ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang （YJZYT） on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha （PGC-1α） signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide （CTX）-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve （DOR）， and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group （n=7） and a model group （n=35）. Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX （90 mg·kg^-1） to establish the DOR model. After modeling， estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days， and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling， rats were divided into groups for intervention： estradiol valerate group （0.09 mg·kg^-1）， and YJZYT high-， medium-， and low-dose groups （19.98， 9.99， 5.00 g·kg^-1）. The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state， body weight， and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded， and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， estradiol （E₂）， anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species （ROS） expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate （ATP） and malondialdehyde （MDA） content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1， PGC-1α， nuclear respiratory factor 1 （NRF1）， and mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM）. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， NRF1， and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group， rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles， obviously reduced body weight， and decreased ovarian index （P<0.05）. Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning， loose structure， and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles （P<0.01）. Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while E₂ and AMH levels were obviously reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue （P<0.01）， ROS expression increased， MDA levels rose， while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， NRF1， and TFAM were obviously downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， compared with the model group， body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT （P<0.05）， serum E₂ and AMH levels increased， while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated， ROS and MDA levels decreased， and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups， with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Granulosa cells were neatly arranged， indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway， promoting mitochondrial biogenesis， enhancing mitochondrial function， and alleviating oxidative stress damage.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Unhealthy diets are associated with chronic stress. An allostatic load (AL) is a comprehensive physiological index that measures the chronic stress response of the body. As a healthy dietary pattern, the role of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in the development of an AL during pregnancy remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between the DASH dietary pattern and AL during pregnancy. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was a prospective study. From January 2024 to November 2024, 134 pregnant women in the second trimester (23–27 weeks) and third trimester (32–36 weeks) of pregnancy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the obstetrics clinic of a tertiary general hospital in Anhui Province were selected for a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory examination. The DASH dietary pattern was assessed using the DASH scoring tool, and the total AL score was calculated using nine biomarkers that represent the cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the DASH score and AL. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four pregnant women were included in this study. At the second and third trimesters, 41.8% and 37% of pregnant women, respectively, were in the high AL group. The binary logistic regression results showed that the DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in the unadjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 0.878; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.807–0.957; P = 0.003) and adjusted model (OR, 0.878; 95% CI, 0.792–0.973; P = 0.013) in the second trimester, the DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in the unadjusted model (OR, 0.832; 95% CI, 0.758–0.913; P < 0.001) and adjusted model (OR, 0.806; 95% CI, 0.716–0.908; P < 0.001) in the third trimester. CONCLUSION The DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in pregnant women.A low DASH score may increase the risk of a high AL, which may have adverse effects on physical and mental health.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Shenling baizhu san （SLBZS） in ameliorating ulcerative colitis （UC）. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， and low-， medium-， high-dose SLBZS groups （3， 6， 12 g/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group， mice in other groups were given free access to 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 days to establish UC models. Simultaneously， mice in each group were intragastrically administered corresponding medicinal liquid or double-distilled water once a day for consecutive 7 days. After the last administration， the histopathological morphology of colon tissues was observed； the serum levels of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 were detected； the total bile acid contents in liver， gallbladder and colon tissues were determined； the expression level of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 （NLRP3） in colon tissues was tested. The expression levels of flora metabolism-related proteins [G protein-coupled receptor 41（GPR41），GPR43，farnesoid X receptor （FXR）， G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 （TGR5）， flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 （FMO3）， cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1 （CYP27A1）， CYP7A1] in liver or colon tissues， as well as the proteins related to Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）/NLRP3 inflammatory axis [TLR4， NF-κB， phosphorylated NF-κB （p-NF-κB）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， caspase-1] in colon tissues were measured. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the colon tissue injury and inflammatory cell infiltration were alleviated in medium- and high-dose SLBZS groups. The serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β and IL-18， total bile acid contents in liver and colon tissues， as well as the protein expression levels of FMO3 and CYP7A1 in liver tissues， TLR4， p-NF-κB， NF-κB， MyD88， NLRP3， ASC and caspase-1 in colon tissues were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Meanwhile， the total bile acid content in gallbladder， the protein expression levels of GPR41 and GPR43 in colon tissues， along with CYP27A1， FXR and TGR5 in liver tissues were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS SLBZS may relieve colonic inflammatory injury and ameliorate UC by regulating the expression of flora metabolism-related proteins and inhibiting the abnormal activation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative immunosuppressive therapy combined with surgical intervention for Behçet's disease. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on Behçet's disease patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2012 to 2021. Patients were divided into an immunosuppressive group and a non-immunosuppressive group based on whether they received immunosuppressive therapy before surgery. The complications and long-term survival rates of the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 28 patients were included, among which 2 patients underwent reoperation, a total of 30 surgeries were performed, including 16 males (53.3%), and the age at diagnosis was 37 (31, 45) years. There were 15 surgeries in the immunosuppressive group and 15 surgeries in the non-immunosuppressive group. Compared with the non-immunosuppressive group, the incidence of complications during hospitalization in the immunosuppressive group was lower (13.3% vs. 53.3%, P=0.008). One patient died in hospital, and the rest were discharged and followed up, with a median follow-up time of 38.7 (15.1, 57.3) months, and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term survival rate between the two groups (73.3% vs. 93.3%, P=0.158). There was no statistical difference in the cumulative incidence of complications one month (20% vs. 53%, P=0.058) and one year (27% vs. 60%, P=0.065) after surgery between the immunosuppressive group and the non-immunosuppressive group, but there was a statistical difference in the cumulative incidence of complications three years after surgery (47% vs. 92%, P=0.002). Conclusion Surgical treatment can save lives in Behçet's disease patients with cardiovascular diseases, but the incidence of postoperative complications is high. Timely use of immunosuppressants before cardiovascular surgery can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND:Gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds can mimic unique anatomical features in musculoskeletal tissues,showing great potential for repairing injured musculoskeletal tissues. OBJECTIVE:To review the latest research advances in gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds for tissue engineering in the musculoskeletal system and describe their advantages and fabrication strategies. METHODS:The first author of the article searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases for articles published from 2000 to 2023 with search terms"gradient,bone regeneration,scaffold".Finally,76 papers were analyzed and summarized after the screening. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)As an important means of efficient and high-quality repair of skeletal system tissues,gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds are currently designed bionically for the natural gradient characteristics of bone tissue,bone-cartilage,and tendon-bone tissue.These scaffolds can mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues to a certain extent in terms of structure and composition,thus promoting cell adhesion,migration,proliferation,differentiation,and regenerative recovery of damaged tissues to their native state.(2)Advanced manufacturing technology provides more possibilities for gradient artificial bone repair scaffold preparation:Gradient electrospun fiber scaffolds constructed by spatially differentiated fiber arrangement and loading of biologically active substances have been developed;gradient 3D printed scaffolds fabricated by layered stacking,graded porosity,and bio-3D printing technology;gradient hydrogel scaffolds fabricated by in-situ layered injections,simple layer-by-layer stacking,and freeze-drying method;and in addition,there are also scaffolds made by other modalities or multi-method coupling.These scaffolds have demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro experiments,were able to accelerate tissue regeneration in small animal tests,and were observed to have significantly improved histological structure.(3)The currently developed gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds have problems such as mismatch of gradient scales,unclear material-tissue interactions,and side effects caused by degradation products,which need to be further optimized by combining the strengths of related disciplines and clinical needs in the future.

Objective To explore the prescription and preparation technology of compound Bupleurum suppository and draft its quality standard.Methods The volatile oil of Bupleurum was extracted by steam distillation,and the compound Bupleurum-based suppository was prepared by mixing the volatile oil with taurine using the melting method.The quality standard of the preparation was formulated according to the quality inspection items of the general rule 0107 of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(2020 Edition,Volume IV);The contents of n-hexanoic acid and n-heptanoic acid in the preparation were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).The content of taurine in the preparation was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Results The optimized distillation time of the volatile oil was 1.5 h,The linear ranges of n-hexanoic acid,n-heptanoic acid and taurine are 23.175 0-115.875 0 μg·mL-1(R2=0.999 4),4.590 0-68.850 0 μg·mL-1(R2=0.998 9)and 15-125 μg·mL-1(R2=0.999 6),respectively.The average recoveries are 99.83%,101.96%,98.89%with RSDs of 2.84%,1.36%,2.88%,respectively.The RSDs of precision,stability,and repeatability tests are less than 5%.The properties,mass difference,melting time,microbial limit,and stability assessment of the preparationwere all in accordance with the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.Conclusion Compound Bupleurum suppository preparation technology is reasonable and feasible,which meets the quality standard.

Objective To explore the prescription and preparation technology of compound Bupleurum suppository and draft its quality standard.Methods The volatile oil of Bupleurum was extracted by steam distillation,and the compound Bupleurum-based suppository was prepared by mixing the volatile oil with taurine using the melting method.The quality standard of the preparation was formulated according to the quality inspection items of the general rule 0107 of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(2020 Edition,Volume IV);The contents of n-hexanoic acid and n-heptanoic acid in the preparation were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).The content of taurine in the preparation was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Results The optimized distillation time of the volatile oil was 1.5 h,The linear ranges of n-hexanoic acid,n-heptanoic acid and taurine are 23.175 0-115.875 0 μg·mL-1(R2=0.999 4),4.590 0-68.850 0 μg·mL-1(R2=0.998 9)and 15-125 μg·mL-1(R2=0.999 6),respectively.The average recoveries are 99.83%,101.96%,98.89%with RSDs of 2.84%,1.36%,2.88%,respectively.The RSDs of precision,stability,and repeatability tests are less than 5%.The properties,mass difference,melting time,microbial limit,and stability assessment of the preparationwere all in accordance with the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.Conclusion Compound Bupleurum suppository preparation technology is reasonable and feasible,which meets the quality standard.

Objective To construct a precise model for identifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutions,thereby offering optimized guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan-ning,and ultimately enhancing medical efficiency and treatment outcomes. Methods First,TCM full-body inspection data acquisition equipment was employed to col-lect full-body standing images of healthy people,from which the constitutions were labelled and defined in accordance with the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(CCMQ),and a dataset encompassing labelled constitutions was constructed.Second,heat-suppres-sion valve(HSV)color space and improved local binary patterns(LBP)algorithm were lever-aged for the extraction of features such as facial complexion and body shape.In addition,a dual-branch deep network was employed to collect deep features from the full-body standing images.Last,the random forest(RF)algorithm was utilized to learn the extracted multifea-tures,which were subsequently employed to establish a TCM constitution identification mod-el.Accuracy,precision,and F1 score were the three measures selected to assess the perfor-mance of the model. Results It was found that the accuracy,precision,and F1 score of the proposed model based on multifeatures for identifying TCM constitutions were 0.842,0.868,and 0.790,respectively.In comparison with the identification models that encompass a single feature,either a single facial complexion feature,a body shape feature,or deep features,the accuracy of the model that incorporating all the aforementioned features was elevated by 0.105,0.105,and 0.079,the precision increased by 0.164,0.164,and 0.211,and the F1 score rose by 0.071,0.071,and 0.084,respectively. Conclusion The research findings affirmed the viability of the proposed model,which incor-porated multifeatures,including the facial complexion feature,the body shape feature,and the deep feature.In addition,by employing the proposed model,the objectification and intel-ligence of identifying constitutions in TCM practices could be optimized.

Objective: To find a viable alternative to reduce the number of doses required for the patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Methods: In this study, we used ginger oil, a phytochemical with potential therapeutic properties, to prepare ginger oil patches. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the main active component of ginger oil, 6-gingerol. Transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to optimize the various pressure-sensitive adhesives and permeation enhancers, including their type and concentration. Subsequently, the ginger oil patches were optimized and subjected to content determination and property evaluations. A PTSD mouse model was established using the foot-shock method. The therapeutic effect of ginger oil patches on PTSD was assessed through pathological sections, behavioral tests, and the evaluation of biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and melatonin (MT). Results: The results demonstrated that ginger oil patches exerted therapeutic effects against PTSD by inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MT and BDNF levels. Pharmacokinetic experiments revealed that ginger oil patches maintained a stable blood drug concentration for at least one day, addressing the rapid metabolism drawback of 6-gingerol and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions Ginger oil can be prepared as a transdermal drug patch that meets these requirements, and the bioavailability of the prepared patch is better than that of oral administration. It can improve PTSD with good patient compliance and ease of administration. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic formulation for the treatment of PTSD.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical experience of kidney transplantation from donors with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Methods Clinical data of 2 recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from the same MFS patient were retrospectively analyzed and literature review of 2 cases was conducted. Characteristics and clinical diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation from MFS patients were summarized. Results The Remuzzi scores of the left and right donor kidneys of the MFS patient during time-zero biopsy were 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed in the renal arteriole wall compared with other donors of brain death and cardiac death. Two recipients who received kidney transplantation from the MFS patient suffered from postoperative delayed graft function. After short-term hemodialysis, the graft function of the recipients received the left and right kidney began to gradually recover at postoperative 10 d and 20 d. After discharge, serum creatinine level of the recipient received the left kidney was ranged from 80 to 90 μmol/L, whereas that of the recipient received the right kidney kept declining, and the lowest serum creatinine level was 232 μmol/L before the submission date (at postoperative 43 d). Through literature review, two cases successfully undergoing kidney transplantation from the same MFS donor were reported. Both two recipients experienced delayed graft function, and then renal function was restored to normal. Until the publication date, 1 recipient has survived for 6 years, and the other recipient died of de novo cerebrovascular disease at postoperative 2 years. Conclusions MFS patients may serve as an acceptable source of kidney donors. However, the willingness and general conditions of the recipients should be carefully evaluated before kidney transplantation. Intraoperatively, potential risk of tear of renal arterial media should be properly treated. Extensive attention should be paid to the incidence of postoperative complications.