OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. METHODS: Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR. RESULTS: The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.
Rats ; Male ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Electroacupuncture ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism* ; Facial Nerve Injuries/therapy* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Beclin-1 ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Signal Transduction ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Autophagy ; Mammals/metabolism*

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Effective budget management is crucial for the internal control of procurements in public hospitals.This paper investigates challenges such as unscientific budget preparation,insufficient market analysis,and inadequate procurement internal control in a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen.In addition,based on a budget inquiry mechanism,the study explores strategies to en-hance internal control management within procurements in public hospitals,focusing on the pilot implementation of budget price review mechanisms in the hospital.The paper proposes such rules as"whoever applies is responsible and conducts research,"departmental checks and balances,continuous feedback,and pre-budget inquiry.These measures are used to improve procure-ment cost control,enhance hospital operational efficiency,and increase economic benefits.

The breakthrough progress of implantable brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) technology in the field of clinical trials has attracted widespread attention from both academia and industry. The development and advancement of this technology have provided new solutions for the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders. However, challenges from many aspects make it difficult for iBCIs to further implement and transform technologies. This paper illustrates the key challenges restricting the large-scale development of iBCIs from the perspective of system implementation, then discusses the latest clinical application progress in depth, aiming to provide new ideas for researchers. For the system implementation part, we have elaborated the front-end signal collector, signal processing and decoder, then the effector. The most important part of the front-end module is the neural electrode, which can be divided into two types: piercing and attached. These two types of electrodes are newly classified and described. In the signal processing and decoder section, we have discussed the experimental paradigm together with signal processing and decoder for the first time and believed that the experimental paradigm acts as a learning benchmark for decoders that play a pivotal role in iBCIs systems. In addition, the characteristics and roles of the effectors commonly used in iBCIs systems, including cursors and robotic arms, are analyzed in detail. In the clinical progress section, we have divided the latest clinical progress into two categories: functional rehabilitation and functional replacement from the perspective of the application scenarios of iBCIs. Functional rehabilitation and functional replacement are two different types of application, though the boundary between the two is not absolute. To this end, we have first introduced the corresponding clinical trial progress from the three levels: application field, research team, and clinical timeline, and then conducted an in-depth discussion and analysis of their functional boundaries, in order to provide guidance for future research. Finally, this paper mentions that the key technical challenges in the development of iBCIs technology come from multiple aspects. First of all, from the signal acquisition level, high-throughput and highly bio-compatible neural interface designing is essential to ensure long-term stable signal acquisition. The electrode surface modification method and electrode packaging were discussed. Secondly, in terms of decoding performance, real-time, accurate, and robust algorithms have a decisive impact on improving the reliability of iBCIs systems. The third key technology is from the perspective of practicality, we believe that the signal transmission mode of wireless communication is the trend of the future, but it still needs to overcome challenges such as data transmission rate and battery life. Finally, we believe that issues such as ethics, privacy, and security need to be addressed through legal, policy, and technological innovation. In summary, the development of iBCIs technology requires not only the unremitting efforts of scientific researchers, but also the participation and support of policymakers, medical professionals, technology developers, and all sectors of society. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, iBCIs technology will achieve wider clinical applications in the future and make important contributions to improving the quality of life of patients.

This study design of specific identification primers for the ITS2 sequence of F. ussuriensis. The reaction system and conditions were optimized, and PCR-nucleic acid test strips were constructed to realize the visual detection of F. ussuriensis Bark. Through molecular cloning and sequencing technology, we constructed a positive control for F. ussuriensis DNA and formulated quality standards. The established method was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and the authenticity of the commercially available samples was identified. Results demonstrated that based on the ITS2 sequences, F. ussuriensis and its mixed forgeries could be distinguished. The PCR products of the authentic F. ussuriensis on test strips showed two bands in the T and C lines, while the pseudo products and negative control showed only one band in the C line, which was consistent with the results of agarose gel electrophoresis. The specificity was 100%, and the sensitivity of the PCR-nucleic acid test strip was up to 0.1 ng·μL^-1, which was 10 times higher than that of the gel electrophoresis assay. 11 out of 16 commercially available samples of F. ussuriensis were qualified, and 5 were unqualified. Collectively, the PCR-nucleic acid test strip method established in this study is specific, rapid, accurate and visualized, which can provide a new technical idea for the detection of F. ussuriensis.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA) combined with rituximab (RTX) in highly sensitized patients who underwent haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) .Methods:The clinical data of 56 highly sensitized patients treated with PAIA and RTX before haplo-HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital between March 2021 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody types and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), humoral immunity, adverse reactions during adsorption, and survival within 100 days before and after adsorption were measured.Results:After receiving the PAIA treatment, the median MFI of patients containing only HLA Ⅰ antibodies decreased from 7 859 (3 209-12 444) to 3 719 (0-8 275) ( P<0.001), and the median MFI of HLA Ⅰ+Ⅱ antibodies decreased from 5 476 (1 977-12 382) to 3 714 (0-11 074) ( P=0.035). The median MFI of patients with positive anti-donor-specific antibodies decreased from 8 779 (2 697-18 659) to 4 524 (0–15 989) ( P<0.001). The number of HLA-A, B, C, DR, and DQ antibodies in all patients decreased after the PAIA treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (A, B, C, DR: P<0.001, DQ: P<0.01). The humoral immune monitoring before and after the PAIA treatment showed a significant decrease in the number of IgG and complement C3 ( P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Forty-four patients underwent HLA antibody monitoring after transplantation, and the overall MFI and number of antibody types decreased. However, five patients developed new antibodies with low MFI, and nine patients continued to have high MFI. The overall survival, disease-free survival, non-recurrent mortality, and cumulative recurrence rates at 100 days post-transplantation were 83.8%, 80.2%, 16.1%, and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusions:The combination of PAIA and RTX has a certain therapeutic effect and good safety in the desensitization treatment of highly sensitive patients before haplo-HSCT.

Objective To study the characteristics and clinical value of intestinal metabolites in children aged 4-6 years with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods A total of 31 children aged 4-6 years with OSAHS were prospectively enrolled as the test group,and 24 healthy children aged 4-6 years were included as the control group.Relevant clinical indicators were recorded.Fecal samples were collected,and non-targeted metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to detect all metabolites.Results A total of 206 metabolites were detected,mainly amino acids and their derivatives.There was a significant difference in the overall composition of intestinal metabolites between the test and control groups(P<0.05).Eighteen different metabolites were selected,among which six(N-acetylmethionine,L-methionine,L-lysine,DL-phenylalanine,L-tyrosine,and L-isoleucine)had receiver operating characteristic curve areas greater than 0.7 for diagnosing OSAHS.Among them,N-acetylmethionine had the largest area under the curve,which was 0.807,with a sensitivity of 70.83%and a specificity of 80.65%.Correlation analysis between different metabolites and clinical indicators showed that there were positive correlations between the degree of tonsil enlargement and enterolactone,between uric acid and phenylacetaldehyde,between blood glucose and acetylmethionine,and between cholesterol and 9-bromodiphenyl and procaine(P<0.05).There were negative correlations between the degree of tonsil enlargement and N-methyltyramine,aspartate aminotransferase and indolepropionic acid and L-isoleucine,between alanine aminotransferase and DL-phenylalanine,between indolepropionic acid and L-isoleucine,between uric acid and hydroxyquinoline,and between urea nitrogen and N,N-dicyclohexylurea(P<0.05).The metabolic functional pathways affected by differential metabolites mainly included riboflavin metabolism,arginine and proline metabolism,pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis,cysteine and methionine metabolism,lysine degradation and glutathione metabolism.Conclusions Intestinal metabolites and metabolic functions are altered in children aged 4-6 years with OSAHS,primarily involving amino acid metabolism disorders.The screened differential intestinal metabolites have potential screening and diagnostic value as biomarkers for OSAHS.

Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.

Objective: To investigate the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 in 9 longevity areas of China. Methods: The elderly over 65 years old with complete information on plasma vitamin B₁₂ and plasma uric acid from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2017 to 2018) were recruited in this study. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, diet intake, and health status were collected by questionnaire and physical examination; and fasting venous blood was collected to detect the levels of plasma vitamin B₁₂, uric acid and other indicators. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level per interquartile range increase with plasma uric acid level. The association trend of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level was described by restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level stratified by quartiles with hyperuricemia. Results: A total of 2 471 participants were finally included in the study, the age was (84.88±19.76) years old, of which 1 291 (52.25%) were female. The M (Q₁, Q₃) level of plasma vitamin B₁₂ was 294 (203, 440) pg/ml and the plasma uric acid level was (341.01±90.46) μmol/L. A total of 422 participants (17.08%) were defined with hyperuricemia. The results of multiple linear regression model showed that there was a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level after adjustment for covariates (P<0.05). An IQR increase in plasma vitamin B₁₂ (237 pg/ml) was associated with a 6.36 (95%CI: 2.00-10.72) μmol/L increase in the plasma uric acid level. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a positive linear association of log-transformed plasma vitamin B₁₂ with uric acid level (P<0.001). Conclusion: There is a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.
Humans ; Female ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Male ; Vitamin B 12 ; Uric Acid ; Cohort Studies ; Hyperuricemia ; Vitamins ; Folic Acid

Objective: To investigate the association of mixed exposure to greenness and nitrogen dioxide(NO₂) and hypertension among the older adults aged 65 years and over in China. Methods: The study subjects were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2017 to 2018. A total of 15 423 older adults aged 65 years and over meeting the criteria were finally included in the study. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and self-reported prevalence of hypertension. Blood pressure values were obtained through physical examination. The level of normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI) was measured by the Medium-resolution Imaging Spectral Radiator(MODIS) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA). The concentration of NO₂ was from China's surface air pollutant data set. Meteorological data was from NASA MERRA-2. The exposure to NDVI and NO₂ for each study subject was calculated based on the area within a 1 km radius around their residence. The association between mixed exposure of NDVI and NO₂ as well as their interaction and hypertension in older adults was analyzed by using the multivariate logistic regression model. The restrictive cubic spline(RCS) function was used to explore the exposure-response relationship between greenness and NO₂ and the risk of hypertension in study subjects. Results: The mean age of 15 423 older adults were (85.6±11.6). Women accounted for 56.3%(8 685/15 423) and 55.6%(8 578/15 423) lived in urban areas. The mean time of residence was (60.9±28.5) years. 59.8% of participants were with hypertension. The mean NDVI level was 0.41±0.13, and the mean NO₂ concentration was (32.18±10.36) μg/cm³. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NDVI was inversely and linearly associated with the hypertension in older adults, with the OR(95%CI) value of 0.959(0.928-0.992). Compared with the T₁ group of NDVI, the risk of hypertension was lower in the T₃ group, with the OR(95%CI) value of 0.852(0.769-0.944), and the trend test was statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared with the T₁ group of NO₂, the risk of hypertension was higher in the T₂ and T₃ groups, with OR(95%CI) values of 1.160(1.055-1.275) and 1.244(1.111-1.393), and the trend test was statistically significant (P<0.05). The result of the RCS showed that NDVI was inversely and linearly associated with hypertension in older adults. NO₂ was nonlinearly associated with hypertension in older adults. The interaction analysis showed that NDVI and NO₂ had a negative multiplicative interaction on the risk of hypertension, with OR(95%CI) value of 0.995(0.992-0.997). Conclusion: Exposure to greenness and NO₂ are associated with hypertension in older adults.
Aged ; Humans ; Female ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; Air Pollution ; Prevalence ; Hypertension/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Particulate Matter/analysis*