OBJECTIVE: Cassiae Semen (CS, Juemingzi in Chinese) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of anthraquinones of CS (AQS) for adiposity. METHODS: The chemical components of the AQS were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict potential anti-obesity targets of action for AQS. We constructed high fat with high sugar water diet-induced obese mice and observed their body weight and whole-body lipid metabolism to evaluate the efficacy of AQS in promoting lipid metabolism. Subsequently, the epidermal temperature at the brown adipose tissue (BAT) before and after cold stimulation was observed and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and BAT tissues was detected to clarify the mechanism of action of AQS. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis showed that AQS was involved in the regulation of liver and adipose tissue function under obesity. Pathological and biochemical results showed that AQS reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue induced by an unhealthy diet. With the increase of cold tolerance, the volume and weight of BAT were increased by AQS, suggesting that it regulated the body heat production dominated by BAT. After AQS treatment, the levels of genes related to uncoupling protein1 (UCP1)-mediated adaptive thermogenesis in BAT tissues and lipid metabolism in the liver were also increased, which further proved that AQS activated BAT function to promote lipid metabolism in the whole body. CONCLUSION This study revealed the pharmacological effects of AQS, thereby providing a scientific basis for regulating BAT thermogenesis and liver lipid metabolism to alleviate obesity and providing clues for further exploring the application of natural active ingredients in the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.

[Objective]Based on the theory of latent pathogen pathogenesis,to explore the etiology and pathological evolution of eczema in children from cold regions,providing insights for the treatment of pediatric eczema with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).[Methods]Through a literature review of medical classics such as Huangdi Neijing,Shanghan Lun,Fuxie Xinshu and Linzheng Zhinan Yi'an,the etiology,pathogenesis and therapeutic methods of latent dryness contributing to pediatric eczema were analyzed.This analysis integrated the pathogenesis mechanisms of latent pathogens,climatic characteristics of cold regions and the constitutional traits of children in these areas.And a case was added for proof.[Results]The dry and cold regional climate and a constitution characterized by chronic Yin deficiency are critical factors in latent dryness-induced pediatric eczema.The formation of latent dryness arises either from lingering exogenous dryness pathogens or endogenous dryness transformation due to body fluid depletion,compounded by the body's failure to achieve timely recuperation.During acute exacerbation,treatment should focus on symptom management by using acrid-dispersing herbs that do not impair Yin.In the latent phase,therapy should target the root cause by strengthening the lung-defensive system,regulating constitution and harmonizing emotional states to eliminate latent dryness and maintain the robustness of healthy Qi.The attached test case was of wet sore(blood deficiency and wind dryness syndrome),which was treated by nourishing Yin and moistening dryness,to remove wind and stop itching,and achieved satisfactory curative effect.[Conclusion]Latent dryness is a significant etiological factor in pediatric eczema,influenced by climatic and constitutional elements.Treatment should prioritize symptom control during acute phases and emphasize reinforcing healthy Qi,cultivating primordial Qi,and expelling latent pathogens during remission to reduce recurrence.This approach aligns with TCM principles of addressing urgency versus chronicity and highlights the importance of region-specific and constitution-guided therapies.

ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes in pancreatic cancer by analyzing 608 cases， and to provide a theoretical reference for TCM syndrome differentiation and standardized treatment of pancreatic cancer. MethodsA total of 608 patients with a pathological or clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer who were admitted to Shanxi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine， The Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine， and Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2019 to December 2023 were enrolled， and TCM syndrome differentiation was performed. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The clinical data with statistical significance between groups were included in the regression analysis， and the unordered polytomous logistic regression model was used to investigate the influencing factors for the TCM syndrome of pancreatic cancer. ResultsFor the 608 patients with pancreatic cancer， common initial symptoms included abdominal pain （32.40%）， abdominal distension （23.85%）， fatigue （16.12%）， and emaciation （10.03%）， and the main clinical symptoms included poor appetite （75.97%）， abdominal pain （67.27%）， fatigue （61.84%）， abdominal distension （57.40%）， and emaciation （53.62%）. There were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndromes of pancreatic cancer in sex （χ²=62.823， P<0.001）， disease duration （χ²=14.868， P=0.011）， clinical stage （χ²=21.006， P<0.001）， lymph node metastasis （χ²=2.205， P=0.032）， surgery （χ²=38.008， P<0.001）， chemotherapy （χ²=21.384， P<0.001）， radiotherapy （χ²=17.510， P=0.004）， and immunotherapy （χ²=18.573， P=0.002）. The logistic regression analysis showed that male sex was a protective factor against Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （odds ratio ［OR］=0.081， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.031‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.213， P<0.001）， Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome （OR=0.100， 95%CI： 0.041‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.247， P<0.001）， and syndrome of Yin deficiency with internal heat （OR=0.158， 95%CI： 0.057‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.444， P<0.001）， while it was a risk factor for the syndrome of damp-heat accumulation （OR=2.378， 95%CI： 1.074‍ ‍—‍ ‍5.266， P=0.033）； the course of the disease of<1 year was a protective factor against Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （OR=0.167， 95%CI： 0.073‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.383， P<0.001）， syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency （OR=0.183， 95%CI： 0.089‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.378， P<0.001）， and syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat （OR=0.164， 95%CI： 0.070‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.385， P<0.001）； clinical stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ/Ⅲ was a risk factor for damp-heat accumulation （OR=2.793， 95%CI： 1.259‍ ‍—‍ ‍6.196， P=0.012） and Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome （OR=7.863， 95%CI： 2.808‍ ‍—‍ ‍22.020， P<0.001）； lymph node metastasis was a risk factor for Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （OR=4.005， 95%CI： 1.477‍ ‍—‍ ‍10.861， P=0.006）； surgical treatment was a risk factor for Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （OR=4.151， 95%CI： 1.916‍ ‍—‍ ‍8.995， P<0.001）， syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency （OR=5.352， 95%CI： 2.436‍ ‍—‍ ‍11.759， P<0.001）， Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome （OR=2.334， 95%CI： 1.071‍ ‍—‍ ‍5.088， P=0.033）， and syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat （OR=4.167， 95%CI： 1.789‍ ‍—‍ ‍9.707， P<0.001）； chemotherapy was a protective factor against damp-heat accumulation （OR=0.188， 95%CI： 0.082‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.428， P<0.001）； radiotherapy was a risk factor for damp-heat accumulation （OR=2.571， 95%CI： 1.151‍ ‍—‍ ‍5.746， P=0.021） and syndrome of Yin deficiency with internal heat （OR=8.384， 95%CI： 3.348‍ ‍—‍ ‍20.997， P<0.001）； immunotherapy was a risk factor for Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （OR=2.114， 95%CI： 1.021‍ ‍—‍ ‍4.379， P=0.044）. ConclusionSex， course of the disease， clinical stage， presence or absence of lymph node metastasis， surgery， chemotherapy， radiotherapy， and immunotherapy are the main influencing factors for the TCM syndrome of pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and rapidly increasing. The ocular surface microbiota(OSM)consists of microbial communities that colonize the eye surface, mainly bacteria, and perform an important role in maintaining ocular health. Hyperglycemia creates a favorable microenvironment for the OSM, leading to an imbalance of the microflora. However, unpredictable changes in OSM are strongly associated with dry eye disease, corneal neuropathy, and infectious ocular surface diseases in environmental changes. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technology has been applied to detect the OSM and confirm that the eye microbiome is closely related to DM. Research indicates that dysbiosis of the OSM plays a critical role in the onset and progression of DM-related ocular surface diseases. This review investigates the correlation between OSM and patients with DM. Moreover, we provide a reference for the occurrence and development of diabetes-related ocular surface diseases and their treatment.

Objective To evaluate the surgical efficacy of unilateral pneumonectomy for the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung, analyze the causes of severe postoperative complications, and explore clinical management strategies. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with tuberculous destroyed lung who underwent unilateral pneumonectomy at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from 2017 to 2023. Postoperative severe complications were statistically analyzed. Patients were divided into a non-severe complication group and a severe-complication group, and the causes, management, and outcomes of complications were analyzed. Results A total of 134 patients were included, comprising 69 males and 65 females, with a mean age of 17-73 (40.43±12.69) years. There were 93 patients undergoing left pneumonectomy and 41 patients undergoing right pneumonectomy. Preoperative sputum smear was positive in 35 patients, all of which converted to negative postoperatively. There were 58 patients with hemoptysis preoperatively, and none experienced hemoptysis postoperatively. Postoperative incisional infection occurred in 8 (5.97%) patients, and postoperative pulmonary infection in 26 (19.40%) patients. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 17 (12.69%) patients, including empyema in 9 (6.72%) patients, bronchopleural fistula with empyema in 1 (0.75%) patient, severe pneumonia in 3 (2.24%) patients, postpneumonectomy syndrome in 1 (0.75%) patient, chylothorax in 1 (0.75%) patient, ketoacidosis in 1 (0.75%) patient, and heart failure with severe pneumonia in 1 (0.75%) patient. Perioperative mortality occurred in 2 (1.49%) patients, both of whom underwent right pneumonectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of ipsilateral thoracic surgery, concomitant Aspergillus infection, and greater blood loss were independent risk factors for severe complications following unilateral pneumonectomy for tuberculous destroyed lung (P<0.05). Conclusion Unilateral pneumonectomy for patients with tuberculous destroyed lung can significantly improve the clinical cure rate, sputum conversion rate, and hemoptysis cessation rate. However, there is a certain risk of severe perioperative complications and mortality, requiring thorough perioperative management and appropriate management of postoperative complications.

Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity* ; Mycorrhizae/physiology* ; Plant Roots/drug effects* ; Soil Pollutants/toxicity* ; Stress, Physiological ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Objective To summarize the clinical efficacy of robotic-assisted left thoracic small-incision minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting(MIDCAB).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the procedures and treatment outcomes of robotic-assisted MIDCAB in the Army Medical Center of PLA from October 2016 to June 2023.Baseline clinical information,MIDCAB-related data,perioperative conditions and data during follow-up were collected and analyzed.Results There were 23 patients subjected,including 21 males and 2 females,with a mean age of 58.17±7.49 years,and a body mass index(BMI)of 23.99±3.25 kg/m2.All of them experienced angina pectoris,and 1 had a history of myocardial infarction,1 had dilated cardiomyopathy,2 patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),and 10 had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Robotic-assisted MIDCAB procedure was successfully completed.No internal mammary artery injury or transformation of the procedure occurred in these cases,and excellent bridging vessel flow was achieved after anastomosis of the internal mammary artery to left anterior descending branch.The incision length in the left chest was 8(8,8)cm,the operation time was 380(300,465)min,the intraoperative bleeding volume was 300(100,400)mL,the length of ICU stay was 3(2,3)d,the amount of thoracic drainage was 780(525,1 040)mL,and the postoperative length from surgery to discharge was 11.17±2.38 d.No mortality was observed during or within 30 d of hospitalization,and 1 patient was readmitted due to pericardial effusion within 30 d,and was discharged after symptomatic treatment including pericardiocentesis and drainage.No deaths,major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE),or re-revascularization occurred in all patients during outpatient and telephone follow-up.Conclusion Robotic-assisted internal mammary artery dissection is a delicate and safe technique,and coronary artery bypass grafting in minimally invasive small-incision off-pump is effective,safe and feasible,with satisfactory short-and mid-term outcomes.The technique is suitable for minimally invasive coronary artery disease surgery and is worthy of popularization and application.

Objective To compare the safety of laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy(LPD)and open pancreatoduodenectomy(OPD)and analyze the learning curve and safety at different stages of LPD.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 50 LPD patients and 54 OPD patients in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery of Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to June 2024,and intraoperative and postoperative conditions were compared.The Cumulative Sum(CUSUM)analysis method was used to analyze the technical nodes of the LPD learning curve.Results There were no significant differences in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the LPD group and the OPD group(P＞0.05).There was also no significant difference in the incidence rates of pancreatic fistula(grade B and C),delayed gastric emptying,postoperative bleeding,biliary fistula and intra-abdominal infection between the LPD group and the OPD group(P＞0.05).A time series plot of operation time was drawn based on the patient's operation time and surgical sequence,yielding a fitted curve.Curve analysis showed initial stage and stable stage were finished at the 17th and 24th cases.The LPD learning curve could be divided into three stages:stage Ⅰ characterized as the initial stage(cases 1 to 17),stage Ⅱ characterized as the stable stage(cases 18 to 24),and stage Ⅲ characterized as the proficient stage(cases 25 to 50).The operation time in stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly shorter than that in stage Ⅰ,and the intraoperative blood loss in stage Ⅰ was significantly higher than that in stage Ⅲ(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the three stages(P＞0.05).Conclusion LPD and OPD show no significant differences in indications and safety.The LPD learning curve can be divided into three stages.As the number of surgeries completed increa-ses,the operation time of physicians gradually shortens,and the incidence of complications of patients gradually decreases.

Objective:To investigate the impact of evaluating the alcohol intake on all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease（MAFLD）and metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease（MetALD）.Method:The retrospective study included patients aged 20 to 74 years with hepatic steatosis diagnosed by ultrasound，with data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey（NHANES III）between 1988 and 1994. Participants were categorized into light，moderate，and heavy drinking groups according to daily alcohol intake. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios（aHR）and their 95% confidence intervals（ CI）were calculated by Cox proportional risk regression modeling to assess the effect of alcohol intake on all-cause mortality. Results:A total of 2 322 patients were included in the study. Males accounted for 50.2%（1 166/2 322），with a age of 42.0（31.3，57.0）years，a median follow-up of 316.0（270.0，337.0）months，and an all-cause mortality rate of 1.48% per person-year. There were 1，763 cases in the light drinking group，333 in the moderate drinking group，and 226 in the heavy drinking group.The all-cause mortality rates for patients in the three drinking groups were 1.38%，1.67%，and 2.10% per person-year，respectively. The moderate（a HR=1.37，95% CI：1.12 to 1.67， P=0.002）and heavy（a HR=1.45，95% CI：1.17 to 1.80， P=0.001）drinking groups were independently associated with increased all-cause mortality following covariate adjustment. There was a difference in all-cause mortality for alcohol intake in non-type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）patients under 60 years of age（ P<0.05），but the difference was not statistically significant between non-T2DM patients over 60 years of age and T2DM patients of all ages（ P>0.05）according to the analysis of diabetes status and age subgroups. Conclusion:Alcohol intake has a dose-dependent negative effect on patients with MAFLD and MetALD. The risk of all-cause mortality increased significantly with increasing alcohol intake.

[Objective]Based on the theory of latent pathogen pathogenesis,to explore the etiology and pathological evolution of eczema in children from cold regions,providing insights for the treatment of pediatric eczema with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).[Methods]Through a literature review of medical classics such as Huangdi Neijing,Shanghan Lun,Fuxie Xinshu and Linzheng Zhinan Yi'an,the etiology,pathogenesis and therapeutic methods of latent dryness contributing to pediatric eczema were analyzed.This analysis integrated the pathogenesis mechanisms of latent pathogens,climatic characteristics of cold regions and the constitutional traits of children in these areas.And a case was added for proof.[Results]The dry and cold regional climate and a constitution characterized by chronic Yin deficiency are critical factors in latent dryness-induced pediatric eczema.The formation of latent dryness arises either from lingering exogenous dryness pathogens or endogenous dryness transformation due to body fluid depletion,compounded by the body's failure to achieve timely recuperation.During acute exacerbation,treatment should focus on symptom management by using acrid-dispersing herbs that do not impair Yin.In the latent phase,therapy should target the root cause by strengthening the lung-defensive system,regulating constitution and harmonizing emotional states to eliminate latent dryness and maintain the robustness of healthy Qi.The attached test case was of wet sore(blood deficiency and wind dryness syndrome),which was treated by nourishing Yin and moistening dryness,to remove wind and stop itching,and achieved satisfactory curative effect.[Conclusion]Latent dryness is a significant etiological factor in pediatric eczema,influenced by climatic and constitutional elements.Treatment should prioritize symptom control during acute phases and emphasize reinforcing healthy Qi,cultivating primordial Qi,and expelling latent pathogens during remission to reduce recurrence.This approach aligns with TCM principles of addressing urgency versus chronicity and highlights the importance of region-specific and constitution-guided therapies.