ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi， so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi， and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor（RRF） and three internal standards， and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection（VIP） value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose， and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data， and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis（PCA）， discriminant factor alysis（DFA）， soft independent modeling of class analogies（SIMCA） and statistical quality control analysis（SQCA）. ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi， of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components， the contents of five components（ethyl isovalerate， 2-pentylfuran， benzyl alcohol， nonanal and glacial acetic acid，） in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part（P<0.01）， the contents of β-ionone， patchouli alcohol， α-caryophyllene， linalyl butyrate， valencene， 1，8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part（P<0.01）. Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82， and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted， respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%， the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99， and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose（PCA， DFA， SIMCA and SQCA） can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results， it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in northwest China; however, the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure during sand-dust storms (SDS) remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PM exposure on SDS days and COPD hospitalization risk in arid regions. METHODS: Data on daily COPD hospitalizations were collected from 323 hospitals from 2018 to 2022, along with the corresponding air pollutant and meteorological data for each city in Gansu Province. Employing a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression, we analyzed 265,379 COPD hospitalizations. RESULTS: PM exposure during SDS days significantly increased COPD hospitalization risk [relative risk ( RR) for PM _2.5, lag 3:1.028, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.021-1.034], particularly among men and the elderly, and during the cold season. The burden of PM exposure on COPD hospitalization was substantially high in Northwest China, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a positive correlation between PM exposure during SDS episodes and elevated hospitalization rates for COPD in arid and semi-arid zones in China. This highlights the urgency of developing region-specific public health strategies to address adverse respiratory outcomes associated with SDS-related air quality deterioration.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/chemically induced* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Adult ; Sand ; Air Pollution

Objectives:This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs).Methods:The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit).Results:All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively.Conclusions:This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND:Numerous scholars have previously researched certain greater tuberosity fractures and the procedures used to treat them.Few researchers,however,have studied the comminuted split fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus(Liu-Gang type IV)with rotator cuff tear in great detail. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of open repair position modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors and proximal humeral internal locking system(PHILOS)plate in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV). METHODS:Case data of 30 patients with comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)from May 2012 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchor group(group A)and the PHILOS with#2 Johnson group(group B),with 15 cases in each group.Intraoperative blood loss,surgical time,and incision length of all patients were recorded.Pain visual analog scale score,Constant-Murley score,as well as shoulder joint abduction,forward flexion,external rotation,and dorsal expansion activities during the last follow-up(>1 year)were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surgical incision length and operation time were shorter,and blood loss was less in group A than those in group B(P<0.05).(2)No significant difference in visual analog scale score and Constant-Murley score was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)During the last follow-up,forward flexion in group A was better than that in group B(P<0.05).No significant difference in abduction,external rotation,and dorsal expansion was determined between group A and group B(P>0.05).(4)In terms of complications,there was 1 case of shoulder joint pain and discomfort in group A(7%),2 cases of subacromial impingement syndrome,2 cases of upward movement of nodules,and 2 cases of shoulder joint pain(40%)in group B.There were significant differences in complication rates between the two groups(P=0.031).(5)In summary,the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)could better restore the forward flexion function of the shoulder joint and has a small incision,less blood loss,shorter operation time and fewer complications.

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the bone marrow characteristics of methimazole-induced agranulocytosis and other hematologic damage, and to explore its correlation with clinical features and prognosis.Methods:The bone marrow and clinical parameters of 20 patients of Graves′ disease diagnosed with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2000 to December 2022 were collected. The intergroup differences in bone marrow characteristics and granulocyte recovery time were analyzed. Differences in peripheral blood and bone marrow characteristics between patients with single agranulocytosis and pancytopenia were compared. Besides, literature review of the bone marrow characteristics of methimazole-induced hematologic diseases was conducted.Results:Compared to patients with bone marrow characteristics of granulocyte and precursor maturation disorders(Type Ⅱ), patients with aplastic marrow(Type Ⅰ) had significant decreases in the proportions of granulocytes in all phases( P<0.05). Patients with bone marrow characteristics of Type Ⅰ had a significant increase in the proportion of the lymphocyte system [51.00%(41.50%, 75.50%) vs 22.00%(14.00%, 35.00%), P=0.002], and got a longer to recovery time [(6.58±1.68)d vs(3.71±1.60)d, P=0.003]; Correlation analysis suggested the granulocyte to erythrocyte ratio was negatively correlated with the granulocyte recovery time( r=-0.520, P=0.023), and the proportion of the bone marrow lymphocyte was positively correlated with granulocyte recovery time( r=0.622, P=0.004). Compared to patients with single agranulocytosis, patients with pancytopenia had a markedly longer hospital stay duration [(27.14±5.27)d vs(14.15±7.36)d, P=0.001]. Literature review suggestsed that methimazole may cause various degrees of damage to blood system and bone marrow. Conclusion:Methimazole can induce a variety of hematologic damages. Analysis of bone marrow characteristics can aid in further prognosis assessment. Clinicians should be vigilant about potential hematologic adverse reactions when using methimazole and promptly diagnose and treat them to prevent serious consequences.

[Objective] To evaluate the effects of preoperative ureteroscopy (URS) on the prognosis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). [Methods] Data of 712 UTUC patients who received RNU in West China Hospital during May 2003 and Jun.2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into URS group (n=187) and non-URS group (n=525) according to whether URS was performed before RNU. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS). Cox proportional risk model was used for risk assessment. Subgroup analysis and interaction test were used to further verify the results. [Results] Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, surgical method, hydronephrosis, tumor location, tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion and tumor diameter (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that IVRFS was significantly lower in the URS group than in the non-URS group (P<0.001), and the difference was more pronounced in renal pelvis carcinoma (P<0.001); there were no differences in OS and CSS between the two groups (P>0.05). Cox multivariate regression showed that URS was an independent risk factor for intravesical recurrence (HR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.34-3.36, P<0.001). [Conclusion] Preoperative URS can increase the recurrence rate of UTUC, but it has no effect on the OS and CSS.

Objective To investigate the effect of palmitoleic acid(POA)on pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes after hy-poxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in the human myocardium.Methods The experiment comprised a control group(Control,normal culture),a hypoxia/reoxygenation group(HR),a palmitoleic acid-treated group(HR+POA),and an anhydrous ethanol control group(HR+ET).Cardiomyocytes viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay,and the level of pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes was measured through the double staining with Hoechst33342/PI and LDH assay.ELISA was employed to detect the release of inflammatory factors IL-1 β and IL-18 in the cell culture supernatant.qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to determine the relative expression levels of mRNA and protein of pyroptosis-related genes,namely NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1 β and IL-18,respective-ly.Results CCK-8 assay showed that the survival of hypoxic/reoxygenated cardiomyocytes increased with the ad-dition of POA at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μmol/L,as compared to the HR group;a hypoxia/reoxy-genation model of cardiomyocyte was established.The expression of protein and mRNA increased in NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-Iβ and IL-18 vs the control group(P＜0.05),the positive percentage of Ho-echst33342/PI staining in cardiomyocytes increased significantly(P＜0.05),the release of LDH,IL-Iβ,and IL-18 increased(P＜0.05).After intervention with 100 μmol/L POA,the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-Iβ,and IL-18 were significantly reduced in the HR+POA group vs HR+ET group(P＜0.05).The positive percentage of Hoechst33342/PI staining in cardiomyocytes de-creased significantly,and the levels of LDH,IL-Iβ and IL-18 significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Palmitoleic acid may alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury of cardiomyocytes by inhibiting pyroptosis and inflammatory response after hypoxia/reoxygenation in human myocardium.

Objective This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of dynamic changes in tradi-tional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution based on general statistics,Apriori-DEMATEL algorithm,and DoWhy causal inference framework methods. Methods Dynamic collection of TCM constitution identification data was conducted from the population aged 18-60,containing collection time and constitution type,and 11 constitu-tion influencing factors including dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,exercise habit,emotion state,stress level,living environment,work/life calamity,family atmosphere,business trip frequency,and overtime situation.General statistical analysis was used to ana-lyze the relative percentage of corresponding influencing factors of different types of constitu-tion changes,the Apriori-DEMATEL algorithm was used to analyze the correlation between 11 constitution influencing factors such as dietary habit and constitution changes,and the DoWhy causal inference framework was used to analyze the causality between dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,exercise habit,emotion state,and stress level,explore the frequency of constitution type transformation-change factors,and determine the key influ-encing factors causing dynamic changes in constitution type. Results After preprocessing,13 536 valid data points were obtained.Based on the Apriori-DEMATEL algorithm,the factors were divided into six original factors including dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,exercise habit,emotion state,and stress level,and five re-sult factors including living environment,work/life calamity,family atmosphere,business trip frequency,and overtime situation.Combining with general statistics,we found that among the original factors,changes in dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,and stress lev-el had a greater impact on other factors.In the process of constitution conditioning,attention should be paid to these four factors to maintain constitution balance.Among the five result factors,the absolute values of work/life calamity and family atmosphere were relatively large,indicating that these two factors were easily influenced by other factors.The dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,exercise habit,emotion state,and stress level have higher centrality in changes,indicating that these six factors had important in constitution changes.According to the statistical frequency of constitution changes corresponding to each factor,we found that the changes of these six factors accounted for a large proportion of the constitu-tion transformation frequency among Qi deficiency constitution,balanced constitution,and allergic constitution,indicating that the changes of these six factors played an important role in the changes of the three constitution types.Combined with the results of the Apriori-DEMATEL algorithm,and DoWhy causal inference framework analysis,it was inferred that dietary habit and sleeping duration indirectly lead to constitution changes by affecting the changes of other factors. Conclusion This study explored the influencing factors of dynamic changes in TCM constitu-tion from the perspective of dynamic data and multiple analysis methods,and the results showed that the changes of dietary habit,sleeping habit,sleeping duration,exercise habit,emotion state,and stress level had a great impact on the changes of Qi deficiency constitu-tion,balanced constitution and allergic constitution.Attention should be paid to the changes of these six factors in daily life,and corresponding improvement plans should be formulated to reduce the probability of transforming into biased constitution.Our study also provided data support and objective analysis reference for the analysis of influencing factors of dynam-ic changes in TCM constitution types.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the modulating effect of neotropics on form deprivation myopia(FDM)in guinea pigs.METHODS Tricolour guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control group,FDM model group,FDM+saline group,FDM+atropine group,and FDM+neotropine group,with eight animals in each group.Except for the normal control group,the right eyes of the guinea pigs were covered for 14 d to establish a guinea pig FDM model.The drug administration groups were injected with 10 μL of saline,1%atropine,or 1%neotropine into the vitreous cavity once every other day.The changes in the refractive error and axial length of both eyes were recorded for 1 d before the intervention and for 14 d after the intervention.Then,the eyeballs of guinea pigs were taken from the right eyes.HE staining was used to evaluate the histopathological structure of the sclera while sirius red staining was used to detect the collagen protein content in the sclera.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),matrix metalloproteinase(MMP-2)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP-2)in guinea pigs'sclera.The protein expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ(Col-Ⅰ)and TGF-β1 in guinea pig sclera were detected by Western blotting while those of MMP-2,TIMP-2 and Ki-67 were detected by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS Compared with the nor-mal control group,eyes of guinea pig in the FDM model group showed a significantly lower refractive error(P<0.01),significant elongation of the ocular axis(P<0.01),scattered distribution of scleral fibre bundles,sparse collagen cells,reduced scleral thickness(P<0.01),and a significantly lower collagen protein content(P<0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 were lower(P<0.05,P<0.01),and MMP-2 was higher(P<0.01)in scleral tissue.The protein expression level of Col-Ⅰwas lower(P<0.05)while that of Ki-67 was elevated(P<0.01)in scleral tissue.Compared with the FDM model group,there were no significant changes in any of the indexes in the FDM+saline group.The refractive error of the right eyes of guinea pigs in the FDM+neotropium group and the FDM+atropium group were significantly higher(P<0.05),the length of the ocular axis was significantly shorter(P<0.05),the collagen fibres were arranged more tightly,the fibre bundles were distributed more orderly,the distribution of the collagen cells was more uniform,and the thickness of the sclera was significantly increased(P<0.01).Collagen protein contents were significantly higher(P<0.05,P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher(P<0.01),MMP-2 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly lower(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein expression level of Col-Ⅰwas higher(P<0.05,P<0.01),and that of Ki-67 was lower(P<0.05,P<0.01)in scleral tissue.CONCLU-SION The muscarinic antagonist neotropine inhibits the development of myopia in guinea pigs in the FDM model by reversing both the down-regulation of TGF-β1 and the up-regulation of MMP-2 in scleral tissues and inhibiting the remodeling of the scleral extracellular matrix.