The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis， involving neural， endocrine， and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs （脏腑） theory in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory， and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid， the liver governing the free flow of qi， and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases， including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion， neurotransmitter levels， the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis， immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses， as well as the gut microecology. However， current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges， such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology， lack of innovation in research concepts， and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration， multi-omics technologies， and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases， thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes. If not intervened in time, NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer, and ultimately threatening life. NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis, and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs. Currently, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and hepatoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention, but these drugs have obvious side effects, and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation, alleviate insulin resistance (IR), suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate autophagy, thereby alleviating NAFLD. Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects. In this article, we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines (such as natural herbal medicine formulas, extracts, polysaccharides, and monomers) that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK, which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

BACKGROUND:Macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)is a pleiotropic cytokine,which is secreted in different types of stem cells and can regulate the proliferation,differentiation and migration of various types of stem cells.Our previous research has confirmed that human embryonic stem cells secrete MIF and that its concentration in the culture medium is relatively stable.However,whether MIF is involved in the survival,proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of MIF on survival,proliferation,and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. METHODS:(1)Human embryonic stem cells H9 were cultured.The growth curve of cells was detected and plotted by CCK-8 assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the level of MIF in the medium.(2)To determine the effects of exogenous MIF on the survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,different groups were established:the control group,which was cultured in stem cell medium without any modifications;the exogenous MIF group,which was treated with different concentrations(30,100,300 ng/mL)of MIF in the stem cell medium;the MIF inhibitor ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations(2,7,21 μmol/L)of ISO-1 in the stem cell medium;and the MIF+ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations of ISO-1 along with 100 ng/mL of MIF.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)To further elucidate the effect of MIF gene on survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cell,the MIF knockout H9 cell line was constructed by CRISPR-Cas 9 technology to observe the lineage establishment.(4)To determine the effect of high concentrations of MIF on human embryonic stem cell differentiation,100 ng/mL MIF and 100 ng/mL of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody were separately added to the normal stem cell culture medium.The expression levels of self-renewal factors(KLF4,c-MYC,NANOG,OCT4,and SOX2)and differentiation transcription factors(FOXA2,OTX2)were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunofluorescence staining,and western blot analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The logarithmic growth phase of H9 cells was between 3-6 days.Under normal growth conditions,human embryonic stem cells secreted MIF at a concentration of approximately 20 ng/mL,independent of cell quantity.(2)Compared to the control group,the addition of different concentrations of MIF had no effect on the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells(P>0.05).ISO-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,with a stronger inhibition observed at higher concentrations of ISO-1(P<0.05).The addition of MIF in the presence of ISO-1 reduced the inhibitory effect of ISO-1(P<0.05).(3)Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knocking out 50%of the MIF gene resulted in a significant decrease in the growth vitality of human embryonic stem cells and failure to establish cell lines.(4)Adding 100 ng/mL exogenous MIF to the culture medium resulted in a decrease in the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the self-renewal transcription factor KLF4,while the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the differentiation factor FOXA2 increased.(5)When 100 ng/mL CXCR4 neutralizing antibody was added to the culture medium,the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 increased,while the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXA2 decreased,contrary to the expression trend observed in the MIF group.In conclusion,the endogenous secretion of MIF by human embryonic stem cells is essential for their survival.The addition of MIF to the culture medium does not promote the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells.However,it can lead to a decrease in the expression of the self-renewal factor KLF4 and an increase in the expression of the transcription factor FOXA2.This provides a clue for further investigation into the effects and mechanisms of MIF on the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.The MIF-CXCR4 axis plays a regulatory role in this process.

Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants.Methods:A cases series study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 6 children with HUWE1 gene variants. The children were identified from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University between April 2021 and July 2023.The data included sex, age, dysmorphic features, intellectual and motor development, seizure history, neuroimaging findings, family history, and genetic results was analyzed.Results:A total of 6 children, including 5 boys and 1 girl. The age of onset ranged from 1 day to 3 years. All children presented with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with or without motor developmental delay. Dysmorphic features were observed in 4 children, including microcephaly in 3 children. Short stature were observed in 3 children. One child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and 1 child had seizures. Two boys had relevant maternal family histories of febrile seizures and mild intellectual disability, respectively. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were presented in 4 children, including cerebral dysplasia (1 child), prominent supratentorial ventricles (1 child), and mild white matter demyelination (2 children). Whole-exome sequencing identified 5 missense variants and 1 in-frame deletion variant. Five variants were novel and previously unreported (c.12290C>T, c.12701T>C, c.9875C>T, c.9641A>T and c.10313_10315del). The variants in 4 boys were maternally inherited, while the remaining 2 children had de novo variants. The child with the in-frame deletion variant (c.10313_10315del) presented with the most severe phenotype, exhibiting symptoms from 1 day of age, absent cognitive development, feeding difficulties, and congenital laryngeal chondrodysplasia. He was lost to follow-up at 3 months of age after treatment was withdrawn. The age at the last follow-up for the remaining 5 children ranged from 2 years and 10 months to 17 years. A boy with seizures died at 2 years and 10 months of age. The remaining 4 children were able to walk independently at the last follow-up, although their developmental progress was slow. Conclusions:HUWE1 gene related X-linked intellectual disability is characterized by varying degrees of developmental delay and intellectual disability, frequently accompanied by microcephaly, short stature, and occasionally by seizures and autism spectrum disorders. Missense variants are more common and the in-frame deletion variant appears to be associated with a particularly severe phenotypic presentation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes.If not intervened in time,NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer,and ultimately threatening life.NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis,and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs.Currently,insulin sensitizers,lipid-lowering agents and hep-atoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention,but these drugs have obvious side effects,and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed.Adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis.Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation,alleviate insulin resistance(IR),suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response,and regulate autophagy,thereby alleviating NAFLD.Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects.In this article,we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines(such as natural herbal medicine formulas,extracts,polysaccharides,and monomers)that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK,which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

Objective:To analyze the differences in routine blood tests and infection markers among elderly AIDS patients with other opportunistic infections, to explore their immune status and inflammatory responses, and to provide new molecular markers for clinical diagnosis.Methods:The study included general indicators, routine blood tests, and infection markers of older HIV patients with other opportunistic infections admitted to Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results:A total of 94 elderly AIDS patients with various opportunistic infections were included in this study.Among them, the majority were co-infected with tuberculosis, accounting for 60 cases(63.83%), followed by 23 cases(24.47%)of AIDS patients co-infected with syphilis.Additionally, there were 7 cases of AIDS co-infected with amoebiasis(7.45%)and 4 cases of AIDS co-infected with monkeypox(4.26%).Almost all cases of combined infections were male, with males comprising 91.3% of AIDS patients co-infected with syphilis and 100% in the other co-infected groups.There were 9 blood routine and infectious markers that exhibited significant differences between patients with HIV co-infected with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections.These markers included lymphocytes(LYM), hemoglobin(HGB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP), procalcitonin(PCT), T lymphocytes, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio( P<0.05).Specifically, the levels of LYM, HGB, T lymphocytes, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio in elderly AIDS patients with tuberculosis were significantly lower than those in patients with other co-infections(all P<0.05).Conversely, the levels of inflammatory factors such as PCT, ESR, and CRP were notably higher in the former group(all P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed that when LYM was utilized as an individual indicator for the differential diagnosis between AIDS patients with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections, the area under the curve(AUC)amounted to 0.832.However, the CRP/LYM ratio demonstrated the optimal diagnostic performance in differential diagnosis, with an AUC reaching 0.866. Conclusions:The immune function of elderly AIDS patients is further compromised following co-infection with tuberculosis, which is accompanied by a severe inflammatory response.The CRP/LYM ratio shows promise as a hematological molecular marker for differentiating between AIDS patients with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections.

Objective:To assess the effects of recognition function of four-lead electrocardiogram(ECG)synchronization technique and multi-parameter fusion technique in reducing the number of false alarms and improving the quality of alarms in intensive care units(ICU).Methods:Four-lead ECG synchronization technique and multi-parameter fusion technique were used to strengthen the monitoring and assessment for the alarm of clinical monitors,and reduce the false alarm rate of monitors.The clinical alarm data of bed units corresponding to 48 monitors in clinical use of ICU,cardiovascular intensive care unit(CCU)and neurosurgery intensive care unit(NICU)of Hainan General Hospital from October 14 to December 27,2024 were selected.According to the opening and close of the four-lead ECG synchronization and multi-parameter fusion technique algorithm of the monitors,they were divided into group A(opened four-lead ECG synchronization and multi-parameter fusion),group B(opened four-lead ECG synchronization,but closed multi-parameter fusion),group C(closed four-lead ECG synchronization,but opened multi-parameter fusion)and group D(closed four-lead ECG synchronization and multi-parameter fusion),with 12 units in each group.The numbers of total alarms and false alarms generated by monitor of each bed unit among different optimization strategies were compared.Results:The numbers of average daily alarm of the monitors in groups A,B and C were respectively(134.2±32.4)cases,(392.5±68.2)cases and(583.4±126.5)cases,which were lower than those in group D(1 073.2±168.6),with statistically significant differences(Z=3.45,2.94,2.52,P<0.05).The optimization rates of the alarm numbers in groups A,B and C were increased by 87.51%,63.47%and 45.67%,respectively.The rates of average false alarm of the monitors in groups A,B and C were respectively(1.04±0.15)%,(1.73±0.12)%and(2.07±0.08)%,which were lower than(3.76±0.2)%in group D,with statistically significant differences(Z=3.45,2.94,2.52,P<0.05).Conclusion:Four-lead ECG synchronization technique and multi-parameter fusion technique can effectively optimize the number of alarms in ICU,and reduce the proportion of false alarms of monitors in department,and decrease fatigue of medical staffs for alarm.

Objective:To establish a solvent elution-liquid chromatography method for the determination of trichloroaniline concentration in the air of the workplace.Methods:From December 2023 to January 2024, 2, 4, 5-trichloroaniline, 2, 4, 6-trichloroaniline, and 3, 4, 5-trichloroaniline in the air were collected using glass fiber filter membranes. After elution with acetonitrile and filtration with a 0.22 μm mixed cellulose filter membrane, isometric elution with acetonitrile and water (volume ratio 55∶45) was performed using a C8 column (250 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm) , and detection was carried out using a photo-diode array (PDA) detector. The detection limit, precision and other indicators of the method were analyzed.Results:The separation and determination of trichloroaniline isomers were completed within 9 minutes by the solvent elution-liquid chromatography method. The linear range was 0.1-30 μg/ml, the detection limit of the method was 0.005 μg/ml, the recoveries were 88%-98%, and the relative standard deviation was 0.3%-3.2%.Conclusion:The solvent elution-liquid chromatography method for the determination of trichloroaniline is simple and efficient. Both the recovery and precision meet the standard requirements for the determination of toxic substances in the workplace, and it is suitable for the detection of trichloroaniline in the workplace.

BackgroundAs a high prevalence disorder， schizophrenia has caused significant burden to family and society due to the impairment of occupational and social function. Currently， the dominant vocational training model in China follows a paternalistic， clinician-led decision-making approach. Although it improves patients' social function to some extent， it undermines their autonomy and treatment adherence. Therefore， it is urgently necessary to explore a new intervention method to enhance treatment compliance and social function in patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on social function in hospitalized schizophrenia patients， so as to provide references for rehabilitation interventions. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the International Classification of Diseases， tenth edition （ICD-10） criteria were consecutively enrolled from January to June 2024 at The Third People's Hospital of Wenjiang Distric， Chengdu. Participants were randomly allocated into the research group （n=34） and the control group （n=34） using a random number table method. Both groups received routine rehabilitation training， while the research group received shared decision-making oriented vocational training for 12 weeks， 2 times a week for 2 hours each time. Before and at the 4^th and 12^th week of intervention， two groups were evaluated by General Self-Efficacy Scale （GSES）， Stigma Scale for Mental Illness （SSMI）， Scale of Social function of Psychosis Inpatients （SSFPI） and Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation Outcome Scale （IPROS）. ResultsA total of 63 participants completed the study， with 30 cases in the research group and 33 cases in the control group. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant time effects and interaction effects in both groups for GSES， SSMI， SSFPI and IPROS scores （F=20.451， 16.022； 26.193， 12.944； 23.957， 5.023； 11.776， 3.985， P<0.05 or 0.01）， while no significant group effects were observed （F=0.188， 0.742， 1.878， 0.474， P>0.05）. At the 12^th week of intervention， there were statistically significant differences in GSES， SSMI， SSFPI and IPROS scores between the two groups. ConclusionShared decision-making oriented vocational training may help to improve social function in patients with schizophrenia. ［Funded by 2023 Chengdu Medical Research Project （number， 2023468）］