Research advances in the influence of lipid metabolism on cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a mental disorder related to cognition and understanding, which is mainly categorized into mild CI and senile dementia. This disease is associated with multiple factors, such as chronic brain injury, aging, chronic systemic disease, mental state, and psychological factors. However, the pathological mechanism of CI remains unclear; it is usually associated with such underlying diseases as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. It has been demonstrated that abundant lipid metabolism indexes in the human body are closely related to CI, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein, and so forth. As a crucial risk factor for CI, hyperlipidemia is of great significance in the occurrence and development of CI. However, the specific correlation between dyslipidemia and CI is still not fully elucidated. Besides, the efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the prophylaxis and treatment of CI has not been clarified. In this study, relevant advances in the influence of lipid metabolism disorders in CI will be reviewed, in an attempt to explore the effect of mediating blood lipid levels on the prophylaxis and treatment of CI, thus providing a reference for its clinical management.

Effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw implantation in scoliosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw implantation in scoliosis surgery. The study was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023471837). Two independent researchers searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The outcomes included operation time, pedicle screw implantation time, blood loss, number of fluoroscopic, accuracy of pedicle screw position, hospital stays, postoperative hospital stays, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Scoliosis Research Society-22(SRS-22), cobb angle, cobb angle correction rate, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and complications. Eight papers involving 473 patients met all the criteria. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the reduction in operation time. The effect of reducing the pedicle screw implantation time in the RA group was significant (WMD = -1.28; 95% CI: -1.76 to -0.80; P < 0.00001). The effect of reducing the blood loss in the RA group was significant (WMD=-105.57; 95% CI: -206.84 to -4.31; P = 0.04). The effect of reducing the number of fluoroscopic in the RA group was significant (WMD=-5.93; 95% CI: -8.24 to -3.62; P < ). The pedicle screw position of Grade A was significantly more in the RA group according to both the Gertzbein-Robbins scale and the Rampersaud scale. Compared with the FA group, the difference in the hospital stays in the RA group was not statistically significant, but the effect of reducing the postoperative hospital stays in the RA group was significant (WMD = -2.88; 95% CI: -4.13 to -1.63; P < 0.00001). The difference in the VAS, JOA, SRS-22, Cobb angle and Cobb angle correction rate, SVA, and complications between the two groups was not statistically significant. The robot-assisted technique achieved statistically significant results in terms of pedicle screw placement time, blood loss, number of fluoroscopies, accuracy of pedicle screw position, and postoperative hospital stay.

Effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-assisted cortical bone trajectory screw instrumentation in spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robot-assisted (RA) technology has been shown to be a safe aid in spine surgery, this meta-analysis aims to compare surgical parameters and clinical indexes between robot-assisted cortical bone trajectory (CBT) and fluoroscopy-assisted (FA) cortical bone trajectory in spinal surgery. We searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The study selection process was guided by the PICOS (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study Design) strategy. The risk of bias in non-randomized comparative studies was assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. We performed this meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark), and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Six articles involving 371 patients and 1535 screws were included in this meta-analysis. RA-CBT outperformed FA-CBT in terms of various parameters, such as accuracy of pedicle screw position (both Gertzbein-Robbins scale and Ding scale), avoidance of superior facet joint violation (FJV), and reduction of neurological injury. Our meta-analysis offered a thorough evaluation of the efficacy and safety of RA-CBT in spinal surgery. The findings revealed that RA-CBT produced statistically significant results in terms of pedicle screw position accuracy and superior facet joint violation prevention. In terms of surgical parameters and clinical indexes, future research and clinical practice should investigate the efficacy of RA-CBT further. The study was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023466280).

Effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robot-assisted (RA) technology has been widely used in spine surgery. This analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of RA minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and fluoroscopy-assisted (FA) MIS-TLIF for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases (DLSD). PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched, and the outcomes included surgical parameters [operation time, blood loss, number of fluoroscopic, accuracy of pedicle screw position, superior facet joint violation (FJV)], and clinical indexes (Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, clinical efficacy, hospital stays, complications). Eleven articles involving 1066 patients were included. RA group produced better results than the FA group in operation time (WMD = - 6.59; 95% CI - 12.79 to - 0.40; P = 0.04), blood loss (WMD = - 34.81; 95% CI - 50.55 to - 19.08; P < 0.0001), number of fluoroscopic (WMD = - 18.24; 95% CI - 30.63 to - 5.85; P = 0.004), accuracy of pedicle screw position: Grade A (OR = 3.16; 95% CI 2.36-4.23; P < 0.00001), Grade B (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.28-0.54; P < 0.00001), Grade C (OR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.13-0.54; P = 0.0002), and Grade D (OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.03-0.98; P = 0.05), FJV: Grade 0 (OR = 3.27; 95% CI 1.34-8.02; P = 0.010), Grade 1 (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.16-0.38; P < 0.00001), Grade 2 (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.12-0.51; P = 0.0002), and Grade 3 (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.93; P = 0.04). But no significant differences in VAS score, ODI, JOA score, clinical efficacy, hospital stays, and complications. These results demonstrate a significant improvement in the intraoperative course of the RA technique. However, RA-MIS-TLIF has not yet demonstrated significant advantages in terms of postoperative symptom relief and functional improvement. Future research and clinical practice should further explore the efficacy of this technique to optimize outcomes and quality of life for patients with DLSD. The study was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023454405).

Efficacy and safety of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-assisted PKP or PVP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA), which includes percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). Robot-assisted (RA) and fluoroscopy-assisted (FA) are important methods for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), though it is still unclear which is superior. This analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RA and FA. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched, the outcomes included surgical parameters (leakage rate, operation time, number of fluoroscopic, injection volume, inclination angle), and clinical indexes (hospital stays, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Cobb angle, the midline height of vertebral). Thirteen articles involving 1094 patients were included. RA group produced better results than the FA group in the leakage rate (OR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.17-0.42; P < 0.00001), number of fluoroscopic (WMD = - 13.88; 95% CI - 18.47 to - 9.30; P < 0.00001), inclination angle (WMD = 5.02; 95% CI 4.42-5.61; P < 0.00001), hospital stays (WMD = - 0.32; 95% CI - 0.58 to - 0.05; P = 0.02), VAS within 3 days (WMD = - 0.19; 95% CI - 0.26 to - 0.12; P < 0.00001), Cobb angle within 3 days (WMD = - 1.35; 95% CI - 2.56 to - 0.14; P = 0.003) and Cobb angle after 1 month (WMD = - 1.02; 95% CI - 1.84 to - 0.20; P = 0.01). But no significant differences in operation time, injection volume, ODI, the midline height of vertebral, and VAS score after 1 month. Our analysis found that the RA group had lower cement leakage rates, number of fluoroscopic and hospital stays, a larger inclination angle, better short-term pain improvement, and Cobb angle improvement. It is worth acknowledging that robotic-assisted surgery holds promise for the development of spine surgery. The study was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023393497).

Massive hemothorax secondary to internal jugular vein central venous catheter placement in a patient undergoing spinal surgery complicated by chest trauma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is a common procedure for spinal surgery and is relatively safe under ultrasound guidance. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 56-year-old female who underwent ultrasound-guided placement of an internal jugular vein CVC for fluid replacement during spinal surgery for thoracic vertebral burst compression fracture and multiple rib fractures as a result of a high-altitude fall injury. Hemothorax developed intraoperatively. During a thoracotomy, the tip of the CVC was found within the chest cavity. The presence of chest trauma may impact on clinician's appreciation of the potential complications of internal jugular vein CVC placement. CONCLUSION: The present case demonstrates the need for clinical awareness of the potential complications of CVC placement in patients with chest trauma and the need for adequate training in this technique.

Diversity of Trichoderma species associated with soil in the Zoige alpine wetland of Southwest China.

The ecology of soil fungi is poorly understood, and recent comprehensive reports on Trichoderma are unavailable for any region, including the Zoige alpine wetland ecological region in China. One hundred soil samples were collected from different soil types and soil layers in Zoige alpine wetland ecological regions. Using the traditional suspension plating method, 80 Trichoderma strains were chosen to analyze species diversity. After a preliminary classification of morphological characteristics and the genes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), 57 representative strains were selected and eventually identified as seven species via phylogenetic analyses of multilocus sequences based on the genes transcription elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1), encoding RNA polymerase II subunit B (rpb2) and ATP citrate lyase (acl1). Among them, T. harzianum was the dominant species isolated from five soil layers and four soil types, and had the highest isolation frequency (23%) in this zone, while T. polysporum and T. pyramidale were rare species, with isolation frequencies of less than 1%. Our detailed morphological observation and molecular phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of Trichoderma zoigense was described for the first time as a new species, while T. atrobrunneum as a new record for China was found. Our results will be used as a reference for a greater understanding of soil microbial resources, ecological rehabilitation and reconstructions in the Zoige alpine wetland.

Is Tranexamic Acid Beneficial in Open Spine Surgery? and its Effects Vary by Dosage, Age, Sites, and Locations: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The role of tranexamic acid (TXA) in controlling blood loss during spine surgery remains unclear. With the publication of new randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of TXA in spine surgery. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies through 2022. Only RCTs were eligible for this study. The extracted data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs including 1497 patients undergoing spine surgery were included in this systematic evaluation. Compared with the control group, TXA significantly reduced total blood loss (mean difference [MD] = - 218.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 309.77 to - 128.14, P < 0.00001), perioperative blood loss (MD = - 90.54, 95% CI = - 139.33 to - 41.75, P = 0.0003), postoperative drainage (MD = - 102.60, 95% CI = - 139.51 to - 65.70, P < 0.00001)，reduced hospital stay (MD = - 1.42, 95% CI = - 2.71 to - 0.14, P = 0.03), reduced total blood transfusion volume (MD = - 551.06, 95% CI = - 755.90 to - 346.22, P < 0.00001), and international normalized ratio (MD = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.04 to -0.02, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the meta-analysis of 20 RCTs, we demonstrated that TXA reduces blood loss in open spine surgery, decreases transfusion rates, and shortens hospital stays. The TXA administration during the perioperative period does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.

Study on painless gastroscopy and POCD of smoking patients under general anesthesia.

The number of smoking patients receiving anesthesia and surgical treatment is increasing day by day. It will be useful for medical advancement to explore whether smoking is an independent risk factor for postoperative cognitive impairment. A double-blind, parallel, and controlled study was conducted on 112 patients who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in this study and planned to undergo painless gastroscopy under general anesthesia. The baseline mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores and basic information were collected. The changes in the MMSE scores after waking up and 3 days after anesthesia were observed, and the adverse events (respiratory adverse reactions, circulatory fluctuations, and adverse reactions, drug use, etc.) were analyzed by logistic regression. The baseline level of each group is consistent, which is worth studying. The MMSE score of the smoking group after anesthesia was significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups 3 days after anesthesia. Among them, the differences in adverse events between the two groups were in terms of hiccup, postoperative cough, and SpO2 < 90% (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicates that smoking after anesthesia leads to the occurrence of postoperative cough. Smoking is probably an independent risk factor for post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in early postoperative patients.

Predictive risk factors for recollapse of cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most common complications of osteoporosis, osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) increases the risk of disability and mortality in elderly patients. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is considered to be an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for OVCFs. The recollapse of cemented vertebrae is one of the serious complications of PVP. However, the risk factors associated with recollapse after PVP remain controversial. AIM: To identify risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in patients with OVCFs. METHODS: A systematic search in EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed was conducted for relevant studies from inception until March 2020. Studies investigating risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP without additional trauma were selected for analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed by both the chi-squared test and the I-squared test. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of nine case-control studies were included in our meta-analysis comprising 300 cases and 2674 controls. The significant risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in OVCF patients were fractures located at the thoracolumbar junction (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.30 to 3.38; P = 0.002), preoperative intravertebral cleft (OR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.93 to 4.57; P < 0.00001), and solid lump distribution pattern of the cement (OR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.91 to 5.07; P < 0.00001). The analysis did not support that age, gender, lumbar bone mineral density, preoperative visual analogue scale score, injected cement volume, intradiscal cement leakage, or vertebral height restoration could increase the risk for cemented vertebra recollapse after PVP in OVCFs. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that thoracolumbar junction fractures, preoperative intravertebral cleft, and solid lump cement distribution pattern are associated with the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in OVCF patients.

Activation of TREM-1 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress through IRE-1α/XBP-1s pathway in murine macrophages.

Increasing evidence suggests that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in many diseases, including acute lung injury (ALI). We have reported that blocking triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) protects against ALI by suppressing pulmonary inflammation in mice with ALI induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the TREM-1-induced pro-inflammatory microenvironment in macrophages remains unclearly. Herein, we aimed to determine whether TREM-1 regulates the inflammatory responses induced by LPS associated with ER stress activation. We found that the activation of TREM-1 by a monoclonal agonist antibody (anti-TREM-1) increased the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in primary macrophages. Treatment of the anti-TREM-1 antibody increased the expression of ER stress markers (ATF6, PERK, IRE-1α, and XBP-1s) in primary macrophages. While pretreatment with 4-PBA, an inhibitor of ER stress, significantly inhibited the expression of ER stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced LDH release. Furthermore, inhibiting the activity of the IRE-1α/XBP-1s pathway by STF-083010 significantly mitigated the increased levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in macrophages treated by the anti-TREM-1 antibody. XBP-1 silencing attenuated pro-inflammatory microenvironment evoked by activation of TREM-1. Besides, we found that blockade of TREM-1 with LR12 ameliorated ER stress induced by LPS in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we conclude that TREM-1 activation induces ER stress through the IRE-1α/XBP-1s pathway in macrophages, contributing to the pro-inflammatory microenvironment.

Morphologic analysis of Chinese lumbar endplate by three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions for helping design lumbar disc prosthesis.

ABSTRACT: Lumbar disc prostheses have been used increasingly in recent years. The successful design of lumbar disc prostheses depends on accurate morphometric parameters. However, the morphologic dimensions of lumbar endplate area have not been investigated in Chinese population.A total of 1800 lumbar endplates were retrospectively accessed in 150 Chinese adults. Eighteen parameters of each lumbar segment were measured by three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions from T12/L1 to L5/S1. These obtained parameters were compared between genders, bilateral sides, vertebral segments, and different populations.Endplate length and width increased in general, and there was a significant decrease for length/width ratio from T12 to S1 (P = .03). The average concavity depth of the lower lumbar endplate (2.09 ±â€Š0.93 mm) was usually larger than that of the upper lumbar endplate (1.61 ±â€Š0.74 mm) (P = .02). The percentage of the most concave point of the upper and lower lumbar endplate was 50.01 ±â€Š10.76% and 56.41 ±â€Š9.93%, respectively. Anterior, medium, or posterior intervertebral endplate height was severally 10.01 ±â€Š1.98 mm, 10.46 ±â€Š2.03 mm, and 6.41 ±â€Š1.74 mm, and increased among vertebral segments (P = .01).The intervertebral endplate angle significantly increased from T12-L1 to L5-S1 (P = .01). Parameters displayed significant difference between genders. The morphometric parameters of different populations also showed differences.In conclusion, there is a morphologic discrepancy in dimensions of lumbar endplate regarding genders, vertebral segments, and different populations. It is essential to design the lumbar disc prosthesis suited for Chinese patients specially, for which the morphometric parameters in our study can be utilized.

Study on the effect of sevoflurane on the cognitive function of aged rats based on the activation of cortical microglia.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common clinical manifestation that is a severe complication characterized by decreased learning ability and deterioration of memory following anesthesia and surgery. However, the precise mechanisms of POCD are not completely understood. Rats were divided into blank control group (Con, n = 12) and sevoflurane group (Sev, n = 12). Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the ability of learning and memory in two groups of rats; immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of ion calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) in rat prefrontal cortex (PFC); Western blot analysis was applied respectively to investigate Iba-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (ARG1), inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression; The expression of iNOS, ARG1, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in sera of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that sevoflurane induced learning and memory impairment assessed by morris water maze test, anesthesia up-regulated the expression of iNOS, IL-1ß and TNF-α inflammasome in microglia, as indicated by increased activation of Iba-1 and reduced the level of ARG1 in the PFC. We conclude that the cognitive function of rats after inhaling anesthesia was likely associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia, which was triggered by sevoflurane.

Effects of modified multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain, sedation, and prognosis of gynecological patients.

Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia is one of the most common pain relief methods in  the postoperative period, but its adverse reactions remain high. This study aimed to explore the role of improved combined analgesia methods in pain, sedation, postoperative nausea, and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecological surgeries. This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study. A study population of 72 patients undergoing gynecological surgery were randomly assigned to either the TAPB + S group or the TAPB + N group. All patients in both groups underwent a transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) after induction of anesthesia. The TAPB + S group received a continuous intravenous infusion (2 ml/h) of sufentanil (1 µg/kg) plus metoclopramide (30 mg) through 100 ml elastomeric pumps postoperatively. The TAPB + N group received a continuous intravenous infusion (2 ml/h) of nalbuphine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) plus metoclopramide (30 mg) postoperatively. The main outcome measures were as follows: postoperative pain intensity, Ramsay sedation score (RSS) after surgery, PONV occurrence rate, and rescue analgesics. The RSS of the TAPB + S group was significantly higher than that of the TAPB + N group at 2, 4, and 6 h after the operation. However, the visual analog scale score of the TAPB + S group was much higher than that of the TAPB + N group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of consumption of opioids and other narcotic drugs at 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h after the operation. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to PONV and other adverse events in both groups. Taken together, our data indicate that the TAPB + N program can provide better postoperative analgesia and also reduce the use of strong opioids. The more optimized scheme of perioperative analgesia still needs to be researched further.

Research status and prospect of peri-extubation delirium.

Peri-extubation delirium is a clinical syndrome caused by multiple factors, and it is not a simple disease. It occurs within a period of time after extubation when the effect of general anesthesia is reduced. And the incidence is different in disparate populations, and it is more common in elderly patients. Current studies have shown that iatrogenic factors and patients' own factors are the main risk factors for the syndrome. Early identification of risk factors can help clinicians make early diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment begin, the more significantly the prognosis of patients can be improved. At present, the treatment of perioperative delirium is based on non-drug therapy, supplemented by drug therapy. This review will introduce in detail the risk factors, population status and prevention measures of delirium during peri-extubation, and look forward to the new research direction in the future.

How to choose a craniotomy for the intracranial foreign bodies when the airway was occupied: a case report.

Background: Intracranial foreign bodies caused by trauma are rare in clinical emergency cases. Similar reports in the past pay less attention to establish artificial ventilation for these patients for the following anesthesia and surgery. Case information: We reported a 3-year-old boy who suffered from oral penetration of the cerebellum from the skull base by a chopstick after a fall. To avoid pediatric tracheotomy, we conducted a reconstruction analysis by spiral CT scan and found a transnasal tracheal intubation pathway allowing the endotracheal tube through, successfully established artificial ventilation, and smoothly implemented the removal surgery of foreign bodies under general anesthesia. The child was cured and discharged without surgical complications or sequelae during the follow-up. Conclusion: Imaging technology plays an important role in determining airway during endotracheal intubation.

MRI tracking/detection of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation for treatment of ischemic cerebral infarction.

Background: Cerebral stroke is the second leading cause of death with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, currently it lacks effective therapies to improve the prognosis. This study was aimed to explore the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation in the recovery of brain structure and function after ischemic cerebral infarction by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: By applying internal carotid artery embolization, the ischemic cerebral infarction model in rats was established. MRI was performed to detect the imaging changes in the brain tissue after modeling, and the successful modeling was evidenced by the presence of obvious high-signal infarct areas in the brain. BMSCs were then injected into the lateral ventricles of rats, and the recovery of brain tissue and function were quantitatively evaluated by T2-weighted image (T2WI) and voxel-based morphology (VBM) after 28 days. Results: The results showed that BMSCs were cell subsets with multiple differentiation potentials. Deficits caused by Ischemic cerebral infarction were relieved by BMSCs transplantation, including increase in damaged cerebral tissue and recovery of cerebral function. In addition, the combined imaging technology of VBM and T2WI quantitatively revealed the effectiveness of BMSCs in repairing damaged brain tissue structure and function. Conclusion: Taken together, the results revealed that the transplantation of BMSCs into the lateral ventricle was beneficial to repair the structure and function of the damaged brain tissue after ischemic cerebral infarction. Moreover, the combination of VBM and T2WI technology can detect the level of brain injury in ischemic cerebral infarction dynamically and noninvasively, and evaluate the recovery of structure and function of damaged brain tissue.

The evaluation of online course of Traditional Chinese Medicine for MBBS international students during the COVID-19 epidemic period.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 epidemic period, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) course for international students of Medical Bachelor, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in Zhejiang University has shifted from traditional classroom to online environment. This study aimed to investigate MBBS international students' perception on online TCM course, and to assess the online learning efficacy. METHODS: A total of 84 MBBS international students attending course of "Basic Traditional Chinese Medicine" during 2020 academic years at Zhejiang University were enrolled in this study. A quantitative questionnaire was respectively completed before and after the TCM course using a pretest-post-test design. By means of two online learning platforms, Learning in ZJU and DingTalk, TCM course was broadcast in both live and archived format to students. RESULTS: A total of 48 participants completed both baseline and follow-up questionnaires. The majority of participants preferred face-to-face classroom learning (26, 54.17% of total) when compared with online learning. Students felt that the course had brought in much benefits (mean 3.88, SD 0.87), and they were satisfied with the course content (mean 3.83, SD 0.95). Students' TCM related knowledge and their behaviors of discussion and consulting were significantly improved by online TCM course (all P < 0.001). Students' awareness of the necessity of TCM education and their feeling of difficulty in learning TCM were significantly strengthened (P = 0.042, 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: Online learning is a good alternative for TCM course of MBBS international students when classroom learning is suspended, whereas it cannot replace the need for onsite and face-to-face learning.

MiR-410-3p overexpression ameliorates neurological deficits in rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is major cause of neonatal death or long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities, which becomes a major practical problem currently in clinic. Whereas, its pathophysiology and underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. MicroRNAs are involved in the normal growth and development of neuronal cells. Herein, the objective of this research was to examine the roles of miR-410-3p in neurological deficits, neuronal injury and neuron apoptosis after hypoxic-ischemic and to explore its associated mechanisms. We established the hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Zea-longa score and TTC staining were used to detect the acute cerebral dysfunction after HIBD. QPCR verification exhibited notable downregulation of miR-410-3p expression at 24 h in rats after HIBD as well as that in PC12, SY5Y cells and primary cortical neurons post OGD. To further determine the function of miR-410-3p, lentivirus-mediated overexpression virus was applied in vivo and in vitro. Behavioral tests, including Morris water maze, open field test, Y maze test, neurological severity score and rotating rod test, were performed to evaluate long-term behavioral changes of rats at 1 month post HIBD. The results showed that the number of cells together with the axonal length were reduced post OGD. While the increase of cells number and the axonal length was measured after upregulating miR-410-3p. Meanwhile, miR-410-3p overexpression inhibited neuron apoptosis and enhanced neuronal survival. In addition, long-term motor and cognitive functions were remarkably recovered in HIBD rats with miR-410-3p overexpression. Together, miR-410-3p exerts a critical role in protecting neuronal growth as well as promoting motor and cognitive function recovery in neonatal rats subjected to HIBD. The current study therefore provides critical insights to develop the activator of miR-410-3p for the clinical treatment of HIBD in future clinic trial.

Decoding epigenetic codes: new frontiers in exploring recovery from spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury that results in severe neurological disability is often incurable. The poor clinical outcome of spinal cord injury is mainly caused by the failure to reconstruct the injured neural circuits. Several intrinsic and extrinsic determinants contribute to this inability to reconnect. Epigenetic regulation acts as the driving force for multiple pathological and physiological processes in the central nervous system by modulating the expression of certain critical genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that post-SCI alteration of epigenetic landmarks is strongly associated with axon regeneration, glial activation and neurogenesis. These findings not only establish a theoretical foundation for further exploration of spinal cord injury, but also provide new avenues for the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury. This review focuses on the epigenetic regulation in axon regeneration and secondary spinal cord injury. Together, these discoveries are a selection of epigenetic-based prognosis biomarkers and attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of spinal cord injury.