Magnesium-L-threonate treats Alzheimer's disease by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Disturbances in the microbiota-gut-brain axis may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Magnesium-L-threonate has recently been found to have protective effects on learning and memory in aged and Alzheimer's disease model mice. However, the effects of magnesium-L-threonate on the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease remain unknown. Previously, we reported that magnesium-L-threonate treatment improved cognition and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in a double-transgenic line of Alzheimer's disease model mice expressing the amyloid-β precursor protein and mutant human presenilin 1(APP/PS1). Here, we performed 16S r RNA amplicon sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze changes in the microbiome and serum metabolome following magnesium-Lthreonate exposure in a similar mouse model. Magnesium-L-threonate modulated the abundance of three genera in the gut microbiota, decreasing Allobaculum and increasing Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter. We also found that differential metabolites in the magnesiumL-threonate-regulated serum were enriched in various pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The western blotting detection on intestinal tight junction proteins(zona occludens 1, occludin, and claudin-5) showed that magnesium-L-threonate repaired the intestinal barrier dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate may reduce the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease through the microbiota-gut-brain axis in model mice, providing an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Association of alcohol consumption with aortic aneurysm and dissection risk:results from the UK Biobank cohort study

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have reported inconsistent results with positive,negative,and J-shaped associations between alcohol consumption and the hazard of aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD).This study aimed to examine the connections between weekly alcohol consumption and the subsequent risk of AAD.METHODS:The UK Biobank study is a population-based cohort study.Weekly alcohol consumption was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and the congenital risk of alcohol consumption was also evaluated using genetic risk score(GRS).Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)with 95% confidence intervals(CIs)for the associations between alcohol consumption and AAD.Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.RESULTS:Among the 388,955 participants(mean age:57.1 years,47.4% male),2,895 incident AAD cases were documented during a median follow-up of 12.5 years.Compared with never-drinkers,moderate drinkers(adjusted HR:0.797,95%CI:0.646-0.984,P<0.05)and moderate-heavy drinkers(adjusted HR:0.794,95%CI:0.635-0.992,P<0.05)were significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident AAD.Interaction-based subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of moderate drinking was reflected mainly in participants younger than 65 years and women.CONCLUSION:Our findings support a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on AAD,but are limited to participants younger than 65 years and women.

Dissecting the association between gut microbiota,body mass index and specific depressive symptoms:a mediation Mendelian randomisation study

Background Observational studies highlight the association between gut microbiota(GM)composition and depression;however,evidence for the causal relationship between GM and specific depressive symptoms remains lacking.Aims We aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between GM and specific depressive symptoms as well as the mediating role of body mass index(BMI).Methods We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomisation(MR)analysis using genetic variants associated with GM and specific depressive symptoms from genome-wide association studies.The mediating role of BMI was subsequently explored using mediation analysis via two-step MR.Results MR evidence suggested the Bifidobacterium genus(β=0.03;95%CI-0.05 to-0.02;p<0.001 andβ=0.03;95%CI-0.05 to-0.02;p<0.001)and Actinobacteria phylum(β=-0.04;95%CI-0.06 to-0.02;p<0.001 andβ=-0.03;95%CI-0.05 to-0.03;p=0.001)had protective effects on both anhedonia and depressed mood.The Actinobacteria phylum also had protective effects on appetite changes(β=-0.04;95%CI-0.06 to-0.01;p=0.005),while the FamilyⅪhad an antiprotective effect(β=0.03;95%CI 0.01 to 0.04;p<0.001).The Bifidobacteriaceae family(β=-0.01;95%CI-0.02 to-0.01;p=0.001)and Actinobacteria phylum(β=-0.02;95%CI-0.03 to-0.01;p=0.001)showed protective effects against suicidality.The two-step MR analysis revealed that BMl also acted as a mediating moderator between the Actinobacteria phylum and appetite changes(mediated proportion,34.42%)and that BMI partially mediated the effect of the Bifidobacterium genus(14.14%and 8.05%)and Actinobacteria phylum(13.10%and 8.31%)on both anhedonia and depressed mood.Conclusions These findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium on both depression and obesity.Further studies are required to translate these findings into clinical practice.

Circadian rhythm dysfunction and psychopathology in the offspring of parents with bipolar disorder:a highrisk study in the Chinese population

Background Understanding the evolution of circadian rhythm dysfunction and psychopathology in the high-risk population has important implications for the prevention of bipolar disorder.Nevertheless,some of the previous studies on the emergence of psychopathologies and circadian dysfunction among high-risk populations were inconsistent and limited.Aims To examine the prevalence rates of sleep and circadian dysfunctions,mental disorders and their symptoms in the offspring of parents with(O-BD)and without bipolar disorder(O-control).Methods The study included 191 O-BD and 202 O-control subjects aged 6-21 years from the Greater Bay Area,China.The diagnoses and symptoms of sleep/circadian rhythm and mental disorders were assessed by the Diagnostic Interview for Sleep Patterns and Disorders,and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version,respectively.Generalised estimating equations and shared frailty proportional hazards models of survival analysis were applied to compare the outcomes in the offspring.Results Adjusting for age,sex and region of recruitment,there was a significantly higher risk of delayed sleep phase symptoms(9.55%vs 2.58%,adjusted OR:4.04)in O-BD than in O-control.O-BD had a nearly fivefold higher risk of mood disorders(11.70%vs 3.47%,adjusted OR:4.68)and social anxiety(6.28%vs 1.49%,adjusted OR:4.70),a fourfold higher risk of depressive disorders(11.17%vs 3.47%,adjusted OR:3.99)and a threefold higher risk of mood symptoms(20.74%vs 10.40%,adjusted OR:2.59)than O-control.Subgroup analysis revealed that O-BD children(aged under 12 years)had a nearly 2-fold higher risk of any mental and behavioural symptoms than O-control,while there was a nearly 4-fold higher risk of delayed sleep phase symptoms,a 7.5-fold higher risk of social anxiety and a 3-fold higher risk of mood symptoms in O-BD adolescents(aged 12 years and over).Conclusions There was an increase in delayed sleep phase symptoms in O-BD adolescents compared with their control counterparts,confirming the central role of circadian rhythm dysfunction in bipolar disorder.The findings of the specific age-related and stage-related developmental patterns of psychopathologies and circadian dysfunction in children and adolescent offspring of parents with bipolar disorder paved the way to develop specific and early clinical intervention and prevention strategies.

Analysis of the Effect of the Comprehensive Nursing Model on Patients with Moyamoya Disease Undergoing Intracranial and Extracranial Revascularization Surgery

Objective:To explore the effect of a comprehensive nursing model on patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent intracranial and extracranial revascularization surgery.Methods:110 cases were divided into control and observation groups with 55 cases each.The control group received routine perioperative care,and the observation group received perioperative care along with comprehensive nursing care.The two groups’disease cognition levels,anxiety,symptoms,daily living ability scores,and postoperative complication rates were compared.Results:The anxiety score and total postoperative complications of the observation group upon discharge were lower than that of the control group,and the disease cognition level and daily living ability upon discharge were higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Applying the comprehensive nursing model in conjunction with perioperative care for patients undergoing surgery can effectively improve their anxiety,strengthen activities of daily living,and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

The Association of Insight and Change in Insight with Clinical Symptoms in Depressed Inpatients

背景:自知力缺乏已经被广泛的研究并且发现与精神分裂症患者受损的治疗依从性和长期临床治疗效果较差相关,但是很少研究表明这种现象也存在于严重的抑郁症患者中。目的:探讨情感障碍、需要住院治疗的最严重的情感障碍患者的自知力及其与症状变化之间的关系。方法:根据ICD-10诊断标准从中国南部的一家大型精神科医院纳入了住院抑郁症患者(MDD)(N=55)或双相抑郁症患者(BD)(N=85),在他们住院一周和出院时采用自知力与治疗态度问卷(ITAQ)进行评估。同时也采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD-17)和症状自评量表抑郁量表(SCL-90)测量临床症状。在对病人及其家属的访谈中,记录了住院时间、疾病持续时间、未治疗情绪紊乱的持续时间、既往抑郁发作次数、和以往的抑郁症入院记录。采用二分类相关分析和多元回归分析来研究社会人口学特征、临床症状、和临床病史与入院时自知力之间的相关性。对临床症状的变化和从入院到出院之间自知力的变化之间的关系也进行了研究。结果:多元逐步回归模型显示既往的抑郁症入院记录和HAMD-17中较高的焦虑因子分都是自知力的显著独立预测因素,占方差的22.9%。ITAQ的多元回归分析残差变化得分(基线值矫正后的评分变化)显示平均住院超过51天对自知力的改善与精神发育迟滞因子负相关,占方差的9.1%。结论:较严重的焦虑症状和抑郁症的既往住院史与入院时自知力方面的疾病有关。治疗期间运动迟缓症状的减轻与出院时间对自知力较大的改善之间是相关的。入院时病情更严重并且精神发育迟滞改善更大的患者表现出最大的自知力。

Modeling and simulation for individualized therapy of amisulpride in Chinese patients with schizophrenia:focus on inter interindi⁃vidual variability,therapeutic reference range and laboratory alert level

OBJECTIVE To explain the high inter-individual variability and the frequency of exceeding the therapeutic reference range and the laboratory alert level of amisulpride,a popula⁃tion pharmacokinetic model in Chinese patients with schizophrenia was built based on therapeu⁃tic drug monitoring data to guide individualized therapy.METHODS Plasma concentration data(330 measurements from 121 patients)were ana⁃lyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects model⁃ing approach with first-order conditional estima⁃tion with interaction(FOCE I).The concentra⁃tions of amisulpride were detected by HPLC-MS/MS.Age,weight,sex,combination medication history and renal function status were evaluated as main covariates.The model was internally val⁃idated using goodness-of-fit,bootstrap and nor⁃malized prediction distribution error.Recom⁃mended dosage regimens for patients with key covariates were estimated on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations and the established model.RESULTS A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination was found to adequately characterize amisulpride concentra⁃tion in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.The population estimates of the apparent volume of distribution(V/F)and apparent clearance(CL/F)were 12.7 L and 1.12 L·h-1,respectively.Age sig⁃nificantly affected the clearance of amisulpride and the final model was as follow:CL/F=1.04×(AGE/32)-0.624(L·h-1).To avoid exceeding the lab⁃oratory alert level(640μg·L-1),the model-based simulation results showed that the recommended dose of amisulpride was no more than 600 mg per day for patients aged 60 years,800 mg per day for those aged 40 years and 1200 mg per day for those aged 20 years,respectively.CON⁃CLUSION Dosage optimization of amisulpride can be carried out according to age to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.The model can be used as a suitable tool for designing individual⁃ized therapy for Chinese patients with schizo⁃phrenia.

Aquaporin 4 deficiency eliminates the beneficial effects of voluntary exercise in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Our previous study showed that the protein aquaporin 4(AQP4),which is specifically expressed on the paravascular processes of astrocytes,is necessary for glymphatic clearance of extracellular amyloid beta(Aβ)from the brain,which can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.However,it is not known whether AQP4-regulated glymphatic clearance of extracellular Aβis involved in beneficial effects of exercise in AD patients.Our results showed that after 2 months of voluntary wheel exercise,APP/PS1 mice that were 3 months old at the start of the intervention exhibited a decrease in Aβburden,glial activation,perivascular AQP4 mislocalization,impaired glymphatic transport,synapse protein loss,and learning and memory defects compared with mice not subjected to the exercise intervention.In contrast,APP/PS1 mice that were 7 months old at the start of the intervention exhibited impaired AQP4 polarity and reduced glymphatic clearance of extracellular Aβ,and the above-mentioned impairments were not alleviated after the 2-month exercise intervention.Compared with age-matched APP/PS1 mice,AQP4 knockout APP/PS1 mice had more serious defects in glymphatic function,Aβplaque deposition,and cognitive impairment,which could not be alleviated after the exercise intervention.These findings suggest that AQP4-dependent glymphatic transport is the neurobiological basis for the beneficial effects of voluntary exercises that protect against the onset of AD.

Amisulpride augmentation therapy improves cognitive performance and psychopathology in clozapine‑resistant treatment‑refractory schizophrenia:a 12‑week randomized,double‑blind,placebo‑controlled trial

Background:Although clozapine is an effective option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia(TRS),there are still 1/3 to 1/2 of TRS patients who do not respond to clozapine.The main purpose of this randomized,double-blind,placebocontrolled trial was to explore the amisulpride augmentation efficacy on the psychopathological symptoms and cognitive function of clozapine-resistant treatment-refractory schizophrenia(CTRS)patients.Methods:A total of 80 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive initial clozapine plus amisulpride(amisulpride group)or clozapine plus placebo(placebo group).Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms(SANS),Clinical Global Impression(CGI)scale scores,Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS),Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS),laboratory measurements,and electrocardiograms(ECG)were performed at baseline,week 6,and week 12.Results:Compared with the placebo group,amisulpride group had a lower PANSS total score,positive subscore,and general psychopathology subscore at week 6 and week 12(PBonferroni<0.01).Furthermore,compared with the placebo group,the amisulpride group showed an improved RBANS language score at week 12(PBonferroni<0.001).Amisulpride group had a higher treatment response rate(P=0.04),lower scores of CGI severity and CGI efficacy at week 6 and week 12 than placebo group(PBonferroni<0.05).There were no differences between the groups in body mass index(BMI),corrected QT(QTc)intervals,and laboratory measurements.This study demonstrates that amisulpride augmentation therapy can safely improve the psychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance of CTRS patients.

Altered heartbeat perception sensitivity associated with brain structural alterations in generalised anxiety disorder

Background Palpitation is a common complaint in generalised anxiety disorder(GAD).Brain imaging studies have Investigated the neural mechanism of heartbeat perception in healthy volunteers.This study explored the neuroanatomical differences of altered heartbeat perception in patients with GAD using structural MRI.Aims Based on the strong somatic-interoceptive symptoms in GAD,we explored the regional structural brain abnormalities involved in heartbeat perception in patients with GAD.Methods This study was applied to the a priori regions using neuroanatomical theories of heartbeat perception,including the insula,anterior cingulate cortex,supplementary motor area and prefrontal cortex.A total of 19 patients with GAD and 19 healthy control subjects were enrolled.We used the FMRIB Software Library voxel-based morphometry software for estimating the grey matter volume of these regions of interest and analysed the correlation between heartbeat perception sensitivity and the volume of abnormal grey matter.Results Patients with GAD showed a significantly decreased volume of grey matter in their left medial prefrontal cortex,right orbital frontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex.The grey matter volume of the left medial prefrontal cortex negatively correlated with heartbeat perception sensitivity in patients with GAD.Conclusions It should be the first study that shows heartbeat perception is associated with brain structure in GAD.Our findings suggest that the frontal region may play an important role in aberrant heartbeat perception processing in patients with GAD,and this may be an underlying mechanism resulting in the abnormal cardiovascular complaints in GAD.This is hypothesised as a'top-down'deficiency,especially in the medial prefrontal cortex.This will provide the foundation for a more targeted region for neuromodulation intervention in the future.

Replacement of leisure-time sedentary behavior with various physical activities and the risk of dementia incidence and mortality:A prospective cohort study

Background:Whether or not there is targeted pharmacotherapy for dementia,an active and healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity(PA)may be a better option than medication for preventing dementia.We examined the association between leisure-time sedentary behavior(SB)and the risk of dementia incidence and mortality.We further quantified the effect on dementia risk of replacing sedentary time with an equal amount of time spent on different physical activities.Methods:In the UK Biobank,484,169 participants(mean age=56.5 years;45.2%men)free of dementia were followed from baseline(2006-2010)through July 30,2021.A standard questionnaire measured individual leisure-time SB(watching TV,computer use,and driving)and PA(walking for pleasure,light and heavy do-it-yourself activity,strenuous sports,and other exercise)frequency and duration in the 4 weeks prior to evaluation.Apolipoprotein E(APOE)genotype data were available for a subset of 397,519(82.1%)individuals.A Cox proportional hazard model and an isotemporal substitution model were used in this study.Results:During a median 12.4 years of follow-up,6904 all-cause dementia cases and 2115 deaths from dementia were recorded.In comparison to participants with leisure-time SB<5 h/day,the hazard ratio((HR),95%confidence interval(95%CI))of dementia incidence was 1.07(1.02-1.13)for 5-8 h/day and 1.25(1.13-1.38)for>8 h/day,and the HR of dementia mortality was 1.35(1.12-1.61)for>8 h/day.A 1 standard deviation increment of sedentary time(2.33 h/day)was strongly associated with a higher incidence of dementia and mortality(HR=1.06,95%CI:1.03-1.08 and HR=1.07,95%CI:1.03-1.12,respectively).The association between sedentary time and the risk of developing dementia was more profound in subjects<60 years than in those>60 years(HR=1.26,95%CI:1.00-1.58 vs.HR=1.21,95%CI:1.08-1.35 in>8 h/day,p for interaction=0.013).Replacing 30 min/day of leisure sedentary time with an equal time spent in total PA was associated with a6%decreased risk and 9%decreased mortality from dementia,with exercise(e.g.,swimming,cycling,aerobics,bowling)showing the strongest benefit(HR=0.82,95%CI:0.78-0.86 and HR=0.79,95%CI:0.72-0.86).Compared with APOEε4 noncarriers,APOEε4 carriers are more likely to see a decrease in Alzheimer’s disease incidence and mortality when PA is substituted for SB.Conclusion:Leisure-time SB was positively associated with the risk of dementia incidence and mortality.Replacing sedentary time with equal time spent doing PA may be associated with a significant reduction in dementia incidence and mortality risk.

The Study of Molecular Mechanisms of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction(宣白承气汤)in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Method

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction(宣白承气汤)in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)based on network pharmacology,and to verify by molecular docking technology.Methods:The components and targets of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction(宣白承气汤)were obtained by TCMSP,targets’information was corrected based on the databases such as UniP rot and DrugBank,and the software Cytoscape3.7.1 was adopted to construct TCM-Component-Target and Component-Target network.The main targets were mapped to the KEGG pathway and the GO biological process with the help of DAVID to further elucidate the potential relationship between the main targets and Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction(宣白承气汤)therapy for COVID-19.In the end,the Swiss Dock platform was adopted for the molecular docking verification of key components and targets.Results:The Component-Target network consists of 35 components and 106 corresponding targets,the main targets include COX-2,NCOA2,PTGS1,HSP90 AB1,PRKACA and PGR,etc.There are 561 GO entries of target mapping(P 0.05),including 155 entries for Biological Processes(BP),147 entries for Cell Composition(CC),and 259 entries for Molecular Function(MF).There are 38 KEGG mapping pathways(P 0.05),including many aspects of infectious disease,immune system and endocrine system,as well as Calcium signaling pathway,VEGF signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other processes.Conclusion:The result of molecular docking shows that the affinity of the key components such as beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol are similar to recommended medications for COVID-19.Its effect in the treatment of middle stage of COVID-19 may be related to the blocking of the binding of COVID-19 virus and ACE2,antivirus,and relieving inflammatory storm.

Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of substance use and addictive behaviour-related disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

In early 2020,the COVID-19 outbreak complicated the diagnosis,treatm ent and rehabilitation of patients with substance use disorders and increased the risks of substance abuse and addictive behaviours,such as online gaming disorders,in the general public.Substance use disorder is a chronic recurrent brain disease characterised by strong cravings,high recurrence rates,and a high proportion of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders.1 Therefore,regular long-term therapeutic interventions are critical to preventing dm g relapses while maintaining withdrawal.

Two-dimensional horizontal visibility graph analysis of human brain aging on gray matter

Characterizing the trajectory of the healthy aging brain and exploring age-related structural changes in the brain can help deepen our understanding of the mechanism of brain aging.Currently,most structural magnetic resonance imaging literature explores brain aging merely from the perspective of morphological features,which cannot fully utilize the grayscale values containing important intrinsic information about brain structure.In this study,we propose the construction of two-dimensional horizontal visibility graphs based on the pixel intensity values of the gray matter slices directly.Normalized network structure entropy(NNSE)is then introduced to quantify the overall heterogeneities of these graphs.The results demonstrate a decrease in the NNSEs of gray matter with age.Compared with the middle-aged and the elderly,the larger values of the NNSE in the younger group may indicate more homogeneous network structures,smaller differences in importance between nodes and thus a more powerful ability to tolerate intrusion.In addition,the hub nodes of different adult age groups are primarily located in the precuneus,cingulate gyrus,superior temporal gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,parahippocampal gyrus,insula,precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus.Our study can provide a new perspective for understanding and exploring the structural mechanism of brain aging.

Cyclopeptide moroidin inhibits vasculogenic mimicry formed by glioblastoma cells via regulating β-catenin activation and EMT pathways

Glioblastoma(GBM)is a highly vascularized malignant brain tumor with poor clinical outcomes.Vasculogenic mimicry(VM)formed by aggressive GBM cells is an alternative approach for tumor blood supply and contributes to the failure of anti-angiogenic therapy.To date,there is still a lack of effective drugs that target VM formation in GBM.In the present study,we evaluated the effects of the plant cyclopeptide moroidin on VM formed by GBM cells and investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms.Moroidin significantly suppressed cell migration,tube formation,and the expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in human GBM cell lines at sublethal concentrations.The RNA sequencing data suggested the involvement of the epithelialmesenchymal transition(EMT)pathway in the mechanism of moroidin.Exposure to moroidin led to a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression levels of the EMT markers N-cadherin and vimentin in GBM cells.Moreover,moroidin significantly reduced the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase(p-ERK)and inhibited the activation of β-catenin.Finally,we demonstrated that the plant cyclopeptide moroidin inhibited VM formation by GBM cells through inhibiting the ERK/β-catenin-mediated EMT.Therefore,our study indicates a potential application of moroidin as an anti-VM agent in the treatment of GBM.

Lithium carbonate-induced giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism in a patient with schizophrenia:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Lithium carbonate is used to manage various mood disorders,but it can cause thyroid abnormalities,including goiter,hypothyroidism,and hyperthyroidism.In rare cases,it can lead to giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism,which may require surgical intervention in severe cases.CASE SUMMARY This case represents a rare development of giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism in a schizophrenia patient who was subjected to prolonged lithium carbonate treatment.The enlarged thyroid gland caused pressure on the airway and recurrent laryngeal nerve,which led to respiratory distress,hoarseness,and dysphagia.The immediate danger of suffocation required urgent surgical intervention.In this report,we describe the case of a 41-year-old Chinese woman.This sheds light on the etiology and challenges associated with managing a giant goiter.The patient underwent a subtotal thyroidectomy to relieve airway compression and facilitate airway expansion.Prior to the procedure,the patient was given iodine to prepare.Concurrently,changes were made to the psychiatric medication regimen.Following surgery,the patient's respiratory function and vocal cord functionality improved significantly,and her mental state remained stable.CONCLUSION It is essential to monitor thyroid function,test thyroid antibody levels,and perform thyroid ultrasounds consistently in all patients undergoing long-term lithium carbonate treatment.This vigilance helps prevent severe and potentially life-threatening thyroid enlargement.

Neurosyphilis complicated by anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can invade the central nervous system,causing encephalitis.Few cases of anti-N-methyl-Daspartate receptor autoimmune encephalitis(AE)secondary to neurosyphilis have been reported.We report a neurosyphilis patient with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor(GABABR)AE.CASE SUMMARY A young man in his 30s who presented with acute epileptic status was admitted to a local hospital.He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis,according to serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)tests for syphilis.After 14 d of antiepileptic treatment and anti-Treponema pallidum therapy with penicillin,epilepsy was controlled but serious cognitive impairment,behavioral,and serious psychiatric symptoms were observed.He was then transferred to our hospital.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)crude test results showed only 2 points.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant cerebral atrophy and multiple fluidattenuated inversion recovery high signals in the white matter surrounding both lateral ventricles,left amygdala and bilateral thalami.Anti-GABABR antibodies were discovered in CSF(1:3.2)and serum(1:100).The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis complicated by anti-GABABR AE,and received methylprednisolone and penicillin.Following treatment,his mental symptoms were alleviated.Cognitive impairment was significantly improved,with a MMSE of 8 points.Serum anti-GABABR antibody titer decreased to 1:32.The patient received methylprednisolone and penicillin after discharge.Three months later,the patient’s condition was stable,but the serum anti-GABABR antibody titer was 1:100.CONCLUSION This patient with neurosyphilis combined with anti-GABABR encephalitis benefited from immunotherapy.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cytokines in adolescents with subthreshold depression:a randomized controlled study

Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.