Objective: To systematically compare the types and contents of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in purplish-brown and yellow-brown Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, and to provide a scientific basis for their rapid identification and quality evaluation.
Methods: Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) was employed to determine the VOCs in two colored samples. GC-IMS spectra and fingerprint profiles were established, and chemometric methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to visualize the differences in volatile components.
Results: A total of 44 VOCs were identified, including 1 aldehyde, 9 esters, 10 ketones, 2 enals, 14 alcohols, 3 acids, 2 furans, 1 disulfide, and 2 hydrocarbons. Alcohols and esters were the main volatile components. The fingerprint profiles showed high consistency within groups but significant differences between groups. Both PCA and PLS-DA effectively distinguished the two sample types. Compounds such as pentanol, methyl butyrate, 2-ethylfuran, 2-hexanol, and 2-methylpropenal were identified as key markers for differentiation.
Conclusion: HS-GC-IMS combined with chemometrics accurately distinguishes the volatile compounds of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen with different colors. This method is rapid, sensitive, and suitable for quality control and rapid authentication of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.

Background: The tight junction protein claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) has been implicated in poor prognosis and suboptimal immunotherapy response in gastric cancer (GC). This study investigates the clinicopathological relevance of CLDN18.2 expression and its association with molecular subtypes in GC patients from a high-incidence region, combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to explore how CLDN18.2 contributes to progression and metastasis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 494 GC patients (2019–2024) underwent immunohistochemical analysis for CLDN18.2, Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein–Barr virus–encoded RNA), p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6). CLDN18.2 positivity was defined as moderate to strong (2+/3+) membranous staining in ≥75% of tumor cells. Clinicopathological correlations, biomarker associations, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing was performed to explore molecular mechanisms. Results: CLDN18.2 positivity was observed in 26.9% (133/494) of gastric adenocarcinomas. CLDN18.2-positive tumors correlated with TNM stage (p = .003) and shorter overall survival (p = .018). No associations were identified with age, sex, HER2 status, microsatellite instability, or Epstein-Barr virus infection. Transcriptomic profiling revealed CLDN18.2-high tumors enriched in pathways involving cell junction disruption, signaling regulation, and immune modulation. Proteomic profiling showed that tumors with high CLDN18.2 were enriched in multiple mechanism-related pathways such as integrated metabolic reprogramming, cytoskeletal recombination, immune microenvironment dysregulation, and pro-survival signaling. These mechanisms may collectively contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Conclusions CLDN18.2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrate that CLDN18.2 promotes tumor progression and metastasis, underscoring its potential as an independent prognostic factor in regions with a high incidence of GC.

Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases.

Objective The aim of this study was to characterize the basic molecular and biochemical parameters for a cyclophilin protein in Cryptosporidium parvum called CpCyP1.Methods CpCyP1 expression patterns during the parasite life cycle were evaluated using qRT-PCR with total RNA isolated from different developmental stages of C.parvum.Native CpCyP1 protein in sporozoites was detected using western blot.The localization of CpCyP1 was performed using the immunofluorescence assay,with an affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide.The peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase(PPIase)activity of His-tagged recombinant CpCyP1 was evaluated using absorbance colorimetry,and the effect of cyclosporin A(CsA)on the activity of CpCyP1 was determined.Results CpCyP1 was expressed in all parasite developmental stages,whereas CpCyP1 was present mainly in the cytosol of sporozoites,meronts,and gamonts.CpCyP1 displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics towards N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide for its PPIase activity(Km=456.4 μmol/L;Vmax=1.981 U).CsA inhibited PPIase activity,showing lower micromolar inhibitory activity and binding affinity(Kd=5.122 μmol/L;IC50=1.004 μmol/L).Conclusions These results imply that CpCyP1 in the parasite may be the target for the previously reported anti-cryptosporidial efficacy of CsA and suggest that C.parvum cyclophilins could be evaluated as candidate drug targets.

Background: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy. Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RP) are known for their strong laxative effects, often accompanied by side effects, while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces (SP) possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness, particularly from a bioavailability perspective. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion assays. Methods: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP. Blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of anthraquinones, highlighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP. Results: Compared with the RP group, the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve, mean residence time, and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and their glucuronide metabolites. The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group. These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP. Additionally, these components were primarily distributed in the large intestine, where they exerted their laxative effects. Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination, while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces. Notably, the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administration, indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion, demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP. These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines. This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

Objective:To investigate the effects of body habitus and gender on radiation dose assessment methodologies in low-dose chest CT, with particular emphasis on clarifying discrepancies among various dose quantification approaches and their associations with patient characteristics.Methods:Imaging data from 19 371 patients who underwent low-dose chest CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2021 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into eight groups based on water-equivalent diameter (WED) and gender: Group A (150 mm≤WED<210 mm; 71 males, 1 032 females), Group B (210 mm≤WED<260 mm; 4 525 males, 8 005 females), Group C (260 mm≤WED<300 mm; 4 234 males, 1 105 females), and Group D (WED≥300 mm; 357 males, 42 females). WED, size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), and organ dose-based effective dose(ED Radimetrics)were calculated using Radimetrics software. Scanner-reported dose metrics, including volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), and DLP-derived effective dose(ED DLP), were recorded. The ratios of SSDE/CTDIvol and ED Radimetrics/ED DLP were used to quantify discrepancies between dose evaluation methods. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to analyze dose metric differences across WED groups within the same gender, while the Wilcoxon rank-sum test compared gender-based differences within each WED group. Results:All dose metrics significantly increased with WED for both genders (all P<0.05). Within the same WED group, ED Radimetrics was significantly higher in females ( P<0.05), whereas ED DLP was higher in males ( P<0.05). The SSDE/CTDIvol ratio decreased with increasing WED, declining from 1.74 in Group A to 1.16 in Group D for females and from 1.68 to 1.12 for males. The ED Radimetrics/ED DLP ratio exhibited a decreasing trend with WED in females (1.82 to 1.30) but showed an initial increase in males (1.29 in Group A to 1.31 in Group B) before decreasing to 0.94 in Group D (all intergroup P<0.05). SSDE/CTDIvol and ED Radimetrics/ED DLP ratios of females were consistently higher than that of males within each WED group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patient body habitus and gender significantly influence radiation dose distribution in low-dose chest CT. Larger body habitus is associated with higher radiation doses, while females receive greater ED Radimetrics than males within comparable body habitus. Traditional dose metrics (CTDIvol and ED DLP) were underestimated for patients with small body sizes and female individuals.

[Purpose]To analyze the screening results of urban cancer early diagnosis and treat-ment program in Shaanxi Province from 2021 to 2022.[Methods]The risk assessment and clini-cal screening data of five high incidence malignant tumors(female breast cancer,lung cancer,upper gastrointestinal cancer,liver cancer and colorectal cancer)in the urban cancer early diag-nosis and treatment program in Shaanxi Province were collected and analyzed.The high-risk rate,screening compliance rate,and positive detection rate of the above 5 types of malignant tumors were calculated.[Results]A total of 17 921 urban residents in Shaanxi Province completed the cancer risk survey from 2021 to 2022(44.12％were males and 55.88％were females),9 270 were identified as high-risk(51.7％):34.2％for breast cancer,24.2％for lung cancer,20.7％for upper gastrointestinal cancer,7.5％for liver cancer,and 29.8％for colorectal cancer.Among 18 145 person-times of high-risk,6 357 person-times underwent clinical screening,with an overall com-pliance rate of 35.0％.The participating number and compliance rate of individual cancer screening were 1 451 person-times(42.3％)for female breast cancer,2 064 person-times(47.7％)for lung cancer,1 125 person-times(30.4％)for upper gastrointestinal cancer,468 person-times(35.0％)for liver cancer,and 1 249 person-times(23.4％)for colorectal cancer.The detected positive cases and the detection rate were 142 cases(9.8％)for frmale breast cancer,373 cases(18.1％)for lung cancer,13 cases(1.2％)for upper gastrointestinal cancer,8 cases(1.7％)for liver cancer,and 68 cases(5.4％)for colorectal cancer.[Conclusion]The screening results of early diagnosis and treatment project for urban cancer in Shaanxi Province shows a relative higher risk rate and lower compliance rate with significant differences among various types of cancer.

Objective To explore the effect of Xiongcan Yishen Formula on ferroptosis in testicular tissue of male rats with late-onset hypogonadism(LOH).Methods A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 months were randomly divided into model group,low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups and propionate testosterone group,with 12 rats in each group.An additional 6 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were set as the normal group.Except for the normal group,the rats were intraperitoneally injected with Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 20 mg/(kg·d)for 5 consecutive days to establish the LOH model,while the normal group received an equal volume of physiological saline for 5 days.The normal group and model group were given equal volumes of distilled water by gavage,while the low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups were administered concentrated decoction at doses of 10.4 g and 41.6 g/kg/d respectively,and the propionate testosterone group received intramuscular injections of 5.21 mg/kg/d propionate testosterone,all for 28 consecutive days.ELISA was used to detect serum testosterone levels in rats,HE staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the gross morphology of testicular tissue and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related genes and proteins in testicular tissue.Results The LOH model rats exhibited pathological changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules,structural disorder,and reduced spermatocytes in the lumen,as well as ultrastructural changes in Leydig cells including altered nuclear morphology,increased mitochondrial density,and reduced cristae.After intervention with Xiongcan Yishen Formula and propionate testosterone,the pathological changes in testis and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells were improved.Compared with the normal group,serum testosterone levels in the model group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),the expression of ROS,ACSL4 mRNA and protein in testicular tissue was significantly increased,while the expression of FTH1,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA and protein was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,ser-um testosterone levels in the low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups and the propionate testosterone group were significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the expression of ROS,ACSL4 mRNA and protein was significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula group showed significantly increased expression of FTH1,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA and protein(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ferroptosis in testicular tissue is increased in LOH rats,and Xiongcan Yishen For-mula can elevate serum testosterone levels and improve pathological changes and ultrastructure in testicular tissue of LOH rats,possibly related to the inhibition of ferroptosis in testicular tissue of LOH rats.

Alzheimer's disease(AD), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging, is the most prevalent form of dementia.As the aging population continues to expand, AD presents significant health and caregiving challenges for families and society, making it a pressing international public health concern.In recent years, numerous countries have implemented dementia prevention and treatment strategies that emphasize community-based comprehensive approaches.Currently, the community-based AD prevention and treatment model in China is still in the exploratory phase, with community efforts lacking organization.In alignment with China's action plan for advancing dementia prevention and treatment, and to achieve the strategic objective of "healthy aging, " this consensus is based on the principle of three-level prevention and is tailored to the characteristics of AD disease progression.It aims to develop a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy for AD that is suitable for communities in China, providing technical guidance and support to establish a scientific basis for formulating community AD prevention and treatment models.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People