ObjectiveTo optimize and validate the optimal sequential alcohol-water extraction process of modified Banxia Xiexintang（MBXT） based on pharmacodynamic evaluation， combined with the G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface methodology， and to systematically and comprehensively analyze the material basis of this formula， providing a scientific basis for its quality control and industrial production. MethodsRats were randomly divided into the normal group， model group， metformin group， and MBXT water extraction， water extraction and ethanol precipitation， sequential ethanol-water extraction groups. Except for the normal group， a polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance（PCOS-IR） model was established in all rats via a high-fat diet combined with letrozole induction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） biochemical assay kits and hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining were used to compare sex hormone levels in serum and ovarian histopathology， thereby screening extraction process routes. Based on this， a comprehensive score was constructed using the G1-entropy weight method based on the transfer rates of index components（berberine hydrochloride and baicalin） and the dry extract rate. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was then utilized to optimize the extraction process parameters. Finally， the chemical constituents of the sample from the optimal process were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS）. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that compared with the normal group， serum testosterone（T） and luteinizing hormone（LH） levels were significantly elevated in the model group， while estradiol（E₂） and follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） levels were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， with polycystic changes observed in ovarian tissues. Compared with the model group， all treatment groups significantly reversed the changes in sex hormone levels， with the sequential ethanol-water extraction group showing the optimal effect in improving the aforementioned indicators and pathological morphology， followed by subsequent process optimization. The optimized process involved adding 12 times the amount of 70% ethanol for extracting twice， each lasting 120 min， and adding 12 times the amount of water for extracting thrice， each lasting 90 min. Validation test results showed that under optimal process conditions， the average transfer rates of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 76.05% and 93.38%， respectively. MS analysis identified a total of 377 compounds， including 112 flavonoids， 41 terpenoids， 28 organic acids， 22 coumarins， and 8 alkaloids， while elucidating the cleavage patterns of key components. ConclusionThe optimized sequential ethanol-water extraction process is stable and feasible， effectively preserving the material basis of MBXT for treating PCOS-IR. It further clarifies the main chemical composition of this formula， providing a scientific basis for the development and quality control of its preparations.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang（MBXT） on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance（PCOS-IR） rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected， and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group， MBXT low-， medium-， and high-dose groups（6.62， 13.23， 26.46 g·kg^-1）， and metformin group（0.158 g·kg^-1）， with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration， the estrous cycle was observed， ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， and the levels of testosterone（T）， estradiol（E₂）， follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH）， and luteinizing hormone（LH） in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS） and RNA-Seq technology， respectively， followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats， improve polycystic ovarian lesions， and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels（T， LH， E₂， FS， P<0.05， P<0.01）. Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group， MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione， mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis， glutathione metabolism， and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes， and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems， including glutathione metabolism， peroxisome function， and fatty acid metabolism， thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes［such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene（Rac2） and Fas ligand gene（Faslg）］ showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network， particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses， inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis， and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang（MBXT） in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance（PCOS-IR） rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate（AMP）-activated protein kinase（AMPK）/fatty acid synthase（FASN）/glutathione peroxidase 4（GPX4） signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group（n=13） and a modeling group（n=63）. The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling， these rats were randomly divided into the model group， MBXT low-， medium-， and high-dose groups（6.62， 13.23， 26.46 g·kg^-1）， metformin group（0.158 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group（15 mg·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention， ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy（TEM）， ovarian reactive oxygen species（ROS） levels were detected by dihydroethidium（DHE） probe， biochemical methods were used to detect Fe²⁺， malondialdehyde（MDA）， glutathione（GSH） and other indicators in ovarian tissues， serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， and the protein expressions of AMPK， FASN， acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4（ACSL4）， GPX4， and solute carrier family 7 member 11（SLC7A11） in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries， with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone（T）， luteinizing hormone（LH）， and insulin were significantly increased（P<0.01）. The levels of ROS， MDA， 4-hydroxynonenal（4-HNE）， and Fe²⁺ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated（P<0.01）， while adenosine triphosphate（ATP）， GSH， and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） levels were significantly decreased（P<0.01）. The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase （ACC）， as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11， GPX4， and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1（FSP1） were significantly downregulated（P<0.01）， whereas the expressions of FASN， ACSL4， and nuclear receptor coactivator 4（NCOA4） were significantly upregulated（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner， with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect（P<0.01）. Compared with the MBXT high-dose group， the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats， with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products， and altered expressions of key proteins（P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway， downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates， and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase（G6PD/PHGDH） metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system， thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.

BACKGROUND:Related studies have shown that bone density,postoperative infection,adjacent vertebral fracture,and lumbar fascial edema may be risk factors for lingering pain after vertebroplasty.OBJECTIVE:To scrutinize the risk factors for lumbar fascia edema in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures patients and investigate its influence on lingering pain after vertebroplasty.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 204 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty at the Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University from February to October 2022.Patients were categorized based on MRI findings into two groups:without lumbar fascia edema(84 cases)and with lumbar fascia edema(120 cases).Preoperative data,encompassing age,gender,height,weight,body mass index,bone density,serum total protein,serum albumin,inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate),degree of fracture compression,presence of prior compression fractures,fracture count,lumbar instability,and Japanese senile independence score were gathered.Postoperative follow-up recorded data such as the number of new vertebral fractures and visual analog scale scores were recorded.Logistic regression method was used to analyze the risk factors of lumbar fascial edema,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine whether the risk factors had relevant diagnostic significance.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Age,prior vertebral compression fractures,Japanese senile independence score score,and lumbar instability presence emerged as autonomous risk factors for lumbar fascia edema in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures patients,with corresponding odds ratios of 2.76,1.70,2.56,and 4.74,respectively.(2)Employing a visual analog scale score of 4 at 1 month postoperatively to distinguish residual pain revealed 31 cases with residual pain in the lumbar fascia edema group,in contrast to only 8 cases in the non-fascia edema group(P＜0.01).(3)The fascia edema group exhibited a significantly higher visual analog scale score at 1 month postoperatively(2.12±1.35)compared to the group without fascia edema(1.67±1.08)(P＜0.01).(4)It is indicated that age,Japanese senile independence score,prior compression fractures,and lumbar instability presence independently contribute to lumbar fascia edema in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures patients.Lumbar fascia edema emerges as a determinant of persistent pain in the lumbar region following percutaneous vertebroplasty in these patients.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of sleep interruption(SI)cycles on emotional behavior in ICR mice,and to establish a mouse model of comorbid anxiety and depression induced by SI.Methods Seventy-two male ICR mice(4～5 weeks old)were divided randomly into a blank group and a model group.Mice in the model group were subjected to SI stress modeling for 1,2,and 3 weeks,respectively.After modeling,emotional behaviors were evaluated using open-field,elevated plus maze,light-dark box,marble-burying,and forced-swimming tests.Serum corticosterone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Mice in the model group buried significantly more marbles after 1 week of SI stress,compared with the blank group(P＜0.05).After 2 weeks of stress,mice in the model group also showed a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05)and a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.01)compared with the control group.After 3 weeks of stress,mice in the model group showed a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.05),a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05),and a significant increase in immobility time in the forced-swim test(P＜0.01).Conclusions ICR mice exhibited significant anxiety-related behaviors after 2 weeks of SI modeling and significant anxiety-and depressive-related behavioral changes after 3 weeks.Three weeks of SI stress can be used to establish a model of comorbid anxiety and depression.

Objective To analyze the status of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the distribution of viral subtypes in the Zhengzhou region. Methods Clinical data of 55239 patients who underwent HPV-DNA genotyping tests from 2018 to 2024 were collected. On the basis of HPV follow-up results, patients were divided into three groups: 849 cases of infection with the same HPV type, 255 cases of persistent infection with different HPV types, and 857 cases of transient HPV infection. Results Among the 9232 initially-screened patients who were positive with HPV, the high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) positive rate was 84.6% (7813/9232), and predominant subtypes were HPV-16 (20.8%), HPV-52 (17.2%), and HPV-53 (9.6%). The low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) positive rate was 15.4% (1419/9232), mainly HPV-81 (28.1%) and HPV-42 (27.0%). Among the 1961 follow-up cases, the rates of persistent and non-persistent infections with the same HPV type were 35.7% (701/1961) and 7.5% (148/1961), respectively. The rates of persistent and non-persistent infections with different HPV types were 10.9% (214/1961) and 2.1% (41/1961), respectively. Meanwhile, 43.7% (857/1961) tested negative upon follow-up. Among the 701 cases of persistent infection with the same HPV type, HR-HPV accounted for 85.7% (601/701), and LR-HPV accounted for 14.3% (100/701). Among the 214 cases of persistent infection with different HPV types, 89.7% (192/214) were high-risk transitions, and 10.3% (22/214) were low-risk transitions. Regardless of HPV types, HR-HPV was more likely to cause persistent infection than LR-HPV. In addition, over 60% of HR-HPV persistent infections resolved within 18 months, 30% developed into persistent infections, and only 15% of patients had persistent infections that last more than 24 months. Conclusion Persistent HPV infections are predominantly high-risk types. Most patients clear the infection within 18 months, approximately 30% develop persistent infections, and about 15% of patients have persistent infections that last more than 24 months. However, the HR-HPV persistent infection rates across different age groups slightly differ.

OBJECTIVE: To explore decompression strategies for lateral lumbar spinal stenosis under unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assistance. METHODS: A clinical data of 86 patients with lateral lumbar stenosis treated with UBE-assisted intervertebral decompression between September 2022 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 44 females with an average age of 63.6 years (range, 45-79 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 14 months (mean, 8.5 months). Surgical levels included L _{2, 3} in 3 cases, L _{3, 4} in 26 cases, L _{4, 5} in 42 cases, and L ₅, S ₁ in 15 cases. According to Lee's grading system, there were 21 cases of grade 1, 37 cases of grade 2, and 28 cases of grade 3 for lumbar spinal stenosis. Based on the location of stenosis and clinical symptoms, the 33 cases underwent interlaminar approach, 7 cases underwent interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, 26 cases underwent contralateral inclinatory approach, and 20 cases underwent paraspinal approach; then, the corresponding decompression procedures were performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate lower back/leg pain before operation and at 1 and 3 months after operation, while Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate spinal function. At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was evaluated using the modified MacNab evaluation criteria. The spinal stenosis and decompression were evaluated based on Lee's grading system using lumbar MRI before operation and at 3 months after operation. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed with mean operation time of 95.1 minutes (range, 57-166 minutes). Dural tears occurred in 2 cases treated with interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 5.9 months). The clinical symptoms of the patients relieved to varying degrees. The VAS scores and ODI of lower back and leg pain at 1 and 3 months after operation significantly improved compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), and the indicators at 3 months significantly improved than that at 1 month ( P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria, the effectiveness at 3 months after operation was rated as excellent in 52 cases, good in 21 cases, and poor in 13 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.9%. No lumbar instability was detected on flexion-extension X-ray films during follow-up. The Lee's grading of lateral lumbar stenosis at 2 days after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative grading ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION For lateral lumbar spinal stenosis, UBE-assisted decompression of the spinal canal requires the selection of interlaminar approach, interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, contralateral inclinatory approach, and paraspinal approach based on preoperative imaging findings and clinical symptoms to achieve better effectiveness.
Humans ; Spinal Stenosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study is a subgroup analysis of the China Moderate to Severe Valvular Heart Disease Registry, which has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075006). METHODS: Patients undergoing TAVR with the Sentinel CEPD from October 2023 to September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 80 patients were included, with a median age of 72 (68, 76) years, including 52 males (65.0%) and 28 females (35.0%); 62 patients (77.5%) with tricuspid valves, and 18 patients (22.5%) with bicuspid valves; 34 patients (42.5%) with type Ⅰ aortic arch, 24 patients (30.0%) with type Ⅱ aortic arch, 12 patients (15.0%) with type Ⅲ aortic arch, and 10 patients (12.5%) with bovine-type aortic arch. Clinical data of the patients were summarized and analyzed. The primary endpoints were success rate of Sentinel CEPD implantation, as well as all-cause death, symptomatic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and Sentinel CEPD access vessel complications during hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In the 80 patients, self-expanding valves were used in 68 cases (85.0%) and balloon-expandable valves in 12 cases (15.0%). Seventy-nine patients (98.8%) successfully underwent TAVR with Sentinel CEPD deployment. Macroscopically visible debris was captured in 92.5% (74/80) by filters of Sentinel CEPD. Although the procedure time for Sentinel CEPD placement was slightly longer in patients with bovine-type aortic arch, there was no statistically significant difference in deployment time among different aortic arch types (P>0.05). During hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively, only one case of transient ischemic attack occurred, and there was no all-cause mortality, symptomatic stroke, or access-site vascular complications related to the Sentinel CEPD observed. CONCLUSIONS The Sentinel CEPD demonstrates high feasibility across aortic arch types, potential efficacy in embolic capture, and excellent safety in TAVR.
Humans ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Embolic Protection Devices ; Retrospective Studies ; Intracranial Embolism/prevention & control* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery* ; Aortic Valve/surgery*

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the common and serious complications in chest cancer patients after undergoing radiotherapy. In recent years, gut microbiota has garnered attention as a research hotspot. Multiple studies found that it has preventive and therapeutic effects on RILI. It can exert its effects through various mechanisms including the regulation of the immune system, the gut‐lung axis and its own metabolites, etc. In this article, the mechanism of RILI was elucidated and the protective mechanism of gut microbiota against RILI was comprehensively analyzed, providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of RILI in clinical practice and offering new methods to improve patient prognosis and enhance the quality of life.

Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome(SANS)is among the predominant health risks of prolonged space missions,with biomechanical disequilibrium considered a pivotal mechanism driving its onset and progression.This biomechanical imbalance is intrinsically linked—structurally,physiologically,and pathologically—to the Kidney Essence-Sea of Marrow-Eye System Axis,a theoretical framework in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)describing the functional interconnection among the kidney,brain,and visual system.Thus,investigating this axis in the context of SANS from a biomechanical perspective may provide novel insights into prevention and management strategies.From the TCM standpoint,the pathogenesis of SANS reflects a functional dysharmony of the Kidney-Brain-Eye Axis,rooted in Shen Jing(Kidney Essence)deficiency,with insufficiency of the Sea of Marrow as a pivotal link,meridian obstruction as the pathway disturbance,and ocular system atony as the external manifestation.Therapeutic principles emphasize addressing both root causes and secondary manifestations,integrating tonification with dispersion,and combining internal and external modalities.Core treatment strategies include tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence,nourishing the marrow to enhance vision,dredging meridians to regulate Qi,and invigorating blood circulation while promoting diuresis to mitigate fluid retention.