Objective To investigate the microbial contamination and its influencing factors of indoor air in public places in Xi'an City, to assess the health risk of employees, and to provide a scientific basis for improving the indoor environment of public places. Methods Total bacterial count and total fungal count in indoor air were monitored in hotels/inns, shopping malls/supermarkets, gyms, and waiting rooms in Xi'an from 2023 to 2024. The health risk assessment of employees was evaluated according to the Chinese Population Exposure Parameters Manual (Adult Volume). Results Overall, the standard-exceeding rate of total bacterial count in Xi'an was 3.85%, and the median values of total bacterial count and total fungal count were 350 CFU/m3 and 300 CFU/m3, respectively. The results of the generalized linear model showed that high indoor temperature and PM10 levels were associated with increased indoor bacterial concentrations (β>0, P<0.05), while high daily passenger flow, and high indoor relative humidity and PM₁₀ levels were associated with increased indoor fungal concentrations (β>0, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression showed that high levels of indoor bacterial and fungal concentrations were risk factors for respiratory discomfort among employees. The hazard quotient (HQ) values for all types of public places were less than 1, indicating that the health risk of microbial aerosol exposures for employees was relatively low. Conclusion The indoor microbial pollution in public places in Xi'an is relatively mild, but countermeasures still need to be taken to reduce indoor air microbial contamination.

Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in enhancing the efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). Methods The effects of huaier on the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier function in MKN45-bearing mice were analyzed by using 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and IHC. UPLC-MS and network pharmacology, as well as in vivo experimental approaches, were employed to investigate the key bioactive constituents of huaier systematically and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which huaier exerts therapeutic effects against GC. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway was detected in cancer cells and tissues via Western blot analysis. The safety profile of huaier combined with OXA was verified through serum biochemistry and HE-stained tissue section analyses. Results Huaier inhibited the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced lipid droplet deposition, and ultimately enhanced the sensitivity to OXA in the treatment of GC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of huaier in gastric cancer treatment by enhancing chemosensitivity and provides novel insights into its systemic therapeutic effects through molecular mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation.

ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation"， this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice（AMR-AFI） in improving slow-transit constipation（STC）， as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis， thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group， model group， positive drug（mosapride） group（3 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI（3.9， 7.8， 15.6 g·kg^-1）. Except for the control group， the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling， interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d， during which fecal samples， colon tissue， and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate， histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， and the levels of interleukin（IL）-6， tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α， and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. Furthermore， the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing， while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue， followed by gene ontology（GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） enrichment analyses. Finally， Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group， the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， while serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-2 were significantly elevated（P<0.01）. HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells， along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group， all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-2（P<0.01）. Among these， the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group， as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis， such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice， increased species richness， downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella， and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria， including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group， Ruminococcaceae， and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast， pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota， arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism， and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.

ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation"， this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice（AMR-AFI） in improving slow-transit constipation（STC）， as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis， thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group， model group， positive drug（mosapride） group（3 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI（3.9， 7.8， 15.6 g·kg^-1）. Except for the control group， the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling， interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d， during which fecal samples， colon tissue， and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate， histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， and the levels of interleukin（IL）-6， tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α， and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. Furthermore， the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing， while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue， followed by gene ontology（GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） enrichment analyses. Finally， Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group， the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， while serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-2 were significantly elevated（P<0.01）. HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells， along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group， all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-2（P<0.01）. Among these， the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group， as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis， such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice， increased species richness， downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella， and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria， including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group， Ruminococcaceae， and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast， pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota， arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism， and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.

AIM:To analyze the characteristics and correlation of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels.METHODS:A total of 45 type 2 diabetic cataract patients(45 eyes)treated in our hospital from March 2023 to April 2024 were stratified into two groups based on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels: group A: HbA1c <7%(n=18)and group B: 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(n=27); a total of 94 age-matched age-related cataract patients(94 eyes)were enrolled as the control group(group C). All underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior segment parameters, including corneal, lens and anterior chamber measurements, were recorded. Correlations between phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters were analyzed, and differences among groups were compared.RESULTS: In groups A and B, effective phacoemulsification time(EPT)negatively correlated with corneal endothelial cell density(CECD)(r=-0.315, P=0.035). Average phacoemulsification time(APT)positively correlated with the anterior corneal surface radius of curvature(Rm; r=0.402, P=0.006)and negatively correlated with the flat axis meridian curvature(K1), steep axis meridian curvature(K2), mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, and lens density at 6 mm zones(PDZ3; all P<0.05). Average phacoemulsification energy(AVE)positively correlated with mean lens density(LD-mean), lens density at 2 mm zones(PDZ1), lens density at 4 mm zones(PDZ2), and PDZ3(all P<0.05), and negatively with pupil diameter(r=-0.385, P=0.009). In the group C, EPT showed a positive correlation with Pentacam nucleus staging(PNS)density grade, PDZ1, PDZ2, and PDZ3(all P<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between AVE and PNS classification(r=0.246, P=0.018). Conversely, AVE exhibited a negative correlation with CECD(r=-0.245, P=0.018). EPT in groups A and B was higher than that in the group C(P<0.05). Both EPT and APT in the group B were higher than those in the group A(P<0.05). In diabetic cataract patients, CECD, corneal density(CD), and posterior corneal surface height positively correlated with diabetes duration(P<0.05). Posterior corneal surface K1 and Rm positively correlated with 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(P<0.05). Total corneal astigmatism negatively correlated with HbA1c, 2-hour post-breakfast blood glucose(2hPBG), and fasting insulin(FINS; P<0.05). CD and lens thickness(LT)positively correlated with FINS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification parameters and blood glucose-related indices exhibited varying degrees of correlation with anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels. EPT in diabetic cataract patients was higher than that in age-related cataract patients, while EPT and APT in diabetic cataract patients with poor glycemic control were higher than those with good glycemic control.

BackgroundPrenatal depression has an important impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have shown that maternal prenatal depression is associated with social support， and social support is related to fear of childbirth. However， there is limited research on the relationship among maternal prenatal depression， social support and fear of childbirth， and no studies have specifically explored the influence of social support and fear of childbirth on prenatal depression in primiparous women. ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of prenatal depression among primiparous women， and to analyze the correlation between social support and fear of childbirth， and to further explore the influence of social support and fear of childbirth on prenatal depression in this population， so as to provide references for improving their mental health. MethodsA total of 380 primiparous women admitted to the inpatient department of Chengdu Wenjiang District People's Hospital from December 2022 to September 2023 were enrolled as study subjects. A self-made questionnaire， Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale （EPDS）， Social Support Rating Scale （SSRS） and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire （CAQ） were used to conduct the survey. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between scale scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors of prenatal depression. ResultsA total of 380 questionnaires were distributed， with 372 （97.89%） valid responses collected. Among the participants， 222 cases （59.68%） were identified with prenatal depression. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that EPDS score was negatively correlated with SSRS score （r=-0.283， P<0.01） and positively correlated with CAQ score （r=0.341， P<0.01）. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that social support （β=-0.166， P<0.01） and fear of childbirth （β=0.269， P<0.01） were influencing factors of prenatal depression in primiparous women. ConclusionThe prevalence of prenatal depression among primiparous women is concerning， with depression levels showing significant associations with both social support and fear of childbirth.

Objective: To develop a simple digital chylous plasma device and validate its ability to accurately, standardly, and non-destructively determine chylous plasma in blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals. Methods: A digital chylous plasma assessment device was designed and manufactured. This device was used to measure the chylous degrees of chylous plasma samples before freezing, after freeze-thawing, before viral inactivation, and after viral inactivation. The measured chylosity index values were categorized according to the requirements specified in Appendix A of the Chinese national standard GB 18469-2001 "Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Blood Components". This process established a digital standard for chylous plasma, enabling the identification of severe, moderate and mild chylous plasma, and non-chylous plasma. Results: The initial simple product of the digital chylous assessment device was successfully designed and manufactured. There was no significant difference in the degree of chylous plasma between pre-freezing 468.11±217.73 lux and post-thawing 538.91±273.39 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05), or between pre-viral inactivation 858.33±387.79 lux and post-viral inactivation 928.33±166.51 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05). The median of chylous degree values for plasma chylous index grades 0 to 6 were 45 lux, 250 lux, 620 lux, 835 lux, 1 130 lux, 1 390 lux, and 1 700 lux, respectively. The defined cutoff values/ranges for the chylous degree values corresponding to plasma chylous index grade 0 to 6 were ≤125 lux, 126-465 lux, 466-740 lux, 741-1 000 lux, 1 001-1 233 lux, 1 234-1 560 lux, and ≥1 561 lux. Conclusion: This study successfully developed the initial product of the digital chylous device and established digital standards for classifying chylous plasma. The device demonstrates the potential to meet the needs for assessment of chylous plasma in both blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals, thereby promoting the development and application of standardized, non-destructive chylous plasma assessment technology.

The small intestine is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and microbial balance. Its epithelial lining, containing specialized cells like Paneth cells and tuft cells, is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Paneth cells produce antimicrobial peptides and growth factors that support microbial regulation and intestinal stem cells, while tuft cells act as chemosensors, detecting environmental changes and modulating immune responses. Along with immune cells such as intraepithelial lymphocytes, innate lymphoid cells, T cells, and macrophages, they form a strong defense system that protects the epithelial barrier. Disruptions in this balance contribute to chronic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and compromised barrier function-key features of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and metabolic syndromes. Furthermore, dysfunctions in the small intestine and immune cells are linked to systemic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Recent research highlights promising therapeutic strategies, including modulation of epithelial and immune cell functions, probiotics, and gene editing to restore gut health and address systemic effects. This review emphasizes the pivotal roles of small intestinal epithelia and immune cells in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, their involvement in disease development, and emerging treatments for intestinal and systemic disorders.
Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa/cytology* ; Intestine, Small/cytology* ; Animals ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/immunology* ; Celiac Disease/immunology* ; Paneth Cells/immunology*

In order to clarify the effects of drought stress training on the quality and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula, this study used PEG to simulate drought stress and employed potting with water control for the drought stress training of C. pilosula plants. The polysaccharide content, secondary metabolites, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic pigment system of C. pilosula after drought stress training were analyzed. The results showed that the content of fructans in the root of C. pilosula increased after two rounds of drought stress treatment, and it was significantly higher than that of the control group. The accumulation of fructans in the root of C. pilosula showed an upward trend during the rehydration treatment. The content of lobetyolin and tangshenoside Ⅰ increased after drought stress treatment compared with that of the control group. The rehydration treatment caused first increasing and then decreasing in the content of lobetyolin, while it had no significant effect on the tangshenoside Ⅰcontent. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased after drought stress treatment, and it gradually increased during the first round of rehydration and the second round of rehydration. Moreover, the increase was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. The content of the peroxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) increased after drought stress treatment compared with those of the control group, and they showed a tendency of decreasing during rehydration. Moreover, the decrease was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. When the plants of C. pilosula after drought stress training were again subjected to severe drought stress, the wilting rate decreased significantly, and the biomass increases significantly. This study showed that the drought stress training could promote the accumulation of polysaccharides and secondary metabolites in the root of C. pilosula. When encountering drought stress again, C. pilosula plants could quickly regulate the antioxidant system and delay the decomposition of chlorophyll to respond to drought stress. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological cultivation of C. pilosula in arid and semi-arid areas.
Codonopsis/growth & development* ; Droughts ; Polysaccharides/metabolism* ; Stress, Physiological ; Water/metabolism* ; Antioxidants/metabolism* ; Photosynthesis ; Drought Resistance

Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires