Highlights d BALF cell transcriptome indicates robust innate immune responses in COVID-19 patients d COVID-19 patients exhibit chemokine-dominant hypercytokinemia d ISGs are highly expressed in COVID-19 patients and exhibit pathogenic potential

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a member of the serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase group, is universally distributed in various cells and organs. It is a significant endogenous defensive molecule that responds to harmful stimuli, such as cerebral ischemia, cerebral hemorrhage, and, neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Cerebral ischemia, which results from insufficient blood flow or the blockage of blood vessels, is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke has received increased attention due to its '3H' effects, namely high mortality, high morbidity, and high disability. Numerous studies have revealed that activation of AMPK plays a protective role in the brain, whereas its action in ischemic stroke remains elusive and poorly understood. Based on existing evidence, we introduce the basic structure, upstream regulators, and biological roles of AMPK. Second, we analyze the relationship between AMPK and the neurovascular unit (NVU). Third, the actions of AMPK in different phases of ischemia and current therapeutic methods are discussed. Finally, we evaluate existing controversy and provide a detailed analysis, followed by ethical issues, potential directions, and further prospects of AMPK. The information complied here may aid in clinical and basic research of AMPK, which may be a potent drug candidate for ischemic stroke treatment in the future.

Study Design. Retrospective analysis. Objective. To investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in patients undergoing lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Summary of Background Data. OP is related to many complications after lumbar fusion for patients with LDD. There are sparse data on the prevalence of OP among this specific population. Moreover, LDD can falsely elevate the bone mineral density measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), leading to unreliable diagnostic results. Computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield unit (HU) values can help identify osteoporotic patients undetected by DXA. Methods. A total of 479 patients aged≥50 years undergoing lumbar fusion for LDD were reviewed. The diagnosis of OP using DXA was based on World Health Organization criterion. The criterion for OP diagnosed on CT scan was the L1-HU value≤110. Results. The prevalence of OP diagnosed on lumbar DXA, hip DXA, and both was 32.4%, 19.6%, 39.7%, respectively. The females had higher prevalence of OP diagnosed on DXA (spine and hip) than males (48.9% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001). In females but not males, the prevalence of OP significantly increased with age (females, 50–59: 28.0%, 60–69: 58.1%, ≥70: 78.8%, P < 0.001). Patients having primary diagnosis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis had the higher prevalence of OP than the rest patients (56.5% vs. 36.8%, P = 0.002). Among the 324 patients diagnosed with non-OP by lumbar DXA, the prevalence of OP diagnosed on CT scan was 25.9%, it increased with age and was also highest in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Conclusion. OP was quite common among patients aged≥50 years undergoing lumbar fusion for LDD, especially for females aged≥60 years or patients having degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Older patients or patients having degenerative lumbar scoliosis are more likely to have unreliable lumbar T-scores. Measurements of HU values can help identify more osteoporotic patients in this population. Level of Evidence: 3