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Author(s): Dayeon Jung [1]; Dong Y. Oh [1]; Eun J. Park [1]; Kwang J. Kim [1]; Kwang H. Kim [1] Sir, IL-17 is a key driver of psoriasis pathogenesis, and [...]

OBJECTIVES: Adipocyte fate determination is tightly regulated by extrinsic signaling pathways and intrinsic metabolic and morphologic changes that maintain adipose tissue function. Copper (Cu) homeostasis is required for the normal metabolism of mature adipocytes, whereas the role of Cu in adipogenesis is unclear. METHODS: To determine the role of Cu is adipocytes differentiation, we used 3T3-L1 adipocytes, immunocytochemistry, X-ray fluorescence, mass-spectrometry, pharmacological treatments, and manipulations of copper levels. RESULTS: In differentiating 3T3-L1 cells, adipogenic stimuli trigger the upregulation and trafficking of the Cu transporter Atp7a, thus causing Cu redistribution from the cytosol to vesicles. Disrupting Cu homeostasis by the deletion of Atp7a results in Cu elevation and inhibition of adipogenesis. The upregulation of C/EBPβ, an initial step of adipogenesis, is not affected in Atp7a-/- cells, whereas the subsequent upregulation of PPARγ is inhibited. Comparison of changes in the Atp7a-/- and wild type cells proteomes during early adipogenesis revealed stabilization of β-catenin, a negative regulator of adipogenesis. Cu chelation, or overexpression of the Cu transporter ATP7B in Atp7a-/- cells, restored β-catenin down-regulation and intracellular targeting. CONCLUSIONS: Cu buffering during early adipogenesis contributes to termination of β-catenin signaling. Abnormal upregulation of β-catenin was also observed in vivo in the livers of Atp7b-/- mice, which accumulate Cu, suggesting a tissue-independent crosstalk between Cu homeostasis and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results point to a new regulatory role of Cu in adipocytes and contribute to better understanding of human disorders of Cu misbalance.

Ding Yang,1 Rulan Bai,1 Chengzhong Li,2 Yan Sun,2 Hongyu Jing,1 Zixu Wang,1 Yaoxing Chen,1 Yulan Dong1 1College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yulan Dong, Email ylbcdong@cau.edu.cnBackground: The early childhood period is a critical development stage, and experiencing stress during this time may increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Neonatal maternal separation (NMS) in rodent models has been shown to cause bowel dysfunctions similar to IBS, and 5-HT is considered to be a key regulator regulating intestinal function, but the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Results: We established a maternal separation stress mouse model to simulate early-life stress, exploring the expression patterns of 5-HT under chronic stress and its mechanisms affecting gut function. We observed a significant increase in 5-HT expression due to NMS, leading to disruptions in intestinal structure and function. However, inhibiting 5-HT reversed these effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, our research revealed that excess 5-HT in mice with early life stress increased intestinal neural network density and promoted excitatory motor neuron expression. Mechanistically, 5-HT activated the Wnt signaling pathway through the 5-HT4 receptor, promoting neurogenesis within the intestinal nervous system.Conclusion: These findings shed light on the intricate changes induced by early life stress in the intestines, confirming the regulatory role of 5-HT in the enteric nervous system and providing potential insights for the development of novel therapies for gastrointestinal disorders.Keywords: 5-HT, IBS, early-life stress, neurogenesis

Shiyong Xiao,1,* Yongqi Dong,2,* Yuan Xia,3 Hongyan Xu,4 Falin Weng,5 Guohong Liang,6 Qianzhang Yi,7 Chengming Ai8 1Department of Clinical Nutrition, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 404700, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gastroenterology, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Geriatric Medicine, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Oncology, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Radiology, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Physical Examination Center, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Chengming Ai, Department of Physical Examination Center, Wushan County People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Wushan County, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Email 790298077@qq.comBackground: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) and their impact on personal and social health. Effective management of NCD is essential for their prevention and treatment. This study aims to utilize bibliometric methods to analyze and summarize the current development and emerging trends in NCD management.Methods: A literature search and screening were conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection database from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023. VOSviewer and Citespace software was performed to examine publication volume, authors, institutions, countries, journals, citation frequencies, keywords, clustering, and burst terms, and to create a visual map.Results: A total of 996 valid publications from 464 journals were included in the study. The number of publications exhibited a gradual growth trend over the years. The United States was the most productive and influential country, contributing the highest proportion of both publications and total citations. BMC Health Services Research, Toronto University, and Marshall, Bruce C. were identified as the most productive journal, institution, and author, respectively. Further analysis of keyword co-occurrence and burst detection revealed that the most prevalent keywords were “improving primary care” and “integrated care”.Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and trends in NCD management over the past two decades, providing valuable insights for future research directions. It indicates a potential shift towards enhancing primary healthy care, integrated care, and digital health.Keywords: non-communicable diseases, bibliometric analysis, management, primary health care, integrated care, digital health

Purpose – This paper aims to argue that important elements in the capital budgeting process are either undervalued or not considered and are a significant reason for both low and slow growth in large firms. Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset in conjunction with a portfolio approach based on different types of innovation to allow for growth projects to enter the process and be evaluated for possible selection are outlined as an alternative to strengthen the capital budgeting process. Design/methodology/approach – Concepts and processes drawn from the finance, economics and entrepreneurship literature are used to form a proposed new approach to the capital budgeting process. Findings – Only a handful of large firms even achieve returns more than their cost of capital. This manuscript argues that the reason for the lack of growth is a function of a capital budgeting process that does not allow the full spectrum of risk projects because of behavioral factors. This manuscript further proposes a portfolio approach that would allow for all projects to be fairly considered and aligned with stakeholder interests. Originality/value – The current literature tends to focus on the financial evaluative aspect of the capital budgeting process. The void in the literature is with other aspects of the capital budgeting process both in terms of currency and in pursuing alternative explanations for the reasons the full risk spectrum of projects is not considered.

Tiansu Lv,1,2,* Jie Tian,1,3,* Yaohuan Sun,1,3 Yujuan Zhang,1,2 Fang Qi,1,2 Liulan Xiang,1,2 Yutian Cao,1,2 Wenhui Zhang,1,2 Jiaxuan Huai,1,2 Yinfeng Dong,4 Xiqiao Zhou1,2 1Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiqiao Zhou; Yinfeng Dong, Email zhouxiqiao@njucm.edu.cn; dongyf@njucm.edu.cnBackground: Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) poses a significant threat to human health, as it can result in hepatic fibrosis and potentially progress to cirrhosis, in addition to causing a range of extrahepatic complications. The early detection of MAFLD is crucial, particularly during the initial stages when the condition may be amenable to reversal and the body composition could be vital importance.Methods: Data from participants at the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were collected and subsequently randomized into training and validation cohorts. Independent risk factors for MAFLD were identified using statistical methodologies in conjunction with clinical relevance, and these factors were ultimately utilized to develop the nomogram.Results: In the training cohort, there were 356 cases of MAFLD out of a total of 513 patients, representing 71.2%, while in the validation cohort, 161 cases of MAFLD were identified out of 220 patients, accounting for 73.2%. In terms of statistical outcomes and clinical relevance, we identified a total of 12 closely related or significant variables. To enhance our understanding of the critical role of body composition parameters in predicting the incidence of MAFLD, we developed two distinct nomograms, one of which included body composition data. Notably, the nomogram that incorporated body composition demonstrated superior predictive performance, as evidenced by a well-fitted calibration curve and a C-index of 0.893 (with a range of 0.8625 to 0.9242). Furthermore, the decision curve analysis indicated that utilizing the nomogram that included body composition would yield greater benefits.Conclusion: The nomogram serves as an effective tool for predicting MAFLD. Its utility in early risk identification of MAFLD is of significant importance, as it facilitates timely intervention and treatment for patients affected by this condition.Keywords: Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Body Composition, Nomogram

Xuan Li,1,2,* Qiong Xiang,1,2,* Haixin Cen,1,2 Zhaolin Zhai,1– 3 Tianhao Gao,1– 3 Chang Lu,1– 3 Yuke Dong,1– 3 Yujian Ye,1,2 Chenxi Zhang,4 Kaiming Zhuo,1,2 Yan Wang,5 Dengtang Liu1– 3,6,7,* 1Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Center for Psychotic Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Psychiatry, Feng Xian Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 6Institute of Mental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 7Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Dengtang Liu, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, Email liudengtang@smhc.org.cn Yan Wang, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, Email wangyan@psy.ecnu.edu.cnObjective: The objective of our study was to evaluate whether intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS) applied to the regions with the strongest cortico-hippocampal connectivity within the lateral parietal cortical (LPC) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortical (DLPFC) areas in individuals with schizophrenia could enhance associative memory.Methods: We randomized 96 participants with schizophrenia to receive either active iTBS applied to the right DLPFC, left LPC or sham iTBS for 20 days. Clinical and cognitive assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. The primary outcome was change in associative memory. The secondary outcome was change in other cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms.Results: In comparison to the sham group, iTBS targeting the right DLPFC or left LPC in schizophrenia did not yield significant improvements in auditory-auditory associative memory (F=1.27, p=0.294), auditory-visual associative memory (F=0.49, p=0.617), or visual-visual associative memory (F=1.094, p=0.347). Furthermore, after adjusting for variables such as education, disease duration, and negative symptoms, no significant changes were observed in any of these three memory domains.Conclusion: Although our study suggests that iTBS applied to the cortical-hippocampal did not lead to a significant change in associative memory. However, further investigation combining hippocampal-targeted iTBS with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is warranted to elucidate the regulatory effects of iTBS on hippocampal function.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03608462.Keywords: theta burst stimulation, associative memory, schizophrenia, cortical-hippocampal network

Chi Zhou,1,&ast; Xu Li,1,&ast; Wenli Shen,2 Qunfang Huang,1 Xiaoling Lin,1 Gaofeng Zhang,3 Yin Dong3,4 1Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Health Development, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 3The People’s Hospital of Yuhuan, Taizhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 4Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yin Dong, The People’s Hospital of Yuhuan, No. 18 Changle Road, Yucheng Street, Yuhuan, Taizhou, 317600, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18957678008, Email 9597082@qq.comBackground: The responsiveness of community health centers can reflect the soft capacity of medical institutions and is related to the improvement of health outcome indicators. This study is aimed at assessing the level and distribution of community health centers’ responsiveness and its associated factors among outpatients under the health-oriented integrated healthcare system in China.Methods: A total of 634 outpatients were recruited from six community health centers in Zhejiang Province, China, in July 2022. SPSS software was used to conduct the analysis (version 23.0). Health system responsiveness was used as a measure of outpatient responsiveness to health care services through a self-administered questionnaire. Determinants of community health centers’ responsiveness were determined by using a multiple linear regression model at a p-value < 0.05.Results: The total score of community health centers responsiveness was 8.25± 1.01, and the Gini coefficient is 0.027. Within these domains, social support and dignity received the highest scores, while choice of providers and autonomy scored the lowest. Age group between 60– 74 years (β: 0.129; 95% CI: 0.042– 0.529), ≥ 75 years (β: 0.095; 95% CI: 0.006– 0.707), monthly income with 8000 RMB and above (β: 0.098; 95% CI: 0.035– 0.653), having a family doctor (β: 0.124; 95% CI: 0.096– 0.410), and satisficing with community health service (β: 0.298; 95% CI: 0.848– 1.428) were significant predictors of community health centers’ responsiveness.Conclusion: The Chinese community health centers show high responsiveness, indicating that the construction of a health-oriented integrated healthcare system has been effective. The family doctor contract service is important and should continually enhance both technical proficiency and health promotion capabilities. Encourage residents to actively participate in their treatment process is also essential.Keywords: responsiveness, community health center, outpatient

Qian Liu,1,&ast; Jun Zhang,2,&ast; Mingqin Wei,1 Xue Zhou,3 Hao Sun,4 Youhong Dong,1 Dongdong Zhang1 1Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Oncology, Baokang County People’s Hospital, Xiangyang, 441000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Youhong Dong, Dongdong Zhang, Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 15, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8615072278600, Email dongyouhong2005@163.com; zhangdongdong@whu.edu.cnBackground: Pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma (PSCC), a highly malignant tumor, often exhibits cell pleomorphism, a histopathological characteristic. Owing to its extremely low incidence, atypical imaging and clinical presentations, and insufficient awareness among clinicians, PSCC is often misdiagnosed, which results in delays in treatment. Herein, we reported a rare case of PSCC that was initially misdiagnosed as granulomatous inflammation.Case Presentation: A 66-year-old male visited a local hospital with symptoms such as cough and hemoptysis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed a mass in his right lung, and no mediastinal lymphadenopathy was observed. Bronchoscopy showed no major abnormalities, and the results of fine needle aspiration biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation. Even though the patient received anti-infection treatment, his symptoms did not improve markedly. After two months, a follow-up CT scan of the lung showed a noticeably enlarged mass accompanied by multiple instances of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the upper lobe of the right lung. Consequently, he underwent a second CT-guided lung biopsy at our hospital. The pathology report indicated PSCC. Due to financial constraints, genetic testing was not performed. Given his poor overall physical condition, the patient was unable to undergo systemic chemotherapy and instead received palliative radiotherapy. The prescribed radiotherapy dose for the right upper lobe lung cancer and multiple metastatic lymph nodes was 60 Gy, administered in 30 fractions. Unfortunately, he failed to adhere to scheduled follow-ups and succumbed to the disease 6 months later, as confirmed during a telephone follow-up.Conclusion: PSCC is a rare but highly malignant lung cancer. Multiple pathological biopsies are necessary to accurately and promptly diagnose the disease, which is crucial for early treatment intervention as well as improving patient prognosis.Keywords: pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma, granulomatous inflammation, radiotherapy, multiple pathological biopsies

Lei Gao,1,2,&ast; Yidi Xu,1,2,&ast; Xixue Zhang,1,2 Zhaoshun Jiang,1,2 Jiajun Wu,1,2 Yanjun Dong,1,2 Ming Li,3 Liang Jin,3 Jianjian Qiu,4 Lijue You,5 Chunhui Qin,6 Weidong Gu1,2 1Department of Anaesthesiology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Huadong Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Huadong Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Computer Center, Huadong Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Pain Management, Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weidong Gu, Email hdmz0800@163.comBackground: Performing spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients with ligament calcification or hyperostosis is challenging for novice practitioners. This pilot study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mixed reality-assisted spinal puncture (MRasp) with that of landmark-guided spinal puncture (LGsp) by novice practitioners in elderly patients.Methods: In this pilot study, 36 patients (aged ≥ 65 years) scheduled for elective surgery under spinal anaesthesia by anaesthesiology residents were included. Patients were randomly assigned to the MRasp group (n = 18) or the LGsp group (n = 18). The outcomes included the number of needle insertion attempts, redirection attempts, passes, the rate of successful first-attempt needle insertion, the rate of successful first needle pass, the spinal puncture time, the total procedure time, and the incidence of perioperative complications.Results: The median number of needle insertion attempts was significantly fewer in the MRasp group than in the LGsp group (1.0 vs 2.0, P = 0.023). The proportion of patients with successful first-attempt needle insertion was 72.2% in the MRasp group and 44.4% in the LGsp group (P = 0.176). The incidence of perioperative complications did not significantly differ between the two groups.Conclusion: This pilot study found that novice practitioners made significantly fewer needle insertion attempts in the MRasp group compared to the LGsp group when performing spinal anaesthesia on elderly patients. A future randomized controlled trial (RCT) is warranted to validate its effectiveness.Trial Registration: This trial was registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=178960 (ChiCTR-IPR-2300068520). Public title: Mixed reality-assisted versus landmark-guided spinal puncture in elderly patients: a randomized controlled pilot study. Principal investigator: Lei Gao. The registration date was February 22, 2023. The date of the first participant enrolment was February 27, 2023.Plain Language Summary: We developed virtual spine-presenting technology and patented optimal trajectory design technology to assist in spinal puncture and reported that the median number of needle insertion attempts was significantly fewer in the mixed reality-assisted spinal puncture group than in the landmark-guided spinal puncture group.Keywords: augmented reality, computer simulation, mixed reality, spinal puncture

Fangfang Du,1,&ast; Yujing Dong,2,&ast; Tian Tian,1 Weili Li,1 Feifei Wan,1 Suling Shi3 1Department of Nursing, Henan Vocational College of Tuina, Luoyang City, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Shool of Nursing,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nursing, the First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Fangfang Du, Department of Nursing, Henan Vocational College of Tuina, No. 10 Xuefu Street, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, 471023, People’s Republic of China, Email dufangfang8119@163.comBackground: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is effectively managed through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), yet poor adherence often undermines its efficacy. Given square dancing’s popularity among middle-aged women, its integration with PFMT could potentially increase patient compliance. This study aims to investigate the impact of a hybrid program combining square dance and PFMT on SUI symptoms, quality of life, and treatment adherence in this demographic.Methods: Seventy-seven female participants from Luoyang were randomly allocated to an intervention group undergoing a 12-week program combining square dancing with PFMT, and two control groups receiving standard health advice or square dancing alone. Outcomes were assessed using subjective urinary incontinence rating, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), and a PFMT diary for compliance. Satisfaction was scored on a 10-point scale.Results: Participants (mean age: 53.35± 5.11 years) did not differ significantly at baseline. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SUI symptoms and quality of life compared to both control groups (P < 0.05), with higher compliance (96.54% vs 54.82% in control I) and satisfaction (8.86± 0.85).Conclusion: Combining PFMT with square dancing significantly improved SUI symptoms, quality of life, and adherence among middle-aged women. Notably, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions during the 12-week intervention period, the communal and enjoyable nature of square dancing likely contributed to enhanced motivation and satisfaction. Keywords: stress urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training, compliance, square dance, women, quality of life

Kun Li,1 Ahmad Alhaskawi,2 Haiyin Zhou,2 Yanzhao Dong,2 QingFang Zhao,3 Chenxi Wang,4 Hui Lu2 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 4Medical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Kun Li, Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79, Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China, Email Likicu@zju.edu.cn Hui Lu, Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China, Email HuiLu@zju.edu.cnObjective: This retrospective study examines risk factors and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics associated with acquired weakness in critically ill patients and assesses their impact on patient prognosis.Methods: Ninety-seven critically ill patients, ventilated for over 48 hours, were included. Patient data, encompassing general condition, medical history, Medical Research Council (MRC) scores, serum markers (c-reactive protein, calcitonin gene, albumin, brain natriuretic peptide, urea nitrogen, creatinine), EMG characteristics, respiratory treatment modalities, and parameters, were recorded. Mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay duration, hospitalization duration, and patient prognosis were documented. Based on MRC scores, patients were categorized into the ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) group (MRC < 48 points) and the non-ICU-AW group (MRC ≥ 48 points).Results: The study comprised 47 ICU-AW and 50 non-ICU-AW patients. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in age, MRC scores, albumin levels, c-reactive protein, calcitonin gene, brain natriuretic peptide, urea nitrogen, creatinine, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay duration, and hospitalization duration between groups. In the ICU-AW group, nerve conduction examinations revealed slow conduction velocity, reduced wave amplitude, and in severe cases, a complete loss of motor and sensory potentials. Multivariate logistic analysis identified low serum albumin levels and MRC scores as potential ICU-AW risk factors.Conclusion: This study suggests that low serum albumin levels and MRC scores may contribute to ICU-AW risk. The ICU-AW group exhibited varied peripheral nerve damage and slow conduction velocities on EMG. Additionally, severe systemic inflammatory responses, renal function, brain natriuretic peptide levels, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and peripheral nerve damage may be associated with ICU-AW. Follow-up studies are essential for further understanding these complex interactions.Keywords: ICU-acquired weakness, risk factor, critical care, therapy, respiratory failure, electromyography

Jingjing Wang,1 Yirui Dong,1 Xuewei Zheng,1 Haodi Ma,1 Mengjiao Huang,1 Dongliao Fu,1 Jiangbo Liu,2 Qinan Yin1,3 1School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, People’s Republic of China; 3Henan Engineering Research Center of Digital Pathology and Artificial Intelligence Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qinan Yin, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, No. 263 Kaiyuan Avenue, Luoyang, People’s Republic of China, 471003, Email qinanyin@haust.edu.cn Jiangbo Liu, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Guanlin Avenue, Luoyang, 471031, People’s Republic of China, Email jiangboliuxing@163.comAbstract: Innate immunity is the first line of defense in the human body, and it plays an important role in defending against viral infection. Viruses are identified by different pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) or transmembrane protein 173 (STING), which trigger multiple signaling cascades that cause nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) to produce inflammatory factors and interferons (IFNs). PRRs play a pivotal role as the first step in pathogen induction of interferon production. Interferon elicits antiviral activity by inducing the transcription of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) via the janus kinase (JAK) – signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. An increasing number of studies have shown that environmental, pathogen and host factors regulate the IFN signaling pathway. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of host factor modulation in IFN production via pattern recognition receptors. These regulatory mechanisms maintain interferon levels in a normal state and clear viruses without inducing autoimmune disease.Keywords: pattern recognition receptors, interferon-signaling pathway, host factors

This comment on an article that appeared in this journal (H. Lv, J. Dong, Y. Qiu, Y. Yang and Y. Zhu, Lab Chip, 2020, 20, 2394-2402) highlights some important inconsistencies between the authors' experimental measurements and their numerical simulations.

Yu Dong, Aiping Wang The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Aiping Wang, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China, 110001, Email jianghaoran88@hotmail.comBackground: The incidence of visual impairment(VI) in older people is gradually increasing. This review aimed to summarise the evidence on existing health management models and strategies for older adults with VI to improve health-related and vision-related quality of life (QoL) in older people.Methods: Based on the framework of the scoping review methodology of Arksey and O’Malley (2005), a comprehensive literature search of relevant literature published between January 2010 and June 2022 in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, Sinomed and the grey literature.Results: Finally, 31 articles were included. The health management model had a multidisciplinary team low vision rehabilitation model, medical consortium two-way management model, low vision community comprehensive rehabilitation model, medical consortium-family contract service model, screening-referral-follow-up model, and three-level low vision care model. The health management strategy covers nine aspects, the combination of multi-element strategies is feasible, and network information technology has also shown positive results.Conclusion: In the future, under the Internet and hierarchical management model, we should provide demand-based personalized support to rationalize and scientifically achieve hierarchical management and improve resource utilization efficiency and eye health outcomes.Keywords: visual impairment, health management models, strategies, the elderly, scoping review

Yu Qi,1– 3,&ast; Meiyan Zhou,1– 3,&ast; Wenting Zheng,1,2,&ast; Yaqi Dong,1,2 Weihua Li,2,4 Long Wang,1,2 Haijun Xu,1,2 Miao Zhang,1,5 Dunpeng Yang,1,5 Liwei Wang,1– 3 Hai Zhou1– 3 1The Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 4College of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hai Zhou; Liwei Wang, The Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Email zhouhai339339@163.com; doctorlww@sina.comPurpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) frequently occur in patients after surgery. In this study, the authors investigated whether perioperative S-ketamine infusion could decrease the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.Patients and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study was conducted a total of 420 patients from September 2021 to May 2023 at Xuzhou Central Hospital in China, who underwent elective VATS lobectomy under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. The patients were randomly assigned to either the S-ketamine group or the control group. The S-ketamine group received a bolus injection of 0.5 mg/kg S-ketamine and an intraoperative continuous infusion of S-ketamine at a rate of 0.25 mg/kg/h. The control group received an equivalent volume of saline. All patients were equipped with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA), with a continuous infusion rate of 0.03 mg/kg/h S-ketamine in the S-ketamine group or 0.03 μg/kg/h sufentanil in the control group. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV. Secondary outcomes included perioperative opioid consumption, hemodynamics, postoperative pain, and adverse events.Results: The incidence of PONV in the S-ketamine group (9.7%) was significantly lower than in the control group (30.5%). Analysis of perioperative opioid usage revealed that remifentanil usage was 40.0% lower in the S-ketamine group compared to the control group (1414.8 μg vs 2358.2 μg), while sufentanil consumption was 75.2% lower (33.1 μg vs 133.6 μg). The S-ketamine group demonstrated better maintenance of hemodynamic stability. Additionally, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on postoperative day 1 (POD-1) and postoperative day 3 (POD-3) were significantly lower in the S-ketamine group. Finally, no statistically significant difference in other postoperative adverse reactions was observed between the two groups.Conclusion: The results of this trial indicate that perioperative S-ketamine infusion can effectively reduce the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy.Keywords: S-ketamine, postoperative nausea and vomiting, hemodynamics, non-opioid analgesic, postoperative pain, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy