RNA sequencing of exosomes secreted by fibroblast and Schwann cells elucidates mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve regeneration

Exosomes exhibit complex biological functions and mediate a variety of biological processes,such as promoting axonal regeneration and functional recove ry after injury.Long non-coding RNAs(IncRNAs)have been reported to play a crucial role in axonal regeneration.Howeve r,the role of the IncRNA-microRNAmessenger RNA(mRNA)-competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network in exosome-mediated axonal regeneration remains unclear.In this study,we performed RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis to assess mRNA expression patterns in exosomes produced by cultured fibroblasts(FC-EXOs)and Schwann cells(SCEXOs).Diffe rential gene expression analysis,Gene Ontology analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis,and protein-protein intera ction network analysis were used to explo re the functions and related pathways of RNAs isolated from FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs.We found that the ribosome-related central gene Rps5 was enriched in FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs,which suggests that it may promote axonal regeneration.In addition,using the miRWalk and Starbase prediction databases,we constructed a regulatory network of ceRNAs targeting Rps5,including 27 microRNAs and five IncRNAs.The ceRNA regulatory network,which included Ftx and Miat,revealed that exsosome-derived Rps5 inhibits scar formation and promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery after nerve injury.Our findings suggest that exosomes derived from fibro blast and Schwann cells could be used to treat injuries of peripheral nervous system.

A systematic review: How to choose appropriate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures in routine general practice?

In more recent times, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements have formed an important part of as- sessing the quality of routine care in general practice. For a measure to have clinical usefulness it must not only be valid, appro- priate, reliable, responsive, and capable of being interpreted, but it must also be simple, fast to complete, easy to score, and provide useful clinical data. The Two-step method of choosing appropriate measures is introduced. Then through comparison of generic instruments with disease-specific instruments, we can conclude that sometimes a combination of generic and disease-specific HRQOL measures may be more appropriate for monitoring changes in a patient’s health status due to an intervention.

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 prevents the progression of liver injury

BACKGROUND Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1(UGT1A1)plays a crucial role in metabolizing and detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances.However,its contribution to the progression of liver damage remains unclear.AIM To determine the role and mechanism of UGT1A1 in liver damage progression.METHODS We investigated the relationship between UGT1A1 expression and liver injury through clinical research.Additionally,the impact and mechanism of UGT1A1 on the progression of liver injury was analyzed through a mouse model study.RESULTS Patients with UGT1A1 gene mutations showed varying degrees of liver damage,while patients with acute-onchronic liver failure(ACLF)exhibited relatively reduced levels of UGT1A1 protein in the liver as compared to patients with chronic hepatitis.This suggests that low UGT1A1 levels may be associated with the progression of liver damage.In mouse models of liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))and concanavalin A(ConA),the hepatic levels of UGT1A1 protein were found to be increased.In mice with lipopolysaccharide or liver steatosis-mediated liver-injury progression,the hepatic protein levels of UGT1A1 were decreased,which is consistent with the observations in patients with ACLF.UGT1A1 knockout exacerbated CCl_(4)-and ConA-induced liver injury,hepatocyte apoptosis and necroptosis in mice,intensified hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and oxidative stress,and disrupted lipid metabolism.CONCLUSION UGT1A1 is upregulated as a compensatory response during liver injury,and interference with this upregulation process may worsen liver injury.UGT1A1 reduces ER stress,oxidative stress,and lipid metabolism disorder,thereby mitigating hepatocyte apoptosis and necroptosis.

A matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel system controls angiogenic peptide release for repair of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its mimic peptide KLTWQELYQLKYKGI(QK)are widely used as the most potent angiogenic factors for the treatment of multiple ischemic diseases.However,conventional topical drug delivery often results in a burst release of the drug,leading to transient retention(inefficacy)and undesirable diffusion(toxicity)in vivo.Therefore,a drug delivery system that responds to changes in the microenvironment of tissue regeneration and controls vascular endothelial growth factor release is crucial to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke.Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)is gradually upregulated after cerebral ischemia.Herein,vascular endothelial growth factor mimic peptide QK was self-assembled with MMP-2-cleaved peptide PLGLAG(TIMP)and customizable peptide amphiphilic(PA)molecules to construct nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK.PA-TIMP-QK was found to control the delivery of QK by MMP-2 upregulation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and had a similar biological activity with vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro.The results indicated that PA-TIMP-QK promoted neuronal survival,restored local blood circulation,reduced blood-brain barrier permeability,and restored motor function.These findings suggest that the self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK may provide an intelligent drug delivery system that responds to the microenvironment and promotes regeneration and repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Developing risk models and subtypes of autophagy-associated LncRNAs for enhanced prognostic prediction and precision in therapeutic approaches for liver cancer patients

Background:Limited research has been conducted on the influence of autophagy-associated long non-coding RNAs(ARLncRNAs)on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:We analyzed 371 HCC samples from TCGA,identifying expression networks of ARLncRNAs using autophagy-related genes.Screening for prognostically relevant ARLncRNAs involved univariate Cox regression,Lasso regression,and multivariate Cox regression.A Nomogram was further employed to assess the reliability of Riskscore,calculated from the signatures of screened ARLncRNAs,in predicting outcomes.Additionally,we compared drug sensitivities in patient groups with differing risk levels and investigated potential biological pathways through enrichment analysis,using consensus clustering to identify subgroups related to ARLncRNAs.Results:The screening process identified 27 ARLncRNAs,with 13 being associated with HCC prognosis.Consequently,a set of signatures comprising 8 ARLncRNAs was successfully constructed as independent prognostic factors for HCC.Patients in the high-risk group showed very poor prognoses in most clinical categories.The Riskscore was closely related to immune cell scores,such as macrophages,and the DEGs between different groups were implicated in metabolism,cell cycle,and mitotic processes.Notably,high-risk group patients demonstrated a significantly lower IC50 for Paclitaxel,suggesting that Paclitaxel could be an ideal treatment for those at elevated risk for HCC.We further identified C2 as the Paclitaxel subtype,where patients exhibited higher Riskscores,reduced survival rates,and more severe clinical progression.Conclusion:The 8 signatures based on ARLncRNAs present novel targets for prognostic prediction in HCC.The drug candidate Paclitaxel may effectively treat HCC by impacting ARLncRNAs expression.With the identification of ARLncRNAsrelated isoforms,these results provide valuable insights for clinical exploration of autophagy mechanisms in HCC pathogenesis and offer potential avenues for precision medicine.

Epidemiology of insertional and midportion Achilles tendinopathy in runners:A prospective cohort study

Background:Achilles tendinopathy(AT)is a common problem among runners.There is only limited evidence for risk factors for AT,and most studies have not defined the AT subcategories.No study has compared the incidence and risk factors between insertional AT and midportion AT,though they are considered distinct.This study aimed to assess incidence and risk factors of AT based on data from a large prospective cohort.The secondary aim was to explore differences in risk factors between insertional and midportion AT.Methods:Participants were recruited from among registered runners at registration for running events.Questionnaires were completed at baseline,1 month before the event,1 week before the event,and 1 month after the event.Information concerning demographics,training load,registered events,and running-related injuries were collected at baseline.The follow-up questionnaires collected information about new injuries.A pain map was used to diagnose midportion and insertional AT.The primary outcome was the incidence of AT.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for the onset.Results:We included 3379 participants with a mean follow-up of 20.4 weeks.The incidence of AT was 4.2%.The proportion of insertional AT was 27.7%and of midportion AT was 63.8%;the remaining proportion was a combined type of insertional and midportion AT.Men had a significantly higher incidence(5%,95%confidence interval(95%CI):4.1%-6.0%)than women(2.8%,95%CI:2.0%-3.8%).AT in the past12 months was the most predominant risk factor for new-onset AT(odds ratio(OR)=6.47,95%CI:4.27-9.81).This was similar for both subcategories of AT(insertional:OR=5.45,95%CI:2.51-11.81;midportion:OR=6.96,95%CI:4.24-11.40).Participants registering for an event with a distance of 10/10.55 km were less likely to develop a new-onset AT(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.36-0.97)or midportion AT(OR=0.47,95%CI:0.23-0.93).Higher age had a significant negative association with insertional AT(OR=0.97,95%CI:0.94-1.00).Conclusion:The incidence of new-onset AT among recreational runners was 4.2%.The proportion of insertional and midportion AT was 27.7%and 63.8%,respectively.AT in the past 12 months was the predominant risk factor for the onset of AT.Risk factors varied between insertional and midportion AT,but we could not identify clinically relevant differences between the 2 subtypes.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A induced ferroptosis of Osteosarcoma cancer cells by HIF-1α/HK2 and SLC7A11 pathway

Osteosarcoma is a very serious primary bone cancer with a high death rate and a dismal prognosis.Since there is no permanent therapy for this condition,it is necessary to develop a cure.Therefore,this investigation was carried out to assess the impacts and biological functions of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HYSA)in osteosarcoma cell lines(MG63).In this investigational study,MG63 cells were utilized.Microarray experiments,quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR),immunofluorescent staining,extracellular acidification rate(ECAR),oxygen consumption rate(OCR),glucose consumption,lactate production,and ATP levels,proliferation assay,5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EDU)staining,and Western blot were performed.In MG63 cells,HYSA lowered cell proliferation and metastasis rates,suppressed EDU cell number,and enhanced caspase-3/9 activity levels.HYSA reduced the Warburg effect and induced ferroptosis(FPT)in MG63 cells.Inhibiting ferroptosis diminished HYSA’s anti-cancer activities in MG63 cells.The stimulation of the HIF-1α/SLC7A11 pathway decreased HYSA’s anti-cancer activities in MG63 cells.HIF-1αis one target spot for HYSA in a model of osteosarcoma cancer(OC).HYSA altered HIF-1α’s thermophoretic activity;following binding with HYSA,HIF-1α’s melting point increased from~55°C to~60°C.HYSA significantly enhanced the thermal stability of exogenous WT HIF-1αwhile not affecting Mut HIF-1α,suggesting that ARG-311,GLY-312,GLN-347,and GLN-387 may be involved in the interaction between HIF-1αand HYSA.Conclusively,our study revealed that HYSA induced FPT and reduced the Warburg effect of OC through mitochondrial damage by HIF-1α/HK2/SLC7A11 pathway.HYSA is a possible therapeutic option for OC or other cancers.

Delayed treatment of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with type 2 diabetes and its prediction model

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot(DF)is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes.This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with DF occurrence and the role of delayed medical care in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.AIM To reveal the impact of delayed medical treatment on the development of DF in patients with type 2 diabetes and to establish a predictive model for DF.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,292 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent examination at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into the DF group(n=82,DF)and nondiabetic foot group(n=210,NDF).Differential and correlation analyses of demographic indicators,laboratory parameters,and delayed medical treatment were conducted for the two groups.Logistic regression was applied to determine influencing factors.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was performed,and indicators with good predictive value were selected to establish a combined predictive model.RESULTS The DF group had significantly higher body mass index(BMI)(P<0.001),disease duration(P=0.012),plasma glucose levels(P<0.001),and HbA1c(P<0.001)than the NDF group.The NDF group had significantly higher Acute Thrombosis and Myocardial Infarction Health Service System(ATMHSS)scores(P<0.001)and a significantly lower delayed medical treatment rate(72.38%vs 13.41%,P<0.001).BMI,duration of diabetes,plasma glucose levels,HbA1c,diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and nephropathy were all positively correlated with DF occurrence.ATMHSS scores were negatively correlated with delayed time to seek medical treatment.The logistic regression model revealed that BMI,duration of diabetes,plasma glucose levels,HbA1c,presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy,ATMHSS scores,and delayed time to seek medical treatment were influencing factors for DF.ROC analysis indicated that plasma glucose levels,HbA1c,and delayed medical treatment had good predictive value with an area under the curve of 0.933 for the combined predictive model.CONCLUSION Delayed medical treatment significantly affects the probability of DF occurrence in patients with diabetes.Plasma glucose levels,HbA1c levels,and the combined predictive model of delayed medical treatment demonstrate good predictive value.

Diagnosis and management of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis and psychosocial stressors in an adolescent:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis(BRIC)is a rare autosomal recessive disorder,characterized by episodes of intense pruritus,elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin,and near-normal-glutamyl transferase.These episodes may persist for weeks to months before spontaneously resolving,with patients typically remaining asymptomatic between occurrences.Diagnosis entails the evaluation of clinical symptoms and targeted genetic testing.Although BRIC is recognized as a benign genetic disorder,the triggers,particularly psychosocial factors,remain poorly understood.CASE SUMMARY An 18-year-old Chinese man presented with recurrent jaundice and pruritus after a cold,which was exacerbated by self-medication involving vitamin B and paracetamol.Clinical and laboratory evaluations revealed elevated levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes,in the absence of viral or autoimmune liver disease.Imaging excluded biliary and pancreatic abnormalities,and liver biopsy demonstrated centrilobular cholestasis,culminating in a BRIC diagnosis confirmed by the identification of a novel ATP8B1 gene mutation.Psychological assessment of the patient unveiled stress attributable to academic and familial pressures,regarded as potential triggers for BRIC.Initial relief was observed with ursodeoxycholic acid and cetirizine,followed by an adjustment of the treatment regimen in response to elevated liver enzymes.The patient's condition significantly improved following a stress-related episode,thanks to a comprehensive management approach that included psychosocial support and medical treatment.CONCLUSION Our research highlights genetic and psychosocial influences on BRIC,emphasizing integrated diagnostic and management strategies.

Sex Disparities in the Association of Blood Pressure Parameters and Arterial Sclerosis Risk

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is the leading cause of death worldwide[1].Arterial sclerosis(AS)and hypertension are the main risk factors and pathological bases of CVD.Higher pulse wave velocity(PWV)measurements could reflect early progression of atherosclerosis.Based on the structure-function properties of the vascular wall and hemodynamics,strong evidence suggests that any increase in blood pressure levels can mechanically impair the ability of the endothelium to maintain vascular homeostasis[2].High levels of blood pressure parameters,such as systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),pulse pressure(PP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)have been identified as essential risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

Transformation of marginal zone lymphoma into high-grade B-cell lymphoma expressing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase:A case report

BACKGROUND High-grade B-cell lymphoma(HGBL)is an unusual malignancy that includes myelocytomatosis viral oncogene(MYC),B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL-2),and/or BCL-6 rearrangements,termed double-hit or triple-hit lymphomas,and HGBL-not otherwise specific(HGBL-NOS),which are morphologically characteristic of HGBL but lack MYC,BCL-2,or BCL-6 rearrangements.HGBL is partially transformed by follicular lymphoma and other indolent lymphoma,with few cases of marginal zone lymphoma(MZL)transformation.HGBL often has a poor prognosis and intensive therapy is currently mainly advocated,but there is no good treatment for these patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY We reported a case of MZL transformed into HGBL-NOS with TP53 mutation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression.Gene analysis revealed the gene expression profile was identical in the pre-and post-transformed tissues,suggesting that the two diseases are homologous,not secondary tumors.The chemotherapy was ineffective and the side effect was severe,so we tried combination therapy including venetoclax and obinutuzumab.The patient tolerated treatment well,and reached partial response.The patient had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and died of multifunctional organ failure.He survived for 12 months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION Venetoclax combined with obinutuzumab might improve the survival in some HGBL patients,who are unsuitable for chemotherapy.

Clinical observation of gastrointestinal function recovery in patients after hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND The liver is an important metabolic and digestive organ in the human body,ca-pable of producing bile,clotting factors,and vitamins.AIM To investigate the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after hepato-biliary surgery and identify effective rehabilitation measures.METHODS A total of 200 patients who underwent hepatobiliary surgery in our hospital in 2022 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into a control group and a study group based on the extent of the surgery,with 100 patients in each group.The control group received routine treatment,while the study group re-ceived targeted interventions,including early enteral nutrition support,drinking water before gas discharge,and large bowel enema,to promote postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery.The recovery of gastrointestinal function was compared between the two groups.RESULTS Compared with the control group,patients in the study group had better recovery of bowel sounds and less accumulation of fluids in the liver bed and gallbladder fossa(P<0.05).They also had shorter time to gas discharge and first meal(P<0.05),higher overall effective rate of gastrointestinal function recovery(P<0.05),and lower incidence of postoperative complications(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Targeted nursing interventions(early nutritional support,drinking water before gas discharge,and enema)can effectively promote gastrointestinal function recovery in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery and reduce the incidence of complications,which is worthy of promotion.

Effectiveness of Music-Based Therapeutic Intervention on People with Dementia: A Rapid Review

Background: Dementia is a condition with progressive cognitive dysfunction and manifestation of both behavioral and psychosocial symptoms. Non-pharmacological measures such as music therapy are gaining importance since efficacy and safety of people with dementia have been questionable for pharmacological measures. Patient’s response to music is persistent even in the later stage of dementia. Aim: This rapid review aims to identify, analyze, evaluate, and summarize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of music-based therapeutic interventions among people with dementia. Method: CINAHL Cochrane Library, internet websites of rapid review producers, and reference lists were searched to identify articles for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened the literature search results. Effectiveness, music-based therapeutic intervention, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, systematic review and systematic review with meta-analysis terms were used to abstract data from included studies. Main Findings: 11 SRs and SRs with meta-analysis were reviewed which revealed positive effect of music therapy on five major outcomes with 9 studies effect on behavioral outcome, 6 studies with positive effect on psychosocial outcome reducing anxiety, 6 with improved cognition, 1 study revealed with improved quality of life and 1 study revealed effect on physiological outcomes. Conclusion: Music therapy has positive effect on treatment of dementia but further studies with larger sample size and specified to single intervention should be conducted to provide generalisable and precise results on this topic.

Effect of Qingre Huayu Decoction on Autophagy and Apoptosis of Neurons in Rats with Ischemic Brain Injury by Regulating Ca^(2+)/CaMKKβ-AMPK-mTOR Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the neuroprotective mechanism of Qingre Huayu Decoction on rats with acute cerebral ischemia injury.[Methods]SD rats were divided into sham operation group,ischemia model group,low,medium and high dose groups of Qingre Huayu De-coction,with 10 rats in each group.Referring to the MCAO operation model,both the sham operation group and the model group were given normal saline by gavage,and the Qingre Huayu Decoction group was given different doses of Qingre Huayu Decoction by gavage.After the op-eration,the rats were scored for neurological deficit,neurons were stained with HE,apoptotic cells were detected with TUNEL,and the levels of autophagy and apoptotic proteins in the Ca^(2+)/CaMKKβ-AMPK-mTORpathway in brain tissue were detected with Western-blot.[Results]Compared with the model group,the neurological function score of Qingre Huayu Decoction Group decreased significantly(P<0.05),the pathological damage of neurons in Qingre Huavu Decoction Group decreased.the proportion of apoptosis-positive cells detected by TUNEL de-creased(P<0.05),and the expression of CaMKKβand AMPK increased,expression of mTOR decreased,expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 increased,and expression of Caspase-3decreased in Qingre Huayu Decoction Group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Qingre Huayu Decoction may play a neuroprotective role by activating Ca^(2+)/CaMKKβ-AMPK-mTOR pathway and regulating the level of apoptosis and autophagy.

Clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride on mild-to-moderate depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common,chronic,and recurrent mood disorder that has become a worldwide health hazard.Fluoxetine hydrochloride,a common treatment method,can inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)recycling in the presynaptic membrane;however,the efficacy of a single drug is inadequate.At present,mildto-moderate depression can be treated with acupuncture of ghost caves,but the clinical curative effect of combined therapy with fluoxetine hydrochloride has not been sufficiently reported.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were admitted to Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,between January 2022 and June 2023.Patients were separated into a single-agent group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment,n=80)and a coalition group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment combined with acupuncture at ghost points,n=80).Pre-treatment symptoms were recorded,and the clinical curative effect and adverse reactions[Asberg Antidepressant Side Effects Scale(SERS)]were assessed.Depression before and after treatment[Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-24],neurotransmitter levels[5-HT,norepinephrine(NE),dopamine(DA)],oxidative stress indicators[superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)],and sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)]were compared.RESULTS The total efficacy rate was 97.50%in the coalition group and 86.25%in the single-agent group(P<0.05).After 2,4,6,and 8 wk of treatment,the HAMD,self-rating depression scale,and SERS scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased compared with pre-treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the levels of NE,DA,5-HT,and SOD in the coalition and single-agent groups increased,while the levels of MDA decreased;the increases and decrease in the coalition group were more significant(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture at ghost points combined with paroxetine tablets can safely improve depressive symptoms and sleep disorders,regulate neurotransmitter levels,and reduce stress responses in patients with mild-to-moderate depression.

Quantifying the natural growth rate of hepatocellular carcinoma:A real-world retrospective study in southwestern China

BACKGROUND In recent years,approximately half of the newly diagnosed cases and mortalities attributed to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have been reported in China.Despite the high incidence of HCC,there remains a paucity of data regarding the natural growth pattern and the determination of optimal surveillance intervals specific to the Chinese population.AIM To quantify the natural tumor growth pattern of HCC in regional China.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on patients from a single institution in Southwest China who had undergone two or more serial dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans between 2014 and 2020,without having received any anti-cancer therapy.Tumor growth was assessed using tumor volume doubling time(TVDT)and tumor growth rate(TGR),with volumes measured manually by experienced radiologists.Simple univariate linear regression and descriptive analysis were applied to explore associations between growth rates and clinical factors.RESULTS This study identifies the median TVDT for HCC as 163.4 d,interquartile range(IQR)72.1 to 302.3 d,with a daily TGR of 0.42%(IQR 0.206%-0.97%).HCC growth patterns reveal that about one-third of tumors grow indolently with TVDT exceeding 270 d,another one-third of tumors exhibit rapid growth with TVDT under 90 d,and the remaining tumors show intermediate growth rates,with TVDT ranging between 3 to 9 months.CONCLUSION The identified TGRs support biannual surveillance and follow-up for HCC patients in certain regions of China.Given the observed heterogeneity in HCC growth,further investigation is warranted.

Status of General Practice and Challenges to Healthcare System of Pakistan

This article provides insight into the status of general practice in Pakistan and challenges to its health care system. The country ranked 122nd on the overall health system attainment and ranked 7th in the world on diabetes prevalence. The public sector health care system in Pakistan is encountered with many problems such as structural fragmentation, resource scarcity, inefficiency and lack of functional specificity, gender insensitivity and inaccessibility. The general practice status in Pakistan requires immediate attention to face the challenges created by chronic diseases in the country. Of particular mention are the patient-doctor interaction, healthcare system delivery, access to the doctors and better utilization of primary health care services.

Association between Low Ambient Temperature and the Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective:To explore the relationships among ambient temperature,ischemic stroke severity,and blood pressure.Methods:Meteorological data(2005–2015)were collected from the Guangzhou Meteorological Data Service.Ischemic stroke patients from the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively evaluated,each winter from 2005 to 2015.Patient demographics,baseline measurements,and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score were evaluated.Results:Three hundred sixty-two patients were included.The median latency from symptom onset to admission was 2 d(IQR:1–3 d).During recruitment,the highest and lowest temperatures were 39℃and 1.3℃,respectively.Hypertension was the most common comorbidity(75.1%).NIHSS scores at admission and discharge were higher in the cold-exposed group than in the controls regardless of the average temperature at admission.In addition,systolic and diastolic blood pressure values at admission were higher in the cold-exposed group than in the controls.When stratified by hypertensive status,the average and minimum temperatures at admission were negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in hypertensive patients.Reductions in the average and minimum temperatures at symptom onset were associated with more severe stroke.Conclusion:Ischemic stroke patients with symptom onset in winter had higher systolic blood pressure values and more serious neurologic deficits upon admission.

Intranasal ketamine for the treatment of patients with acute pain in the emergency department

BACKGROUND:Pain in the emergency department(ED)is common but undertreated.The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of intranasal(IN)ketamine used as an analgesic for patients with acute injury with moderate to severe pain.METHODS:This study was a cross sectional,observational study of patients more than 8 years old experiencing moderate to severe pain[visual analog score(VAS)>50 mm].The initial dose of IN ketamine was 0.7 mg/kg with an additional dose of 0.3 mg/kg if VAS was more than 50 mm after 15minutes.Pain scores and vital signs were recorded at 0,15,30 and 60 minutes.Side-effects,sedation level and patient's satisfaction were also recorded.The primary outcome was the number of patients achieving≥20 mm reductions in VAS at 15 minutes.Other secondary outcome measures were median reduction in VAS at 15,30 and 60 minutes,changes of vital signs,adverse events,satisfaction of patients,and need for additional ketamine.RESULTS:Thirty-four patients with a median age of 29.5 years(IQR 17.5–38)were enrolled,and they had an initial median VAS of 80 mm(IQR 67–90).The VAS decreased more than 20 mm at15 minutes in 27(80%)patients.The reduction of VAS from baseline to 40 mm(IQR 20–40),20 mm(IQR 14–20)and 20 mm(IQR 10–20)respectively at 15,30 and 60 minutes(P<0.001).No critical changes of vital signs were noted and adverse effects were mild and transient.CONCLUSION:This study showed that IN ketamine is an analgesic choice for patients with acute injury in moderate to severe pain in an overcrowded and resource limited ED.