Narcotic plants are strictly regulated worldwide due to their ability to extract drug alkaloids and drug precursor components. Besides the three traditional core species, cannabis, opium poppy, and coca, the misuse of psychoactive plants with addictive properties has become increasingly prevalent globally in recent years, and the establishment of accurate identification methods for such plants has become an urgent need in the field of narcotics control. Within existing identification frameworks, the conventional morphological and chemical analysis methods, despite their long-term application, have demonstrated considerable limitations. In contrast, DNA-based molecular identification techniques have achieved significant advancement in recent years due to their high specificity and stability. This review comprehensively examines current DNA-based identification approaches for narcotic plants through three key dimensions: DNA molecular marker technology, DNA barcoding technology, and emerging molecular biological techniques, and elaborates on the principles, technical characteristics, application scenarios, and research progress of each technology, providing some reference for the scientific selection of DNA identification strategies for narcotic plants in different specific scenarios.

AIM: To analyze the pathological features, immunophenotype, and imaging findings of conjunctival lymphangiectasia(CL), and to explore the etiological mechanisms and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS:This single-center descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled postoperative specimens from patients with CL who underwent surgical treatment in the hospital between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2025. Routine hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and immunohistochemical staining(D2-40, CD31, CD34, CK)were performed. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)was used to observe the lesion morphology. The pathological results were comprehensively analyzed combined with clinical data. RESULTS: A total of postoperative specimens from 32 eyes of 32 patients with CL were enrolled, including 23 females(72%)and 9 males(28%), with a mean age of 53.03±12.47 y. All patients presented with single or multiple transparent cystic elevations beneath the bulbar conjunctiva. The postoperative pathological manifestations were characterized by dilation of conjunctival lymphatic vessels lined with a single layer of flattened endothelial cells, accompanied by edema and inflammatory infiltration in the surrounding stroma. All cases were positive for D2-40, confirming a lymphatic origin; some cases also expressed CD31 and CD34. AS-OCT revealed the lesions as unilocular or multilocular cystic spaces with low reflectivity. After complete surgical resection, the mean follow-up period was 16.2 mo with no recurrence.CONCLUSION:CL is a benign ocular surface lesion characterized by lymphatic vessel dilation. The endothelium co-expresses lymphatic and some vascular markers, suggesting that CL may belong to the spectrum of vascular malformations. AS-OCT has adjunctive diagnostic value, and surgical resection has definitive therapeutic efficacy.

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children, with a rising incidence of macrolide resistance. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing the disease burden; however, current diagnostic tools have limitations.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serological assays and their performance based on symptom onset in children with CAP. Methods: From September 2023 to September 2024, we prospectively enrolled children with CAP, classified as M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) or non-MPP, from 16 hospitals in Korea. Serological testing included chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and ELISA for detecting IgM and IgG, along with particle agglutination (PA) for total antibody measurements. Serological responses were analyzed at different times after symptom onset (0–4, 5–9, and 10–21 days). Results: Among 472 children with CAP (362 MPP, 110 non-MPP), 138 (29.2%) underwent PA testing, and 334 (70.8%) underwent IgM testing. PA at a 1:640 cutoff showed 48.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CLIA and ELISA showed comparable sensitivities (69.1% vs. 69.2%) and specificities (76.9% vs. 66.7%) for IgM testing. Seropositivity increased significantly with time since symptom onset (P for trend < 0.001), reaching 97.9% for IgM, 62.5% for IgG, and 94.7% for PA at 10–21 days. Conclusions The time post-symptom onset significantly influenced the diagnostic utility of serological tests for pediatric MPP, which showed limited value during the early stage of illness. These findings emphasize the importance of symptom onset-based interpretation of serological test results and their utility in complementing PCR when optimizing MPP diagnosis in children.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is prevalent among adults, many of whom require surgical interventions. Although metformin may improve postoperative outcomes by reducing inflammation, its effects on postoperative mortality and complications remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative metformin use is associated with improved postoperative outcomes after noncardiac surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients with type 2 DM who underwent noncardiac surgery between 2011 and 2019. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based on the use of preoperative metformin at admission. To evaluate dose-related effects, patients in the metformin group were further divided into low- and high-dose groups based on daily dose (< or ≥ 1,000 mg). The primary outcome was one-year mortality after surgery, and the secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, five-year mortality, and postoperative complications in major organs within 7 d. Results: Among 22 944 patients, 12 536 (54.6%) were exposed to preoperative metformin. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, preoperative metformin use was associated with a reduced one-year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.76, 95% CI [0.68–0.85]). For secondary outcomes, metformin use decreased postoperative complications in respiratory (odds ratio [OR]: 0.76, 95% CI [0.61−0.93]) and renal systems (OR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.58−0.74]). In a dose-related analysis, both doses were associated with a lower risk of postoperative mortality, with reductions in respiratory complications primarily due to high-dose metformin (OR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.54−0.89]). Conclusion Preoperative use of metformin is associated with reduced postoperative mortality and complications in diabetic patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and implement an antimicrobial stewardship education program for physician assistant nurses and to evaluate its effects on their knowledge and clinical performance. Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-group pre-post design was conducted with 50 physician assistant nurses at a university hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The antimicrobial stewardship education program, developed using the ADDIE model, consisted of 12 sessions including lectures and case-based learning (CBL)-based discussions.Knowledge was measured before and immediately after the intervention, while performance was assessed pre-intervention and four weeks post-program. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Knowledge scores significantly improved from 44.65±7.45 to 58.50±10.11 (p<.001), and all subdomains showed significant increases (p<.001). Performance scores increased from 3.68±0.77 to 4.28±0.68 (p<.001). Knowledge gain did not differ significantly between the medical and surgical departments (p=.710). Likewise, after adjusting for pre-test scores, no significant difference in performance improvement was observed between the two departments (ANCOVA, p=.170). These results indicate that the program was effective across both departments regardless of their characteristics. Conclusion The antimicrobial stewardship education program improved both knowledge and performance among physician assistant nurses. This program may contribute to the standardization of antimicrobial stewardship education and to appropriate antimicrobial use and the reduction of antimicrobial resistance.

Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

Conjunctival lymphangiectasia is a low-incidence ocular surface disease that is currently rarely reported in the relevant literature. It may be related to cosmetic eyelid surgery, tumor, radiation or chemotherapy and other factors and often causes a foreign body sensation, lacrimation, eye pain, visual fatigue and other discomfort. These symptoms of constant eye irritation affect the patient's quality of life. At present, anterior segment optical coherence tomography can be used for clinical diagnosis, and the novel monoclonal antibody D2-40, as a marker of lymphatic endothelial cell dilatation, has high specificity in pathological diagnosis. Previous studies have not fully defined the pathogenesis of the disease, and treatment methods vary. Conventional treatment has resulted in varying degrees of damage to the conjunctiva in patients. In recent years, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs have been reported to be effective in treating the disease with few complications. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease in order to gain a better understanding of conjunctival lymphangiectasia and provide more support for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream （RUC） induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion （BPL） cells， and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%， 2%， and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution （RUT） was assessed using cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） were measured using the DCFH-DA probe， and the levels of ferrous ions （Fe²⁺）， glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY^581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2，2′-bis（hydroxymethyl）butyric acid （DMBA） combined with estrogen and progesterone， and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12^th cycle， the rats were euthanized， and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Fe²⁺ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group， the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced （P<0.05） in a concentration-dependent manner， with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group， cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the levels of ROS and Fe²⁺ in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while GSH levels were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， ROS and Fe²⁺ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， while GSH levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）， and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased （P<0.05）. In the in vivo experiment， compared with the matrix group， the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved， with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group， Fe²⁺ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway， increasing Fe²⁺ accumulation， and promoting lipid peroxidation.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream （RUC） induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion （BPL） cells， and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%， 2%， and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution （RUT） was assessed using cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） were measured using the DCFH-DA probe， and the levels of ferrous ions （Fe²⁺）， glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY^581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2，2′-bis（hydroxymethyl）butyric acid （DMBA） combined with estrogen and progesterone， and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12^th cycle， the rats were euthanized， and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Fe²⁺ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group， the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced （P<0.05） in a concentration-dependent manner， with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group， cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the levels of ROS and Fe²⁺ in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while GSH levels were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， ROS and Fe²⁺ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， while GSH levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）， and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the 1%， 2%， and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the 4% RUT group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased （P<0.05）. In the in vivo experiment， compared with the matrix group， the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved， with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group， Fe²⁺ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the matrix group， the protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway， increasing Fe²⁺ accumulation， and promoting lipid peroxidation.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Lichong Xiaozheng Granules(LCXZ)sensitize ovarian cancer to cisplatin(DDP)treatment.Methods LC-MS analysis was used to identify the blood components of LCXZ after its administration in mice via gavage.In a BALB/c mouse model bearing subcutaneous ovarian cancer xenografts,the effects of daily gavage of distilled water(control group),intraperitoneal injection of DDP(5 mg/kg)once a week,or both DDP injection and daily LCXZK gavage(15 g/kg)on tumor growth were evaluated.Histopathological changes in the xenografts and kidneys were assessed with HE staining.RNA-seq was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes followed by KEGG pathway analysis.The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis-related were examined with transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting.Results A total of 218 blood-borne components of LCXZ were detected by LC-MS.In the tumor-bearing mice,treatments with DDP and DDP combined with LCXZ redcued the tumor volume by 60.3%and 72.6%compared with that in the control group,respectively.Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly upregulated ANT3 expression in both the two treatment groups.Molecular docking indicated that the main active components of LCXZ were capable of binding to adenine nucleotide translocator 3(ANT3)with binding energies below-6 kcal/mol.Transmission electron microscopy showed obvious mitochondrial swelling and outer-membrane damage in the tumor cells in DDP-treated mice,and these changes were more pronounced in the combined treatment group.The expression levels of BAX,ANT3,cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were increased,whereas BCL-2 expression was decreased significantly in the tumor cells in both the DDP and DDP+LCXZ groups.Conclusion LCXZ enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin against ovarian cancer xenografts in mice by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating apoptotic signaling pathways via upregulating ANT3.