Objective To discuss the main composition,four Qi,five tastes,meridian tropism and medication ideas of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of postpartum depression(PPD).Methods Literature on clinical efficacy studies of PPD treatment with traditional Chinese medicine published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP,Embase,Web of Science,PubMed databases from October 30,2004 to October 30,2024 was retrieved.The count frequency,four Qi,five tastes and meridian tropism of the selected Chinese medicine were carried out,and the association rule analysis was carried out to explore the prescription drug rule of Chinese medicine in the treatment of PPD.Results A total of 71 relevant literatures were selected,including 71 prescriptions and 96 flavors of Chinese medicine.27 of the high-frequency drugs with a frequency of more than 10％were selected.The top 8 core drugs in the frequency of Chinese medicine were Chaihu,Danggui,Gancao,Baishao,Fuling,Baizhu,Suanzaoren and Yujin,followed by Chuanxiong,Yuanzhi,Xiangfu,Huangqi,Dazao and Hehuanpi.Among all the core drugs,the four Qi are mainly warm and peaceful drugs,the five tastes are mainly sweet,bitter and pungent,and the spleen channel and liver channel are mainly.The main drug effects were Qi-tonifying drugs,tranquilizing drugs,blood-activating drugs for removing blood stasis,followed by blood-tonifying drugs,Qi-promoting drugs,wind-heat dispersing drugs,liver-calming drugs.Chaihu,Danggui,Baishao and Fuling were the four most relevant Chinese medicines.Conclusion The main pathogenesis of PPD is liver-Qi and spleen-deficiency,which is located in the liver and spleen.Clinical treatment is mainly based on soothing liver-Qi and resolving depression,invigorating spleen and nourishing blood,and supplemented with Qi-nourishing heart-calming drugs.

Developing and identifying effective medications and targets for treating hepatic fibrosis is an urgent priority. Our previous research demonstrated the efficacy of artesunate (ART) in alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear despite these findings. Notably, endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) has significant implications for treating hepatic diseases, but current research primarily focuses on liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma. The precise function of NUMB in liver fibrosis, particularly its ability to regulate HSCs, requires further investigation. This study aims to elucidate the role of NUMB in the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of ART in HSCs. We observed that the expression level of NUMB significantly decreased in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs, exhibiting a negative correlation with the progression of liver fibrosis. Additionally, ART induced senescence in activated HSCs through the NUMB/P53 tumor suppressor (P53) axis. We identified NUMB as a crucial regulator of senescence in activated HSCs and as a mediator of ART in determining cell fate. This research examines the specific target of ART in eliminating activated HSCs, providing both theoretical and experimental evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/cytology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/genetics* ; Artesunate/pharmacology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Humans ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Male ; Mice

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective To evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitudes,and practices(KAP)regarding home bathing among ostomy patients and analyze the influencing factors,aiming to provide targeted improvement suggestions for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select 435 ostomy patients who were followed up at specialized ostomy care clinics in 16 tertiary hospitals across 1 1 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province from July to October 2023.Data were collected using a general information survey and a questionnaire assessing KAP of home bathing for ostomy patients.Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the influencing factors.Results A total of 418 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 96.09％.The scores on the Ostomy Patients'Home Bathing KAP Assessment Questionnaire ranged from 40 to 104 points(72.32±12.95),with a passing score of 72 points.221 patients passed,achieving a pass rate of 52.87％.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level,type of caregivers,postoperative time,and changes in postoperative bathing methods and frequency were significant influencing factors for the current status of home bathing among ostomy patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ostomy patients have a moderate level of knowledge about home bathing,a relatively negative attitude,and behaviors that need improvement.It is recommended that clinical nursing staff timely assess the bathing abilities and needs of patients,develop personalized bathing guidance and follow-up plans based on specific circumstances,promote self-care awareness,assist in the early recovery of bathing habits,and thereby enhance the knowledge,attitudes,and practices of home bathing in patients with ostomy to meet their hygiene needs.

Objective To evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitudes,and practices(KAP)regarding home bathing among ostomy patients and analyze the influencing factors,aiming to provide targeted improvement suggestions for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select 435 ostomy patients who were followed up at specialized ostomy care clinics in 16 tertiary hospitals across 1 1 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province from July to October 2023.Data were collected using a general information survey and a questionnaire assessing KAP of home bathing for ostomy patients.Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the influencing factors.Results A total of 418 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 96.09％.The scores on the Ostomy Patients'Home Bathing KAP Assessment Questionnaire ranged from 40 to 104 points(72.32±12.95),with a passing score of 72 points.221 patients passed,achieving a pass rate of 52.87％.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level,type of caregivers,postoperative time,and changes in postoperative bathing methods and frequency were significant influencing factors for the current status of home bathing among ostomy patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ostomy patients have a moderate level of knowledge about home bathing,a relatively negative attitude,and behaviors that need improvement.It is recommended that clinical nursing staff timely assess the bathing abilities and needs of patients,develop personalized bathing guidance and follow-up plans based on specific circumstances,promote self-care awareness,assist in the early recovery of bathing habits,and thereby enhance the knowledge,attitudes,and practices of home bathing in patients with ostomy to meet their hygiene needs.

Objective To discuss the main composition,four Qi,five tastes,meridian tropism and medication ideas of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of postpartum depression(PPD).Methods Literature on clinical efficacy studies of PPD treatment with traditional Chinese medicine published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP,Embase,Web of Science,PubMed databases from October 30,2004 to October 30,2024 was retrieved.The count frequency,four Qi,five tastes and meridian tropism of the selected Chinese medicine were carried out,and the association rule analysis was carried out to explore the prescription drug rule of Chinese medicine in the treatment of PPD.Results A total of 71 relevant literatures were selected,including 71 prescriptions and 96 flavors of Chinese medicine.27 of the high-frequency drugs with a frequency of more than 10％were selected.The top 8 core drugs in the frequency of Chinese medicine were Chaihu,Danggui,Gancao,Baishao,Fuling,Baizhu,Suanzaoren and Yujin,followed by Chuanxiong,Yuanzhi,Xiangfu,Huangqi,Dazao and Hehuanpi.Among all the core drugs,the four Qi are mainly warm and peaceful drugs,the five tastes are mainly sweet,bitter and pungent,and the spleen channel and liver channel are mainly.The main drug effects were Qi-tonifying drugs,tranquilizing drugs,blood-activating drugs for removing blood stasis,followed by blood-tonifying drugs,Qi-promoting drugs,wind-heat dispersing drugs,liver-calming drugs.Chaihu,Danggui,Baishao and Fuling were the four most relevant Chinese medicines.Conclusion The main pathogenesis of PPD is liver-Qi and spleen-deficiency,which is located in the liver and spleen.Clinical treatment is mainly based on soothing liver-Qi and resolving depression,invigorating spleen and nourishing blood,and supplemented with Qi-nourishing heart-calming drugs.

Objective To experimentally validate the effects of a self-developed heat-stable thickening agent on the textual characteristics of enteral nutrition solutions of standard concentration and its applicability in improving dysphagia.Methods A gradient of different doses of the self-developed thickening agent(1.0 g,1.5 g,2.0 g,2.5 g,and 3.0 g)and three commonly used commercial thickeners were mixed with 23.391 g of a complete nutrition formula powder dissolved in 85 mL of purified water to prepare 100 mL standard concentration nutrition solutions.The textual parameters(cohesiveness,viscosity,thickness,and hardness)of these nutrition solutions were measured using a texture analyzer at various temperature gradients(20℃,40℃,60℃,and 80℃)to compare their thermal stability.A dysphagia rat model was created via epiglottectomy to explore the effects of the thickener on lung tissue damage scores and levels of inflammatory markers.The rats were divided into a test intervention group,a positive control group,a negative control group,and a blank control group(no surgery and normal feeding after fasting for one day),with 15 rats in each group.After fasting for one day post-surgery,the test intervention group was fed with the standard concentration nutrition solution thickened with the self-developed thickener,while the positive control group was given a standard concentration nutrition solution thickened with product 3,and the negative control group was fed a normal diet.All groups were fed for two weeks with food dyed with food-grade green dye.General conditions,body mass,and food intake were observed and recorded.After two weeks,abdominal aorta blood was collected,and heart,liver,spleen,lung,and kidney tissues were harvested and weighed to calculate the lung tissue organ coefficient.The organ conditions were evaluated using routine H&E staining,and lung damage was semi-quantitatively analyzed based on the Mikawa scoring criteria.Blood supernatants were collected to measure the total serum protein and albumin levels to determine the nutritional status of the rats.The expression of IL-6 and TNF-α genes in lung tissues was measured by RT-qPCR.IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression levels in lung tissues,lung tissue homogenate,and serum were measured by ELISA.The aspiration incidence rate was calculated.Results Within the dosage range of 1.0 g to 3.0 g,the self-developed thickener in the test samples exhibited superior thermal stability in cohesiveness compared to the three commercially available thickeners,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01).The differences in the thermal stability of viscosity and hardness between the self-developed thickener and the three commercially available thickeners were not statistically significant.The viscosity stability was optimal for the self-developed thickener,followed by the commercially available thickeners 1 and 3,with thickeners 2 being the least stable,though the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Product 1 showed the best thermal stability in thickness,followed by the self-developed thickener and product 2,while the product 3 exhibited the worst performance,with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.01).The self-developed thickener had the best thermal stability in hardness at temperatures ranging from 20℃to 80℃,followed by products 1 and 2,with product 3 being the least stable.However,the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Animal experiment results indicated that the body weight gain in the positive control group and the test intervention group was lower than that in the blank and negative control groups(P<0.01).The spleen coefficient of the intervention group was lower than that of the positive control group and the blank control group(P<0.01),while the heart,liver,and kidney coefficients were lower than those of the blank control group(P<0.01).The differences in the lung coefficient of the intervention group and those of the other three groups were no statistically significant.Levels of TP and ALB in the test intervention group,the positive control group,and the negative control group were all lower than those in the blank control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).ELISA results showed that serum IL-6 levels in the blank and test intervention groups were lower than those in the negative and positive control groups(P<0.05),while the difference in the other indicators across the four groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences among the four groups in terms of lung tissue damage pathology scores,or in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression in lung tissues.The aspiration incidence rate was 0% in all groups.Conclusion The self-developed enteral nutrition thickening agent demonstrated excellent thermal stability and swallowing safety.Further research to explore its application in patients with dysphagia is warranted.

Background/Aims: Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators. Results: Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders. Conclusions In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.

Background: and Purpose X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 (CMTX1) is characterized by peripheral neuropathy with or without episodic neurological dysfunction. We performed clinical, neuropathological, and genetic investigations of a series of patients with mutations of the gap-junction beta-1 gene (GJB1) to extend the phenotypic and genetic description of CMTX1. Methods: Detailed clinical evaluations, sural nerve biopsy, and genetic analysis were applied to patients with CMTX1. Results: We collected 27 patients with CMTX1 with GJB1 mutations from 14 unrelated families. The age at onset (AAO) was 20.9±12.2 years (mean±standard deviation; range, 2–45 years). Walking difficulties, weakness in the legs, and pes cavus were common initial symptoms. Compared with female patients, males tended to have a younger AAO (males vs. females=15.4±9.6 vs. 32.0±8.8 years, p=0.002), a longer disease course (16.8±16.1 vs. 5.5±3.8 years, p=0.034), and more-severe electrophysiological results. Besides peripheral neuropathy, six of the patients had special episodic central nervous system (CNS) evidence from symptoms, signs, and/or reversible white-matter lesions. Neuropathology revealed the loss of large myelinated fibers, increased number of regenerated axon clusters with abnormally thin myelin sheaths, and excessively folded myelin. Genetic analysis identified 14 GJB1 variants, 6 of which were novel. Conclusions These findings expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of CMTX1. Although CMTX1 was found to have high phenotypic and CNS involvement variabilities, detailed neurological examinations and nerve conduction studies will provide critical clues for accurate diagnoses. Further exploration of the underlying mechanisms of connexin 32 involvement in neuropathy or CNS dysfunction is warranted to develop promising therapies.