With the progression of liver cirrhosis， patients often develop sarcopenia and lipid metabolism disorders， and the complex interaction between p sarcopenia and lipid metabolism disorders not only promotes the progression of liver cirrhosis， but also affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. As an effective intervention for alleviating complications associated with liver cirrhosis， transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） can improve sarcopenia to a certain degree by improving hepatic hemodynamics and reducing portal venous pressure. In addition， there might be varying degrees of changes in blood lipid levels after TIPS， which may be closely associated with the recovery of liver metabolic function and the alterations in hemodynamics. This article introduces the association between liver cirrhosis， sarcopenia， and lipid metabolism disorders， elaborates on the effect of TIPS on sarcopenia and abnormal lipid metabolism， and discusses related mechanism and clinical significance， in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria pose a major health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: Initially, we performed a descriptive analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, categorizing data by subtypes. Next, linear regression models were employed to analyze temporal trends. We then utilized four predictive models to forecast the future burden. Additionally, we explored the relationship between estimated annual percentage change (EAPCs) and age-standardized rates (ASRs), as well as Human Development Index (HDI) scores for 2021. Furthermore, decomposition analysis was applied to assess the influence of aging, population dynamics, and epidemiological changes. Lastly, frontier analysis was conducted to examine the connection between disease burden and sociodemographic development. RESULTS: In 2021, NTDs and malaria contributed significantly to the global disease burden, with considerable disparities across genders, age groups, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions, GBD regions, and individual countries. From 1990 to 2021, both the number of cases and the associated ASRs have shown a recent downward trend. The EAPCs are positively correlated with ASRs and HDI scores. Projections indicate a continued decline in disease burden through 2046. Additionally, our decomposition analysis highlighted the positive impact of aging and epidemiological shifts on the reduction of the disease burden. Finally, frontier analysis revealed that countries and regions with higher SDI scores have greater potential for further reducing their health burden. CONCLUSION While the global burden of NTDs and malaria has improved overall, significant disparities remain across regions and countries. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted intervention strategies and maintaining sustained investments to tackle the ongoing challenges.
Malaria/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Neglected Diseases/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease/trends* ; Global Health/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Tropical Medicine ; Adult ; Cost of Illness ; Child, Preschool ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Infant

The most common medications for the treatment of zoonotic toxoplasmosis are pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which may cause serious undesirable side effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics. Baicalein (BAI, C₁₅H₁₀O₅) has been shown to perform well against protozoan parasites including Leishmania and Cryptosporidium. In this study, the inhibition efficacy of BAI on Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated using plaque, invasion, and intracellular proliferation assays. BAI effectively inhibited T. gondii (half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀)=6.457×10^-5 mol/L), with a reduced invasion rate (33.56%) and intracellular proliferation, and exhibited low cytotoxicity (half-maximum toxicity concentration (TC₅₀)=5.929×10^-4 mol/L). Further investigation using a mouse model shed light on the inhibitory efficacy of BAI against T. gondii, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying its anti-parasitic effects. The survival time of T. gondii-infected ICR mice treated with BAI was remarkably extended, and their parasite burdens in the liver and spleen were greatly reduced compared with those of the negative control group. Histopathological examination of live sections revealed effective therapeutic outcomes in the treatment groups, with no notable pathological alterations observed. Furthermore, alterations in cytokine levels indicated that BAI not only effectively suppressed the growth of T. gondii but also prevented excessive inflammation in mice. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant inhibitory efficacy of BAI against T. gondii, positioning it as a promising alternative therapeutic agent for toxoplasmosis.
Animals ; Toxoplasma/drug effects* ; Flavanones/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Toxoplasmosis/drug therapy* ; Female

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of breast squamous cell carcinoma and to analyze the relationship between its immune microenvironment tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and prognosis.Methods:Forty-four cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi′an, China from January 2006 to July 2022 were selected. Their clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. The cell composition of TILs was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (Mainly markers of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and plasma cells). The relationship between TILs and prognosis was also analyzed.Results:The 44 patients of breast squamous cell carcinoma were all female and all were invasive carcinoma. Eight cases (8/44, 18.2%) were squamous cell carcinoma, while 36 cases (36/44, 81.8%) were mixed squamous cell carcinoma. The mixed components included non-specific carcinoma and spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma (17 cases each). One case contained ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and 1 case contained tubular carcinoma. The proportion of squamous cell carcinoma was 10% to 90%. The cases with pure squamous cell carcinoma often had a large cystic cavity, which was lined by atypical squamous epithelium, while infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma nests were seen in the breast tissue around the cystic cavity. Immunohistochemical staining showed that p63 and CK5/6 were expressed in the squamous cell carcinoma component, but ER, PR and HER2 were not, except for one case of HER2 1+. The positive rates of TRPS1 and PDL-1 were 76% and less than 1%, respectively. Fifteen cases were in the high TILs group (TILs≥30%) and 29 cases were in the low TILs group (TILs<30%). Twenty-three patients were followed up for 5 to 118 months. Among them, 12 died within 3 years and 9 were alive at the end of the follow up. There was no significant difference in TNM stage, TILs and prognosis between simple squamous cell carcinoma and mixed squamous cell carcinoma.Conclusions:Breast squamous cell carcinoma can be divided into simple squamous cell carcinoma and mixed squamous cell carcinoma. There are differences in gross findings and histology between the simple and mixed squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Sufficient samples should be taken to avoid missing the diagnosis of a minor squamous component. The prognosis of patients with high TILs is significantly better than that of patients with low TILs. The expression rate of TRPS1 in primary squamous cell carcinoma of breast is high and helpful to the differential diagnosis from metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Parkinson's disease （PD） is a kind of chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease that has a high prevalence rate in recent years， especially in the elderly. PD belongs to the category of "tremor disease" and "tremor" in traditional Chinese medicine， and Tianma Goutengyin is a classic prescription contained in the Synopsis of The New Significance of Patterns and Treatment in Miscellaneous Diseases（《中医内科杂病证治新义》）. This article explored the theory of Tianma Goutengyin in the treatment of PD， and based on network pharmacological research， the article summarized relevant research on Tianma Goutengyin and its single herb in the treatment of PD. Moreover， it discussed the clinical applications and mechanisms of Tianma Goutengyin and its single herb in the treatment of PD. It is found that the mechanisms of Tianma Goutengyin in treating PD may be related to resisting oxidative stress， inhibiting inflammatory response， regulating neurotransmitters， and protecting dopamine （DA） neurons. Besides， the main components of the single herb in Tianma Goutengyin for treating PD are gastrodin， rhynchophylline， geniposide， gardenial alcohol， eucommitol glycoside， motherwort alkaloid， baicalin， pachyman， and achyranthes bidentata sterol. They can improve the related symptoms of PD patients by inhibiting inflammatory response， resisting oxidative stress， affecting calcium ion concentration， restoring mitochondrial function， and and protecting DA neurons. This article summarized the research progress of Tianma Goutengyin and its single herb in treating PD， so as to provide a reference for the prescription and medication of Tianma Goutengyin in the treatment of PD and subsequent research on the mechanisms of Tianma Goutengyin and its single herb in the treatment of PD and give play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of PD.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on regulating mitochondrial function and endometrial angiogenesis;To explore its mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity.Methods The mouse model of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH)was established,and the mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,and Bushen group,with 20 mice in each group.Bushen group received Bushen Zhuyun Prescription for gavage for 11 d,and the normal group and model group received normal saline for gavage.The number of embryo implantation was counted,the endometrial morphology was observed by HE staining,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression was observed by immunofluorescence staining.Human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells(HEMECs)were cultured in vitro,they were divided into control group,VEGFA group,Bushen group and VEGFA + Bushen group,and were intervened with VEGFA and/or Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum.The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ,the content of ATP,the expression of PCNA and Caspase-3 were detected.Results Animal experiment showed that,compared with the normal group,the number of embryo implantation in model group significantly decreased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the number of embryo implantation in Bushen group significantly increased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Cell experiment showed that,Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum could increase the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ and ATP content in HEMECs,promote PCNA protein expression,and inhibit Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Zhuyun Prescription can promote endometrial angiogenesis through improving mitochondrial function.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

BACKGROUND: Numerous researches indicated that electromagnetic pulses (EMP) possessed advantages such as strong targeting, minimal side-effects and low treatment cost in tumor therapy, but its optimum parameters for treatment and the relationship between EMP and tumor-derived exosomes remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the effects of EMP with different parameters on the quantity and miRNA (microRNA) of exosomes secreted by human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, providing beneficial reference for the clinical application of EMP and related research. METHODS: A549 cells were randomly divided into control group and different EMP radiation groups with respective intensity of 400, 600 and 800 kV/m. EMP was performed with 2000 pulses once, 20 Hz of repetition frequency and 120 ns of pulse width. A549 cells were radiated once per day for continuous 3 days. After radiation, exosomes were collected and identified; cell number was measured by trypan blue staining; the concentration of exosomes was measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA); the abundance of miRNAs was determined by miRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the morphology and cell viability of A549 cells in radiation group was not different, but the quantity of exosomes in 400 or 800 kV/m radiation group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), in contrast with obvious increase in 600 kV/m radiation group (P<0.05). The abundance of exosomal miRNAs between control group and each EMP group was obviously different (P<0.05) and target genes of differentially abundant miRNAs enriched in different pathways. CONCLUSIONS Under the experimental condition, the quantity and miRNA abundance of exosomes could be changed by EMP radiation, which could further influence the function of tumor-derived exosomes.
Humans ; Exosomes/genetics* ; A549 Cells ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Cell Survival/radiation effects* ; Electromagnetic Fields

In this paper， the name， origin， quality evaluation， producing area and processing methods of Lablab Semen Album in the famous classical formulas were researched by reviewing the ancient materia medica， medical books， prescription books and modern literature. The results showed that the name of Lablab Semen Album in the past dynasties was mostly derived from its shape and color， called Biandou and Baibiandou. The mainstream origin used in the past dynasties was Lablab purpureus， the medicinal parts were mainly white mature seeds， with the addition of the leaves in the Song dynasty and the flowers in the Ming dynasty. Since modern times， the authentic producing areas of Lablab Semen Album are Suzhou， Zhejiang and other places， and now mainly produced in Chuxiong and Xinping， Yunnan and Panzhihua， Sichuan. The traditional quality evaluation of Lablab Semen Album is evaluated as large， solid， full and white. The harvesting time of this herb is recorded from the eighth to the ninth lunar month in related literature， the pods are picked when the seeds are ripe， and the seeds are dried in the sun. In ancient times， the processing of Lablab Semen Album mainly consisted of frying the seeds with skin and then pulverizing for use， or soaking and peeling seeds for raw use. Based on the conclusion of the textual research， it is recommended that the seeds or flowers of the white flowering plants of L. purpureus， a member of the leguminosae， should be used in the famous classical formulas， and the dried seeds or dried flowers of Lablab Semen Album can be used as medicine if the formula did not clearly indicate processing requirements.