Objective:To compare the degranulation levels of basophils in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte populations between healthy subjects and patients with sepsis, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, plasma cytokine levels were measured in these volunteers.Methods:Peripheral blood samples were collected from both healthy individuals and sepsis patients. The degranulation level of basophils in sepsis patients and its potential mechanisms were examined. Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were detected, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population and IL-9 levels.Results:Compared with healthy subjects, sepsis patients showed a reduction in basophil percentages within PBMC and granulocyte populations by 94.8% and 37.9%, respectively ( Z = -6.441, P < 0.05; Z = -2.681, P < 0.05). In contrast, both the proportion and number of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population were increased (both P < 0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in sepsis patients--by 80.6%, 36.7%, and 11.9-fold, respectively ( Z = -4.258, P < 0.05; Z = -3.606, P < 0.05; Z = -4.814, P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma IL-9 levels were highly correlated with both the percentage and count of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population (both P < 0.05). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed cytological changes and potential mechanisms involving basophils in the PBMC of sepsis patients. Conclusions:The decreased total count of basophils in sepsis patients may elevate the risk of secondary infection. Degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population may contribute to excessive inflammatory responses through IL-9 secretion.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.MethodsWe tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group, and Wuhua herbal tea group. The rats underwent body weight measurements, sucrose preference test, and open-field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6. Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group rats had depressive tendencies, exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair. The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees (P = .015 and P = .002); reduced serum levels of ACTH, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 (all P .05); and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB, JAK2, and STAT3 in the hippocampus (all P .05); and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels (P = .006).ConclusionWuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation, alleviating neuroinflammation. It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function, reducing depressive symptoms.

Objective To explore the impact of modified capsular polishing technique on visual quality in patients af-ter femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.Methods Eighty-four patients(84 eyes)who visited Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital)from January to June 2023 and were scheduled to undergo femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation were selected as the research subjects.Before the surgery,the patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group.The observation group consisted of 44 patients(44 eyes)who received modified capsular polishing treatment.Viscoelastic material was in-jected behind the iris into the subcapsular space of the anterior capsule,causing compression of the peripheral posterior capsule and elevation of the central posterior capsule,so that parts of the anterior and posterior capsules adhered to each other.A Whitman Shepherd bimanual capsular polisher was then inserted through the main incision to perform a thorough 360-degree polishing of the anterior capsule and equatorial region,while simultaneously polishing the adhered areas of the posterior capsule.The control group consisted of 40 patients(40 eyes)who received traditional irrigation/aspiration(I/A)capsular polishing treatment.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender composition,age,and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(all P＞0.05).Both groups of patients were followed up to observe their best-corrected visual acuity,spherical aberration,coma aberration,and trefoil aberration at 1 day,1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively.Results At 1 day,1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively,the best-cor-rected visual acuity of patients in the observation group was superior to that in the control group,with statistically signifi-cant differences between the two groups at each time point(all P＜0.05).At 1 day,1 month,and 3 months postoperative-ly,the spherical aberration in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(all P＜0.05).Three months postoperatively,the median coma aberration in the observation group[0.060(0.034,0.108)]was signifi-cantly lower than that in the control group[0.100(0.070,0.146)],with a statistically significant difference(Z=-2.805,P=0.005).One day postoperatively,the median trefoil aberration in the observation group[0.272(0.159,0.418)]was significantly lower than that in the control group[0.360(0.248,0.449)],with a statistically significant difference(Z=-2.299,P=0.022).Conclusion The modified capsular polishing technique can improve the visual quality of patients in the mid-term period after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma （HMG） on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses （1.56， 3.12 g∙kg^-1， respectively） or metformin （0.26 g∙kg^-1） by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）］， liver function indicators ［aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）］， non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA）， glycosylated serum protein （GSP）， serum glucose （GLU）， fasting insulin （FINS）， and renal function indicators ［creatinine （Crea） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma （PPARγ）， acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase （ACC）， and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1） were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group presented increased body weight， elevated levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， GSP， and HDL-C， up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1， and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group， the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight， declined levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， and GSP， and elevate level of HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ， SREBP-1， and ACC.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma （HMG） on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses （1.56， 3.12 g∙kg^-1， respectively） or metformin （0.26 g∙kg^-1） by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）］， liver function indicators ［aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）］， non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA）， glycosylated serum protein （GSP）， serum glucose （GLU）， fasting insulin （FINS）， and renal function indicators ［creatinine （Crea） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma （PPARγ）， acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase （ACC）， and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1） were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group presented increased body weight， elevated levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， GSP， and HDL-C， up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1， and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group， the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight， declined levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， and GSP， and elevate level of HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ， SREBP-1， and ACC.

Objective:To assess the effects of allergens on interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-18 binding protein a (IL-18BPa), and IL-18 receptor α (IL-18Rα) expression levels in different monocyte subtypes of the peripheral blood samples of allergic asthma (AA) patients, and the correlations between the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods:A cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected from 28 healthy controls and 33 patients experiencing acute attack of AA based on a positive skin prick test of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from February 2023 to April 2024. Flow cytometry was used to assess the effects of allergens on IL-18, IL-18BPa, and IL-18Rα expression levels in the classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes of the peripheral blood samples of AA patients. Kruskal-Wallis test and Pairwise test were used to analyze statistical significance between groups. Plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels were estimated using Bioplex assays. Pearson correlation test was used to determine the association between the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes and the plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Results:Compared with healthy controls, the percentages of classical and non-classical monocytes in the peripheral blood of AA patients were reduced by 20.2% ( Z=-3.89, P<0.001) and 45.8% ( Z=-4.01, P<0.001), respectively. Allergens increased the percentages of classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes in AA patients in vitro by 13.1%-61.5% (all P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, the percentages of IL-18 expression in classical monocytes of AA patients was elevated by 1.08-fold ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001), whereas the percentages of IL-18 expression in intermediate and non-classical monocytes were reduced by 52.7% ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001) and 3.23% ( Z=-3.13, P=0.001), respectively. Allergens upregulated IL-18 expression by 16.4%-67.8% in the classical and intermediate monocytes of AA patients (all P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, IL-18BPa expression level was lower in the three monocyte subtypes of AA patients (all P<0.05). However, allergens upregulated IL-18BPa expression by 8.9% and 13.3% in the classical monocytes (both P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, IL-18Rα expression was elevated by 1.29-fold in the classical monocytes of AA patients ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001). Allergens upregulated IL-18Rα expression by 17.6%-39.2% in the three monocyte subtypes of AA patients (all P<0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the AA patients were increased compared to those in healthy controls (all P<0.001), and correlated with the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes ( r=0.451, 0.714; both P<0.05). Conclusions:Allergens may participate in the inflammatory response of AA by inducing the differentiation of monocytes and the expression levels of IL-18, IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in different blood monocytes subtypes. Classical monocytes are the potential source of elevated plasma IL-18 level in AA patients.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a progressive liver disease caused by factors other than alcohol caused by heterotopic fat accumulation in the liver.In recent years,the incidence rate has been increasing,and there is no specific clinical drug.Studies have found that nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)can activate inflammation and oxidative stress,which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.Traditional Chinese medicine is convenient to obtain and cheap.It can treat NAFLD through multiple channels with good clinical efficacy,and no obvious side effects have been found till now.Many studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the occurrence and development of NAFLD by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.This article summarizes the research results of traditional Chinese medicine in treating NAFLD based on the NF-κB signaling pathway since 2021,for several traditional Chinese medicine extracts(flavonoids,terpenoids,polysaccharides,glycosides,alkaloids and phenolic compounds)and traditional Chinese medicine compound(Shugan Jianpi Fang,Erhuang Quzhi Granules,Fuzi Lizhong Decoction,Huangqin Decoction,Qinlian Hongqu Decoction,Jiangzhi Granules),which can inhibit the further development of NAFLD by improving liver inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,fibrosis,apoptosis,autophagy and pyroptosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway,in order to provide new ideas for future new drug development and clinical medication.

Objectives:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and ethnic differences of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM)among the Hani,Dai,Bai,and Lisu populations in Yunnan Province,and to provide evidence for developing effective prevention and control strategies for CKM.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four ethnic minority groups.A total of 3 906 permanent residents aged 18 years and older were enrolled using a multistage cluster random sampling method.CKM stages(0-4)were defined based on the 2023 American Heart Association criteria,stages 3-4 were classified as advanced CKM.Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to compare the prevalence of CKM stages across ethnic groups.Modified Poisson regression was applied to estimate relative risk(RR)and 95%confidence intervals(CI)for factors associated with advanced CKM.Results:The prevalence rates of CKM stage 1 and above among the Hani,Dai,Bai and Lisu ethnic groups were 80.1%,87.3%,84.8%and 67.8%,respectively.The prevalence of CKM was generally higher in males than in females,and the prevalence of CKM increased significantly with age.The Dai ethnic group had the highest prevalence of advanced CKM(24.7%,95%CI:22.1%-27.4%),while the Lisu ethnic group had the lowest prevalence of advanced CKM(13.7%,95%CI:11.5%-15.9%).Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that older age and higher body mass index were common risk factors for advanced CKM across all four ethnic groups.Additionally,except for the Lisu ethnic group,the other three ethnic groups had specific individual risk factors:among the Hani ethnic group,low educational attainment(RR=2.18,95%CI:1.12-4.25)and low income(RR=1.47,95%CI:1.00-2.18)were the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Dai ethnic group,smoking(RR=1.60,95%CI:1.07-2.37)and a family history of cardiovascular disease(RR=1.61,95%CI:1.14-2.27)are the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Bai ethnic group,male gender(RR=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.79)was the primary risk factor of CKM.Conclusions:The prevalence of CKM stage 1 or higher is relatively high among the four minority ethnic groups in Yunnan province.There are significant differences in staging characteristics and primary risk factors across ethnic groups,necessitating the development of stratified,differentiated intervention strategies to achieve precise prevention and control and ethnic health equity in terms of CKM.

Objective:To assess the effects of allergens on interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-18 binding protein a (IL-18BPa), and IL-18 receptor α (IL-18Rα) expression levels in different monocyte subtypes of the peripheral blood samples of allergic asthma (AA) patients, and the correlations between the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods:A cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected from 28 healthy controls and 33 patients experiencing acute attack of AA based on a positive skin prick test of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from February 2023 to April 2024. Flow cytometry was used to assess the effects of allergens on IL-18, IL-18BPa, and IL-18Rα expression levels in the classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes of the peripheral blood samples of AA patients. Kruskal-Wallis test and Pairwise test were used to analyze statistical significance between groups. Plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels were estimated using Bioplex assays. Pearson correlation test was used to determine the association between the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes and the plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Results:Compared with healthy controls, the percentages of classical and non-classical monocytes in the peripheral blood of AA patients were reduced by 20.2% ( Z=-3.89, P<0.001) and 45.8% ( Z=-4.01, P<0.001), respectively. Allergens increased the percentages of classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes in AA patients in vitro by 13.1%-61.5% (all P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, the percentages of IL-18 expression in classical monocytes of AA patients was elevated by 1.08-fold ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001), whereas the percentages of IL-18 expression in intermediate and non-classical monocytes were reduced by 52.7% ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001) and 3.23% ( Z=-3.13, P=0.001), respectively. Allergens upregulated IL-18 expression by 16.4%-67.8% in the classical and intermediate monocytes of AA patients (all P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, IL-18BPa expression level was lower in the three monocyte subtypes of AA patients (all P<0.05). However, allergens upregulated IL-18BPa expression by 8.9% and 13.3% in the classical monocytes (both P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, IL-18Rα expression was elevated by 1.29-fold in the classical monocytes of AA patients ( Z=-6.40, P<0.001). Allergens upregulated IL-18Rα expression by 17.6%-39.2% in the three monocyte subtypes of AA patients (all P<0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the AA patients were increased compared to those in healthy controls (all P<0.001), and correlated with the percentage of IL-18 +classical monocytes ( r=0.451, 0.714; both P<0.05). Conclusions:Allergens may participate in the inflammatory response of AA by inducing the differentiation of monocytes and the expression levels of IL-18, IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in different blood monocytes subtypes. Classical monocytes are the potential source of elevated plasma IL-18 level in AA patients.

Objective To explore the impact of modified capsular polishing technique on visual quality in patients af-ter femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.Methods Eighty-four patients(84 eyes)who visited Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital)from January to June 2023 and were scheduled to undergo femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation were selected as the research subjects.Before the surgery,the patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group.The observation group consisted of 44 patients(44 eyes)who received modified capsular polishing treatment.Viscoelastic material was in-jected behind the iris into the subcapsular space of the anterior capsule,causing compression of the peripheral posterior capsule and elevation of the central posterior capsule,so that parts of the anterior and posterior capsules adhered to each other.A Whitman Shepherd bimanual capsular polisher was then inserted through the main incision to perform a thorough 360-degree polishing of the anterior capsule and equatorial region,while simultaneously polishing the adhered areas of the posterior capsule.The control group consisted of 40 patients(40 eyes)who received traditional irrigation/aspiration(I/A)capsular polishing treatment.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender composition,age,and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(all P＞0.05).Both groups of patients were followed up to observe their best-corrected visual acuity,spherical aberration,coma aberration,and trefoil aberration at 1 day,1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively.Results At 1 day,1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively,the best-cor-rected visual acuity of patients in the observation group was superior to that in the control group,with statistically signifi-cant differences between the two groups at each time point(all P＜0.05).At 1 day,1 month,and 3 months postoperative-ly,the spherical aberration in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(all P＜0.05).Three months postoperatively,the median coma aberration in the observation group[0.060(0.034,0.108)]was signifi-cantly lower than that in the control group[0.100(0.070,0.146)],with a statistically significant difference(Z=-2.805,P=0.005).One day postoperatively,the median trefoil aberration in the observation group[0.272(0.159,0.418)]was significantly lower than that in the control group[0.360(0.248,0.449)],with a statistically significant difference(Z=-2.299,P=0.022).Conclusion The modified capsular polishing technique can improve the visual quality of patients in the mid-term period after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.