The Therapeutic Effects of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Combined with Cognitive Training in Elders with Alzheimer's Disease or Amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that noninvasive brain stimulation combined with cognitive interval (NIBS-CI) improved cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI). While previous interventions have demonstrated that a single targeted cognitive intervention can improve cognitive function, the outcomes of using both interventions simultaneously are less well-established. Therefore, this study aims to perform a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of NIBS-CI in treating cognitive impairment associated with AD and a-MCI, with the goal of obtaining novel insights into this combined intervention. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest and Central Cochrane library databases were searched up to December 2022. The primary cognitive outcomes were extracted from the included article. A mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval were calculated by using random-effect models. RESULTS: Twelve studies with a total of 587 AD patients were included. The findings demonstrated that NIBS-CI significantly improved cognitive function of AD patients in cognitive outcomes (SMD = -0.52, 95%CI (-0. 93, -0.11)) and ADAS-COG (MD = -1.16, 95%CI (-1.69, -0.63)). The pooled results showed that NIBS-CI did not improve cognitive function of AD patients in short-time memory (SMD = 0.057, 95%CI (-0.13, 0.25), P = 0.56) and long-time memory (SMD = 0.001, 95%CI (-0.20, 0.20), P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence for a positive effect of NIBS-CI on overall cognitive function of AD and a-MCI. Considering the limited sample size, it is important to interpret the findings related to memory with caution. To obtain more robust results, future studies should be conducted with larger sample sizes and incorporate objective neurophysiological and neuroimaging tools. These methodological enhancements will allow for a better understanding of the therapeutic targets and provide a more comprehensive assessment of the effects of NIBS-CI treatment.

[Preliminary study of a mask filtration test device with respiratory simulation].

Objective: To develop an air particulate protective mask filter test device that can simulate the dynamics process of human breathing. Methods: The new device used two air pumps working alternately to simulate the dynamics process of human breathing. On March 4th to 17th, 2017, the new device and the traditional one-way airflow mask filtration test device were used to measure the internal and external particle levels of 39 masks of 13 models of 6 brands, and then the filtration efficiency of the mask was calculated and the test results were compared. Results: For the mask without breathing valve, there was no statistically significant difference between the filter efficiency test results of the new device and the traditional unidirectional airflow filter performance test device (P>0.05) . For masks with breathing valves, the new device detected that three of them had lower filtration efficiency (99.50% vs 98.63%, P<0.01) . After sealing the mask breathing valve with glue, the filtering efficiency of the mask with a breathing valve detected by the new device significantly improved (98.63% vs 99.50%, P<0.01) . Conclusion: This new device can simulate the dynamic process of human exhalation and inhalation, and measure the filtration efficiency of the mask. For masks with breathing valves, the new device makes it easier to detect the decrease in the filtering efficiency of the mask caused by the breathing valve.

[Bioinformatics analysis of severe emphysema genome microarray based on GEO database].

Objective: To investigate differential genes (DEGs) between no/mild and severe emphysema by bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The microarray dataset GSE1650, of lung tissue in no/mild and severe emphysema, was downloaded from the GEO database, and DEGs were obtained by t test. Analysis of DEGs based on DAVID database was used to obtain gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was established using STRING database to identify hub genes. Results: A total of 76 DEGs were obtained, of which 62 genes were up-regulated and 14 genes were down-regulated in severe emphysema group. Gene ontology showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in neutrophil chemotaxis, cellular response to interleukin-1, extracellular matrix organization, immune response, and KEGG pathway involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, platelet activation. Seventeen hub genes were recognized by PPI analysis, including CXCL8, RRAD, CLU, TIMP1, SEPP1, ISLR, BGN, COL1A1, COLIA2, ACTA2, ACTN1, FIGF, TPM1, TPM2, LUM, COL6A3 and TAGLN. Among them, fifteen genes (CLU, TIMP1, SEPP1, ISLR, BGN, COLIA2, COL1A1, ACTA2, ACTN1, FIGF, TPM1, TPM2, LUM, COL6A3, TAGLN) were up-regulated and two genes (CXCL8, RRAD) were down-regulated. Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis based on GEO database showed that there were DEGs between non/mild and severe emphysema patients.

[Association of plasma roundabout 4 concentration with pulmonary ventilation function decline in COPD patients].

Objective: To investigate the association of plasma roundabout 4 concentration with pulmonary ventilation function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods: To get the effective data, the study was conducted in the outpatient department of West China Hospital from September 2017 to September 2018. The subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were continuously included. Among them, the COPD group (75 cases) was from the respiratory outpatient department, and the healthy control group (57 cases) was from the health examination center at the same time. Data of basic demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, pulmonary ventilation function parameters and blood samples were collected. The concentrations of roundabout 4, C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1b and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in plasma were detected, and the differences among groups were compared, the correlation between plasma roundabout 4 and pulmonary ventilation function parameters and inflammatory factors was analyzed. The diagnostic efficiency of roundabout 4 to COPD was analyzed according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The plasma concentration of roundabout 4 in COPD group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group [(41.3±14.2) vs (27.7±13.3) ng/L; P<0.001], the sensitivity and specificity of roundabout 4 in the diagnosis of COPD were 0.827 and 0.702 respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the plasma concentration of roundabout 4 was negatively correlated with lung function parameters forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC), the first second forced expiratory volume as a percentage of the estimated value (FEV(1)%pred), forced exhalation of 50% and 25% lung capacity (MEF50, MEF25) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (r=-0.399, -0.321, -0.439, -0.363, -0.458; all P<0.001), positively correlated with CRP (adjusted r=0.311, P<0.001). Conclusion: The increased concentration of roundabout 4 in plasma leads to the decline of pulmonary ventilation function in COPD patients.

[Relationship between visual field index and visual field morphological stages of glaucoma and their diagnostic value].

Objective: To investigate the rationality of visual field morphological stages of glaucoma, its relationship with visual field index and their diagnostic value. Methods: Retrospective series case study. Two hundred and seventy-four glaucoma patients and 100 normal control received visual field examination by Humphrey perimeter using standard automatic perimetry (SAP) program from March 2014 to September 2014. Glaucoma patients were graded into four stages according to characteristic morphological damage of visual field, distribution of mean defect (MD) and visual field index (VFI) of each stage were plotted and receiver operation characteristic curve (ROC) was used to explore its correlation with MD and VFI. The diagnostic value of MD and VFI was also compared. For the comparison of general data of subjects, categorical variables were compared using χ(2) test, numerical variables were compared using F test. MD and VFI were compared using ANOVA among stages according to visual field, followed by multiple comparisons using LSD method. The correlation between MD and VFI and different stages according to visual field defined their diagnostic value, and compared using area under the curve (AUC) of ROC. Results: No characteristic visual field damage was found in normal control group, and MD and VFI was (-0.06±1.24) dB and (99.15±0.76)%, respectively. Glaucomatous visual field damage was graded into early, medium, late and end stage according to morphological characteristic. MD for each stage were (-2.83±2.00) dB, (-9.70±3.68) dB, (-18.46±2.90) dB, and (-27.96±2.76) dB, respectively. VFI for each stage were (93.84±3.61)%, (75.16±10.85)%, (49.36±11.26)% and (17.65±10.59)%, respectively. MD and VFI of each stage of glaucomatous group and normal control group were all significantly different (F=1 165.53 and P<0.01 for MD; F=1 028.04 and P<0.01 for VFI). AUC of ROC was A(MD)=0.91 and Se(MD)=0.01 (95% confident interval was 0.89-0.94) for MD, and A(VFI)=0.97, Se(VFI)=0.01 (95% confident interval was 0.94-0.10) for VFI. So, AUC(VFI)>AUC(MD) (P<0.05). Conclusions: It is feasible and rational of glaucomatous visual field damage to be graded into early, medium, late and end stage using Humphrey perimeter. Distribution of MD and VFI for each stage was relatively concentrative. Both MD and VFI were useful for grading glaucomatous visual field damage with preference for VFI. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 92-97).

Effect of miR-203 expression on myocardial fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease is one of the diseases threatening human health. Myocardial fibrosis is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that over expression of miR-203 can inhibit the fibrosis. Therefore, in this study, the effect of differential expression of miR-203 on fibrosis of cultured mouse cardiomyocytes was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Activators and inhibitors of miR-203 were designed according to the sequence of miR-203, synthesized, and transfected into mouse cardiomyocytes to establish activator group, inhibitor group, and control group. The expression levels of fibrosis-related factors including FN, CTGF, and TGF-ß1 were measured by Western blot and RT-PCR 24 h and 36 h after transfection. RESULTS: Over-expression of miR-203 in mouse cardiomyocytes significantly decreased the expression levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and FN in a time-dependent manner, compared with that in the control group (p <0.05). Inhibition of miR-203 expression in mouse cardiomyocytes significantly increased the expression levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and FN 36 h after transfection, compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen in the expression levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and FN 24 h after transfection, compared with that in the control group (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over-expression of miR-203 in mouse cardiomyocytes significantly decreased the expression levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and FN, which might be used as a detection index for prediction of fibrosis.

Statistical optimization of medium components for enhanced acetoin production from molasses and soybean meal hydrolysate.

The nutritional requirements for acetoin production by Bacillus subtilis CICC 10025 were optimized statistically in shake flask experiments using indigenous agroindustrial by-products. The medium components considered for initial screening in a Plackett-Burman design comprised a-molasses (molasses submitted to acidification pretreatment), soybean meal hydrolysate (SMH), KH(2)PO(4).3H(2)O, sodium acetate, MgSO(4).7H(2)O, FeCl(2), and MnCl(2), in which the first two were identified as significantly (at the 99% significant level) influencing acetoin production. Response surface methodology was applied to determine the mutual interactions between these two components and optimal levels for acetoin production. In flask fermentations, 37.9 g l(-1) acetoin was repeatedly achieved using the optimized concentrations of a-molasses and SMH [22.0% (v/v) and 27.8% (v/v), respectively]. a-Molasses and SMH were demonstrated to be more productive than pure sucrose and yeast extract plus peptone, respectively, in acetoin fermentation. In a 5-l fermenter, 35.4 g l(-1) of acetoin could be obtained after 56.4 h of cultivation. To our knowledge, these results, i.e., acetoin yields in flask or fermenter fermentations, were new records on acetoin fermentation by B. subtilis.

[Acute focal bacterial nephritis: report of 7 cases].

Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) is an inflammatory disease. However, The patients with AFBN were frequently misdiagnosed as renal tumors due to the imaging examination (X-ray, IVP and B ultrasound, etc) showed presenting a solid mass in the kidney. In this article, 7 cases of AFBN were reported. There were 5 males and 2 females and the mean age was 22.7 years (15-35). In the first two cases, nephrectomy was carried out due to misdiagnosis and the later five cases were all cured with antibiotics. The author considers that the diagnosis of AFBN should be relied mainly on clinical symptoms and should not be based only on imaging examination. The dynamic imaging examination, especially before and after the treatment of antibiotics, is important for the diagnosis of the diseases. According pathologic procedure and imaging figure of the disease, from the point of view of surgery, the author recommends "Renal Inflammatory Pseudotumor" as the term of the disease.