Vulnerable brain regions in adolescent major depressive disorder:A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Adolescent major depressive disorder(MDD)is a significant mental health concern that often leads to recurrent depression in adulthood.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)offers unique insights into the neural mechanisms underlying this condition.However,despite previous research,the specific vulnerable brain regions affected in adolescent MDD patients have not been fully elucidated.AIM To identify consistent vulnerable brain regions in adolescent MDD patients using rs-fMRI and activation likelihood estimation(ALE)meta-analysis.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search through July 12,2023,for studies investigating brain functional changes in adolescent MDD patients.We utilized regional homogeneity(ReHo),amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations(ALFF)and fractional ALFF(fALFF)analyses.We compared the regions of aberrant spontaneous neural activity in adolescents with MDD vs healthy controls(HCs)using ALE.RESULTS Ten studies(369 adolescent MDD patients and 313 HCs)were included.Combining the ReHo and ALFF/fALFF data,the results revealed that the activity in the right cuneus and left precuneus was lower in the adolescent MDD patients than in the HCs(voxel size:648 mm3,P<0.05),and no brain region exhibited increased activity.Based on the ALFF data,we found decreased activity in the right cuneus and left precuneus in adolescent MDD patients(voxel size:736 mm3,P<0.05),with no regions exhibiting increased activity.CONCLUSION Through ALE meta-analysis,we consistently identified the right cuneus and left precuneus as vulnerable brain regions in adolescent MDD patients,increasing our understanding of the neuropathology of affected adolescents.

Effect of Danshao Huaxian capsule on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in fibrotic liver of rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of Danshao Huaxian （DSHX） capsules, a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in the fibrous livers of rats. METHODS： Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group （group A）, CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis group （group B）, non-DSHX-treated group （group C）, low dose-treated group （group D）, and high dose-treated group （group E）. Fibrous liver models in rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCI4, oral administration of alcohol and high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 wk. After the models were established, the rats in groups D and E were orally given a low dose （0.5 g/kg） and a high dose （1.0 g/kg） of DSHX daily for 8 wk, respectively. Then, the liver indexes, serum hyaluronic acid （HA） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were examined. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by optical microscopy. Hydroxyproline （Hyp） in the urine was determined, and the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 was detected by immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS： In groups D and E, the liver indexes, levels of serum HA and ALT reduced and development of hepatic fibrosis weakened significantly. The urinary Hyp and expression of MMP-1 in the liver tissues elevated, but the expression of TIMP-1 decreased obviously, as compared to groups B and C.CONCLUSION： DSHX enhances the expression of MMP-1 but decreases that of TIMP-1 in liver tissues of CCI4-induced hepatic fibrotic rats, which may result in its elevated activity that contributes to fighting against hepatic fibrosis.

Heart valve disease in elderly Chinese population： effect of advanced age and comorbidities on treatment decision-making and outcomes

Background A considerable proportion of elderly patients with symptomatic severe heart valve disease are treated conservatively de- spite clear indications for surgical intervention. However, little is known about how advanced age and comorbidities affect treatment deci-sion-making and therapeutic outcomes. Methods Patients （n = 234, mean age： 78.5 ± 3.7 years） with symptomatic severe heart valve dis- ease hospitalized in our center were included. One hundred and fifty-one patients （65%） were treated surgically （surgical group） and 83 （35%） were treated conservatively （conservative group）. Factors that affected therapeutic decision-making and treatment outcomes were investi- gated and long-term survival was explored. Results Isolated aortic valve disease, female sex, chronic renal insufficiency, aged _〉 80 years, pneumonia, and emergent status were independent factors associated with therapeutic decision-making. In-hospital mortality for the surgical group was 5.3% （8/151）. Three patients （3.6%） in the conservative group died during initial hospitalization. Low cardiac output syndrome and chronic renal insufficiency were identified as predictors of in-hospital mortality in the surgical group. Conservative treatment was identi- fied as the single risk factor for late death in the entire study population. The surgical group had better 5-year （77.2% vs. 45.4%, P 〈 0.0001） and 10-year （34.5% vs. 8.9%, P 〈 0.0001） survival rates than the conservative group, even when adjusted by propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusions Advanced age and geriatric comorbidities profoundly affect treatment decision-making for severe heart valve disease. Valve surgery in the elderly was not only safe but was also associated with good long-term survival while conservative treatment was unfavorable for patients with symptomatic severe valve disease.

Study of the Effect of Leeching on Plasma Endothelin and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.

Effect of Danshao Huaxian Capsule (丹芍化纤胶事囊) on the Expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Caspase-3 in Hepatic Fibrosis Rats

Objective: To study the effect of Danshao Huaxian capsule (丹芍化纤胶囊,DSHX), a traditional Chinese medical prescription, on the expression of collagen (Col) Ⅰ, Ⅲ and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteases-3 (caspase-3) in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. And also it is to explore the mechanism of DSHX in anti-fibrosis. Methods: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (A), the model group (B), the un-treated model group (C), the low-dose-DSHX treated group (D) and the high-dose-DSHX treated group (E). Except those in Group A, all the other rats were made into hepatic fibrotic models by comprehensive processes including subcutaneous injecting of CCl4, and feeding them with alcoholic high-fat and low-protein diet for 8 weeks. Then the two DSHX-treated groups were treated respectively with low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (1.0 g/kg) DSHX capsule by gastrogavage everyday for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the liver index, levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and alanine amin-otransferase (ALT) in serum, degree of hepatic fibrosis, and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured, and the expression of Col Ⅰ , Col Ⅲ and caspase-3 in liver tissues were detected respectively by immunohistochemistric technique. Results: Compared with those in Group B and C, the two DSHX treated groups showed that the liver index, levels of serum HA and ALT and severity of hepatic fibrosis were all significantly lower, the urinary excretion of Hyp was significantly higher; the Col Ⅰ and Col-Ⅲ expression was lower (Col Ⅰ :1. 23±1.14,1. 07±0. 96 vs 4.18±2. 26, 3. 22±1. 44, P<0. 01;Col Ⅲ : 1. 31±0. 69, , 1. 09± 0.58 vs 3.04±0.62,2.23±0.58, P<0.05). At the same time, the expression of caspase-3 in Group E was fewer than Group B and C in hepatocytes (3. 09±0. 65 vs 9. 60±2. 32, 8. 82 ±1. 45, P<0.01),but it was extensively expressed in fibrous septal cells(4.52±0.87 vs 1.69±0.23,2.98±0.36, P<0.01). Conclusion: DSHX capsule shows certain therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats, and the mechanism might be related with reducing Col Ⅰ and Col Ⅲ deposition, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and promoting fibrous septal cells (mainly the activated hepatic stellate cells) apoptosis.

Investigation on the intelligence quotient of children in the areas with high REE background (Ⅰ)-- REE bioeffects in the REE-high areas of southern Jiangxi Province

In China,rare earth elements(REE)are widely utilized in agriculture.Many studieson REE toxicology,pharmacology and biochemistry have been made both at home andabroad.However,REE damage to the functions of human memory,thinking andreasoning in animal experiments cannot be directly demonstrated.

Deprivation/Reperfusion-induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy in PC12 Cells

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which berberine protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury.The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R)PC12 model was established.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect the toxicity of berberine and the viability of PC12 cells.Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were used to observe the nuclear morphology,and changes of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species(ROS),respectively.Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were employed to detect autophagy-related proteins[microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3(LC3),P62/SQSTM-1,Beclin-1]and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-related markers[glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),Bcl-2-associated X(Bax)and cleaved caspase-3].The GFP-RFP-LC3 adenovirus was used to assay the change of autophagic flux.Our results showed that berberine could increase the viability of PC12 cells,decrease the concentrations of ROS after OGD/R treatment,and suppress OGD/R-induced ER stress and autophagy.Moreover,the results revealed the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway in the induction of autophagy,and berberine could activate the phosphorylation of mTOR and thus mitigate autophagy.In conclusion,our study suggested that berberine may protect against OGD/R-induced apoptosis by regulating ER stress and autophagy,and it holds promises in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Cystadenoma in a seminal vesicle is cured by laparoscopic ablation

Dear Editor, We present here a case report of a benign seminal vesicle cystadenoma treated with laparoscopic ablation in a 31-year-old man. The clinical presentation, gross appearance, microscopic characteristics, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings of this uncommon tumour are discussed.

Osteogenic potential of the human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene activated nanobone putty

Background Nanobone putty is an injectable and bioresorbable bone substitute. The neutral-pH putty resembles hard bone tissue, does not contain polymers or plasticizers, and is self-setting and nearly isothermic, properties which are helpful for the adhesion, proliferation, and function of bone cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic potential of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 （hBMP2） gene activated nanobone putty in inducing ectopic bone formation, and the effects of the hBMP2 gene activated nanobone putty on repairing bone defects. Methods Twenty four Kunming mice were randomly divided into two groups. The nanobone putty ＋ hBMP2 plasmid was injected into the right thigh muscle pouches of the mice （experiment side）. The nanobone putty ＋ blank plasmid or nanobone putty was injected into the left thigh muscle pouches of the group 1 （control side 1） or group 2 （control side 2）, respectively. The effects of ectopic bone formation were evaluated by radiography, histology, and molecular biology analysis at 2 and 4 weeks after operation. Bilateral 15 mm radial defects were made in forty-eight rabbits. These rabbits were randomly divided into three groups： Group A, nanobone putty ＋ hBMP2 plasmid; Group B, putty ＋ blank plasmid; Group C, nanobone putty only. Six rabbits with left radial defects served as blank controls. The effect of bone repairing was evaluated by radiography, histology, molecular biology, and biomechanical analysis at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. Results The tissue from the experimental side of the mice expressed hBMP2. Obvious cartilage and island-distributed immature bone formation in implants of the experiment side were observed at 2 weeks after operation, and massive mature bone observed at 4 weeks. No bone formation was observed in the control side of the mice. The ALP activity in the experiment side of the mice was higher than that in the control side. The tissue of Group A rabbits expressed hBMP2 protein and higher ALP level. The new bone formation rate and antibending strength of group A was significantly higher than those of group B and C. The defects in blank control were not healed. Conclusions The hBMP2 gene activated nanobone putty exhibited osteoinductive ability, and had a better bone defect repair capabilitv than that of nanobone putty only.

Metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms predict the effects of antioxidant treatment on idiopathic male infertility

To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes such as CYP1A1,CYP2D6,GSTM1,GSTT1,and GSTP1 and idiopathic male infertility.By observing the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility,the effect of metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms on antioxidant therapy in patients with idiopathic male infertility was prospectively studied.This case-control study included 310 men with idiopathic infertility and 170 healthy controls.The cytochrome P4501A1(CYP1A1),cytochrome P4502D6(CYP2D6),glutathione S-transferase M1(GSTM1),glutathione S-transferase T1(GSTT1),and glutathione S-transferase P1(GSTP1)genotypes in peripheral blood samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP).The idiopathic male infertility group was treated with vitamin C,vitamin E,and coenzyme Q10 for 3 months and followed up for 6 months.GSTM1(-),GSTT1(-),and GSTM1/T1(-/-)in the idiopathic male infertility groups were more common than those in the control group.The sperm concentration,motility,viability,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)level in patients with GSTM1(-),GSTT1(-),and GSTM1/T1(-/-)were lower than those in wild-type carriers,and the sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI),8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-OH-dG),and malondialdehyde(MDA)and nitric oxide(NO)levels were higher.Therefore,oxidative damage may play an important role in the occurrence and development of idiopathic male infertility,but antioxidant therapy is not effective in male infertility patients with GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions.

Simplified pancreatoduodenectomy for complex blunt pancreaticoduodenal injury

A 34-year-old man admitted to our de- partment with complex blunt pancreaticoduodenal injury af- ter a car accident. The wall of the first, second, and third portions of the duodenum was extensively lacerated, and the pancreas was longitudinally transected along the supe- rior mesenteric vein-portal vein trunk. The pancreatic head and the uncinate process were devitalized and the distal common bile duct and the proximal main pancreatic duct were completely detached from the Vater ampulla. The length of the stump of distal common bile located at the cut surface of remnant pancreas was approximately 0.6 cm. A simplified Kausch-Whipple＇s procedure was performed after debride- ment of the devitalized pancreatic head and resection of the damaged duodenum in which the stump of distal common bile duct and the pancreatic remnant were embedded into the jejunal loop. Postoperative wound abscess appeared that eventually recovered by conservative treatment. Dur- ing 16 months follow-up the patient has been stable and healthy. A simplified pancreaticoduodenectomy is a safe alternative for the Whipple procedure in managing complex pancreaticoduodenal injury in a hemodynamically stable patient.