Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

This study selected 6 529 plant-based Chinese materia medica(PCMM) from Chinese Materia Medica as research subjects and applied a random permutation test to explore the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor, as well as the correlation characteristics after distinguishing different medicinal parts and harvest seasons. The results showed that the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor in PCMM were significantly associated in the following pairs: cold and bitter, cool and bitter, cool and astringent, cool and light, neutral and sweet, neutral and astringent, neutral and light, neutral and sour, hot and pungent, and warm and pungent. When analyzing the data by distinguishing medicinal parts and/or harvest seasons, new correlation patterns emerged, characterized by the disappearance of some significant correlations and the emergence of new ones. When analyzing by medicinal parts alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and light in leaves, cold and salty in barks, cool and sweet in fruits and seeds, neutral and pungent in whole herbs, neutral and salty in stems, and warm and salty in flowers. However, no significant correlations were found between cool and bitter in stems and other types of herbs, cool and astringent in fruits, seeds, flowers, and other types of herbs, cool and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, barks, flowers and other types of herbs, neutral and sweet in barks, neutral and astringent in whole herbs and stems, neutral and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers, neutral and sour in whole herbs, stems, barks, flowers, and other types of herbs, and hot and pungent in whole herbs, stems, flowers, and other types of herbs. When analyzing by harvest season alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and salty, and cool and sour in herbs harvested in winter, and neutral and salty in herbs harvested year-round. However, no significant correlation was found between cool and light in herbs harvested in winter. When considering both medicinal parts and harvest seasons, compared to the independent influence of medicinal parts, 14 new significant correlations emerged(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in stems harvested in spring), while 53 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in barks harvested in summer). Compared to the independent influence of harvest seasons, 11 new significant correlations appeared(e.g., the correlation between cold and light in barks harvested in autumn), while 50 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between hot and pungent in leaves harvested in winter). This study is the first to reveal the influence of medicinal parts and harvest seasons on the correlation between nature and flavor in PCMM, which highlights that these two factors can interact and jointly affect nature-flavor correlations. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a deeper understanding of the inherent scientific connotations of herbal properties and offers a theoretical foundation for the cultivation and harvesting of PCMM.
Seasons ; Plants, Medicinal/growth & development* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Taste

italic>Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC is one of the most commonly used bulk medicinal herbs. It has important value in the fields of medicine, food and cosmetics, and its market demand is increasing year by year, and it has a good development prospect. In this study, based on 403 distribution records and 8 environmental variables, we used Maxent model to predict the potential distribution of P. grandiflorum under climate change. The results showed that the model simulation effect was the best when the Maxent parameter was FC (feature combination) = LQPH (L: linear features; Q: quadratic features; P: product features; H: hinge features) and RM (regularization multiplier) = 2.1, AUC (area under curve) = 0.901, and the model prediction showed that P. grandiflorum was widely distributed in 28 provinces of China under the current climate conditions, with a suitable area of 2 337 419.98 km². Under the influence of climate change in the future, the area of suitable habitat of P. grandiflorum showed a decreasing trend, and the distribution center as a whole showed a trend of northward and eastward shift. The distribution area of P. grandiflorum in the three main producing areas is affected by climate change, and the overall trend is that the future suitable distribution area of Chifeng in Inner Mongolia increases, while the future suitable distribution area of Zibo in Shandong and Taihe, Bozhou in Anhui decreases or even disappears under the SSP5-8.5 scenario (shared socioeconomic pathways). It is suggested to maintain and protect the ecological environment and germplasm resources of the reserved area suitable for the growth of P. grandiflorum, and increase the cultivation research in the expansion area of P. grandiflorum, so as to lay a foundation for the subsequent expansion of P. grandiflorum planting and to promote the protection and sustainable development of P. grandiflorum resources.

italic>Lamiophlomis rotata is an important medicinal plant species endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, which is prone to strong climate change impacts on its habitable range due to the high sensitivity of the Tibetan Plateau to climate change. Accurate quantification of species vulnerability to climate change is essential for assessing species extinction risk and developing effective conservation strategies. Therefore, we carried out the α-shape analysis to determine the habitat of L. rotata. We then carried out the climate-niche factor analysis (CNFA) to assess the vulnerability of L. rotata to climate change based on five climate variables (i.e., mean diurnal range, temperature seasonality, mean temperature of warmest quarter, precipitation of driest month and precipitation of warmest quarter) in the context of two shared socioeconomic pathways (i.e., SSP126 and SSP585) and three global climate models (CMCC-ESM2: Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici-Earth System Model version 2; HadGEM3-GC31-LL: Hadley Global Environment Model version 3-Global Coupled configuration 3.1; IPSL-CM6A-LR: Institut Pierre Simon Laplace-Climate Model version 6) during two different periods (2041-2060 and 2081-2100). The vulnerability of L. rotata to climate change was calculated by integrating the sensitivity and exposure indices of L. rotata to five climate variables. The results showed that L. rotata had the highest vulnerability to the precipitation of warmest quarter. Its vulnerability within its habitat range generally showed a spatial pattern of high value in the southern region and low in the northern region, high in the western region and low in the eastern region. In general, the vulnerability of L. rotata under the SSP585 scenario was higher than that under the SSP126 scenario. The climate data of different global climate models have some influence on the results, while the resulted uncertainty can be reduced by data integration methods. As a result of climate change, the pressure on the survival of L. rotata in the future will be intensified in the low-altitude areas such as the Yarlung Zangbo River, Yigongzangbu River, Zayu River, and Jiaomuzu River, etc., while the highly weathered scree flats or stony alpine meadows in the high-altitude zones, such as the eastern Tanggula Mountain Range, the northern part of Hengduan Mountain Range, and the western part of the Qinling Mountains, may become its refuge. It is necessary to focus on and strengthen the protection and management of L. rotata resources in these vulnerble and critical areas.

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of pressing and rubbing method on myofascial pain syndrome(MPS)rats.Methods A total of 12 rats were randomly selected from 60 rats as the normal group,and the remaining rats were used to construct the MPS model by blunt strike combined with centrifugal exercise.Then 48 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,pressing and rubbing method group,pressing and rubbing method + Dantrolene[ryanodine receptor(RyR)inhibitor]group,pressing and rubbing method + normal saline group,with 12 rats in each group.The mechanical pain threshold was measured by von-Frey method.Detection of soft tissue tension,electromyography was performed;the ultrastructure of the pain point tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The content of calcium ion(Ca2+)in the tissue of trigger point was detected by colorimetry.The protein expressions of dihydropyridine receptor(DHPR)α1,RyR and acetylcholinesterase(AChE)in the pain points of rats were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the mechanical pain threshold,soft tissue tension in trigger point and the protein expressions of DHPRα1,RyR and AChE in the model group were decreased and the Ca2+ + content was increased(all P＜0.05),and the peak potential with higher amplitude was observed in the electromyogram.The ultrastructure of the trigger point tissue was damaged.Compared with the model group,the mechanical pain threshold,soft tissue tension of trigger point and the protein expressions of DHPRα1,RyR and AChE in the trigger point tissue of the rats in the pressing and rubbing method group and the pressing and rubbing method + normal saline group were increased,and the Ca2+ content was decreased(all P＜0.05),the electromyography was restored to be stable,the ultrastructural damage of the trigger point tissue was alleviated.Compared with the pressing and rubbing method group,the mechanical pain threshold,soft tissue tension of trigger point and protein the expressions of DHPRα1,RyR and AChE in the trigger point tissue of the rats in the pressing and rubbing method + Dantrolene group were decreased,and the Ca2+ content was increased(all P＜0.05),the electromyogram showed electrical activity changes,the ultrastructure of the trigger point tissue was damaged.Conclusion The pressing and rubbing method may improve MPS in rats by activating the DHPR/RyR signaling pathway.

Objective In the future,during the landing and exploration of near-Earth planets(e.g.,Mars,Jupiter,etc.),astronauts may take the initiative to start fasting to reduce the amount of load;and it is even more likely that astronauts will take the initiative to fast in the process of manned deep-space exploration in the future,or they may enter a dormant low-metabolism state to save the amount of load to enable the spaceship to fly for a longer period,and to locate in a deeper and farther position.The ability of an individual to maintain cognitive ability and respond appropriately over a period in a long-term fasting state is important for survival.Therefore,the present study focused on investigating the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control function and its neural mechanisms.Methods Twenty-four healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the fasting experiment.Behavioral and electroencephalographic data from the AX-CPT Task were collected with event-related potentials(ERP)to assess the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control in 16 volunteers.Results(1)Behavioral outcomes had significant main effects on response time[F(1,15)=99.41,P?

Objective:To evaluate the value of implementing a modified reverse puncture procedure for esophagojejunostomy during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy.Methods:This was a descriptive case series. Relevant clinical data, including the operative procedure, recovery, and pathological findings of 35 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone esophagojejunostomy with a modified reverse puncture technique during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, from June 2022 to January 2023, were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The age of all patients in the group was (64.9±8.0) years old, with 22 males (62.9%) and a body mass index of (23.2±2.4) kg/m 2. The tumors were located in the upper and middle parts of the stomach in 24 cases (68.6%) and in the junction of the esophagus and stomach in 11 cases (31.4%). Important technical aspects of the modified reverse puncture procedure are as follows. (1) Site of the esophageal incision: a transverse incision is made across the right lateral wall of the esophagus at the expected site of esophageal disjunction. (2) Technique for inserting an anvil: after threading a silk thread through the tip of anvil, the end of the thread is knotted and fixed as the traction thread, after which an anvil is inserted into the esophagus through the esophageal incision, leaving the end of the traction line exposed. Next, a 60-mm linear cutter is placed through the right midclavicular trocar to straighten the opened esophagus vertically, after which the rod of the anvil is pulled out of a small incision that has been made in the esophagus by pulling the traction thread, thus completing anvil placement. (3) Jejunal binding: the jejunum on the central bar of the stapler is fastened with silk thread to the stump of the jejunum, and then tied to the output loop of the jejunum with a gauze strip. Results:All 35 surgeries were successful, with no mortality or conversion to laparotomy. The operation time, anvil insertion time, and digestive tract reconstruction time were (232.7±34.4), (8.5±1.4), and (40.5±4.8) minutes, respectively. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 (20–250) mL and the incision was (5.3±0.9) cm long. The upper surgical margin was negative in all patients and the mean distance between the upper and tumor margins was (3.5±1.2) cm. The mean number of lymph nodes dissected per patient was 33.9±7.1. The times to initial ambulation, initial passage of flatus , postoperative fluid intake, and length of postoperative hospital stay were (3.2±1.1), (3.7±1.5), (4.6±2.3), and (9.8±3.2) days, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in five patients: one case of anastomotic leak, two of anastomotic stenosis, one of pulmonary infection, and one of incomplete intestinal obstruction, all of which were successfully managed conservatively.Conclusion:Esophagojejunostomy using a modified reverse puncture technique during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible for gastric cancer, requiring only a small incision and achieving higher upper esophageal resection margins and good postoperative recovery, and therefore warrants further implementation.

Objective:To evaluate the value of implementing a modified reverse puncture procedure for esophagojejunostomy during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy.Methods:This was a descriptive case series. Relevant clinical data, including the operative procedure, recovery, and pathological findings of 35 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone esophagojejunostomy with a modified reverse puncture technique during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, from June 2022 to January 2023, were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The age of all patients in the group was (64.9±8.0) years old, with 22 males (62.9%) and a body mass index of (23.2±2.4) kg/m 2. The tumors were located in the upper and middle parts of the stomach in 24 cases (68.6%) and in the junction of the esophagus and stomach in 11 cases (31.4%). Important technical aspects of the modified reverse puncture procedure are as follows. (1) Site of the esophageal incision: a transverse incision is made across the right lateral wall of the esophagus at the expected site of esophageal disjunction. (2) Technique for inserting an anvil: after threading a silk thread through the tip of anvil, the end of the thread is knotted and fixed as the traction thread, after which an anvil is inserted into the esophagus through the esophageal incision, leaving the end of the traction line exposed. Next, a 60-mm linear cutter is placed through the right midclavicular trocar to straighten the opened esophagus vertically, after which the rod of the anvil is pulled out of a small incision that has been made in the esophagus by pulling the traction thread, thus completing anvil placement. (3) Jejunal binding: the jejunum on the central bar of the stapler is fastened with silk thread to the stump of the jejunum, and then tied to the output loop of the jejunum with a gauze strip. Results:All 35 surgeries were successful, with no mortality or conversion to laparotomy. The operation time, anvil insertion time, and digestive tract reconstruction time were (232.7±34.4), (8.5±1.4), and (40.5±4.8) minutes, respectively. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 (20–250) mL and the incision was (5.3±0.9) cm long. The upper surgical margin was negative in all patients and the mean distance between the upper and tumor margins was (3.5±1.2) cm. The mean number of lymph nodes dissected per patient was 33.9±7.1. The times to initial ambulation, initial passage of flatus , postoperative fluid intake, and length of postoperative hospital stay were (3.2±1.1), (3.7±1.5), (4.6±2.3), and (9.8±3.2) days, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in five patients: one case of anastomotic leak, two of anastomotic stenosis, one of pulmonary infection, and one of incomplete intestinal obstruction, all of which were successfully managed conservatively.Conclusion:Esophagojejunostomy using a modified reverse puncture technique during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible for gastric cancer, requiring only a small incision and achieving higher upper esophageal resection margins and good postoperative recovery, and therefore warrants further implementation.