Supporting Skin Structure and Its Barrier Functions with Evidence-Based Skin Care Ingredients

The epidermis, and in particular its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, contributes much of the barrier function of the skin and is a readily visible representation of skin health. Maintaining the health of the skin barrier has arguably become more important than ever in the modern world, in which a large majority of people are exposed to environmental insults. These external factors can damage the integrity of the skin barrier and prematurely age the skin. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to maintain and protect the stratum corneum. Here, we briefly review the complex, multilayered structure of the skin and relate it to clinically translatable function, with an emphasis on the stratum corneum. In the context of epidermal structure and function, the formulation and clinical data for Phelityl® Reviving Cream will be reviewed. Phelityl Reviving Cream was shown to be associated with improvements in both immediate- and long-term parameters, including a significant positive effect on the skin barrier and immediate and long-lasting hydration.

The Effect of a Novel Complex, Composed of Ceramide, Energizing Peptide and Camu Camu Extract, on Epidermal Barrier Function and Dermal Antiaging Properties in Ex Vivo Human Skin Small Live Cohort

The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERATTM complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERATTM complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERATTM complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .

A Commercially Available Skin Care Lotion with a pH of 4.5 and 10% Urea Improves Skin Surface pH, Stratum Corneum Hydration and Epidermal Barrier Function in Subjects with Dry Skin and Atopic Diathesis

OBJECTIVE: The physiological skin surface pH is crucial for several epidermal barrier functions, like stratum corneum integrity, cohesion and restoration. Alterations of the “normal” acidic nature of the skin surface have been shown to correlate with specific skin conditions like aged or inflamed skin and are leading to impaired skin barrier function and formation. It is previously demonstrated that topical acidification in atopic dermatitis improves stratum corneum function, skin barrier structure and clinical signs in dermatitis. Against this background, we examined the impact of a slightly acidic skin care product containing urea on stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH and epidermal barrier function in subjects with dry skin and atopic diathesis. METHODS: Stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH and transepidermal water loss were biophysically measured before and after a 4-week treatment period with the test product (pH 4.5, 10% urea) compared to the reference product in 25 volunteers. In addition, dynamic epidermal barrier parameters like stratum corneum integrity, cohesion and recovery were investigated by using a previously described tape stripping approach. RESULTS: It was shown that the test product (pH 4.5, 10% urea) significantly elevated stratum corneum hydration and improved the acidic nature of the skin surface by lowering the skin surface pH to a greater extent compared to the reference product. After the 4-week treatment period a significant faster barrier restoration was detected on the test site treated with the test product compared to the reference product. Moreover, the test product strengthens the skin barrier integrity and cohesion. CONCLUSION: The present marketed skin care lotion was shown to increase epidermal barrier function after 4 weeks of application. Balancing and controlling the skin surface pH in subjects with dry and atopic-prone skin by application of the herein tested o/w emulsion with a given pH of 4.5, in combination with a 10% urea content seems to be effective and beneficial. The results are important for the formulation of topical products for dry and atopic-prone skin.

Jonzac Thermal Spring Water Reinforces Skin Barrier Function of Human Skin and Presents a Soothing and Regenerating Effect

The skin is a formidable physical and biological barrier which communicates continuously with the outside of the body. And the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human epidermis, plays a central role in the interaction between the cutaneous tissue and the external environment. The horny layer, and more generally the whole skin layers, avoid the penetration of harmful exogenous agents, produce molecules named anti-microbial peptides which impact the composition of the cutaneous microbiota, regulate the internal corporal temperature, avoid the water loss from the inside of the body and constitute an incredible efficient anti-oxidant network. Nevertheless, nowadays, the skin is more and more solicited by the different elements of the cutaneous exposome, including atmospheric pollution and solar radiations, which can cause a dramatic acceleration of the skin ageing process. As a consequence, due to the multifunctional protective role of the skin, during the recent decade the cosmetic industry invested massively in the development of new raw materials and end-products (dermo-cosmetics) able to preserve an optimal state of the skin regarding the external environment. Based on their physical-chemical properties thermal spring waters, which are extremely rich in inorganics ions, are interesting and powerful candidates to be part, as integral component, of new efficient dermo-cosmetic formulations dedicated to protect the skin from the external stimuli. The aim of the present work was to investigate and characterize the activity of Jonzac thermal spring water on the skin. Using different models, we proved for the first time that Jonzac thermal spring water reinforces the barrier function of the skin by modulating the expression of key markers including filaggrin and human beta defensin 2 on ex vivo human skin. The ex vivo and in vivo hydration activity, by Raman spectroscopy and corneometry respectively, has been also demonstrated. We have also shown that Jonzac thermal spring water ameliorates significantly the cutaneous microrelief in vivo. To conclude, we characterize the soothing effect of Jonzac thermal spring water by the analysis of histamine release in Substance P treated skin explants and by measuring the redness of the skin following UV exposure of the skin in vivo. We observed that both parameters decreased following a preventive treatment of the skin with Jonzac thermal spring water. Taken together our results indicate that Jonzac thermal spring water is a promising and powerful dermo-cosmetic which can be used to preserve an optimal state of the cutaneous tissue.

Noninvasive study of structural and functional features of neonatal skin

In the present paper,we describe the first complex multifocal noninvasive morphological andfunctional study that enabled us to define specific qualitative and quantitative features of neo-natal skin.A complex morphofunctional examination of 10 infants aging from 1 to 28 days wasperformed by optical coherence tomography(OCT)device with a flexible probe at the wavelength of 920 nm with longitudinal resolution of 20μm and transverse resolution of 25μm with simultaneous measurement of skin functional parameters.The OCT images of neonatal thin skinhave organized layered structure with four horizontally oriented layers.Thick skin of newbornshas no structure typical for adult skin and no clear transition from the papillary to the cellulardermis.Thus,we show for the first time to our knowledge that neonatal thick skin differs structurally and functionally from adult skin.Structurally,it differs by a loose arrangement of stratum corneum squamae and thinner epidermis and papilary layer of dermis.The functionaldifferences are lower transepidermal water loss,localization-dependent humidity,higher ery,thema level,and lower pigmentation.The principal structural diferences between neonatal andadult skin show that skin structure formation is not completed by the moment of birth.

Treatment of Aged Skin with a pH 4 Skin Care Product Normalizes Increased Skin Surface pH and Improves Barrier Function: Results of a Pilot Study

The physiological skin surface pH is just below 5. With age the skin surface pH increases up to 6. An increased pH correlates with reduced barrier integrity/cohesion. The present pilot study assesses possible normalization of an increased skin surface pH of the elderly and improvement of barrier function via application of ≈pH 4.0 skin care products. Baseline skin surface pH was determined in elderly (80+ years old;n = 15) compared to middle aged adults (31 - 50 years old;n = 15). The effect of o/w emulsions at pH-values of 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.5 on the skin surface pH was determined in both groups. Further, the effect of a 4-week treatment with a pH 4.0 skin care product on the skin surface pH, skin hydration and barrier integrity was assessed. Thirteen elderly females were involved in this home-in-use test. Increased baseline skin surface pH of the elderly normalizes to the physiological pH of 4.5 - 5.0 over 7 hours after single application of o/w-emulsions with a given pH of 3.5 or 4.0. A 4 week treatment employing the pH 4.0 skin care product improves the epidermal barrier integrity of the elderly significantly (p = 0.005). Reduction of the increased baseline skin surface pH of the elderly is accompanied by improved epidermal barrier integrity. Skin care products for the elderly have to be adjusted in the pH range of 3.5 to 4.0.

Mechanism of improving skin barrier function in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis using Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula

Objective: To reveal the mechanism of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula for improving the skin barrier function in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods: Sixty specific-pathogen free male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group, whole formula group(WF), exterior-releasing formula group(ERF), interior-clearing formula group(ICF), and positive control group(PC). A mouse model of AD was established using the semiantigen 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene induction method. The lesion scores, transepidermal water loss and p H, and skin histopathology of mice in each group were observed. The expressions of filaggrin, loricrin,and involucrin were detected by the streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemical method and western blotting, and their mRNA expressions were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: Mice in the WF, ERF, ICF, and PC groups showed reduced skin lesion performance, improved histopathology, decreased skin lesion score, transepidermal water loss and pH, and upregulated expressions of proteins including filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, and their mRNAs. The most obvious regulatory effect was observed in the WF group, followed by the ICF, ERF, and PC groups, accordingly.Conclusions: Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula can improve the skin barrier function in a mouse model of AD by upregulating filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, and their mRNA expressions, and the most optimal effect was noted in the WF group, followed by the ICF and ERF groups, which suggests that the effect of clearing heat and resolving dampness in improving the skin barrier function of AD is more obvious and is one of the key treatments for AD.

The improvement of living quality for the patient with carcinoma of esophagus: Reconstruction for the defect of pharynx and cervical esophagus with inferior antebrachial skin flap on the basis of retaining the laryngeal function

Objective To investigate the effect of reconstruction for inferior pharyngeal and cervical esophagus defect with inferior antebrachial skin flaps on the living quality of patients after surgery. Method Perform radical operation of the tumor, but retain larynx and trachea. Free antebrchial skin flaps were used to reconstruct the defect of inferior pharynx and cervical esophagus. Roll the skin flap to form a skin tube, and then carry out anastomosis with floor of mouth and cervical esophagus. Result The laryngeal function was retained after surgery. And permanent orifice of trachea was unnecessary. The effect was satisfying. The vocalization wasn’t affected and food-intake through oral was normal in the 2 patients followed up. Conclusion It is a feasible way to reconstruct the inferior pharynx and cervical esophagus defect caused by radical operation of the tumor at pharynx and cervical esophagus. It can improve the living quality of patients effectively.

Loss of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Rad6B disturbs mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis in mouse skin

Various factors can induce cell degeneration by altering the phenotype and metabolism of cells.Mitochondria play an essential role in cellular homeostasis and function,rendering aging processes highly associated with mitochondrial function and status.Herein,we describe an aging-prone phenotype of murine skin cells caused by depletion of Rad6B(Ube2b),an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme.In this study,using Masson’s trichrome,we showed that loss of Rad6B causes physiological structure changes in mouse skin with age.In addition,a combination of western blotting experiments,transmission electron microscopy and employment of immunofluorescence staining revealed that depletion of Rad6B was characterized by an abnormal mitochondrial metabolic profile,including decreased mitochondrial biosynthesis and mitochondrial complex activities,increased ROS production and suppressed mitophagy resulting in metabolic disorders.Taken together,these results highlight an important relationship between Rad6B and skin senescence,suggesting that Rad6B plays an indispensable role in maintaining a healthy mitochondrial network and intracellular homeostasis.

Head-related transfer function–reserved time-frequency masking for robust binaural sound source localization

Various time-frequency(T-F)masks are being applied to sound source localization tasks.Moreover,deep learning has dramatically advanced T-F mask estimation.However,existing masks are usually designed for speech separation tasks and are suitable only for single-channel signals.A novel complex-valued T-F mask is proposed that reserves the head-related transfer function(HRTF),customized for binaural sound source localization.In addition,because the convolutional neural network that is exploited to estimate the proposed mask takes binaural spectral information as the input and output,accurate binaural cues can be preserved.Compared with conventional T-F masks that emphasize single speech source–dominated T-F units,HRTFreserved masks eliminate the speech component while keeping the direct propagation path.Thus,the estimated HRTF is capable of extracting more reliable localization features for the final direction of arrival estimation.Hence,binaural sound source localization guided by the proposed T-F mask is robust under noisy and reverberant acoustic environments.The experimental results demonstrate that the new T-F mask is superior to conventional T-F masks and lead to the better performance of sound source localization in adverse environments.

Hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919)ameliorates functional deficits after traumatic brain injury in mice by activating the sigma-1 receptor for antioxidation

Traumatic brain injury involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms,among which oxidative stress significantly contributes to the occurrence of secondary injury.In this study,we evaluated hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919),a self-developed antidepressant with selective sigma-1 receptor agonist properties,and its associated mechanisms and targets in traumatic brain injury.Behavioral experiments to assess functional deficits were followed by assessment of neuronal damage through histological analyses and examination of blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema.Next,we investigated the antioxidative effects of YL-0919 by assessing the levels of traditional markers of oxidative stress in vivo in mice and in vitro in HT22 cells.Finally,the targeted action of YL-0919 was verified by employing a sigma-1 receptor antagonist(BD-1047).Our findings demonstrated that YL-0919 markedly improved deficits in motor function and spatial cognition on day 3 post traumatic brain injury,while also decreasing neuronal mortality and reversing blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema.Furthermore,YL-0919 effectively combated oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro.The protective effects of YL-0919 were partially inhibited by BD-1047.These results indicated that YL-0919 relieved impairments in motor and spatial cognition by restraining oxidative stress,a neuroprotective effect that was partially reversed by the sigma-1 receptor antagonist BD-1047.YL-0919 may have potential as a new treatment for traumatic brain injury.

Activated protein C: A regulator of human skin epidermal keratinocyte function

Activated protein C(APC) is a physiological anticoagulant, derived from its precursor protein C(PC). Independent of its anticoagulation, APC possesses strong anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and barrier protective properties which appear to be protective in a number of disorders including chronic wound healing. The epidermis is the outermost skin layer and provides the first line of defence against the external environment. Keratinocytes are the most predominant cells in the epidermis and play a critical role in maintaining epidermal barrier function. PC/APC and its receptor, endothelial protein C receptor(EPCR), once thought to be restricted to the endothelium, are abundantly expressed by skin epidermal keratinocytes. These cells respond to APC by upregulating proliferation, migration and matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and inhibiting apoptosis/inflammation leading to a wound healing phenotype. APC also increases barrier function of keratinocyte monolayers by promoting the expression of tight junction proteins and re-distributing them to cell-cell contacts. These cytoprotective properties of APC are mediated through EPCR, protease-activated receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor or Tie2. Future preventive and therapeutic uses of APC in skin disorders associated with disruption of barrier function and inflammation look promising. This review will focus on APC's function in skin epidermis/keratinocytes and its therapeutical potential in skin inflammatory conditions.

Resting-state brain network remodeling after different nerve reconstruction surgeries:a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in brachial plexus injury rats

Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies,including motor representation of the affected limb.However,differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network level have not been elucidated.This study aimed to explore intranetwork changes related to altered peripheral neural pathways after different nerve reconstruction surgeries,including nerve repair,endto-end nerve transfer,and end-to-side nerve transfer.Sprague–Dawley rats underwent complete left brachial plexus transection and were divided into four equal groups of eight:no nerve repair,grafted nerve repair,phrenic nerve end-to-end transfer,and end-to-side transfer with a graft sutured to the anterior upper trunk.Resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging was obtained 7 months after surgery.The independent component analysis algorithm was utilized to identify group-level network components of interest and extract resting-state functional connectivity values of each voxel within the component.Alterations in intra-network resting-state functional connectivity were compared among the groups.Target muscle reinnervation was assessed by behavioral observation(elbow flexion)and electromyography.The results showed that alterations in the sensorimotor and interoception networks were mostly related to changes in the peripheral neural pathway.Nerve repair was related to enhanced connectivity within the sensorimotor network,while end-to-side nerve transfer might be more beneficial for restoring control over the affected limb by the original motor representation.The thalamic-cortical pathway was enhanced within the interoception network after nerve repair and end-to-end nerve transfer.Brain areas related to cognition and emotion were enhanced after end-to-side nerve transfer.Our study revealed important brain networks related to different nerve reconstructions.These networks may be potential targets for enhancing motor recovery.

Antioxidative Function of Grape Seed Polyphenol,“Proanthocyanidins” and Its Usefulness for the Skin

Introduction The term phytochemical refers to a compound or nutrient that originates from plant. Phytochemicals is positioned as the 7th nutrient following the 3 major nutrients (carbohydrate, protein and lipid), 5 major nutrients (+ minerals and vitamins), and 6 major nutrients (+ dietary fiber). They have important roles in regulation functions in vivo.[1]

Betaine combined with traditional Chinese medicine ointment to treat skin wounds in microbially infected diabetic mice

BACKGROUND Skin wounds are highly common in diabetic patients,and with increasing types of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance,wounds and infections in diabetic patients are difficult to treat and heal.AIM To explore the effects of betaine ointment(BO)in promoting the healing of skin wounds and reducing the inflammation and apoptosis of skin cells in microbially infected diabetic mice.METHODS By detecting the minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs)of betaine and plant monomer components such as psoralen,we prepared BO with betaine as the main ingredient,blended it with traditional Chinese medicines such as gromwell root and psoralen,and evaluated its antibacterial effects and safety in vitro and in vivo.The skin infection wound models of ordinary mice and diabetic mice were constructed,and the OTC drugs mupirocin ointment and Zicao ointment were used as controls to evaluate the antibacterial effects in vivo and the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of BO.RESULTS The MICs of betaine against microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans ranged from 4 to 32μg/mL.Gromwell root and psoralea,both of which contain antimicrobial components,mixed to prepare BO with MICs ranging from 16 to 64μg/mL,which is 32-256 times lower than those of Zicao ointment,although the MIC is greater than that of betaine.After 15 days of treatment with BO for USA300-infected ordinary mice,the wound scab removal rates were 83.3%,while those of mupirocin ointment and Zicao ointment were 66.7%and 0%,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant.In diabetic mice,the wound scab removal rate of BO and mupirolacin ointment was 80.0%,but BO reduced wound inflammation and the apoptosis of skin cells and facilitated wound healing.CONCLUSION The ointment prepared by mixing betaine and traditional Chinese medicine can effectively inhibit common skin microorganisms and has a strong effect on the skin wounds of sensitive or drug-resistant S.aureus-infected ordinary mice and diabetic mice.

Chondroitinase ABC combined with Schwann cell transplantation enhances restoration of neural connection and functional recovery following acute and chronic spinal cord injury

Schwann cell transplantation is considered one of the most promising cell-based therapy to repair injured spinal cord due to its unique growth-promoting and myelin-forming properties.A the Food and Drug Administration-approved Phase I clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate the safety of transplanted human autologous Schwann cells to treat patients with spinal cord injury.A major challenge for Schwann cell transplantation is that grafted Schwann cells are confined within the lesion cavity,and they do not migrate into the host environment due to the inhibitory barrier formed by injury-induced glial scar,thus limiting axonal reentry into the host spinal cord.Here we introduce a combinatorial strategy by suppressing the inhibitory extracellular environment with injection of lentivirus-mediated transfection of chondroitinase ABC gene at the rostral and caudal borders of the lesion site and simultaneously leveraging the repair capacity of transplanted Schwann cells in adult rats following a mid-thoracic contusive spinal cord injury.We report that when the glial scar was degraded by chondroitinase ABC at the rostral and caudal lesion borders,Schwann cells migrated for considerable distances in both rostral and caudal directions.Such Schwann cell migration led to enhanced axonal regrowth,including the serotonergic and dopaminergic axons originating from supraspinal regions,and promoted recovery of locomotor and urinary bladder functions.Importantly,the Schwann cell survival and axonal regrowth persisted up to 6 months after the injury,even when treatment was delayed for 3 months to mimic chronic spinal cord injury.These findings collectively show promising evidence for a combinatorial strategy with chondroitinase ABC and Schwann cells in promoting remodeling and recovery of function following spinal cord injury.

Acellular fish skin grafts in diabetic foot ulcer care:Advances and clinical insights

Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)represents a significant public health issue,with a rising global prevalence and severe potential complications including amputation.Traditional treatments often fall short due to various limitations such as high recurrence rates and extensive resource utilization.This editorial explores the innovative use of acellular fish skin grafts as a transformative approach in DFU management.Recent studies and a detailed case report highlight the efficacy of acellular fish skin grafts in accelerating wound closure,reducing dressing changes,and enhancing patient outcomes with a lower socio-economic burden.Despite their promise,challenges such as limited availability,patient acceptance,and the need for further research persist.Addressing these through more extensive randomized controlled trials and fostering a multidisciplinary treatment approach may optimize DFU care and reduce the global health burden associated with these complex wounds.

Social function scores and influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND At present,the influencing factors of social function in patients with residual depressive symptoms are still unclear.Residual depressive symptoms are highly harmful,leading to low mood in patients,affecting work and interpersonal communication,increasing the risk of recurrence,and adding to the burden on families.Studying the influencing factors of their social function is of great significance.AIM To explore the social function score and its influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms.METHODS This observational study surveyed patients with residual depressive symptoms(case group)and healthy patients undergoing physical examinations(control group).Participants were admitted between January 2022 and December 2023.Social functioning was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale(SDS),and scores were compared between groups.Factors influencing SDS scores in patients with residual depressive symptoms were analyzed by applying multiple linear regression while using the receiver operating characteristic curve,and these RESULTS The SDS scores of the 158 patients with depressive symptoms were 11.48±3.26.Compared with the control group,the SDS scores and all items in the case group were higher.SDS scores were higher in patients with relapse,discon-tinuous medication,drug therapy alone,severe somatic symptoms,obvious residual symptoms,and anxiety scores≥8.Disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,and residual symptoms correlated positively with SDS scores(r=0.354,0.414,0.602,and 0.456,respectively).Independent influencing factors included disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety scores(P<0.05).The areas under the curve for predicting social functional impairment using these factors were 0.713,0.559,0.684,0.729,0.668,and 0.628,respectively,with sensitivities of 79.2%,61.8%,76.8%,81.7%,63.6%,and 65.5%and specificities of 83.3%,87.5%,82.6%,83.3%,86.7%,and 92.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION The social function scores of patients with residual symptoms of depression are high.They are affected by disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,degree of somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety.

Near-infrared brain functional characteristics of mild cognitive impairment with sleep disorders

BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment(MCI)has a high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease.The disease is often accompanied by sleep disorders,and whether sleep disorders have an effect on brain function in patients with MCI is unclear.AIM To explore the near-infrared brain function characteristics of MCI with sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 120 patients with MCI(MCI group)and 50 healthy subjects(control group)were selected.All subjects underwent the functional near-infrared spec-troscopy test.Collect baseline data,Mini-Mental State Examination,Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale,fatigue severity scale(FSS)score,sleep parameter,and oxyhemoglobin(Oxy-Hb)concentration and peak time of functional near-infrared spectroscopy test during the task period.The relationship between Oxy-RESULTS Compared with the control group,the FSS score of the MCI group was higher(t=11.310),and the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index,sleep time,sleep efficiency,nocturnal sleep disturbance,and daytime dysfunction were higher(Z=-10.518,-10.368,-9.035,-10.661,-10.088).Subjective sleep quality and total sleep time scores were lower(Z=-11.592,-9.924).The sleep efficiency of the MCI group was lower,and the awakening frequency,rem sleep latency period,total sleep time,and oxygen desaturation index were higher(t=5.969,5.829,2.887,3.003,5.937).The Oxy-Hb concentration at T0,T1,and T2 in the MCI group was lower(t=14.940,11.280,5.721),and the peak time was higher(t=18.800,13.350,9.827).In MCI patients,the concentration of Oxy-Hb during T0 was negatively correlated with the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index,sleep time,total sleep time,and sleep efficiency(r=-0.611,-0.388,-0.563,-0.356).It was positively correlated with sleep efficiency and total sleep time(r=0.754,0.650),and negatively correlated with oxygen desaturation index(r=-0.561)and FSS score(r=-0.526).All comparisons were P<0.05.CONCLUSION Patients with MCI and sleep disorders have lower near-infrared brain function than normal people,which is related to sleep quality.Clinically,a comprehensive assessment of the near-infrared brain function of patients should be carried out to guide targeted treatment and improve curative effect.

Enhancement of motor functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injury: voluntary wheel running versus forced treadmill exercise

Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group(10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.