Background:Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials.Microbial agents,as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners,have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research.Objective:Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents,alone or in combination,affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials.Methods:In this study,Epimedium pubescens Maxim.was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis)applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components.Additionally,this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development.Results:The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E.pubescens leaves by 20.30％to 33.66％and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40％to 29.94％.Meanwhile,microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome,promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms(e.g.,Frankia and Paenibacillus),suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium,and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network.The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumula-tion of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome.Conclusion:These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere micro-biomes as mediated by microbial agents.They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.

Background: Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials. Microbial agents, as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners, have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research. Objective: Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents, alone or in combination, affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials. Methods: In this study, Epimedium pubescens Maxim. was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis) applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components. Additionally, this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development. Results: The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E. pubescens leaves by 20.30% to 33.66% and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40% to 29.94%. Meanwhile, microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome, promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Frankia and Paenibacillus), suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium, and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network. The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumulation of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome. Conclusion: These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere microbiomes as mediated by microbial agents. They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value and clinical significance of cochlear microphonics (CM) combined with otoacoustic emission (OAE) in patients with auditory neuropathy (AN).Methods:The study included patients who were diagnosed with bilateral AN and had CM originating from both sides. The CM amplitude, latency, duration and intensity-amplitude (I/O) function curve were recorded by CM test. According to whether the distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) passed through, the patients were divided into three groups: bilateral OAE passed group (OAE PP Group), bilateral OAE failed group (OAE RR Group), and unilateral OAE passed through one side failed group (OAE PR Group). OAE was elicited by four or more frequencies of 750-8 000 Hz. The characteristics of CM and its related influencing factors were analyzed, and data were processed and analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software. Results:(1) A total of 256 patients (512 ears) with AN were enrolled, including 161 patients (322 ears) in OAE PP group, 32 patients (64 ears) in OAE PR group and 63 patients (126 ears) in OAE RR group. OAE failed in 30.9% of patients with AN. (2) When the stimulation intensity was 100 dB nHL, the CM amplitude of OAE passing ear (OAE P+CM P group) in AN patients aged 3 years was 0.43±0.17μV, which was significantly higher than that of OAE not passing ear (OAE R+CM P group) (0.29±0.15) μV ( t=4.876， P<0.001). The CM duration of the OAE P+CM P group was (5.18±1.04) ms, which was longer than that of the OAE R+CM P group at 4.60±1.12 ms ( P=0.005). The I/O function curve of OAE P+CM P group showed a nonlinear trend, while, that of OAE R+CM P group showed a linear trend. (3) In the OAE P+CM P group of AN patients, the amplitude of CM was negatively correlated with the onset age, test age, disease course, PTA, and ASSR threshold ( P<0.001), with correlation coefficients of r=-0.475, r=-0.519, r=-0.367, r=-0.374, and r=-0.494, respectively. In the OAE R+CM P group of AN patients, the amplitude of CM was negatively correlated with the onset age, test age, and ASSR threshold ( P<0.05), with correlation coefficients of r=-0.271, r=-0.240, and r=-0.287, respectively. Conclusions:Excluding patients with high-frequency steeply sloping hearing loss, when ABR is absent or abnormal and OAE is absent, CM detection can reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of AN. The analysis of CM amplitude and I/O function curve is helpful to determine the lesion site of AN patients, which is convenient for early diagnosis and effective intervention.

Based on the concept of "regulating the five zang organs and harmonizing the spleen and stomach"， globus hystericus is believed to originate from dysfunction of the five zang organs and disharmony of the spleen and stomach. Treatment primarily focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach while also considering other affected organs， with a self-prescribed Anpiwei Jingyan Formula （安脾胃经验方） for harmonizing the spleen and stomach as the foundational treatment. Additionally， syndrome-based modifications are applied according to imbalances in the heart， lung， kidney， or liver. For heart-yang deficiency， modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction （苓桂术甘汤） could be combined； for heart-yin deficiency， modified Tianwang Buxin Pill （天王补心丹） could be combined. For lung failing to disperse and descend and fluid retention， modified Sanao Decoction （三拗汤） could be combined； for lung and stomach yin deficiency， modified Shashen Maidong Decoction （沙参麦冬汤） could be combined. For kidney-yang deficiency with ascending counterflow of cold water， modified Jingui Shensi Pill （金匮肾气丸） could be combined； for kidney-yin deficiency， modified Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸） could be combined. For liver constraint and spleen deficiency， modified Sini Powder （四逆散） could be combined； for liver-yin deficiency or liver stagnation transforming into fire and attacking the stomach， modified Yiguan Decoction （一贯煎） could be combined.

Background:Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials.Microbial agents,as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners,have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research.Objective:Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents,alone or in combination,affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials.Methods:In this study,Epimedium pubescens Maxim.was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis)applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components.Additionally,this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development.Results:The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E.pubescens leaves by 20.30％to 33.66％and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40％to 29.94％.Meanwhile,microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome,promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms(e.g.,Frankia and Paenibacillus),suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium,and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network.The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumula-tion of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome.Conclusion:These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere micro-biomes as mediated by microbial agents.They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value and clinical significance of cochlear microphonics (CM) combined with otoacoustic emission (OAE) in patients with auditory neuropathy (AN).Methods:The study included patients who were diagnosed with bilateral AN and had CM originating from both sides. The CM amplitude, latency, duration and intensity-amplitude (I/O) function curve were recorded by CM test. According to whether the distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) passed through, the patients were divided into three groups: bilateral OAE passed group (OAE PP Group), bilateral OAE failed group (OAE RR Group), and unilateral OAE passed through one side failed group (OAE PR Group). OAE was elicited by four or more frequencies of 750-8 000 Hz. The characteristics of CM and its related influencing factors were analyzed, and data were processed and analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software. Results:(1) A total of 256 patients (512 ears) with AN were enrolled, including 161 patients (322 ears) in OAE PP group, 32 patients (64 ears) in OAE PR group and 63 patients (126 ears) in OAE RR group. OAE failed in 30.9% of patients with AN. (2) When the stimulation intensity was 100 dB nHL, the CM amplitude of OAE passing ear (OAE P+CM P group) in AN patients aged 3 years was 0.43±0.17μV, which was significantly higher than that of OAE not passing ear (OAE R+CM P group) (0.29±0.15) μV ( t=4.876， P<0.001). The CM duration of the OAE P+CM P group was (5.18±1.04) ms, which was longer than that of the OAE R+CM P group at 4.60±1.12 ms ( P=0.005). The I/O function curve of OAE P+CM P group showed a nonlinear trend, while, that of OAE R+CM P group showed a linear trend. (3) In the OAE P+CM P group of AN patients, the amplitude of CM was negatively correlated with the onset age, test age, disease course, PTA, and ASSR threshold ( P<0.001), with correlation coefficients of r=-0.475, r=-0.519, r=-0.367, r=-0.374, and r=-0.494, respectively. In the OAE R+CM P group of AN patients, the amplitude of CM was negatively correlated with the onset age, test age, and ASSR threshold ( P<0.05), with correlation coefficients of r=-0.271, r=-0.240, and r=-0.287, respectively. Conclusions:Excluding patients with high-frequency steeply sloping hearing loss, when ABR is absent or abnormal and OAE is absent, CM detection can reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of AN. The analysis of CM amplitude and I/O function curve is helpful to determine the lesion site of AN patients, which is convenient for early diagnosis and effective intervention.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) in patients with auditory neuropathy (AN). The factors affecting DPOAE elicitation rate of each frequency, elicitation rate of each ear and change rate of first and last diagnosis in the natural course were analyzed.Methods:The sample was obtained from the Multicenter Study on Clinical Diagnosis and Intervention of AN (registration number: ChiCTR2100050125), and the diagnostic criteria for AN were based on the Chinese Clinical Practice Guidelines of Auditory Neuropathy (version 2022). Patients with bilateral AN who underwent 2 or more DPOAE tests were screened and divided into infant groups (≤3 years old) and non-infant groups (>3 years old) according to the age of detection, and the trend of DPOAE elicitation rate of each frequency, elicitation rate of each ear and change rate in the natural course of disease were analyzed, in order to explore the relevant influencing factors.Results:A total of 165 patients (330 ears) with AN were included in the study. The overall DPOAE elicitation rate per ear was 77.0%±29.4% at the initial diagnosis and 65.1%±35.2% at the final diagnosis, with a reduction observed in the elicitation rate of 171 ears (51.82%). In the infant group, there were 49 cases (98 ears), including 28 males and 21 females, whose found age ranged from 0 to 3 years old, with a median age of 0.7 years. DPOAE elicitation rate per ear was 57.9%±35.5% in the initial diagnosis, and 32.4%±32.1% in the final diagnosis, with a reduction observed in the elicitation rate of 69 ears (70.41%). In the non-infant group, there were 116 cases (232 ears), including 59 males and 57 females, ranging in found age from 3.9 to 40 years old, with a median age of 14 years old. DPOAE elicitation rate per ear was 84.6%±23.4% in the initial diagnosis, and 78.3%±27.1% in the final diagnosis, with a reduction observed in the elicitation rate of 102 ears (43.97%). Age was found to be correlated with DPOAE changes by multicategorical unordered logistic regression analysis ( B=-0.224, OR=0.799, P<0.001). Conclusions:The elicitation rate of DPOAE in AN patients decreases or even disappears with increasing disease duration; The rate of DPOAE extraction is found to be lower in infant patients with auditory neuropathy (AN) compared to non-infant AN patients. Additionally, it is observed that the decrease in DPOAE extraction rate is more pronounced in infant AN patients as the disease progressed, as compared to non-infant AN patients. DPOAE and cochlear microphonic potentials should be fully combined for accurate diagnosis, and regular follow-up should be conducted to understand the natural course of the disease and give personalized guidance and assistance.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of auditory neuropathy (AN) patients with normal hearing or mild hearing loss.Methods:Data from Multicenter Study on Clinical Diagnosis and Intervention of Acoustic Neuropathy (registration number: ChiCTR2100050125). According to the Chinese clinical practice guideline of auditory neuropathy (version 2022), these patients divided into two groups: the normal hearing group (PTA Normal, PTA N group, the average hearing threshold<20 dB HL) and the mild hearing loss group (PTA Mild hearing loss, PTA M group, the average hearing threshold between 20-35 dBHL). The audiology characteristics, clinical features, and follow-up were analyzed. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8 and SPSS 20.0 software. Results:A total of 75 AN with normal hearing or mild hearing loss were included in this study. The PTA N group consisted of 19 patients (38 ears), including 12 males and 7 females. The average onset age was (16.9±4.5) years old, while the test age was (22.1±5.8) years old for PTA N group. The PTA M group consisted of 56 patients (112 ears), including 29 males and 27 females. The average onset age was (16.2±7.9) years old, while the test age was (23.9±9.0) yeas old for PTA M group. The average hearing threshold of low frequency (0.125-0.5 kHz) was significantly decreased. ABR disappeared in 86.00% (126/150) of the patients. The speech recognition rate was 71.80±22.44% in the PTA N group and 58.08±29.28% in the PTA M group.-SP/AP was 0.98±0.47 in the PTA N and 1.07±0.63 in PTA M group; 40 (53.33%) patients had tinnitus. 29 patients (58 ears) were followed up, including 10 patients (20 ears) in the PTA N group and 19 patients (38 ears) in the PTA M group. There was no significant change in hearing threshold in short-term follow-up (<3 years). With the extension of the disease duration (>3 years), the PTA N group tended to decrease at low frequency, and the PTA M group decreased at high frequency first. The hearing threshold at 0.25 kHz in the PTA N group and 4 kHz in the PTA M group decreased significantly. Conclusions:AN patients with normal hearing or mild hearing loss exhibit abnormal results in audiological examination results, including ABR, electrocochleography and speech discrimination score. A combination of audiological tests should be used to make the diagnosis of AN. With the progression of the disease, AN with normal hearing or mild hearing loss tends to decrease.

Objective To analyze the outcomes of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation(AF)and the independent risk factors for its recurrence in the elderly.Methods A total of 194 patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation at our department from January 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study.They were divided into elderly group(≥60 years old,99 cases)and non-elderly group(＜60 years old,95 cases).Their surgical characteris-tics,postoperative complications and recurrence were compared between the two groups,and the independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence were analyzed in the elderly group.Results Advanced age,higher B-type natriuretic peptide,larger proportions of hypertension and coronary heart disease,and increased CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores,while lower male ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate were observed in the elderly group than the non-elderly group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The elderly group had a higher proportion of left atrial fibrosis than the non-elderly group(30.3％vs 8.4％,P=0.001).Postoperative complications in the elderly group in-cluded 1 case of pericardial effusion and 2 cases of hematoma at the puncture site,and all of these were improved after treatment.There were no significant differences in the 1-year success rate(71.7％vs 69.5％,P=0.763)or recurrence rate during blanking period(21.2％vs 21.1％,P=0.981)between the elderly and non-elderly groups.AF duration(HR=1.020,95％CI:1.007-1.032,P=0.002)and recurrence during blanking period(HR=6.781,95％CI:3.078-14.935,P=0.001)were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence in the elderly group.Conclu-sion Catheter ablation is safe and effective in the treatment of persistent AF in the elderly.The elderly patients with long duration of AF and recurrences during blanking period are more likely to experience recurrences within 1 year after ablation.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (EGPA) and provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging and pathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes of 15 cases of eosinophilic granulomatous vasculitis.Results:Fifteen patients with eosinophilic granulomatous vasculitis were aged (50.7±17.2)years old, with a median time of 182.5 days from onset to diagnosis. Thirteen patients presented with respiratory symptoms as the initial diagnosis, while the other two presented with skin and nervous system damage. These patients were all accompanied by an increase in peripheral blood eosinophils, fluctuating between 10.6% and 60.94%. Thirteen patients had respiratory symptoms, mainly cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and varied chest computed tomography (CT) findings. Histopathology or alveolar lavage fluid also showed changes in eosinophil count.Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatous vasculitis are diverse, often involving the respiratory system, as well as multiple systems such as the circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, urinary system, and skin. However, due to its frequent early manifestations of wheezing, it is often misdiagnosed as refractory asthma. Improving the understanding of eosinophilic granulomatous vasculitis and improving the level of early diagnosis can help improve the prognosis of patients.