Background Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the role of amino acids in PAH-induced MS remains unclear. Objective To explore the impact of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS among coking workers, and to determine potential modifying effect of amino acid on this relationship. Methods Unmatched nested case-control design was adopted and the baseline surveys of coking workers were conducted in two plants in Taiyuan in 2017 and 2019, followed by a 4-year follow-up. The cohort comprised 667 coking workers. A total of 362 participants were included in the study, with 84 newly diagnosed cases of MS identified as the case group and 278 as the control group. Urinary levels of 11 PAH metabolites and plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured by ultrasensitive performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between individual PAH metabolites and MS. Stratified by the median concentration of amino acids, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was employed to assess the mixed effects of PAHs on MS. Due to the skewed data distribution, all PAH metabolites and amino acids in the analysis were converted by natural logarithm ln (expressed as lnv). Results The median age of the 362 participants was 37 years, and 83.2% were male. Compared to the control group, the case group exhibited higher concentrations of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe), and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPhe) (P=0.005, P=0.049, and P=0.004, respectively), as well as elevated levels of plasma branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and aromatic amino acid (AAA) (P<0.05). After being adjusted for confounding factors, for every unit increase in lnv_2-OHPhe in urine, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.57 (1.11, 2.26), and for every unit increase in lnv_OHPhe, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.82 (1.16, 2.90). Tyrosine, leucine, and AAA all presented a significant nonlinear correlation with MS. At low levels, tyrosine, leucine, and AAA did not significantly increase the risk of MS, but at high levels, they increased the risk of MS. In the low amino acid concentration group, as well as in the low BCAA and low AAA concentration groups, it was found that compared to the PAH metabolite levels at the 50th percentile (P₅₀), the log-odds of MS when the PAH metabolite levels was at the 75th percentile (P₇₅) were 0.158 (95%CI: 0.150, 0.166), 0.218 (95%CI: 0.209, 0.227), and 0.262 (95% CI: 0.241, 0.282), respectively, However, no correlation between PAHs and MS was found in the high amino acid concentration group. Conclusion Amino acids modify the effect of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS. In individuals with low plasma amino acid levels, the risk of developing MS increases with higher concentrations of mixed PAH exposure. This effect is partly due to the low concentrations of BCAA and AAA.

BACKGROUND:Pyroptosis participate in the degradation of the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes,synovial inflammation and pain,and plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.In addition,exercise can inhibit the occurrence of pyroptosis to regulate the progression of osteoarthritis,which has become a research hot spot in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the regulatory role of pyroptosis in osteoarthritis and the mechanism of exercise-mediated pyroptosis in osteoarthritis. METHODS:PubMed and CNKI databases were searched during 1992 to 2024 with the keywords"pyroptosis,osteoarthritis,chondrocyte pyroptosis,synovial cell pyroptosis,exercise"in English and Chinese,respectively.Finally,71 relevant articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage extracellular matrix,synovial inflammation,and subchondral bone remodeling.This condition often leads to organic lesions,bone pain,and functional impairment.(2)Pyroptosis,a distinct programmed cell death mechanism,involves cell lysis and the release of inflammatory cytokines,triggering a robust inflammatory response,and is closely related to the development of osteoarthritis.Pyroptosis can result in the release of numerous inflammatory factors,thereby activate the nuclear factor kappa-B transcription and increase pyroptosis protein production,and in turn exacerbate the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis.Therefore,pyroptosis can be a new direction for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.(3)Exercise has been shown to down-regulate the pyroptosis protein signaling pathway and inhibit the expression of related inflammatory factors,thereby playing a pivotal role in osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.Aerobic and anaerobic exercises can delay the pathological process of osteoarthritis by inhibiting the occurrence of pyroptosis.Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is most effective in improving osteoarthritis by inhibiting pyroptosis signaling pathways,while anaerobic exercise can have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass.

Objective To examine the current status and trends of colorectal cancer (CRC) burden among Chinese residents from 1990 to 2021. Methods Data on CRC burden in China, Asia, and the global population from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease database for descriptive analysis. An age-period-cohort model was employed to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on CRC mortality and to forecast changes in disease burden. Results In 2021, China’s age-standardized mortality rate, prevalence rate, and DALY rate for CRC were higher than global and Asian averages. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) from 1990 to 2021 were −0.49% (95%CI: −0.55% to −0.43%) for mortality, 3.17% (95%CI: 3.03%−3.31%) for prevalence, and −0.62% (95%CI: −0.71% to −0.54%) for DALYs. Areas with high and medium-high sociodemographic indexes (SDIs) showed significant decreases in standardized mortality and DALY rates, but these rates remained higher compared with other regions. CRC mortality increased with age in the Chinese population, more prominently in males than in females. Using the 2002–2006 period as a reference (RR=1), the period effect on CRC mortality risk for women was higher than that for men until 2004, after which it declined considerably. With the 1957 birth cohort as a reference (RR=1), CRC mortality risk generally decreased across subsequent birth cohorts. Predictions indicate that by 2035, the standardized prevalence rate will be 267.21 per 100 000, and the standardized mortality rate will be 12.29 per 100 000. Conclusion From 1990 to 2021, China’s age-standardized CRC mortality and DALY rates have decreased, while the standardized prevalence rate has increased. These findings suggest the government to establish a comprehensive multi-level CRC prevention network.

AIM: To compare the progression of myopia in children wearing orthokeratology lenses combined with low-concentration atropine before and after drug withdrawal, to determine the rebound effect of drug withdrawal in orthokeratology lens wearers, and to analyze its causes based on changes in pupil diameter.METHODS:A prospective case-control study was conducted to collect 80 children with myopia who were treated with orthokeratology lenses combined with 0.01% atropine ophthalmic gel at the Xi'an No.1 Hospital from January to June 2022. One year later, they were divided into a drug withdrawal group(Group A, 40 cases)and a continuous medication group(Group B, 40 cases)based on whether they stopped taking the medication. The progression of myopia before and after drug withdrawal was observed by analyzing changes in axial length(AL)and spherical equivalent(SE)in the group A within 1 a before and after drug withdrawal. The changes in AL, pupil diameter(PD), and SE were compared between the group A and group B within 2 a, and the correlation between PD and AL growth was analyzed.RESULTS:In the group A, the AL increased by 0.17±0.23 and 0.29±0.18 mm at 0.5 and 1 a after drug withdrawal, respectively, which were both greater than before drug withdrawal(t=5.318, 2.983, both P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in SE growth between the two time points(P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in AL and PD between the group A and group B at baseline, 0.5 and 1 a during combined medication(all P>0.05). At 1.5 a, the AL growth of the group A was greater than that of the group B(0.32±0.27 mm vs 0.26±0.20 mm, t=7.363, P<0.001), and the PD was smaller than that of the group B(3.60±1.25 mm vs 4.12±1.92 mm, t=-7.541, P<0.001). At 2 a, the AL growth of the group A was greater than that of the group B(0.44±0.18 mm vs 0.32±0.14 mm, t=5.709, P<0.001), and the PD was smaller than that of the group B(3.67±1.31 mm vs 4.02±1.67 mm, t=-4.281, P<0.001). Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between PD and AL growth at 0.5 and 1 a follow-ups over 2 a(R2=-0.156, -0.190, both P<0.001).CONCLUSION: After stopping low-concentration atropine in children wearing orthokeratology lenses, AL increased more rapidly than before drug withdrawal, PD decreased, and SE changed little. Compared with continuous medication, discontinuation of medication led to faster progression of AL with little change in diopter, and the larger the PD during orthokeratology lens wear, the slower the progression of AL.

[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.

In this work,near infrared carbon quantum dots(NIR-CDs)were synthesized by hydrothermal method using biomass material Clausena lansium leaves.The synthesized NIR-CDs emitted maximum fluorescence signal at 677 nm,which was independent of excitation wavelength.The characterization results showed that there were abundant groups on the surface of NIR-CDs.Pd2+could form non-fluorescent compounds with the surface groups of NIR-CDs,resulting in fluorescence quenching(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F0).Because chlorpromazine hydrochloride(CPZ)parent nucleus contained unoxidized S atom,CPZ could form stable colored complex with Pd2+under acidic conditions.In the presence of CPZ,Pd2+dissociated from the surface of NIR-CDs and bonded with CPZ,so that the fluorescence signal could be restored(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F).An"on-off-on"fluorescence sensor was thus constructed.The fluorescence signal recovery value of NIR-CDs(△F=F-F0)showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CPZ in the range of 5.68-28.43 μg/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 0.078 μg/mL.The sensor was applied to determination of CPZ in pharmaceutical preparations,and the recoveries were 94％-106％.The developed fluorescence sensor was expected to be used in quality control of actual pharmaceutical preparations.

The term yin excess originated in the Huang Di Nei Jing, which refers to the phenomenon of "heavy yin" when wind pathogens invades the human body and defensive qi enters the yin part of the human body. Later doctors have played a role in yin excess. Theoretically, yin and yang are out of balance in the human body, and yin is too much and yang is not enough, which is the process of physiological transformation to pathology; from the diagnosis point of view, patients with yin deficiency have less pulse and more blood; from the clinical manifestations, patients with yin excess appear cold from the back, hands and feet cold reverse; from the point of view of treatment, bitter cold products can cause yin excess. Modern research specifies yin as phlegm, dampness, stasis and other pathological products, and emphasize the relation between yin excess and yang deficiency. Yin excess includes pathological factors such as phlegm stasis cold, external cold straight in the liver wood, set in the hypochasm, resulting in mass; or overthinking and cold drink injury spleen, phlegm turbidiousness, long and hard phlegm forming lumps, thus resulting yin excess; or it may deplete the yang energy of the heart, leading to neglect of the warming function and stagnation of blood stasis; or if the kidney yang is deficient and the body lacks warmth, and there is no true yang in the ridge, then the wood will sink and congest blood stasis; the above etiology and pathogenesis lead to the occupation of yin pathogens, resulting in liver cancer. The treatment methods include liver cold turbidizing, warming liver and dispelling cold, with Wuzhuyu Decoction; spleen-deficiency phlegm production, the treatment should be warm the middle and resolving the phlegm, with Linggui Zhugan Decoction and Zhenwu Decoction; Yang deficiency and stasis, the treatment should warm kidney to remove blood stasis, with Poyu Decoction.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture(EA)at Fengchi points(GB20)on cerebral infarction in rats.Methods The 80 male SD rats were randomized into normal group,model group,EA group(EA at Fengchi),and EA+AS1517499 group(EA at Fengchi+intraperitoneal STAT6 phosphorylation inhibitor),with 20 rats in each group.A cerebral infarction model was established via intraluminal filament occlusion in all groups except for the normal group.After intervention,the neurological deficit scores of the rats were assessed.The cerebral infarction area was measured using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.Histopathological alterations in brain tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The rate of brain cell apoptosis was determined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining.The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),interferon-gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin-4(IL-4),and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β)in brain tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western Blot was used to measure the protein expression of microglial markers(Iba-1,CD86,CD206)and STAT6/NF-κB pathway proteins(STAT6,p-STAT6,PPAR-γ,p-NF-κB p65).Results Compared with the normal group,the neurological deficit score,cerebral infarction area,apoptosis rate of brain cells and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and IFN-γ in the brain tissue of the EA group were significantly increased,and the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly decreased,the expression levels of M1 microglia marker CD86 and signal pathway-related protein p-NF-κB p65 were significantly increased,and the expression levels of M2 microglia marker CD206 and signal pathway-related proteins STAT6,p-STAT6 and PPAR-γ were significantly decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score,cerebral infarction area,brain cell apoptosis rate and the levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ in the brain tissue of the EA group were significantly decreased,the levels of IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly increased,the expression levels of CD86 and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly decreased,and the expression levels of CD206,STAT6,p-STAT6 and PPAR-γ were significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The therapeutic effects of the above indexes in the EA group were significantly superior to those in the EA+AS1517499 group.Conclusion EA at Fengchi points mitigates cerebral infarction by shifting microglial polarization from M1 to M2 via STAT6/NF-κB pathway modulation.

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, primarily originating from recurrent inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Therefore, blocking the inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon has become a focus in the early prevention and treatment of CRC. The inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon involves multiple types of cells and complex pathological processes, including inflammatory responses and tumorigenesis. In this complex pathological process, immune cells(including non-specific and specific immune cells) and non-immune cells(such as tumor cells and fibroblasts) interact with each other, collectively promoting the progression of the disease. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon belongs to the categories of dysentery and diarrhea, with the main pathogenesis being cold and heat in complexity. This paper first elaborates on the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation process in the colon from the perspectives of inflammation, cancer, and their mutual influences. Subsequently, by comparing the pathogenic characteristics and clinical manifestations between inflammation-cancer transformation and the TCM pathogenesis of cold and heat in complexity, this paper explores the intrinsic connections between the two. Furthermore, based on the correlation between inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon and the TCM pathogenesis, this paper delves into the importance of the interaction between inflammation and cancer. Finally, it summarizes and discusses the clinical and basic research progress in the TCM intervention in the inflammation-cancer transformation process, providing a theoretical basis and treatment strategy for the treatment of CRC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Humans ; Colon/pathology* ; Integrative Medicine ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Hot Temperature ; Inflammation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*

This study aims to investigate the polarized microscopic mineral phase characteristics, inorganic element content, and potential health risks associated with the intake of raw and calcined fossil mineral Chinese medicinal material Draconis Os. Microscopy was employed to observe the mineralogical characteristics of Draconis Os and compare the microscopic features and phase composition of raw and calcined Draconis Os under monochromatic and orthogonal polarized light. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) was employed to determine the content of 30 inorganic elements. Health risk assessment was conducted by calculating the single pollution index(P_i), average daily intake of elements for adults(ADI), target hazard quotient(THQ), non-carcinogenic assessment method-hazard quotient(HQ), and the carcinogenic risk of elements(CR). The results indicated that under monochromatic polarized light, the Draconis Os powder sections exhibited light gray-brown to gray-brown irregular fragments, some with undulating textures that were slightly curved. Under crossed polarized light, they appeared dark gray, grayish-white, and yellowish-white. Clear apatite was visible in the ground sections of Draconis Os under crossed polarized light. P_i results indicated that Draconis Os samples were free from contamination and were of good quality. According to the maximum allowable limits of heavy metals stipulated in ISO Traditional Chinese Medicine: Determination of heavy metals in herbal medicines used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, ADI, THQ, HQ, and CR were taken as assessment indicators. Only the THQ value for As(arsenic) in raw Draconis Os was greater than 1, while the THQ values for other heavy metal elements in the Draconis Os samples were all less than 1. The study demonstrates that the primary mineral phase of raw and calcined Draconis Os is apatite, with some samples co-existing with calcite, which can serve as one of the means for quality control of Draconis Os. The elemental analysis results from ICP-MS provide scientific evidence for the safety assessment of Draconis Os, indicating that Draconis Os is safe in clinical application.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Risk Assessment ; Minerals/chemistry* ; Fossils ; Humans ; Drug Contamination ; Mass Spectrometry