Objective To investigate the toxic effects of combined yttrium and lead exposure on liver and kidney functions in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Adult male specific pathogen-free SD rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were co-administered with yttrium acetate (10.0, 50.0, and 100.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively) and lead acetate (4.0, 20.0, and 40.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively) by intragastric gavage, once per day for 28 consecutive days. Rats in the control group received an equal volume of deionized water. Yttrium and lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum index of liver and kidney function were measured by a double reagent method, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney were observed. Results The body weights of rats in all the three exposure groups were lower than those in the control group from day 14 of exposure until the end of exposure (all P<0.05). Body weight gain of rats was observed only in the low-dose group at day 28, whereas no body weight gain was observed throughout the exposure period in the medium- and high-dose groups. Histopathological examination showed dose-dependent liver and kidney injuries in rats of the three exposure groups compared with the control group. Specifically, the liver exhibited widening of intercellular spaces and increased inflammatory cell infiltration, while the kidney showed increased tissue hemorrhage and increased damage to glomeruli and renal tubules. Lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats were higher than yttrium levels in all the three exposure groups (all P<0.05). Blood yttrium levels in rats of the high-dose group were higher than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05), and yttrium levels in the liver and kidney tissues of the three exposure groups were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats increased with increasing exposure dose (all P<0.05). At the end of exposure, the kidney organ coefficient of rats in the high-dose group was higher than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05). The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio of rats in the high‑dose group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum urea and uric acid levels in the medium‑ and high‑dose groups were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The serum cystatin C level in the high‑dose group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Blood yttrium and blood lead levels were each negatively correlated with serum ALT/AST ratio, serum urea nitrogen, and uric acid levels (both P<0.05). Both yttrium and lead levels in liver tissue were each negatively correlated with serum ALT/AST ratio (all P<0.05). Both yttrium and lead levels in kidney tissue were each negatively correlated with both serum urea nitrogen and uric acid levels (all P<0.05), and each positively correlated with serum cystatin C levels (both P<0.05). Conclusion Co-exposure to yttrium and lead induces dose‑dependent hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male SD rats. Lead exhibits a more pronounced accumulation effect and contributes more substantially to the observed toxicity.

Objective To observe the effects of Hedysarum Polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)on the glucose metabolism of small intestinal smooth muscle in rats with diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)of spleen qi deficiency syndrome;To explore its mechanism based on AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway.Methods Totally 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 in the blank group and the remaining 60 rats were assigned to the model group.The DGP spleen qi deficiency syndrome model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin+irregular feeding with high-fat and high sugar feed combined with swimming exhaustion method.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,metformin group and HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The metformin group was given 100 mg/kg metformin hydrochloride by gavage,while the HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given 200,100 and 50 mg/kg HPS by gavage,respectively.The blank group and model group were given purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.The gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate in rats were detected,HE staining was used to observe the smooth muscle morphology of gastric antrum and ileal tissue,immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1)in ileal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of adiponectin(APN),glucagon(Glu)and insulin(INS)in serum,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of glucose transporter(GLUT)4,GLUT1,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and p-AMPK in ileal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats showed significantly increased random blood glucose,significantly decreased body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01);the edema in the submucosal layer,loose arrangement of connective tissue,infiltration of a small number of lymphocytes,granulocytes and macrophages,reduced number of goblet cells in the ileal tissue,shedding of intestinal villous epithelial cells and widening of the gap between the submucosal layer and the lamina propria;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of serum APN and INS were significantly decreased,and the content of Glu significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue were significantly decreased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in metformin group and HPS high-dosage group showed a random decrease in blood glucose,an increase in body mass,gastric emptying rate,and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);a more regular arrangement of gastric antral tissue cells,a reduction of shedding cells and edema,the smooth muscle structure of the ileal tissue was relatively intact,with evenly distributed cells and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue increased,the contents of serum APN and INS increased,and the content of Glu decreased,the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue increased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion HPS may up-regulate GLUT4 and down-regulate GLUT1 expression through activates AMPK,promotes glucose uptake and utilization by small intestinal smooth muscle,and improves glucose metabolism of DGP rats with spleen qi deficiency syndrome.

Objective To observe the effects of Hedysarum Polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)on the glucose metabolism of small intestinal smooth muscle in rats with diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)of spleen qi deficiency syndrome;To explore its mechanism based on AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway.Methods Totally 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 in the blank group and the remaining 60 rats were assigned to the model group.The DGP spleen qi deficiency syndrome model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin+irregular feeding with high-fat and high sugar feed combined with swimming exhaustion method.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,metformin group and HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The metformin group was given 100 mg/kg metformin hydrochloride by gavage,while the HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given 200,100 and 50 mg/kg HPS by gavage,respectively.The blank group and model group were given purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.The gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate in rats were detected,HE staining was used to observe the smooth muscle morphology of gastric antrum and ileal tissue,immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1)in ileal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of adiponectin(APN),glucagon(Glu)and insulin(INS)in serum,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of glucose transporter(GLUT)4,GLUT1,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and p-AMPK in ileal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats showed significantly increased random blood glucose,significantly decreased body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01);the edema in the submucosal layer,loose arrangement of connective tissue,infiltration of a small number of lymphocytes,granulocytes and macrophages,reduced number of goblet cells in the ileal tissue,shedding of intestinal villous epithelial cells and widening of the gap between the submucosal layer and the lamina propria;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of serum APN and INS were significantly decreased,and the content of Glu significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue were significantly decreased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in metformin group and HPS high-dosage group showed a random decrease in blood glucose,an increase in body mass,gastric emptying rate,and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);a more regular arrangement of gastric antral tissue cells,a reduction of shedding cells and edema,the smooth muscle structure of the ileal tissue was relatively intact,with evenly distributed cells and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue increased,the contents of serum APN and INS increased,and the content of Glu decreased,the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue increased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion HPS may up-regulate GLUT4 and down-regulate GLUT1 expression through activates AMPK,promotes glucose uptake and utilization by small intestinal smooth muscle,and improves glucose metabolism of DGP rats with spleen qi deficiency syndrome.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and the composition of vaginal microecology. It will analyze the efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine intervention in treating HR-HPV infection, as well as the effects of this combined approach on vaginal microecology. Additionally, the study seeks to identify new methods to inhibit the malignant progression of cervical intraepithelial lesions.Methods:A prospective study was conducted involving 100 patients with HR-HPV infection who visited the Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to June 2023. The participants were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 50 patients in each group using a random number table method. The control group received interferon treatment, while the observation group was treated with a combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion. High-throughput DNA sequencing of vaginal secretions was conducted to compare the differences in pre- and post-treatment vaginal microecological composition and the rate of HR-HPV clearance between the two groups. Results:In the observation group, both the diversity index and the abundance of vaginal microecology showed significant improvements compared with the control group, particularly in the abundance of dominant Lactobacillus species. These differences were statistically significant ( R = 0.124, 0.304, 0.030, all P < 0.05). The rates of HR-HPV clearance and overall effective rate (clearance + effective) in the observation group were 44% (22/50) and 68% (34/50), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [20% (10/50), 32% (16/50), χ2 = 12.98, both P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2 = 1.76, P > 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion effectively treats HR-HPV infection by regulating the composition of vaginal microecology. This approach shows considerable efficacy and good safety, indicating its potential for further clinical application.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and the composition of vaginal microecology. It will analyze the efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine intervention in treating HR-HPV infection, as well as the effects of this combined approach on vaginal microecology. Additionally, the study seeks to identify new methods to inhibit the malignant progression of cervical intraepithelial lesions.Methods:A prospective study was conducted involving 100 patients with HR-HPV infection who visited the Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to June 2023. The participants were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 50 patients in each group using a random number table method. The control group received interferon treatment, while the observation group was treated with a combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion. High-throughput DNA sequencing of vaginal secretions was conducted to compare the differences in pre- and post-treatment vaginal microecological composition and the rate of HR-HPV clearance between the two groups. Results:In the observation group, both the diversity index and the abundance of vaginal microecology showed significant improvements compared with the control group, particularly in the abundance of dominant Lactobacillus species. These differences were statistically significant ( R = 0.124, 0.304, 0.030, all P < 0.05). The rates of HR-HPV clearance and overall effective rate (clearance + effective) in the observation group were 44% (22/50) and 68% (34/50), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [20% (10/50), 32% (16/50), χ2 = 12.98, both P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2 = 1.76, P > 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion effectively treats HR-HPV infection by regulating the composition of vaginal microecology. This approach shows considerable efficacy and good safety, indicating its potential for further clinical application.

【Objective】 To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of pelvic floor magnetic and electrical stimulation combined with Kegel exercise training in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 【Methods】 A total of 52 patients with SUI after minimally invasive surgery for BPH treated during Jan.2016 and Feb.2022 were randomly divided into test group (n=26) and control group (n=26). The test group received pelvic floor magnetic and electrical stimulation and Kegel exercise training, while the control group received Kegel exercise training only. The treatment lasted for 3 months. The scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), 1 h pad test, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QoL) were recorded and compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The adverse reactions were observed. 【Results】 The scores of ICIQ-SF, IPSS and I-QoL and 1 h pad test significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences of the above indicators between the two groups (P>0.05), but after treatment, the scores of ICIQ-SF,IPSS,I-QoL and 1 h pad test were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions were observed. 【Conclusion】 Pelvic floor magnetic stimulation combined with Kegel exercise training is safe and effective for SUI after minimally invasive surgery for BPH.

Marine fungi are important members of the marine microbiome, which have been paid growing attention by scientists in recent years. The secondary metabolites of marine fungi have been reported to contain rich and diverse compounds with novel structures (Chen et al., 2019). Aspergillus terreus, the higher level marine fungus of the Aspergillus genus (family of Trichocomaceae, order of Eurotiales, class of Eurotiomycetes, phylum of Ascomycota), is widely distributed in both sea and land. In our previous study, the coral-derived A. terreus strain C23-3 exhibited potential in producing other biologically active (with antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and anti-inflammatory activity) compounds like arylbutyrolactones, territrems, and isoflavones, and high sensitivity to the chemical regulation of secondary metabolism (Yang et al., 2019, 2020; Nie et al., 2020; Ma et al., 2021). Moreover, we have isolated two different benzaldehydes, including a benzaldehyde with a novel structure, from A. terreus C23-3 which was derived from Pectinia paeonia of Xuwen, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China.
Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism* ; Animals ; Anthozoa/microbiology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Aspergillus/chemistry* ; Benzaldehydes/pharmacology* ; Mice ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Signal Transduction

Objective: To understand the homology and resistance characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) in healthy preschool children, so as to provide basis for disease transmission prevention and rational use of antibiotics. Methods: Stratified cluster random sampling method was used to sample 1 829 healthy children from six kindergartens in Shunde District, Foshan City. Nasal swabs were taken and tested for S. pneumoniae. Multi locus sequence typing was used for homology analysis. The Chi squared test and random forest analysis were used to explore the resistance characteristics. Results: The nasal carriage rate of S. pneumoniae and multidrug resistant S. pneumoniae (MDRSP) in children were 22.5%(412/1 829) and 21.3%(390/1 829), respectively. Homology analysis in sequence types showed that the total homology rates of 6 kindergartens were 93.5%(87/93), 91.1% (72/79), 89.2%(58/65), 88.9%(64/72), 86.2%(50/58), 77.8%(35/45), respectively. It was found that the highest homology rate was 82.8% (48/58) within class and 93.1% (81/87) between classes. S. pneumoniae was mainly resistant to azithromycin (97.1%, 400/412), erythromycin (92.0%, 379/412) and tetracycline (91.5%, 377/412). The dominant multidrug resistance pattern of MDRSP isolates was not sensitive to azithromycin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline and clindamycin. Random forest analysis indicated that the important phenotypic markers associated with MDRSP were resistance to azithromycin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, clindamycin and erythromycin(MDG=8.94, 6.92, 5.80, 4.84, 2.58). Conclusion The risk of cross transmission of S. pneumoniae among preschool children is high, and direct contact is the main way of transmission. Consequently, kindergartens and health departments should take effective measures to effectively prevent and block the spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Objective: To explore clustering and risk factors of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carriage among kindergarten children in Liuzhou. Methods: Two sided nasal swabs were collected from 1 702 children in Liuzhou from April to June 2018. Parents of all the children were investigated by questionnaires. The random effect Logistic regression was used to analyze the clustering and risk factors of S. aureus carriage. Results: The carriage rate of S. aureus among kindergarten children was 16.3%. The randomeffect Logistic regression model indicated that the class-level random effect of S. aureus carriage among children was statistically significant(Z=2.12, P<0.01). Children aged 6 to 7 years (OR=2.18, 95%CI=1.45-3.27) and 5 years (OR=1.65, 95%CI=1.08-2.50) had higher carriage rates of S. aureus than those aged 3-4 years. The history of antibiotic using (OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.05-2.01) and skin and soft tissue infections (OR=1.36, 95%CI=1.04-1.79) in the previous year were risk factors of S. aureus carriage among children. Conclusion The class level clustering of S. aureus carriage is observed in healthy children. Age, history of antibiotic usage and history of skin and soft tissue infections are associated with risk of S. aureus carriage among preschool children.

OBJECTIVE：To predict the potenti al target and mechanism of Astragali Radix in the treatment of ulcerative colitis （UC），and to provide reference for the clinical application of Astragali Radix in the treatment of UC. METHODS ：The active components and their corresponding target genes of Astragali Radix were retrieved by TCMSP and UniProt KB database.related target genes of UC were searched by Gene Cards GZK-2018-5） database. The intersection target genes of Astragali Radix and were obtained by Venny 2.1.0 online mapping tool ，and interaction network of “drug-compound-intersection target ” was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.7.0 software. PPI network of intersecting targets was obtained by using STRING 结合动物模型。E-mail：172924249@qq.com database， and the visualization analysis and topological analysis w ere carried out by using Cytoscape 3.7.0 software to obtain the core target genes. By using DAVID database ，the gene ontology （GO） function annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment of intersecting target genes were carried out ，and the “target-pathway”enrichment network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.7.0 software. Through Auto Dock vina 1.1.2 software， the top five active components in the list of degree value were linked with the protein encoded by the core target genes ；Discovery Studio 3.5 software was applied to draw out binding pattern map. RESULTS ：There were 143 compounds in Astragali Radix ，20 active components were screened out ，and 189 corresponding target genes were selected ；there were 4 356 UC disease related target genes. There were 126 intersection target genes of Astragali Radix （involving 14 active components ）and UC. The core target genes in PPI network were AKT1，MAPK1，RB1，JUN，etc. A total of 2 294 GO items （q value＜0.05）were obtained from GO functional annotation ，including 2 093 biological process items （e.g. response to lipopolysaccharide ，response to molecule of bacterial origin ），49 cell composition items （e.g. membrane raft ，membrane microdomain ），and 152 molecular function items （e.g. nuclear receptor activity ，ligand-activated transcription factor activity ）. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded 160 items（q value＜0.05），such as fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis signaling pathway ，phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway ，interleukin-17 （IL-17） signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that top 5 active ingredients （quercetin，kaempferol，formenonetin，isorhamnetin，7-O-methylisomucronulatol） in the list of degree value had binding energies ＜5.0 kcal/mol with the protein encoded core targets. CONCLUSIONS ：Quercetin，kaempferol，formononetin and other active components in Astragali Radix may play a role in the treatment of UC through the action of MAPK14，JUN，AKT1 and other target genes ，and then on the signal pathways such as PI 3K/Akt and IL- 17.