AIM:To investigate the effects of Balanophora involucrata Hook.f.(BIH)extracts on bile acid metabolism and liver injury in mice with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)through the gut mi-crobiota-farnesoid X receptor(FXR)axis,and to explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Forty C57BL mice were randomly divided into control group,MAFLD model group,medium-dose BIH group,and high-dose BIH group.The mice in control group received a regular diet,while those in other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce MAFLD.The mice in medium-and high-dose BIH groups received 0.598 and 0.299 g/kg BIH solution,respectively,while those in control and MAFLD groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline.Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver morphology,steatosis and fibrosis were assessed by HE,oil red O and Masson staining.Levels of TC,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in liver tissues,and bile acids in serum and ileum tissues were measured by ELISA.Protein expression of FXR and fibroblast growth factor 15(FGF15)in ileum tissues,and FXR,small heterodimer partner(SHP)and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1)in liver tissues were analyzed by Western blot.Intestinal microbiota changes were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.RESULTS:(1)The MAFLD mice exhibited increased serum TC,TG,LDL-C and bile acid levels,liver TC,TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lipid deposition.However,BIH intervention improved these factors and increased FXR and SHP pro-teins,but decreased CYP7A1 expression in the liver.The protein levels FXR and FGF15 in the ileum were also elevated.(2)Intestinal flora analysis demonstrated that BIH intervention improved the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in MAFLD mice.Specifically,there was an increase in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and a decrease in Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia.At the genus level,abundance of Duncaniella,Muribaculum and Paramuribaculum increased,while He-licobacter decreased.CONCLUSION:Treatment with BIH regulates intestinal flora,decreases FXR levels,enhances CYP7A1 expression,promotes bile acid synthesis,reduces hepatic cholesterol accumulation,and attenuates liver steato-sis and inflammation in MAFLD mice,indicating potential therapeutic effects.

Objective To analyze the correlation of interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1(IFIT1)with immune infiltration and prognosis of ovarian cancer(OC).Methods GEO database was employed to select the tumor immune related genes,and Kaplan-Meier and Prognoscan databases were used to identify the genes significantly associated with OC prognosis.The differential expression of IFIT1 between OC tissue and normal tissue were confirmed with GEPIA,Human Protein Atlas,and Timer databases.The expression level of IFIT1 in OC tissues with different grades and stages were analyzed in the UALCAN database.In addition,based on David database,GO enrichment analysis was used to analyze the interacting genes and proteins of IFIT1 in the String and Genemania databases.Timer and Tisidb databases verified the correlation between IFIT1 and immune cells mutually.Finally,after IFIT1 knockdown xenograft model was constructed based on lentiviral vector of IFIT1 shRNA,the tumor growth was observed in the transplanted nude mice,and infiltration of neutrophils was observed with immunohistochemical assay.Results FIT1,a tumor immune gene,selected from the GEO database,Kaplan-Meier and Prognoscan databases,was negatively correlated with the OC prognosis.GEPIA,Human Protein Atlas,Timer database,and UALCAN database indicated that the expression level of IFIT1 was significantly higher in the OC tissues than the normal ovarian tissues,and had no obvious correlation with tumor stage and grade.Analysis in String,Genemania,and David database found the interaction genes and proteins of IFIT1 were enriched in activation of 2'-5'oligonucleotide synthase,virus defense,and innate immunity,and other processes.The Timer database presented that IFIT1 was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD8+T cells,B cells,dendritic cells,neutrophils,and macrophage in OC,with neutrophils having the most significant correlation.Tisidb and GSCA also confirmed the positive correlation between IFIT1 and neutrophil infiltration in OC(P＜0.05).RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that IFIT1 knockdown resulted in suppressed tumor growth in OC cells xenograft nude mice(P＜0.05)and reduced neutrophil infiltration in the xenograft tissues.Conclusion IFIT1 may influence the malignant progression of OC by promoting neutrophil infiltration.

OBJECTIVE Exploring the expression levels of serum miR-124-3p and miR-202-5p levels in patients with allergic rhinitis(AR) and their clinical significance. METHODS One hundred and seventy-three patients with AR admitted to our hospital during the period from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected as the observation group,and another 63 healthy people who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. RESULTS In the control,mild,and severe groups,serum miR-124-3p(1.02±0.29 vs. 0.79±0.21 vs. 0.63±0.18) levels gradually decreased and miR-202-5p(1.01±0.25 vs. 1.39±0.29 vs. 1.62±0.33) levels gradually increased,with statistically significant differences between the two comparisons(P<0.05);Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between serum miR-124-3p levels and miR-202-5p levels in AR patients(r=-0.437,P<0.001);Serum miR-124-3p level[OR(95％CI)=0.651(0.508-0.835)],duration of symptom onset[OR(95％CI)=1.671(1.088-2.567)],asthma[OR(95％CI)=1.571(1.029-2.399)],and serum miR-202-5p level[OR(95％CI)=2.053(1.020-4.133)]were influential factors in patients with severe AR(P<0.05);the combined prediction of serum miR-124-3p and miR-202-5p was superior to the prediction of serum miR-124-3p(Z=2.385,P=0.017) and miR-202-5p(Z=2.466,P=0.014) alone. CONCLUSION Serum miR-124-3p is lowly expressed and miR-202-5p is highly expressed in AR patients,which is closely correlated with the severity of the patient's disease and is expected to be a potential biomarker.

Objective To evaluate the short-term results of sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure. Methods The patients undergoing modified Bentall procedure with the remnant aortic wall as a sleeve to cover the sewing area of composite valved graft and the aortic annulus for proximal hemostasis between March 2021 and March 2022 in Shenzhen Fuwai Hospital were enrolled. Short-term results were assessed by cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamping time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, effusion drainage on the first postoperative day, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and follow-up results. Results A total of 14 patients were collected, including 12 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 55.33±10.57 years. There was no postoperative or follow-up death. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 147.90±21.29 min, aortic clamping time was 115.70±15.23 min, mechanical ventilation time was 19.42±8.98 h, ICU stay was 99.08±49.42 h, and postoperative hospital stay was 16.33±2.74 d. Thoracic drainage volume was 333.33±91.98 mL on the first postoperative day. Only 2 patients required blood transfusion (4.5 U and 2 U, respectively). During the follow-up of 6.17±3.69 months, there was no death, no aortic or valve-related complications. There was statistical difference in the LVEDD between preoperation and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001), and between half a year after surgery and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001). There was a little decrease of LVEF before discharge after surgery compared with preoperative LVEF, but there was no statistical difference (P=0.219). There was no statistical difference in the LVEF half a year after operation compared with that before operation (P=1.000). Conclusion Sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure has good short-term results. This modification may be a simple, effective way in controlling proximal bleeding.

Threatened abortion is a common disease of obstetrics and gynecology and one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The China Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in TCM obstetrics and gynecology， Western medicine obstetrics and gynecology， and pharmacology to deeply discuss the advantages of TCM and integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment as well as the medication plans for threatened abortion. After discussion， the experts concluded that chromosome， endocrine， and immune abnormalities were the key factors for the occurrence of threatened abortion， and the Qi and blood disorders in thoroughfare and conception vessels were the core pathogenesis. In the treatment of threatened abortion， TCM has advantages in preventing miscarriages， alleviating clinical symptoms and TCM syndromes， relieving anxiety， regulating reproductive endocrine and immune abnormalities， personalized and diversified treatment， enhancing efficiency and reducing toxicity， and preventing the disease before occurrence. The difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of threatened abortion with traditional Chinese and Western medicine lies in identifying the predictors of abortion caused by maternal factors and the treatment of thrombophilia. Recurrent abortion is the breakthrough point of treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. It is urgent to carry out high-quality evidence-based medicine research in the future to improve the modern diagnosis and treatment of threatened abortion with TCM.

Objective To explore the predictive value of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) on autonomic nerve excitation in patients with valvular disease, so as to provide reference for the formulation of clinical intervention plans. Methods The clinical data of patients with valvular disease who received surgical treatment in the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from August 28, 2020 to February 3, 2021 were prospectively collected. According to the standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN) of the heart rate variability (HRV) of the long-range dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) 7 days before the operation, the patients were divided into three groups: a sympathetic dominant (SE) group (SDNN≤50 ms), a balance group (50 ms

Humans are born under the nourishment of heaven and earth qi.The physiological and pathological functions of the human body are influenced by the alternation of cold and heat in the four seasons.Allergic diseases often occur or worsen during seasonal transitions,corresponding to the theory of the spleen dominating the end of the four seasons in traditional Chinese medicine.Splenic dysfunction disrupts the body's internal clock during seasonal transitions,making it unable to adapt to external climate changes,causing the onset or exacerbation of specific allergic symptoms.The theory of"the spleen serves as the guard"originated from Huangdi Neijing,which is a succinct summary of the role of the spleen in defending the body against external pathogens.The theory emphasizes that the spleen transports drinks and foods internally to supplement healthy qi,and regulates defensive qi externally to protect the whole body.This theory is closely linked to the seasonal changes in immune function,thereby influencing the seasonal onset of allergic diseases.This paper explores the roles of the spleen in time-based self-regulation and immune defense against seasonal allergic diseases according to the theory of"spleen serves as the grard."The dysfunction of this protective mechanism,which leads to disharmony in nutritive qi and defensive qi,internal production of phlegm-dampness,and zang-fu organs malnutrition,are the key factors causing recurrent and persistent allergic diseases during seasonal transitions.This study provides insights for elucidating the mechanisms behind seasonal allergic disease outbreaks and their prevention.

Humans are born under the nourishment of heaven and earth qi.The physiological and pathological functions of the human body are influenced by the alternation of cold and heat in the four seasons.Allergic diseases often occur or worsen during seasonal transitions,corresponding to the theory of the spleen dominating the end of the four seasons in traditional Chinese medicine.Splenic dysfunction disrupts the body's internal clock during seasonal transitions,making it unable to adapt to external climate changes,causing the onset or exacerbation of specific allergic symptoms.The theory of"the spleen serves as the guard"originated from Huangdi Neijing,which is a succinct summary of the role of the spleen in defending the body against external pathogens.The theory emphasizes that the spleen transports drinks and foods internally to supplement healthy qi,and regulates defensive qi externally to protect the whole body.This theory is closely linked to the seasonal changes in immune function,thereby influencing the seasonal onset of allergic diseases.This paper explores the roles of the spleen in time-based self-regulation and immune defense against seasonal allergic diseases according to the theory of"spleen serves as the grard."The dysfunction of this protective mechanism,which leads to disharmony in nutritive qi and defensive qi,internal production of phlegm-dampness,and zang-fu organs malnutrition,are the key factors causing recurrent and persistent allergic diseases during seasonal transitions.This study provides insights for elucidating the mechanisms behind seasonal allergic disease outbreaks and their prevention.

Humans are born under the nourishment of heaven and earth qi.The physiological and pathological functions of the human body are influenced by the alternation of cold and heat in the four seasons.Allergic diseases often occur or worsen during seasonal transitions,corresponding to the theory of the spleen dominating the end of the four seasons in traditional Chinese medicine.Splenic dysfunction disrupts the body's internal clock during seasonal transitions,making it unable to adapt to external climate changes,causing the onset or exacerbation of specific allergic symptoms.The theory of"the spleen serves as the guard"originated from Huangdi Neijing,which is a succinct summary of the role of the spleen in defending the body against external pathogens.The theory emphasizes that the spleen transports drinks and foods internally to supplement healthy qi,and regulates defensive qi externally to protect the whole body.This theory is closely linked to the seasonal changes in immune function,thereby influencing the seasonal onset of allergic diseases.This paper explores the roles of the spleen in time-based self-regulation and immune defense against seasonal allergic diseases according to the theory of"spleen serves as the grard."The dysfunction of this protective mechanism,which leads to disharmony in nutritive qi and defensive qi,internal production of phlegm-dampness,and zang-fu organs malnutrition,are the key factors causing recurrent and persistent allergic diseases during seasonal transitions.This study provides insights for elucidating the mechanisms behind seasonal allergic disease outbreaks and their prevention.

Humans are born under the nourishment of heaven and earth qi.The physiological and pathological functions of the human body are influenced by the alternation of cold and heat in the four seasons.Allergic diseases often occur or worsen during seasonal transitions,corresponding to the theory of the spleen dominating the end of the four seasons in traditional Chinese medicine.Splenic dysfunction disrupts the body's internal clock during seasonal transitions,making it unable to adapt to external climate changes,causing the onset or exacerbation of specific allergic symptoms.The theory of"the spleen serves as the guard"originated from Huangdi Neijing,which is a succinct summary of the role of the spleen in defending the body against external pathogens.The theory emphasizes that the spleen transports drinks and foods internally to supplement healthy qi,and regulates defensive qi externally to protect the whole body.This theory is closely linked to the seasonal changes in immune function,thereby influencing the seasonal onset of allergic diseases.This paper explores the roles of the spleen in time-based self-regulation and immune defense against seasonal allergic diseases according to the theory of"spleen serves as the grard."The dysfunction of this protective mechanism,which leads to disharmony in nutritive qi and defensive qi,internal production of phlegm-dampness,and zang-fu organs malnutrition,are the key factors causing recurrent and persistent allergic diseases during seasonal transitions.This study provides insights for elucidating the mechanisms behind seasonal allergic disease outbreaks and their prevention.