Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), recognized as emerging environmental pollutants, are widely distributed in natural environments. Due to their small particle size and significant migratory capacity, MNPs can infiltrate diverse environmental matrices, then invade and accumulate in the organism via the skin, respiration, and digestion. Recently, concerns have grown over the detrimental effects and potential toxicity of MNPs on reproductive health. This review summarized published epidemiological and toxicological studies related to MNPs exposure and their effects on reproductive health. Firstly, this review critically examined the current landscape of epidemiological evidence and found that MNPs (e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, etc.) are present in various biological specimens from both males and females, and their presence may be associated with an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Secondly, extensive toxicological studies revealed that MNPs exposure induces reproductive health damage through mechanisms such as disrupting the microstructure of reproductive organs and altering molecular-level expressions. Oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis are identified as potential links between MNPs exposure and reproductive damage. Finally, this review addressed the prevalent shortcomings in existing studies and proposed future directions to tackle the challenges posed by MNPs-induced reproductive harm. These insights aim to inform strategies for safeguarding public reproductive health and ecological security, providing a scientific foundation for mitigating risks associated with MNPs pollution.

Objective To analyse the clinical efficiency of endolymphatic sac surgery (ESS) in the management of Meniere’s disease (MD). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 274 patients with MD who were hospitalized for treatment in Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2009 to August 2023. All patients received lifestyle management and drug treatment such as diuretics. For those whose conditions were not well controlled 3 to 6 months after the initial treatment, intratympanic glucocorticoid (ITG) or ESS treatment was carried out. Six months after the treatment, the classes of vertigo relief and hearing changes in the patients were evaluated. After adjusting the confounding factors through propensity score matching (PSM), the impact of ESS on the prognosis of MD patients was evaluated. Results Among 274 patients, 194 and 80 patients underwent ITG and ESS, respectively. Eighty patients were enrolled into each group after PSM. Before and after PSM, the rate of patients reaching vertigo relief class A in ESS group was higher than that in the ITG group (P＝0.004); there was no significant difference in hearing preservation between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that vertigo relief in the ESS group was better than that in the ITG group (P=0.029); there was no statistically significant difference in hearing preservation between the two groups. Conclusion When the initial treatment for patients with MD is ineffective, choosing ESS is more beneficial than ITG for controlling vertigo.

ObjectiveAutoimmune thyroiditis （AIT） is a complex and immune-mediated disorder， with no established treatment protocol. Both Western and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of AIT. This study evaluated the clinical consistency of existing AIT animal models based on the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM， using a novel evaluation method. Additionally， it proposed recommendations and future prospects for improving these models. MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted on existing AIT animal models， using databases and the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM. Core and accompanying symptoms of these models were scored based on the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM， and clinical consistency was assessed. ResultsMice are the primary experimental animals used in AIT modeling. Modeling methods include vaccine immunization， iodine induction， heterologous thyroid antigen immunization， and a combination of high iodine water and antigen immunization. The average consistency of clinical syndromes based on TCM and Western medicine is 40%， 60%， 54%， and 63%， with the highest consistency observed in the combined high iodine water and antigen immunization model. Pathological models based on TCM are less common， with the liver-stagnation-spleen-deficiency rat model showing high clinical consistency. While most models are designed according to Western medical theory， meeting the surface and structural effectiveness criteria of Western medicine. However， there is a lack of fine-tuning and clear differentiation of TCM syndromes. ConclusionCurrent AIT syndrome-disease combination animal models primarily reflect the pathological features of Western medicine， with limited integration of TCM syndromes. Future research should aim to combine the syndrome characteristics of TCM with the pathological features of Western medicine， creating multi-factor and dynamic syndrome-disease models. Such models would better facilitate an experimental platform that conforms to the theories of TCM， providing more comprehensive support and guidance for the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of AIT.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of survival in patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes(HR-MDS)and provide a reference for the clinical prognosis of patients with HR-MDS.Methods General data,blood routine test,bone marrow smear with histopathology,cytogenetics,and other clinical data of 200 patients diagnosed with HR-MDS at Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,during the period of January 2016-September 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The included patients were categorized into the arsenic-containing herbal combination combined with demethylating agents(HMAs)treatment group and the arsenic-containing Chinese medicine compound combined with androgen treatment group.The influence of clinical indices on the survival characteristics of each group was analyzed.Results Comparison of the impact of clinical indicators on survival in 200 patients with HR-MDS who were treated with arsenic-containing herbal compounds in combination with HMAs or androgens showed that high-risk vs.very high-risk(P=0.018),hemoglobin(Hb)<80 g/L vs.Hb≥80 g/L(P=0.035),platelet(PLT)counts<50×109 L-1 vs.PLT counts≥50×109 L-1(P<0.001),and the difference in median progression-free survival(PFS)time between myelodysplastic syndromes converted to leukemia(MDS-AML)and non-MDS-AML(P=0.003)were statistically significant.Comparison of survival effects of clinical indicators in 68 patients with HR-MDS who were treated with arsenic-containing Chinese medicine compound combined with HMAs showed that the difference in median PFS between PLT count<50×109 L-1 and PLT count≥50×109 L-1(P<0.001)and the difference in median PFS between<5 and≥5 courses of chemotherapy(P=0.018)were statistically significant.Comparison of survival effects of clinical indicators in 132 patients with HR-MDS who were treated with arsenic-containing Chinese medicine compound combined with androgens showed that Hb<80 g/L and Hg≥80 g/L(P=0.028),PLT count<50×109 L-1 and PLT count≥50×109 L-1(P=0.002),and the mean differences in PFS between MDS-AML and non-MDS-AML(P=0.024)were statistically significant.Conclusion The clinical characteristics of long-surviving patients treated with arsenic-containing herbal combination in combination with HMAs included PLT counts≥50×109 L-1 and≥5 courses of chemotherapy.The clinical characteristics of long-surviving patients treated with arsenic-containing herbal combination in combination with androgens included Hg≥80 g/L,PLT count≥50×109 L-1,and non-MDS-AML.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the free examination, traceability, cost settlement and privacy protection during the development of pediatric drug clinical trials by means of information technology, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of project operation. METHODS Based on the existing hospital information system, multi department joint designed and implemented an information system for the settlement of the diagnosis and treatment expenses for drug clinical trial, which realized the real-time settlement of medical costs for drug clinical trials without the need for advance reimbursement of subjects' guardians. RESULTS This system took into account both cost and function, and had good feasibility. It could effectively improve the operation efficiency of drug clinical institutions, ensure the traceability of diagnosis and treatment data, and optimize the experience and privacy protection of child subjects. CONCLUSION The development and design of this system can effectively improve the operating efficiency of pediatric drug clinical trials, and has a good reference for other new record institutions to solve such problems.

AIM: To understand the publication status, research trends, and cutting-edge and hot topics in this field by conducting a bibliometrics analysis of relevant literatures on the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)in the past 30 a.METHODS:A total of 986 relevant literatures on the pathogenesis of POAG published on the core databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)from 1 September 1993 to 1 September 2023 were retrieved. CiteSpace(6.2.R.4)and VOSviewer(1.6.18)software were used to conduct knowledge graph analysis on the retrieved literature, including publication volume, author, research institution, country/region, and keywords.RESULTS:The United States(243 articles)has the highest number of publications, followed by China(121 articles). The foreign institution with the highest number of publications is Harvard University(37 articles), while domestic institutions such as Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, ophthalmology department of Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, and Peking University First Hospital tied for the highest number of publications. Louis R. Pasquale(21 articles)is the most prolific English author. Wang Ningli is the most active Chinese researcher in this field. Keywords include trabecular meshwork, intraocular pressure, aqueous humor, glucocorticoid, hemorheology, etc.CONCLUSION: The research on the pathogenesis of POAG is in a period of vigorous development. The United States has the largest number of publications in this field, and Harvard University is a leading institution in this field. The research focus in the field of POAG has shifted from the structural aspect to the genetic level, and gene research and traditional Chinese medicine treatment have broad application prospects in this field.

Based on bone metastasis potential of mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells, the bone disseminated breast tumor cells 4T1 (B-4T1) were acquired through the screening of 6-mercaptopurine. The characteristics of B-4T1 were studied by morphological observation, proliferation assay, expression of epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers detection, transcriptome sequencing, and tumor formation experiments. The results showed that B-4T1 was round and spindle-shaped than primary 4T1 cells, and its proliferation rate was reduced, as well as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and E-cadherin expression. The transcript level of N-cadherin was increased in the B-4T1, but not vimentin, indicating that B-4T1 had partial epithelial mesenchymal transition. Besides, B-4T1 had higher fatty acid metabolism and better tumor formation capacity. This study lays the experimental foundation for the basic study of metastasis in breast cancer. All animal experiments in this paper were conducted in accordance with the standards of the Animal Ethics Committee of China Pharmaceutical University.

Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.

Objective:To investigate the effects of unilateral ureteral obstruction on renal pelvic peristalsis and pacemaker cells in neonatal rats.Methods:An animal experimental study.Thirty-six 2-day-old newborn SD rats were randomly divided into the partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO) group, complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO) group, and sham operation group, with 12 rats in each group.One week after surgery, all rats were subjected to renal pelvic pressure (RPP) measurement by puncture.After measurement, the rats were euthanized, and their left renal pelvis and ureter were removed and fixed for histological examination.Parameters such as RPP, peristaltic wave frequency and amplitude at different perfusion speeds were recorded and compared, and the changes in pacemaker cells (atypical smooth muscle cells and Cajal-like interstitial cells) were also compared.The independent samples t-test was used for comparison between 2 groups, and the one-way ANOVA of variance was used for comparison among 3 groups. Results:In the sham operation group, the RPP increased gradually with the increase of perfusion speed; the frequency of peristaltic waves rose rapidly and then dropped after reaching the highest level with the increase of perfusion speed; similarly, the amplitude of peristaltic waves first increased and then decreased as the perfusion speed increased.In the PUUO group, the RPP increased rapidly with the increase of perfusion speed, higher than that in the sham operation group; the frequency of peristaltic waves was higher than that in the sham operation group, and it was relatively constant under the perfusion speed of 40 mL/h, but when the perfusion speed increased again, the frequency began to decline; the amplitude of peristaltic waves increased quickly and then declined at a faster rate than the sham operation group with the increase of perfusion speed.In the CUUO group, the basic RPP was 12 cmH 2O(1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa); at the perfusion speed of 5 mL/h, the RPP rose gradually, and no plateau appeared; when the RPP reached 73 cmH 2O, the perfusate retrograded from the side of the puncture needle, then the RPP slightly decreased and then balanced, and no regular peristaltic waves were observed in the renal pelvis throughout the whole perfusion process.Immunofluorescence staining analysis showed the pacemaker cells were all located in the smooth muscle of the renal pelvic wall.The sham operation group had the highest positive rate, followed by the PUUO group and then the CUUO group. Conclusions:Ureteral obstruction has a significant impact on the peristalsis of the renal pelvis, and its impact on the peristaltic wave frequency and amplitude and RPP can be predicted.The reduction of pacemaker cells in the renal pelvis may be involved in the changes of renal pelvic peristalsis caused by ureteral obstruction, but further research is needed on how pacemaker cells regulate the peristalsis of the renal pelvis and ureter.

ObjectiveTo determine the syndrome of a rat model of follicular dysplasia induced by Tripterygium glycosides based on prescriptions and investigate the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervention via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）/hypoxia-inducible factor-1 （HIF-1）/vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） pathway. MethodForty-eight rats with regular estrous cycles were randomly assigned into a normal group （n=8） and a modeling group （n=40）. The rats in the modeling group were administrated with Tripterygium glycoside suspension （75 mL·kg^-1） by gavage for 30 days. The modeled rats were assigned into model， Siwutang （3.69 g·kg^-1）， Youguiyin （3.11 g·kg^-1）， Zuoguiyin （7.29 g·kg^-1）， and Guishenwan （10.35 g·kg^-1） groups， with 8 rats in each group. The drug intervention lasted for 14 days. The changes of estrous cycle were detected by Pap staining， and a stereoscope was used to observe the morphology of the ovarian tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes and follicle count in the ovarian tissue. Enzyme-related immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and estradiol （E₂） in the serum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of AMPK， mTOR， HIF-1， and VEGF in the ovarian tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group had a disordered estrous cycle， reduced secondary and mature follicles， increased atretic follicles， elevated FSH and LH levels， lowered E₂ level， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of AMPK， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of mTOR， HIF-1， and VEGF （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Guishenwan increased secondary and mature follicles， decreased atretic follicles， lowered the FSH and LH levels， elevated the E₂ level， down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of AMPK， and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR， HIF-1， and VEGF （P<0.01）. Compared with Guishenwan group， Siwutang， Youguiyin， and Zuoguiyin decreased mature follicles， increased atretic follicles （P<0.01）， elevated the LH （P<0.01） and FSH （P<0.05） levels， and lowered the E₂ level （P<0.05）. In addition， Youguiyin up-regulated the protein level of AMPK （P<0.05） and down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and HIF-1 （P<0.01） as well as the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF （P<0.01）. Siwutang down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and HIF-1 as well as the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF （P<0.05）. Zuoguiyin down-regulated the mRNA level of mTOR and the protein and mRNA levels of VEGF （P<0.05）. ConclusionGuishenwan may improve the ovarian function and promote follicle maturation in a rat model of follicular dysplasia by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF pathway， with the therapeutic effect superior to Zuoguiyin， Youguiyin， and Siwutang. It was hypothesized that this model presented the syndrome of kidney-essence deficiency.