and 24 to 36 months after reversal, and differences in functional and CSQoL results between the 3 groups were analyzed with generalized estimation equations. Functional outcomes were determined by the Wexner incontinence score (WIS) and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. In line with the five frequency responses ranging from never (score 0) to always (score 4) defined by the WIS, an exploratory survey was used to measure the severity of 16 LARS-specific variables confirmed by the latest international Delphi consensus. Furthermore, CSQoL was evaluated using the fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale (FIQL) and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results:A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 64 males and 26 females, aged (58.6±10.4) years (range: 28 to 79 years). The median distance from the distal tumor margin to the anal verge( M(IQR)) was 3.0 (1.5) cm (range: 1.0 to 5.0 cm). There were 55 patients who completed the questionnaires at 3 to 6 months, 59 patients at 12 months, and 40 patients at 24 to 36 months of follow-up, respectively. The summary score of FIQL and VAS improved significantly after reversal (2.33±0.69 vs. 2.40±0.66 vs. 2.79±0.76, χ2=11.703, P=0.003; 5.31±1.65 vs. 5.61±1.90 vs. 6.58±1.92, χ2=12.781, P=0.002), but the differences in the WIS and LARS score did not reach statistical significance (both P>0.05). The survey responses for the LARS-specific variables indicated that “emptying difficulties” and “dissatisfaction with the bowels” were the most frequent symptom and consequence after ISR, respectively. The exploratory severity score for LARS improved significantly among the 3 time periods(34 (14) vs. 31 (13) vs. 23 (17), χ2=13.952, P=0.001). Furthermore, the FIQL summary score was strongly correlated with the LARS severity score ( r s=-0.72, P<0.01). Conclusions:Although a high prevalence of LARS may persist for years, patients reported an improvement in CSQoL and functional outcomes after ISR. The highest priorities recommended by the international consensus might provide better assessments the severity of LARS.

Sarcopenia is an age-related degenerative disease.Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a senile disease.These two diseases often coexist.Early identification and intervention of T2DM combined with sarcopenia can improve the quality of life to a certain extent.This article reviews the research progress of T2DM combined with sarcopenia.

Cognitive dysfunction often coexists with age-related neurodegenerative diseases, leading to decline in the quality of life of individuals and bringing burden on families and society. Myelin sheath is one of the important structures of neurons, and myelin damage can be seen in patients with cognitive dysfunction resulting from neurodegenerative diseases. Early intervention of myelin damage, such as promoting OLs differentiation and miRNA-based therapy, can help pro-myelin remodeling, thereby improve cognitive dysfunction and reduce incidence of cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the recent advance in relationship between myelin injury and cognitive function, and pro-myelin remodeling in improveing cognitive dysfunction, in order to provide references for treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Objective:To explore the challenges in the implementation of drug centralized volume-based procurement policies in hospitals and propose corresponding optimization suggestions.Methods:From August to December 2023, a purposive sampling was conducted to select 11 pharmaceutical experts from tertiary hospitals in China for Delphi method. The survey content included " policy recommendations for promoting the acceleration and expansion of national drug centralized procurement and retaining surplus medical insurance funds for centralized procurement" .Results:Survey participants gave feedback on a set of existing problems found in the implementation of drug centralized procurement policies and proposed corresponding optimization methods. Kendall′s W coefficient of the specialist consultation was 0.332( P<0.05), demonstrating good consistency and concentration of the expert opinions. Among the problems, the score of drug supply guarantee was the highest(mean value of importance was 4.45). At the same time, the recommendation of strengthening monitoring and early warning, coordination and dispatch, and effectively ensuring the supply of centralized drug procurement had the highest score and concentration(mean value of importance was 4.91, coefficient of variation was 0.06). Conclusions:Through Delphi method, this study revealed issues and optimization methods in the implementation of drug centralized procurement policies in hospitals. The findings could provide valuable insights for improvements in the pharmaceutical sector and future policy adjustments.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the third most common malignancy with a high recurrence and metastasis rate in South China. Natural compounds extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicines have been developed and utilized for the treatment of a variety of cancers with modest properties and slight side effects. Maackiain (MA) is a type of flavonoid that was first isolated from leguminous plants, and it has been reported to relieve various nervous system disorders and exert anti-allergic as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we demonstrated that MA inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle and induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 and CNE2 cells in vitro and in vivo. The expression of the related proteins associated with these processes were consistent with the above effects. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing and subsequent Western blot experiments revealed that inhibition of the MAPK/Ras pathway may be responsible to the anti-tumor effect of MA on NPC cells. Therefore, the effects of MA and an activator of this pathway, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), alone or combination, were investigated. The results showed TBHQ neutralized the inhibitory effects of MA. These data suggest that MA exerts its anti-tumor effect by inhibiting the MAPK/Ras signaling pathway and it has the potential to become a treatment for patients with NPC.
Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Apoptosis ; Signal Transduction ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology*

Alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) is reported to participate in the progression of tumors and metabolic diseases. It is also considered to play a crucial role in the glutamate-glutamine shuttle of neuroglial network. However, it remains unclear the involvement of ASCT2 in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we demonstrated that high expression of ASCT2 in the plasma samples of PD patients and the midbrain of MPTP mouse models is positively correlated with dyskinesia. We further illustrated that ASCT2 expressed in astrocytes rather than neurons significantly upregulated in response to either MPP⁺ or LPS/ATP challenge. Genetic ablation of astrocytic ASCT2 alleviated the neuroinflammation and rescued dopaminergic (DA) neuron damage in PD models in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the binding of ASCT2 to NLRP3 aggravates astrocytic inflammasome-triggered neuroinflammation. Then a panel of 2513 FDA-approved drugs were performed via virtual molecular screening based on the target ASCT2 and we succeed in getting the drug talniflumate. It is validated talniflumate impedes astrocytic inflammation and prevents degeneration of DA neurons in PD models. Collectively, these findings reveal the role of astrocytic ASCT2 in the pathogenesis of PD, broaden the therapeutic strategy and provide a promising candidate drug for PD treatment.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of outdoor physical activity and insomnia symptoms with depressive symptoms in college students, so as to provide a theoretical basis for preventing and improving depression of the college students. Methods: A sample survey of 9 349 college students from 4 colleges and universities in 3 provinces in Hubei, Jiangxi and Chongqing were conducted from November to December 2021. The Patient Health Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index and outdoor physical activity questionnaire were used to evaluate the depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms and outdoor activities of college students, respectively. The χ 2 test was used to compare the difference of the positive rate of depressive symptoms in college students. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between outdoor physical activity, insomnia symptoms and depressive symptoms. Generalized linear model was used to analyze the association of interaction effect of outdoor activity and insomnia symptoms with depressive symptoms. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms in college students was 37.4%. Significant differences in the detection rate of depressive symptoms were observed among college students with different majors, nationalities,educational backgrounds, family residence, family type, family economic conditions, study burden, number of friends, father s education level,mother s education level( P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that outdoor physical activity ( OR=0.51-0.69, P <0.01) and insomnia symptoms ( OR=6.15-21.30, P <0.01) were associated with depressive symptoms( P <0.01). Generalized linear model showed that insomnia symptoms( B =0.57), outdoor physical activity ( B =-0.15) and their interaction terms ( B =-0.02) were associated with college students depression( P <0.05). Conclusion This study suggests that insufficient time for outdoor physical activity and insomnia symptoms may increase the risk of depressive symptoms in college students. College students with insufficient time for outdoor physical activity and insomnia have a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) can significantly improve the outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to describe the ACS use rates among preterm infants admitted to Chinese neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and to explore perinatal factors associated with ACS use, using the largest contemporary cohort of very preterm infants in China. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled all infants born at 24 +0 to 31 +6 weeks and admitted to 57 NICUs of the Chinese Neonatal Network from January 1st, 2019 to December 30th, 2019. The ACS administration was defined as at least one dose of dexamethasone and betamethasone given before delivery. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to determine the association between perinatal factors and ACS usage. RESULTS: A total of 7828 infants were enrolled, among which 6103 (78.0%) infants received ACS. ACS use rates increased with increasing gestational age (GA), from 177/259 (68.3%) at 24 to 25 weeks' gestation to 3120/3960 (78.8%) at 30 to 31 weeks' gestation. Among infants exposed to ACS, 2999 of 6103 (49.1%) infants received a single complete course, and 33.4% (2039/6103) infants received a partial course. ACS use rates varied from 30.2% to 100% among different hospitals. Multivariate regression showed that increasing GA, born in hospital (inborn), increasing maternal age, maternal hypertension and premature rupture of membranes were associated with higher likelihood to receive ACS. CONCLUSIONS The use rate of ACS remained low for infants at 24 to 31 weeks' gestation admitted to Chinese NICUs, with fewer infants receiving a complete course. The use rates varied significantly among different hospitals. Efforts are urgently needed to propose improvement measures and thus improve the usage of ACS.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use*

Immunoglobulin (IgG) glycosylation affects the effector functions of IgG in a myriad of biological processes and has been closely associated with numerous autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), thus underlining the pathogenic role of glycosylation aberration in autoimmunity. This study aims to explore the relationship between IgG sialylation patterns and lupus pregnancy. Relative to that in serum samples from the control cohort, IgG sialylation level was aberrantly downregulated in serum samples from the SLE cohort at four stages (from preconception to the third trimester of pregnancy) and was significantly associated with lupus activity and fetal loss during lupus pregnancy. The type I interferon signature of pregnant patients with SLE was negatively correlated with the level of IgG sialylation. The lack of sialylation dampened the ability of IgG to suppress the functions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). RNA-seq analysis further revealed that the expression of genes associated with the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) signaling pathway significantly differed between IgG- and deSia-IgG-treated pDCs. This finding was confirmed by the attenuation of the ability to phosphorylate SYK and BLNK in deSia-IgG. Finally, the coculture of pDCs isolated from pregnant patients with SLE with IgG/deSia-IgG demonstrated the sialylation-dependent anti-inflammatory function of IgG. Our findings suggested that IgG influences lupus activity through regulating pDCs function via the modulation of the SYK pathway in a sialic acid-dependent manner.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology* ; Signal Transduction ; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism* ; Immunoglobulin G ; Dendritic Cells/pathology*