Objective To investigate the incidence rate of sarcopenia and related risk factors in patients with stroke. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the patients with stroke who were admitted to the stroke center of a grade A tertiary hospital in Changchun， China， from March 2023 to June 2024. The method of bioelectrical impedance was used to perform body composition analysis for all patients on day（7.0±1.0）after admission， and the incidence rate of stroke-related sarcopenia was analyzed. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for stroke-related sarcopenia. Results A total of 666 patients were included in the study， among whom 150（22.5%） developed sarcopenia （95%CI 0.193‒ 0.257）. Low body mass index， low phase angle， low triglyceride， advanced age， and low Barthel index were risk factors for the early onset of sarcopenia in patients with stroke. Conclusion There is a relatively high incidence rate of sarcopenia in stroke patients， with complex influencing factors. Medical staff should pay more attention to the elderly stroke patients， as well as those patients with emaciation， low phase angle， low triglyceride， and limited activities of daily living. Early nutritional supplementation and functional exercise can help to prevent the onset of stroke-related sarcopenia.
Stroke ; Sarcopenia

BACKGROUND:Due to the sudden release and the rapid removal by proteases,platelet-rich plasma hydrogel leads to shorter residence times of growth factors at the wound site.In recent years,researchers have focused on the use of hydrogels to encapsulate platelet-rich plasma in order to improve the deficiency of platelet-rich plasma hydrogels. OBJECTIVE:To prepare self-assembled polypeptide-platelet-rich plasma hydrogel and to explore its effects on the release of bioactive factors of platelet-rich plasma. METHODS:The self-assembled polypeptide was synthesized by the solid-phase synthesis method,and the solution was prepared by D-PBS.Hydrogels were prepared by mixing different volumes of polypeptide solutions with platelet-rich plasma and calcium chloride/thrombin solutions,so that the final mass fraction of polypeptides in the system was 0.1%,0.3%,and 0.5%,respectively.The hydrogel state was observed,and the release of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma was detected in vitro.The polypeptide self-assembly was stimulated by mixing 1%polypeptide solution with 1%human serum albumin solution,so that the final mass fraction of the polypeptide was 0.1%,0.3%,and 0.5%,respectively.The flow state of the liquid was observed,and the rheological mechanical properties of the self-assembled polypeptide were tested.The microstructure of polypeptide(mass fraction of 0.1%and 0.001%)-human serum albumin solution was observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hydrogels could be formed between different volumes of polypeptide solution and platelet-rich plasma.Compared with platelet-rich plasma hydrogels,0.1%and 0.3%polypeptide-platelet-rich plasma hydrogels could alleviate the sudden release of epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor,and extend the release time to 48 hours.(2)After the addition of human serum albumin,the 0.1%polypeptide group still exhibited a flowing liquid,the 0.3%polypeptide group was semi-liquid,and the 0.5%polypeptide group stimulated self-assembly to form hydrogel.It was determined that human serum albumin in platelet-rich plasma could stimulate the self-assembly of polypeptides.With the increase of the mass fraction of the polypeptide,the higher the storage modulus of the self-assembled polypeptide,the easier it was to form glue.(3)Transmission electron microscopy exhibited that the polypeptide nanofibers were short and disordered before the addition of human serum albumin.After the addition of human serum albumin,the polypeptide nanofibers became significantly longer and cross-linked into bundles,forming a dense fiber network structure.Under a scanning electron microscope,the polypeptides displayed a disordered lamellar structure before adding human serum albumin.After the addition of human serum albumin,the polypeptides self-assembled into cross-linked and densely arranged porous structures.(4)In conclusion,the novel polypeptide can self-assemble triggered by platelet-rich plasma and the self-assembly effect can be accurately adjusted according to the ratio of human serum albumin to polypeptide.This polypeptide has a sustained release effect on the growth factors of platelet-rich plasma,which can be used as a new biomaterial for tissue repair.

Objective To investigate the role of RNA-binding motif protein X-linked(RBMX)in regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion and glycolysis in human bladder cancer cells.Methods A lentivirus vectors system and RNA interference technique were used to construct bladder cancer 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown,respectively,and successful cell modeling was verified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Proliferation and colony forming ability of the cells were evaluated using EdU assay and colony-forming assay,and cell migration and invasion abilities were determined using Transwell experiment.The expressions of glycolysis-related proteins M1 pyruvate kinase(PKM1)and M2 pyruvate kinase(PKM2)were detected using Western blotting.The effects of RBMX overexpression and knockdown on glycolysis in the bladder cancer cells were assessed using glucose and lactic acid detection kits.Results RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed successful construction of 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown.RBMX overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Western blotting results showed that RBMX overexpression increased the expression of PKM1 and decreased the expression of PKM2,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Glucose consumption and lactate production levels were significantly lowered in the cells with RBMX overexpression(P<0.05)but increased significantly following RBMX knockdown(P<0.05).Conclusion RBMX overexpression inhibits bladder cancer progression and lowers glycolysis level in bladder cancer cells by downregulating PKM2 expression,suggesting the potential of RBMX as a molecular target for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Objective To investigate the impact of iron overload on apoptosis in primary mouse liver cells via a synchronous separation technology.Methods Hepatocyte(HC),liver sinusoidal endothelial cell(LSEC),and Kupffer cell(KC)were isolated and purified with collagenase,percoll density gradient centrifugation,and CD146 magnetic beads.Cell types were identified using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.Cells of different types were cultured in vitro,and an iron overload model was established by treating the mice with 0,25,50 and 100 μmol/L ferric ammonium citrate(FAC)for 24 h.The iron content was quantified using Prussian blue staining,while cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry.Results The synchronous separation technology of primary liver cells exhibited stable efficiency.The yield of HC was(4.0±0.5)×107 cells per mouse,exhibiting an effective survival rate of(76.33±0.67)％.The yield of LSEC was(5.0±1.0)×106 cells per mouse,with a survival rate of(93.63±0.25)％and a purity level of(93.40±0.46)％.The yield of KC was(1.5±0.5)×106 cells per mouse while a high survival rate of(98.33±0.12)％and a purity level of(88.30±2.02)％were maintained.The obtained cells were large in number,with good vitality and high purity,which could meet the requirements of subsequent experiments.Treatment with FAC significantly elevated iron contents in different types of cells when compared with the control group.Upon stimulation of FAC,the survival rate of HC decreased from(73.97±5.54)％to(54.10±1.68)％,the mean fluorescence intensity of JC-1 aggregates decreased from 326.33±30.37 to 155.00±6.56,JC-1 monomer increased from 1700.00±1 44.04 to 3713.33±81.82.The survival rate of LSEC decreased from(90.60±1.74)％to(78.03±2.15)％,the mean fluorescence intensity of JC-1 aggregates decreased from 502.33±5.51 to 372.33±4.04,and JC-1 monomer increased from 750.00±67.51 to 1340.00±36.39.The survival rate of KC decreased from(94.23±1.44)％to(88.37±1.56)％,the mean fluorescence intensity of JC-1 aggregates decreased from 652.67±25.66 to 478.00±12.49,and JC-1 monomer increased from 1984.33±80.65 to 3062.33±245.20.Conclusion A robust and reliable simultaneous isolation technique of primary mouse HC,LSEC,and KC has been established.Moreover,our finding demonstrates that iron overload significantly enhances apoptosis levels in HC,LSEC and KC.

The medicinal history of Zanthoxyli Radix is long,and it is recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing under the name of Manjiao.Modern pharmacological research has proven that Zanthoxyli Radix has anti-tumor,antibacterial,antioxidant,and hemostatic effects.This article reviewed the pharmacological effects of Zanthoxyli Radix based on its functional indications.Based on the basic requirements of TCM quality markers(Q-markers),this article predicted and analyzed the Q-markers of Zanthoxyli Radix from the perspectives of plant phylogeny and chemical component specificity,chemical component and pharmacological correlation,and chemical component testability.It is proposed to select alkaloids,flavonoids,and lignans as the Q-markers for the general classification of Zanthoxyli Radix.The candidate components for Q-marker were identified,including chloramphenicol,white croaker alkaloid,magnolian alkaloid,taro alkaloid,vanillin,hesperidin,L-sesamin and L-asarone,providing a reference for further research on the quality standards of Zanthoxyli Radix.

Objective To investigate the role of RNA-binding motif protein X-linked(RBMX)in regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion and glycolysis in human bladder cancer cells.Methods A lentivirus vectors system and RNA interference technique were used to construct bladder cancer 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown,respectively,and successful cell modeling was verified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Proliferation and colony forming ability of the cells were evaluated using EdU assay and colony-forming assay,and cell migration and invasion abilities were determined using Transwell experiment.The expressions of glycolysis-related proteins M1 pyruvate kinase(PKM1)and M2 pyruvate kinase(PKM2)were detected using Western blotting.The effects of RBMX overexpression and knockdown on glycolysis in the bladder cancer cells were assessed using glucose and lactic acid detection kits.Results RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed successful construction of 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown.RBMX overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Western blotting results showed that RBMX overexpression increased the expression of PKM1 and decreased the expression of PKM2,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Glucose consumption and lactate production levels were significantly lowered in the cells with RBMX overexpression(P<0.05)but increased significantly following RBMX knockdown(P<0.05).Conclusion RBMX overexpression inhibits bladder cancer progression and lowers glycolysis level in bladder cancer cells by downregulating PKM2 expression,suggesting the potential of RBMX as a molecular target for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Objective:To compare the immediate effectiveness of elbow forearm support with that of a traditional shoulder sling in reducing glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) after a stroke.Methods:Eight stroke survivors with GHS were randomized to receive either 30 minutes of intervention of an elbow forearm support treatment or a traditional shoulder sling treatment twice within 24 hours. Their healthy and affected shoulders were X-rayed before and right after the treatment is ongoing as well as after the end of the 30 min of treatment. The vertical (VD) and horizontal (HD) distances from the lower edge of the acromion to the center of the humeral head were measured. The satisfaction of the patients and their relatives was surveyed.Results:The average VD and HD improved significantly more after wearing the elbow forearm support. Moreover, the patients and their relatives expressed greater satisfaction with the elbow forearm support.Conclusion:Either an elbow forearm support or a traditional shoulder sling will have an immediate effect in reducing shoulder subluxation, but the elbow forearm support is more effective and gives greater satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the effect of conventional treatment plus long-term transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on consciousness recovery in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 60 patients with MCS after TBI admitted to Zhejiang Armed Police Corps Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020, including 38 males and 22 females, aged 19-60 years [(45.7±11.4)years]. Course of disease was 3-6 months [(4.6±0.9)months]. Of all, 30 patients received internal medicine, hyperbaric oxygen, rehabilitation and other conventional treatment (conventional treatment group), and 30 patients received tDCS stimulation on the basis of conventional treatment (tDCS treatment group). The tDCS stimulation contained 4 cycles for 28 days with each cycle lasting for 7 days (stimulation for 5 days, rest for 2 days). Coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) total score, brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) score and clinical effictive rate (significantly effective+effective) were compared between the two groups before treatment, during 4 cycles of treatment and at 6 months and 12 months after treatment. Complications induced by tDCS were also evaluated.Results:There was no significant difference in CRS-R total score and BAEP score between the two groups before treatment (all P>0.05). CRS-R total score and BAEP score in tDCS treatment group were significantly higher than those in conventional treatment group during 4 cycles of treatment and at 6 months and 12 months after treatment (all P<0.05). CRS-R total score and BAEP score in both groups gradually increased during 4 cycles of treatment and at 6 months and 12 months after treatment (all P<0.05). The clinical effective rate in tDCS treatment group was 73% (22/30) when compared to 57% (17/30) in conventional treatment group ( P<0.05). In tDCS treatment group, 10 patients had local reversible slight redness at the cathodal position, while no other serious adverse effects, such as local burns, ulceration, exudation or epilepsy. Conclusion:Compared with conventional treatment, conventional treatment plus long-term tDCS can be more effective in improving the state of consciousness without serious adverse effects for MCS patients after TBI.

Background: Dietary fiber is strongly recommended as the basic treatment for functional constipation according to global guidelines. However, a complete evaluation standard for the laxative functional food remains to be improved in China. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the laxative function of a compound fructose-oligosaccharide fiber granule, so as to provide evidence-based medical basis for the evaluation of laxative functional food. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel and controlled trial with placebo as control, 120 subjects with functional constipation were enrolled in 2 clinical research centers in Beijing, and randomly divided into experimental group and control group (60 cases in each group). Subjects in experimental group were given a compound fructose-oligosaccharide fiber granule dissolved in 50 mL water orally, 1 bag (9 g) per day for 2 weeks; while those in control group were given a placebo granule with the same appearance, specification and dosage as the experimental group. The bowel movement frequency per week, defecation status and stool consistency were recorded before and after the test, and the safety tests were completed. Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, the bowel movement frequency in experimental group increased by (1.63±1.57) times per week, the stool consistency assessed by Bristol stool form scale and the difficulty in defecation were also improved as compared with the baseline (all P<0.05). Furthermore, improvements in experimental group were superior to those in control group (all P<0.05). No allergic and other adverse events were reported during the test, and there were no significant changes in blood, urine, stool routine and blood biochemical indices before and after the test. Conclusions: The compound fructose-oligosaccharide fiber granule tested in this study is proved to have laxative effect and is safety for functional constipation. The testing program is scientific and of feasibility, and may provide a methodology basis for human oral administration trials of laxative functional food.

Netrin-1, an axon guidance factor, and its receptor UNC5B play important roles in axonal development and angiogenesis. This study examined netrin-1 and UNC5B expression in kidneys with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and investigated their roles in angiogenesis. Netrin-1 and UNC5B were upregulated in streptozotocininduced DKD Wistar rats, and their expression was compared with that in healthy controls. However, exogenous netrin-1 in UNC5B-depleted human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) inhibited cell migration and tubulogenesis. This effect was likely associated with SRC pathway deactivation. Netrin-1 treatment also eliminated the pro-angiogenic effects of exogenous VEGF-165 on UNC5B-silenced HRGECs. These results indicate that UNC5B antagonizes netrin-1 and that UNC5B upregulation contributes partly to enhancing angiogenesis in DKD. Therefore, introducing exogenous netrin-1 and depleting endogenous UNC5B are potential strategies for reducing the incidence of early angiogenesis and mitigating kidney injury in DKD.