Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

Objective To study the effect of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection on the coagulation system in children and to clarify its mechanism in order to guide the therapeutic strategy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in clinical practice.Methods A prospective and case control study was carried out in 36 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Weifang People ' s Hospital from January through December in 2011.The 36 patients were divided into two groups according to the MP-IgM plasma titers,namely low-titer group with MP-IgM 1 ∶ 80-1 ∶ 160 (n =17) and high-titer group with MP-IgM 1 ∶ 320-1 ∶1280 (n =19).The subjects of control group (n =20) were recruited from healthy children as they took routine physical examination during the same period.Six indexes related to the coagulation function as well as D-dimer in plasma were determined.All data were analyzed by using SPSS 15.0 software.Results The levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer in the low-titer group and high-titer group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the high-titer group were significantly shorter than those in the control group respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children gives rise to the potential for activating the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation system,promoting thrombosis and in turn inducing ischemic stroke in serious cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correct diagnosis for styloid process syndrome. METHOD: CT scan and 3D reconstruction was undertaken in 301 cases with foreign body sensation in submandibular angle, pain in pharyngeal, tension feeling and unhealing feeling after tonsillectomy. 263 cases were diagnosed as styloid process syndrome. RESULT: Seventy-two cases were performed with tonsillar styloidectomy. The follow up showed no pre-operative symptoms. CONCLUSION CT scan 3D reconstruction is the best method in diagnosing styloid process syndrome.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome ; diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution,risk factors and preventive measures of nosocomial infection in patients with hemodialysis. METHODS Clinical data of 112 patients with hemodialysis were retrospectively reviewed.Statistic analysis was made on relation between the occurrence of nosocomial infection and patients′ age,adequacy of dialysis,dialysis duration,anemia,heart function,serum albumin,catheterization and reused dialyzer. RESULTS 67 infection cases were found.The main infection sites were blood vessel access,respiratory tract,and urinary tract.The infection rates increased significantly in the groups of age 60,inadequate dialysis,dialysis duration more than 1 year,serum albumin,heart failure and hypoalbuminemia compared with the correspondent controly group(P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with hemodialysis have higher infection rates,the main risk factors are old age,inadequate dialysis,long dialysis duration,severe anemia,heart failure,catheterization and hypoalbuminemia.Therefore the effective measures to reduce the nosocomial infection are strictly aseptic technology,adequate dialyzsis,reducing the invasive operation,ameliorating anemia and improving the nutrition.