Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica（CMM）. Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design， process optimization， and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms， with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion， tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years， this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties， offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM， analyzes its advantages， disadvantages， and challenges in this domain， and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies， while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.

BACKGROUND:Inter-limb asymmetry is a common phenomenon observed during human growth and development.Prolonged specialized training can lead to specific adaptations in inter-limb asymmetry among athletes.OBJECTIVE:To review the formation causes,manifestations,and impacts of inter-limb asymmetry on sports performance,and provide an overview of the relevant assessment methods and intervention strategies.METHODS:A literature search was conducted in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases from their inception to September 2024.The search terms included"asymmetry,asymmetries,asymmetric,asymmetrical,imbalance,strength,power,force,jump,sprint,athletic performance,anthropometry,injury"in English and Chinese.After excluding duplicate publications,irrelevant content,and conference papers,a total of 131 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Inter-limb asymmetry can be influenced by various factors including genetics,task demands,training regimens,injuries,fatigue,and limb preference.These factors lead to being primarily manifested in anatomical structure,strength performance,and task-specific asymmetry.(2)An increase in inter-limb asymmetry can result in impaired performance in bilateral in-phase symmetric movements.However,the relationship between increased inter-limb asymmetry and bilateral out-of-phase symmetric movements remains unclear and requires further investigation.(3)Training interventions have been shown to effectively mitigate inter-limb asymmetry,with unilateral training demonstrating superior outcomes compared with bilateral training.The choice of training methods and content should be tailored to meet the specific demands of the sport.(4)To further clarify the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and athletic performance,it is recommended that future research adopt the concept of"task specificity"in inter-limb asymmetry.This includes standardizing study designs,selecting sensitive testing methods and indicators,unifying calculation methods to provide more high-quality evidence,and establishing categorized warning threshold standards for inter-limb asymmetry in different sports.

BACKGROUND:Inter-limb asymmetry is a common phenomenon observed during human growth and development.Prolonged specialized training can lead to specific adaptations in inter-limb asymmetry among athletes.OBJECTIVE:To review the formation causes,manifestations,and impacts of inter-limb asymmetry on sports performance,and provide an overview of the relevant assessment methods and intervention strategies.METHODS:A literature search was conducted in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases from their inception to September 2024.The search terms included"asymmetry,asymmetries,asymmetric,asymmetrical,imbalance,strength,power,force,jump,sprint,athletic performance,anthropometry,injury"in English and Chinese.After excluding duplicate publications,irrelevant content,and conference papers,a total of 131 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Inter-limb asymmetry can be influenced by various factors including genetics,task demands,training regimens,injuries,fatigue,and limb preference.These factors lead to being primarily manifested in anatomical structure,strength performance,and task-specific asymmetry.(2)An increase in inter-limb asymmetry can result in impaired performance in bilateral in-phase symmetric movements.However,the relationship between increased inter-limb asymmetry and bilateral out-of-phase symmetric movements remains unclear and requires further investigation.(3)Training interventions have been shown to effectively mitigate inter-limb asymmetry,with unilateral training demonstrating superior outcomes compared with bilateral training.The choice of training methods and content should be tailored to meet the specific demands of the sport.(4)To further clarify the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and athletic performance,it is recommended that future research adopt the concept of"task specificity"in inter-limb asymmetry.This includes standardizing study designs,selecting sensitive testing methods and indicators,unifying calculation methods to provide more high-quality evidence,and establishing categorized warning threshold standards for inter-limb asymmetry in different sports.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shaoyaotang regulates the miRNA-155-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 （SOCS1）/Janus kinase 1 （JAK1）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 （STAT1） signaling pathway and thereby affects macrophage polarization. MethodsThe cell-counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay was used to detect the effect of drug-containing serum of Shaoyaotang at different concentrations on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. A cell model of inflammation was established by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide （LPS） at a concentration of 10 mg·L^-1 The modeled cells were assigned by the random number table method into seven groups： LPS-induced M1 polarization （model）， M1+miRNA-155 mimics， M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor， M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum， M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum， M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum， and M1+blank serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors ［tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）］. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of macrophage polarization markers ［inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and macrophage mannose receptor 1 （CD206）］. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miRNA-155 in cells. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of SOCS1， STAT1， and JAK1. ResultsCompared with the LPS-induced M1 polarization （model） group， the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group showed up-regulated expression of miRNA-155， JAK1， STAT1， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and iNOS （P<0.05） and down-regulated expression of CD206 （P<0.05）. In both the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group and the M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group， the expression levels of miRNA-155， JAK1， STAT1， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and iNOS were down-regulated （P<0.05）， while those of SOCS1 and CD206 were up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group， the M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155， JAK1， STAT1， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and iNOS （P<0.05） and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 （P<0.05）. Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group， the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155， JAK1， STAT1， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and iNOS （P<0.05） and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 （P<0.05）. ConclusionShaoyaotang regulates macrophage polarization by modulating miRNA-155 expression and interfering with the SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. The findings provide new experimental evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of Shaoyaotang in intervening macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ulcerative colitis （UC）. MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups： Normal control group， model group， mesalazine group （0.39 g·kg^-1）， Shaoyaotang group （15.54 g·kg^-1）， 2-deoxy-D-glucose （2-DG） group （glycolysis inhibitor， 100 mg·kg^-1）， and 2-DG + Shaoyaotang combined group （100 mg·kg^-1+15.54 g·kg^-1）. Except for the normal control group， mice in the other five groups were induced to establish UC models using dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）. The normal control group was administered pure water via intragastric gavage， while the other groups received intragastric gavage of mesalazine solution， intragastric gavage of Shaoyaotang， and the 2-DG group was treated with 2-DG via intraperitoneal injection. After 7 consecutive days of treatment， colonic tissues were extracted. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes and tissue injury in the colon. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the expression of interleukin-10 （IL-10） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in colonic tissues. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）， glucose transporter （GLUT1）， lactate dehydrogenase A （LDHA）， pyruvate kinase M2 （PKM2）， and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2，6-biphosphatase 3 （PFKFB3） in colonic tissues. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect the expression of CD206 and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） in colonic tissues. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS） was utilized to measure lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal control group， mice in the model group exhibited a significant increase in disease activity index （DAI） scores， accompanied by colonic mucosal congestion， edema， and inflammatory cell infiltration， significantly elevated expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α （P<0.05）， significantly decreased IL-10 expression （P<0.05）， significantly increased levels of HIF-1α， GLUT1， LDHA， PKM2， and PFKFB3 in colonic tissues （P<0.05）， markedly elevated iNOS expression （P<0.05）， significantly decreased CD206 expression （P<0.05）， and significantly elevated lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues （P<0.05）. In contrast to the model group， the Shaoyaotang group， inhibitor group， and Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor group demonstrated amelioration of mucosal injury in colonic tissues， markely decreased expression levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α （P<0.05）， elevated IL-10 expression levels， significantly decreased expression of HIF-1α， GLUT1， LDHA， PKM2， and PFKFB3 （P<0.05）， markedly reduced iNOS expression levels （P<0.05）， significantly increased CD206 expression （P<0.05） and significantly decreased lactate and citrate levels （P<0.05）. ConclusionShaoyaotang ameliorates symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice， and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with regulating macrophage glycolytic reprogramming via modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of microRNA-155-5p （miR-155-5p） in ulcerative colitis （UC） and study the molecular mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the treatment of UC by regulating miR-155-5p. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were selected and assigned via the random number table method into 6 groups （n=8）： A blank control group， a model group， a mesalazine （0.39 g·kg^-1） group， a Shaoyaotang （31.08 g·kg^-1） group， a Janus kinase 1 （JAK1） inhibitor （baricitinib， 10 mg·kg^-1） group， and a Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor （baricitinib 10 mg·kg^-1 + Shaoyaotang 31.08 g·kg^-1） group. After successful modeling of UC by gavage of 3% dextran sulphate sodium solution， each group received corresponding drug intervention for 7 days. Shaoyaotang and mesalazine were administered by gavage， and baricitinib by intraperitoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after the last administration， mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium， and blood was collected for determination of white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）. Mice were then sacrificed for measurement of colon length. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes and perform pathological scoring. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the relative expression of miR-155-5p in the colonic tissue， and Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK1， phosphorylated JAK1 （p-JAK1）， suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 （SOCS1）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 （STAT1）， and phosphorylated STAT1 （p-STAT1）. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the model group showed increased disease activity index （DAI） score and pathological score， shortened colon， upregulated relative expression of miR-155-5p and protein levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1， downregulated protein level of SOCS1 in the colonic tissue， prolonged time of erythrocyte sedimentation， and increased white blood cell count （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all drug-treated groups exhibited improvements in the above indicators （P<0.01）. Moreover， the Shaoyaotang group showed better therapeutic effects than the mesalazine group in regulating miR-155-5p expression， related protein levels， DAI score， and colonic pathological score （P<0.01）. ConclusionShaoyaotang may downregulate miR-155-5p to relieve its inhibition on SOCS1， thereby suppressing the excessive activation of the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and ultimately alleviating intestinal inflammatory damage.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis， as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group， a model group， a mesalazine （0.42 g·kg^-1） group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （11.1， 22.2， 44.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2，4，6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid （TNBS）. After successful modeling， rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon， and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 （IL-8）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， junction adhesion molecule-1 （JAM-1）， and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated DAI score （P<0.01）， reduced colon length and colon weight （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8， COX-2， TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01） in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group， each treatment group showed decreased DAI score （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased colon length and colon weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8， COX-2， TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01） in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the association between vitamin D levels and sleep in children and adolescents，so as to provide a reference for promoting the sleep health of children and adolescents. Methods: From October to December, 2021, 4 827 primary and middle school students aged 6-17 in Shenzhen were selected by multistage cluster random sampling method, and their demographic information, family background, lifestyle and sleep status were obtained by facetoface questionnaire survey, and their fasting venous blood in the morning was collected to detect the serum 25(OH)D level. The relationship between serum vitamin D level and sleep characteristics was analyzed by binary Logistic regression, and stratified analysis was carried out according to gender. Results: The proportion of vitamin D deficiency was 41.1%, and the proportion of sleep deficiency was 19.4%. With the increase of vitamin D level, daily sleep duration of children and adolescents tended to increase (r=0.10,P<0.01). After adjusting for covariates such as gender and age, it was found that children and adolescents with insufficient vitamin D levels were more likely to experience sleep insufficiency, social jetlag, and late sleep on weekdays, with ORs being 1.32(95%CI=1.12-1.56), 1.35(95%CI=1.19-1.54), and 1.26(95%CI=1.05-1.52)(P<0.05). Sexstratified analysis showed that, among boys, vitamin D deficiency was associated with sleep deficiency, social jetlag, and late bedtime on weekdays and weekends[OR(95%CI)=1.42(1.14-1.77),1.25(1.04-1.49),1.39(1.06-1.82),1.86(1.19-2.92),P<0.05]. In girls, however, serum vitamin D levels were only associated with social jetlag with OR being 1.47 (95%CI=1.21-1.79, P<0.05). Conclusion Vitamin D levels are associated with various sleep characteristics in children and adolescents, with this association being more pronounced among boys.

[Objective] To explore the relationship between neutrophil activation under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the incidence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). [Methods] This prospective cohort study enrolled adult patients who scheduled for cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital between May 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI). Blood samples (5 mL) were obtained from the central vein before surgery, at rewarming, at the end of CPB, and 24 hours after surgery. Neutrophils were labeled with CD11b, CD54 and other markers. To assess the effect of neutrophils activation on AKI, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to equilibrate covariates between the groups. [Results] A total of 120 patients included into the study, and 17 (14.2%) developed AKI. Both CD11b⁺ and CD54⁺ neutrophils significantly increased during the rewarming phase and the increases were kept until 24 hours after surgery. During rewarming, the numbers of CD11b⁺ neutrophils were significantly higher in AKI compared to non-AKI (4.71×10⁹/L vs 3.31×10⁹/L, Z=-2.14, P<0.05). Similarly, the CD54⁺ neutrophils counts were also significantly higher in AKI than in non-AKI before surgery (2.75×10⁹/L vs 1.79×10⁹/L, Z=-2.99, P<0.05), during rewarming (3.12×10⁹/L vs 1.62×10⁹/L, Z=-4.34, P<0.05), and at the end of CPB (4.28×10⁹/L vs 2.14×10⁹/L, Z=-3.91, P<0.05). An analysis of 32 matched patients (16 in each group) revealed that CD11b⁺ and CD54⁺ neutrophil levels of AKI were 1.74 folds (4.83×10⁹/L vs 2.77×10⁹/L, Z=-2.72, P<0.05) and 2.34 folds (3.32×10⁹/L vs 1.42×10⁹/L, Z=-4.12, P<0.05), respectively, of non-AKI at rewarming phase. [Conclusion] Neutrophils are activated during CPB, and they can be identified by CD11b/CD54 markers. The activated neutrophils of AKI patients are approximately 2 folds of non-AKI during the rewarming phase, with disparity reached peak between groups during rewarming. These findings suggest the removal of 50% of activated neutrophils during the rewarming phase may be effective to reduce the risk of AKI.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Given the substantial number of OSA patients, it is urgently in need to address the burden on society. Current available evidence linking outdoor light at night (LAN) to OSA is scarce. Objective To explore the relationships regarding outdoor LAN and OSA among residents in Southern China. Methods A total of 3925 hospitalized patients in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Sleep Center were recruited between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. The severity of OSA was determined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using polysomnography or home sleep test. The annual Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS)-like LAN data with a 500 m spatial resolution were used to evaluate outdoor LAN levels of the participants 1, 3, and 5 years before undergoing sleep monitoring. Generalized linear regression models were utilized to examine the associations of outdoor LAN with OSA. Results The ORs (95%CIs) of OSA, mild OSA, and moderate OSA were 1.175 (1.021, 1.351), 1.215 (1.038, 1.421), and 1.195 (1.003, 1.425) respectively for per interquartile range (IQR) increment in three-year average outdoor LAN. The results of stratified analyses showed a higher OR of 1.933 (95%CI: 1.424, 2.637) in female than male participants (P _interaction < 0.001). Additionally, the ORs of OSA did not substantially change using one-year/ five-year instead of three-year average outdoor LAN. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that an elevated outdoor LAN is significantly associated with higher odds of OSA (especially mild and moderate OSA) in Southern China, especially in females. An effective outdoor LAN management and policy-making framework has been suggested as potential preventive measures to reduce burden of OSA.