Sleep deprivation negatively influences all aspects of health. Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses induced by sleep deprivation participate in its adverse effects but the regulatory mechanisms to counteract them remain poorly understood. In mice subjected to sleep deprivation for 7 days, we found activation of microglia and astrocyte accompanied by down-regulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and reduced activation of downstream PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β. These changes occurred with an increase of pro-inflammatory factors, together with reduced levels of anti-inflammatory factors, transcriptor Nrf-2, and anti-oxidant enzyme HO-1. Administration of an α7-nAChR agonist PHA-543613 induced activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β, and reversed changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, Nrf-2 and HO-1. These results suggest that stimulation of α7-nAChR reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after chronic sleep deprivation.

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Objective To investigate the positive impact of e-aid cognitive behavioural therapy on the sleep quality, anxiety, and depression of nurses on site during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Nurses on site at the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Airport Site experiencing insomnia, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 prevention and control period, from February 2020 to April 2021, were selected and divided into either an e-aid cognitive behavioural therapy (eCBT-I) group or a control group using a randomized grouping method. The eCBT-I group was given standard eCBT-I for 6 weeks; the control group did not get any intervention. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to evaluate the sleep quality of the subjects. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess the subjects’ anxiety and depression. Changes in sleep quality, anxiety and depression before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results Of 118 nurses randomized, the PSQI and ISI scores within the eCBT-I group ( n =60) were significantly lower after treatment (5.9 ± 3.9, 6.7 ± 4.5) than before treatment (10.4 ± 3.5, 12.4 ± 4.7) ( p <0.05). Compared to the scores of the control group ( n =58) (9.1 ± 3.9, 10.6 ± 4.1), the PSQI and ISI scores in the eCBT-I group (5.9 ± 3.9, 6.7 ± 4.5) were lower after treatment ( p <0.05). The GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores in the eCBT-I group were all lower after treatment (3.7±3.4, 4.2±4.1) than before treatment (6.7±4.9, 7.7±5.1) ( p <0.05). Compared with subjects in the control group (7.1±5.6, 7.3±5.1), subjects in the eCBT-I group (3.7±3.4, 4.2±4.1) had lower scores on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales after treatment ( p <0.05). Conclusion eCBT-I improved the sleep quality of frontline nurses during the COVID-19 prevention and control period and relieved anxiety and depression.

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Research QuestionThe expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) in embryonic tissues is higher than that in most cancer tissues, such as bladder cancer, indicating that RNA is a carcinoembryonic antigen. However, there are no published reports on the role of UCA1 in endometriosis (EMS). Therefore, to address this gap in knowledge, we assessed the potential role of lncRNA UCA1 in the pathogenesis and progression of EMS.DesignTo verify the expression of UCA1 in EMS, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used. RNA interference (siRNA) was used to study the biological function of UCA1 in EMS in vitro.ResultsqRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of lncRNA UCA1 in EMS was increased (P&lt;0.01). Knockdown of UCA1 in vitro significantly inhibited the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and induced autophagy and apoptosis.ConclusionUCA1 is highly expressed in EMS and promotes the proliferation of ESCs but suppresses autophagy and apoptosis. In EMS, UCA1 may be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

Objective: To assess the risk factors associated with acute gastrointestinal failure (AGF) in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Prospective, observational study was conducted in NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University. All patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine and Department of Neurosurgery from June 1, 2017 to December 1, 2018 with TBI were enrolled. Results: Overall, 199 patients were enrolled. About 62 episodes (31%) of AGF were diagnosed. In the multivariate analysis, women, severe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) classification, frontal lobe injury, abnormal serum sodium, pulmonary infection, and intracranial infection are significantly associated with developing AGF, independent of other prognostic factors. Conclusion: The AGF occurs frequently in intensive care unit patients who are suffering from TBI. In critically ill patients with TBI, women, severe GCS classification, frontal lobe injury, abnormal serum sodium, pulmonary infection, and intracranial infection are independent risk factors for AGF.

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