AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of lamellar keratectomy and corneal collagen crosslinking(LKCCC)in treating superficial fungal keratitis.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. Totally 79 patients(79 eyes)with superficial fungal keratitis who underwent LKCCC in our hospital from January 2014 to October 2023 were included. After admission, routine antifungal drug treatment for 7 d showed no obvious improvement or progressive aggravation. The maximum diameter of corneal lesions in all patients was ≤7 mm, the maximum depth was no more than 50% of the corneal thickness at the location, and the remaining healthy corneal thickness was ≥300 μm. The follow-up time was 90 to 112 d.RESULTS:Among the included 79 eyes, the lesions were located in the central region of the cornea in 6 eyes, in the paracentral region in 61 eyes, and in the peripheral region in 12 eyes. Hypopyon was observed in 5 cases. LKCCC was successfully administered in 79 eyes, cured in 76 eyes(96%), and failed in 3 eyes(4%). The healing time of corneal epithelium in 76 cured eyes was 3-15 d, of which 51 eyes(67%)healed within 7 d and 24 eyes(32%)healed within 3 d. The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of 76 eyes of cured patients were statistically significant compared with those preoperatively(P<0.0167). Two of the 3 failed eyes were located at the edge of the lesion and recovered after re-keratectomy. One eye was located in the center of the lesion and recovered after being covered by bulbar conjunctival flap. At the last follow-up, no other complications were observed in all patients except superficial cloud and thinning of cornea.CONCLUSION:LKCCC is a rapid and effective treatment for superficial fungal keratitis and can be considered a new treatment option.

Chronic prostatitis,a common condition in andrology,is clinically characterized by a prolonged course,resistance to treatment,and frequent recurrence.In traditional Chinese medicine,it is classified under the categories of"turbid sperm,""overstrain strangury,"and"vaginal pain."Based on the"host-guest interaction-collateral disease"theory,we believe that healthy qi deficiency,latent pathogenic factors,and collateral obstruction are the primary pathological factors of this disease,which run through the entire process of chronic prostatitis occurrence and development.Accordingly,we propose that obstruction of collaterals and apathesia of the semen chamber are the core pathogenesis.The disease progression can be divided into three pathological stages:"deficiency,depression,and blood stasis."Spleen and kidney deficiency and malnutrition of collaterals form the pathological foundation.In the deficiency stage,treatment strategies involve reinforcing qi and nourishing the collaterals,using Fuzheng Yangrong Decoction.During disease progression,dampness and heat invasion,as well as collateral stagnation qi,are key contributors to disease progression.Thus,treatment focuses on clearing heat and dampness,promoting qi flow,and smoothing the collaterals,achieved with a modified Qiantongding Decoction.In the final stage,blood stasis and collateral obstruction dominate,warranting therapeutic strategies aimed at tonifying and removing blood stasis,addressing both the body and the collaterals simultaneously using the modified Guiling Huayu Decoction.Overall,the clinical treatment generally focuses on the concept of function through free flow,combination of unblocking and tonifying.This study provides a novel perspective and reference for clinical differentiation and treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis,a common condition in andrology,is clinically characterized by a prolonged course,resistance to treatment,and frequent recurrence.In traditional Chinese medicine,it is classified under the categories of"turbid sperm,""overstrain strangury,"and"vaginal pain."Based on the"host-guest interaction-collateral disease"theory,we believe that healthy qi deficiency,latent pathogenic factors,and collateral obstruction are the primary pathological factors of this disease,which run through the entire process of chronic prostatitis occurrence and development.Accordingly,we propose that obstruction of collaterals and apathesia of the semen chamber are the core pathogenesis.The disease progression can be divided into three pathological stages:"deficiency,depression,and blood stasis."Spleen and kidney deficiency and malnutrition of collaterals form the pathological foundation.In the deficiency stage,treatment strategies involve reinforcing qi and nourishing the collaterals,using Fuzheng Yangrong Decoction.During disease progression,dampness and heat invasion,as well as collateral stagnation qi,are key contributors to disease progression.Thus,treatment focuses on clearing heat and dampness,promoting qi flow,and smoothing the collaterals,achieved with a modified Qiantongding Decoction.In the final stage,blood stasis and collateral obstruction dominate,warranting therapeutic strategies aimed at tonifying and removing blood stasis,addressing both the body and the collaterals simultaneously using the modified Guiling Huayu Decoction.Overall,the clinical treatment generally focuses on the concept of function through free flow,combination of unblocking and tonifying.This study provides a novel perspective and reference for clinical differentiation and treatment of chronic prostatitis.

ObjectiveTaking the oligosaccharides in Rehmanniae Radix（RR） as the research object， the content determination method based on high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection（HPLC-ELSD） and thin layer chromatography（TLC） identification method were established to explore the content and distribution of oligosaccharides in different RR herbs and decoction pieces. MethodA total of 10 batches of fresh and raw RR， 12 batches of RR decoction pieces and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata（RRP） were collected. A TLC identification method for fructose， sucrose， manninotriose， raffinose and stachyose in RR was established by using silica gel G thin-layer plates with ethyl acetate-water-anhydrous formic acid-glacial acetic acid（12∶6∶5∶4） as the developing agent and 10% sulfuric acid-ethanol solution as chromogenic agent. A HPLC-ELSD was used to determine the contents of fructose， glucose， sucrose， melibiose， raffinose， manninotriose and stachyose in different RR herbs and decoction pieces. Then principal component analysis（PCA） and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） were used to analyze the contents of 7 kinds of saccharides in RR herbs and decoction pieces， and the differential components were screened with the value of variable importance in the projection（VIP）>1. ResultThe results of TLC identification showed that fresh RR， raw RR and its decoction pieces showed spots of the same color on the corresponding positions with the control products of stachyose， raffinose and sucrose， while the TLC of RRP showed spots of the same color at corresponding positions to manninotriose and fructose controls. The results of methodological investigations of 7 analytes met the requirements of determination. Only glucose， sucrose， raffinose and stachyose were detected in 10 batches of fresh RR and 10 batches of raw RR herbs， the average contents of which were 0.84%， 4.62%， 2.42% and 57.90% in fresh samples， while those were 3.16%， 9.36%， 7.05% and 38.10% in raw samples， respectively. In 12 batches of RR decoction pieces， the contents of the above seven sugars（fructose， glucose， sucrose， melibiose， raffinose， manninotriose and stachyose） were 1.68%， 4.27%， 9.96%， 0.53%， 6.85%， 3.05% and 37.52%， respectively. In 12 batches of RRP， the contents of the above seven sugars were 10.62%， 11.01%， 1.25%， 3.35%， 1.12%， 28.16% and 6.39%， respectively. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that fresh RR， raw RR and RRP could be distinguished from each other by the contents of the 7 sugars， and the main differential components were stachyose， sucrose， raffinose and manninotriose. ConclusionIn terms of oligosaccharides， the contents and types of saccharides in different herbs and decoction pieces of RR are quite different， and the TLC identification method based on this can be used to distinguish raw RR from RRP， which can lay a foundation for improving the quality standard of RR and developing and applying oligosaccharides in different processed products of RR.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and mortality of dementia and assess the impact of geriatric syndromes (GS) on the risk for dementia and death in elderly population in Beijing.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the elderly population aged ≥65 years and selected by a multi-stage sampling in Beijing during 2013-2015. Cognitive function was screened using the Chinese Revised Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Then, neurological examination and psychiatric assessment were performed for those with the MMSE score lower than the cut-off value. The information about GS prevalence was also collected. The study also collected death records for all individuals from baseline until December 31, 2019. Based on the age and gender distribution from Beijing data of the 2010 Six th National Population Census, the dementia prevalence in the study population was directly standardized. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of different forms of dementia with GS, and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratio ( HR) and 95% CI of death. Results:During 2013-2015, a total of 2 935 individuals completed dementia assessments, of which 167 were diagnosed with dementia. The standardized prevalence of dementia was 5.9% (95% CI: 5.0%-17.4%). The individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) accounted for 58.7% and 28.1% of total individuals with dementia, respectively. Aging, lower education level, urinary incontinence, and fall were risk factors for AD, while disability of activity of daily life dependence, hypertension, and stroke were found to be risk factors for VaD. After a median follow-up of 5.44 person-years, 399 deaths were recorded. The 5-year mortality risk was 2.87 (95% CI: 1.92-4.17) times and 4.93 (95% CI: 3.23-7.53) times higher for the elderly individuals with AD and VaD, respectively, compared to non-demented individuals. After adjusting for demographic, GS, and cardiovascular risk factors, the mortality risk in the elderly individuals with AD showed no significant difference compared with non-demented individuals ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 0.89-1.97), while the mortality risk in those with VaD was 2.46 (95% CI: 1.49-4.05) times higher than that in non-demented individuals. Conclusions:The prevalence of dementia in Beijing increased significantly in the context of population aging, especially the prevalence of AD. The presence of GS increased the risks for AD and VaD, as well as the risk for death. Close attention needs to be paid to GS management in dementia prevention in elderly population.

Objective:To establish UPLC fingerprint method of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction and determination method of acteoside and linarin.Methods:UPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 17 batches of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction. Similarity evaluation and clustering analysis were carried out on the fingerprints of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction; the chromatographic peaks of standard decoction were identified by mass spectrometry and compared with the reference materials; the contents of acteoside and linarin in Buddlejae Flos standard decoction were determined by HPLC.Results:There were 11 common peaks in the fingerprint of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction and 6 of them were identified. The similarity of the 17 batch samples was between 0.972 and 0.999. Clustering analysis classified 17 batches of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction into two categories; edgeworthia chrysantha standard decoction was identified by the method of fingerprint as counterfeit; the content determination results showed that the contents of acteoside and linarin in the standard decoction prepared from Buddlejae Flos of in Hubei and Sichuan Provinces were higher than others and were more stable.Conclusion:The method can be used to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Buddlejae Flos standard decoction and provide reference for establishing the quality standard of Buddlejae Flos dispensing granules.

Objective:To explore the application effects of a new self-designed device for measuring postpartum blood loss in women with postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery, so as to provide a basis for early identification and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:The research was a quasi-experiment study. A total of 12 824 women who delivered vaginally in Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2021 to June 2022 were conveniently selected. Among them, the pregnant women enrolled from January to June 2022 were selected as the experimental group, and the pregnant women enrolled from July to December 2021 were included in the control group, with 6 412 cases in each group. The self-designed new postpartum blood loss measuring device was used to evaluate the blood loss in the experimental group, while the traditional blood collecting basin was taken in the control group.The differences between the two groups in the assessment error of 24 hours postpartum blood loss, postpartum blood loss at 2 hours and 24 hours, postpartum hemorrhage rate, severe postpartum hemorrhage rate and midwives′ satisfaction with the assessment of blood loss were compared.Results:The assessment error of 24 hours postpartum blood loss in the experimental group was 180.00 (80.00, 300.00) ml, which was lower than 192.00 (80.00, 310.00) ml in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 2.04, P<0.05). The postpartum blood loss at 2 hours and 24 hours in the experimental group was 312.00 (290.00, 330.00) ml and 415.00 (385.00, 440.00) ml, respectively, which was higher than 310.00 (280.00, 330.00) ml and 407.00 (380.00, 435.00) ml in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 9.86, - 5.42, both P<0.001). The rates of postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage in the experimental group were 6.50% (417/6 412) and 2.21% (142/6 412), respectively, higher than 4.71% (302/6 412) and 1.59% (102/6 412) in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 19.49, 6.69, both P<0.05). Midwives′ satisfaction score with the assessment of blood loss in the experimental group was (18.17 ± 1.02) points, higher than that in the control group (17.78 ± 1.17) points, and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 2.33, P<0.05). Conclusions:The use of a new device for measuring postpartum bleeding during vaginal delivery can reduce errors in evaluating postpartum blood loss within 24 hours, improve the detection rate of postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage, and midwives are satisfied with it.

Background: Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.), with medicinal and edible properties, holds a significant position in both traditional medicine and food in China. It is rich in resistant starch (RS), which imparts various beneficial effects, including anticonstipation, regulation of blood lipids, and prevention of gastric ulcers. However, the resistance of native yam starch to digestion diminishes during cooking, necessitating suitable modifications. Objective: In this article, yam starch was complexed with five different polyphenols to create RS5. The goal was to explore how these diverse polyphenols influence the physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities associated with yam RS. Method: Yam starch-polyphenol complexes, involving five different polyphenols, namely, magnolol (MAG), ferulic acid (FA), resveratrol (RES), apple polyphenols (APs), and green tea polyphenols (GTPs), were prepared. The investigation encompassed the assessment of physicochemical properties, structural traits, in vitro cholate binding capacity, and in vitro antidigestive effects of these complexes. Results: The results highlight the pronounced affinity of MAG for yam starch, followed by FA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that starch-polyphenol binding primarily involves noncovalent interactions. X-ray diffraction analysis discloses V-type crystal structures in YS-MAG, YS-APs, and YS-GTPs complexes. The incorporation of polyphenols reduces the thermal stability of starch while enhancing its in vitro cholate binding capacity, restraining starch digestion, and elevating RS content. Notably, YS-FA exhibits an impressive RS content of up to 54.15%. In addition, YS-MAG and YS-FA significantly enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids. These findings deepen our comprehension of the interplay between yam starch and polyphenols, offering valuable insights for the development of novel food products with enhanced health benefits.

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare congenital neurodevelopmental retardation disease involving multiple organ and system abnormalities.The main manifestations include broad thumbs and big toes, specific facial characteristics, developmental and mental retardation.In addition, it is also manifested as ocular abnormalities, hearing loss, repeated respiratory infection and dyspnea, gastrointestinal disorders, urogenital system disorders and severe constipation.It can be classified into 2 types: RSTS1 (OMIM#180849) caused by the CREBBP gene mutation and RSTS2 (OMIM#613684) caused by the EP300 gene mutation, and most of them are found in the de novo truncated variation.Up to now, a clear diagnosis criterion for RSTS is lacked, which is mainly based on the comprehensive analysis of clinical and genetic results.The main treatment of RSTS is symptomatic and individualized treatment, while early intervention is helpful to improve the prognosis and the quality of life.This study aims to introduce the disease comprehensively, thus enhancing the recognition in RSTS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of riboflavin-ultraviolet A scleral collagen cross-linking on the retina under different irradiation time, and to determine the safe irradiation time.Methods:Sixty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into control group (0 minute group), 10 minutes group, 20 minutes group, 30 minutes group and 40 minutes irradiation group according to the irradiation time, with 12 rabbits in each group.The left eye was irradiated with riboflavin-ultraviolet A scleral collagen (370 nm, 10 mW/cm 2). The histopathological change of retina was observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope and compared among different groups.The concentration of MDA and the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in retinal tissue were detected by corresponding kits.The expression levels of SOD and CAT proteins in retinal tissue were detected by Western blot method.The study protocol was approved by the Binzhou Medical University Laboratory Animal Ethical Committee (No.2017-80). The use and care of animals complied with the statement of ARVO and the Regulation on the Management of Laboratory Animal Quality of China. Results:Under the light microscope, the structure of the retinas in the control group was orderly arranged.Under the transmission electron microscope, the lamellar structure in the inner segment and the mitochondrial structure in the outer segment of the photoreceptor cells were intact, and the mitochondrial ridge was continuous in the control group.There was no obvious difference in retinal morphology between the 10 minutes irradiation group and the control group under both the light microscope and the transmission electron microscope, and the retinal damage became more severe with the prolongation of irradiation time.The concentration of MDA in the retina of each group was elevated gradually with the increase of irradiation time, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=65.25, P<0.05). The concentration of MDA was (11.31±1.84), (14.94±1.04)and (18.25±1.42)nmol/mgprot in the 20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes irradiation groups respectively, which were significantly higher than (1.13±0.02)nmol/mgprot in the control group (all at P<0.05). The MDA concentration in 20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes irradiation groups was increased successively, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). With the prolongation of irradiation time, the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px as well as the expression levels of SOD and CAT proteins were significantly decreased gradually ( F=44.09, 34.18, 35.60, 115.75, 78.86; all at P<0.05). The differences between the control group and 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes irradiation groups, and the differences among 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes irradiation groups were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Riboflavin-ultraviolet A 10 mW/cm 2 scleral collagen cross-linking irradiation for 10 minutes is safe.Excessive irradiation time can cause damage to the retina of rabits.