Based on advancements in modern medical research regarding the intricate connection between the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas， as well as the relationship between pancreatic functions and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） spleen system， this paper discussed the categorization of the pancreas. It is proposed that the pancreas is neither a true zang organ nor a fu organ， but possessed the attributes of an extraordinary fu-organ and can be classified under the spleen. The spleen governs transportation and transformation， ascent of the clear and dispersion of essence， which encompasses the endocrine and exocrine functions， and pancreatic enzymes and glucose-regulating hormones form the material basis for the spleen's function of dispersing essence. Diseases of the pancreas exhibit characteristics of both zang-organ deficiency and fu-organ excess， so treatment should simultaneously supplement zang-organ disease and regulate fu-organ disease when pancreas showing endocrine and exocrine co-morbidities， with focus on restoring the pancreas （spleen）'s dispersing essence function. Therapeutic strategies include supplementing spleen qi， nourishing spleen yin to strengthen spleen earth， unblocking spleen collaterals， raising spleen yang， and removing spleen turbidity to support the spleen's dispersing essence function， so as to replenish the essential qi of zang-fu organs， ensure their distribution throughout the body， and improve the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and management experience of complications in patients with cervical necrotizing fasciitis （CNF） with or without descending necrotizing mediastinitis （DNM）, in order to provide a basis for optimizing diagnosis and treatment strategies. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 31 patients diagnosed with CNF and DNM at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between October 2019 and March 2024. A comprehensive evaluation was performed based on the patients' clinical characteristics, metagenomic next-generation sequencing （mNGS） pathogen detection results, imaging assessments, surgical interventions, management approaches for specific complications, and prognostic outcomes. Results:Among the 31 patients, 10 had severe diabetes mellitus. Etiological analysis was summarized as follows: 5 cases were odontogenic, 3 were of tonsillar origin, 3 were due to endogenous esophageal injury, 2 were due to exogenous cervical trauma, 2 originated from a congenital branchial cleft fistula, and 16 cases had an unknown etiology. Among them, 29 patients underwent surgery via an external cervical approach, 1 patient underwent surgery via an intraoral approach, and 1 patient received ultrasound-guided puncture and drainage therapy. Ultimately, 29 patients were cured and discharged （including 1 patient who experienced two instances of major neck vessel rupture and successfully underwent two interventional embolization procedures for hemostasis）; 2 patients died after failed rescue efforts due to concurrent sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. The treatment success rate was 93%, and the mortality rate was 7%. In this cohort of CNF and DNM cases, only a minority had a clearly identified odontogenic cause; although the etiology was unknown in most cases, imaging consistently showed oropharyngeal lymph node necrosis, suggesting a possible pharyngeal origin of infection in adults. The mNGS pathogen profile was predominantly Gram-positive bacteria, accompanied by anaerobic bacilli and fungi. Conclusion:CNF and DNM are severe and rapidly progressive conditions that can lead to life-threatening complications within hours. Timely recognition can reduce unnecessary examinations and expedite treatment.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing/therapy* ; Mediastinitis/complications* ; Neck/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prognosis

This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) delivering quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronic acid (QG-EVs) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Targeted brain delivery of QG-EVs was confirmed, with neuron cells identified as pivotal in modulating CIRI through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4) was highlighted as a critical regulatory factor, and in vitro studies revealed that silencing Atf4 diminished the neuroprotective effects of QG-EVs, increasing oxidative stress levels and neuronal apoptosis. In a CIRI mouse model, the knockdown of Atf4 attenuated the protective outcomes provided by QG-EVs, further affirming the role of Atf4 in mediating neuroprotection. Behavioral assessments and protein analysis showed that QG-EVs significantly reduced neuronal damage and pro-apoptotic markers, while improving neurological function via Atf4 upregulation. The outcomes hint at the potential of QG-EVs as a beneficial therapeutic modality to mitigate neuronal damage in CIRI by enhancing Atf4 expression, highlighting its potential for improving ischemic stroke outcomes.

Objective:To explore effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)on macrophage M1/M2 polarization.Methods:hUC-MSCs were co-cultured with pTHP-1 cells which were macrophage-like cells induced by PMA and tran-scriptome sequencing data were analyzed.Differentially expressed genes were screened and analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Effect of hUC-MSCs on pTHP-1 cells proliferation was analyzed by cell proliferation assay(CCK-8 and EdU).Flow cytometry was used to verify influence of hUC-MSCs on relative contents of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in pTHP-1 cells which were interaction with LPS.Effect of hUC-MSCs on M1/M2-related molecular phenotype of pTHP-1 cells was studied by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry.Results:Transcriptome sequencing data analysis showed that M1-related genes TNF-α(P<0.05)and HLA-DRA(P<0.01)decreased to a great extent and M2-related gene ARG1(P<0.05)increased to a great extent in pTHP-1 cells after co-culture with hUC-MSCs,suggesting that hUC-MSCs inhibited macrophage M1 polarization.GO and KEGG analysis showed that these dysregulated genes regulated inflammation and immune response.hUC-MSCs inhibited proliferation of pTHP-1 cells,reduced content of TNF-α and increased content of IL-10(P<0.001).qRT-PCR and flow cytometry showed mRNA expressions of HLA-DRA(P<0.05)and CD68(P<0.01)and CD14+CD11c+M1 macrophage percentage were down-regulated,while mRNA expressions of CD163(P<0.001),CD206(P<0.001)and CD14+CD163+M2 macrophage percentage were significantly up-regulated in pTHP-1 cells after co-culture with hUC-MSCs.Conclusion:hUC-MSCs inhibit macrophage polarization to M1 and promote polariza-tion to M2 in vitro.

Objective To explore the association between R611H(G/A,rs734312)variation of WFS1 gene and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 181 Chinese patients with early-onset T2DM(T2DM group)and 196 non-diabetic controls(NC group)were enrolled in this study.The rs734312 variation was detected by PCR-direct sequencing.Genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs734312 and clinical variables were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Results Compared with the NC group,the frequencies of AA genotype and A allele in R611H(G→A)variation were significantly elevated in the early-onset T2DM group,AA vs GA+GG(OR 1.720,95%CI 1.100～2.680,P<0.05).A vs G(OR 1.500,95%CI 1.020～2.220,P<0.05).The remarkable differences of frequencies of genotype and allele in rs734312(G/A)were observed between Asians(China,Japan and Korea)and Caucasians(Denmark,Britain,Spain,France and Russia,P<0.01 for each).Compared with AA genotype,fasting and 2 hours postprandial insulin(FIns and 2 hIns)as well as HOMA-β were significantly rise in GG+GA genotype carriers of early-onset T2DM group(P<0.05).Conclusions The a allele of rs734312 in WFS1 may be a risk factor for early-onset T2DM in Chinese population,and the variation might be a potential genetic marker for predicting the islet β-cell dysfunction in early-onset T2DM in Chinese population.

Objective:To establish a general method for the simultaneous determination of hydroxyphenyl esters and quaternary ammonium bacteriostatic agents in eye drops.Methods:The chromatographic analysis was per-formed on an Agilent C18 column(4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm)with 1％triethylamine solution(pH adjusted to 5.0 with phosphoric acid)as mobile phase A and methanol as mobile phase B.Gradient elution was performed at col-umn temperature of 40 ℃.The detection wavelength was 214 nm,the flow rate was 1 mL·min-1,and the injec-tion volume was 20 μL.Results:Methylparaben,ethylparaben,propylparaben,butylparaben,benzalkonium chlo-ride and benzalkonium bromide were 0.11-559.0,0.10-513.0,0.10-258.8,0.11-270.5,1.07-537.0 and 1.03-512.8 μg·mL-1,respectively.The linear range was good(r＞0.999).The average recoveries of meth-ylparaben,benzalkonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride were 104.7％(RSD=1.3％),102.6％(RSD=1.1％)and 100.9％(RSD=1.1％),respectively.The contents of bacteriostatic agent in 100 batches of eye drops from 36 varieties of 12 enterprises were determined,and the accurate results were obtained.Conclusion:This meth-od provides a reference for the content quality control and safety evaluation of bacteriostatic agents in eye drops.

Objective:To investigate the dosimetric factors associated with acute nausea and vomiting (RINV) during intensity modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods:General clinical data and organs at risk (OAR) doses from 130 newly diagnosed early nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who received radiation therapy alone in Henan Cancer Hospital from February 2018 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Dosimetric parameters were recorded, and the correlation between the parameters and the degree of nausea and vomiting was statistically analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Results:All 130 patients had symptoms of ≥ grade 1 nausea and vomiting. In the comparison of dosimetric parameters between patients with < grade 2 and ≥ grade 2 nausea, except the brainstem V 20 Gy, all parameters showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The inner ear D max, and D max, D mean, V 10 Gy, V 20 Gy, V 30 Gy of the throat, oral cavity, pharyngeal constrictor, dorsal vagal complex (DVC) showed statistically significant differences between patients with grade 1 and grade 2 nausea (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that DVC V 30 Gy was a significant influencing factor in predicting the severity of nausea ( OR=73.95, 95% CI: 4.66-1172.60, P<0.001), and there was a significant correlation between oral V 30 Gy and the severity of vomiting ( OR=37.69, 95% CI: 1.26-1125.42, P=0.04). Conclusions:Even if OAR are exposed to lower doses of radiation, nausea or vomiting symptoms can still occur. The occurrence of RINV is significantly associated with DVC and oral radiation doses.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of a modified superior mesenteric artery(SMA)approach in totally laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision(CME)and D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 77 cases of totally laparoscopic radical surgery for right colon cancer from April 2021 to April 2023.Before August 2022,42 cases underwent traditional SMA approach(control group,only marking with the ileocolic vascular pedicle as the tail of SMA),while after August 2022,35 cases underwent modified SMA approach(modified group,marking with the Treitz's ligament and ileocolic vascular pedicle as the head and tail of SMA,respectively).There was no statistically significant difference in general information between the two groups(P>0.05).The intraoperative conditions,postoperative recovery,and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the modified group had a shorter surgical time[(147.3±35.8)min vs.(173.4±29.9)min,t =-3.428,P =0.001].There were no statistically significant differences in the number of lymph node dissection,number of positive lymph nodes,drainage volume,exhaust time,postoperative hospital stay,and incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The modified SMA approach for totally laparoscopic radical resection of right colon cancer shortens the surgical time,reduces the difficulty and risk of surgery,and has high safety and feasibility.