ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang （BXT） inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） rats by regulating the interleukin-17（IL-17）/extracellular regulated protein kinases（ERK）/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β（C/EBPβ）signaling pathway， thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （0.549， 1.098， 2.196 g·kg^-1， respectively） of BXT， and the positive drug group （vitacoenzyme， 0.3 g·kg^-1）. A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention， the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the contents of IL-17， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， and C/EBPβ in serum， as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin， N-cadherin， and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17， p-ERK， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and its phosphorylated form （p）-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group， the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased， while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with different doses of BXT， the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased， while the content of E-cadherin was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum， regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.

Objective: To analyze the associations of physical activity with overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide reference for optimizing physical activity intervention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles. Methods: From March to November 2023, a cross sectional survey was conducted among 90 457 junior and senior high school students aged 11-18 years in Zhejiang Province using a stratified cluster random sampling method. Data on physical activity and dietary behavior were collected through questionnaires, height and weight were measured. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The Chi-square test was used to examine differences, and Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the associations of physical activity characteristics with overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence. Additionally, the effectiveness of physical activity performed on rest days versus work days was examined. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students were 25.1%, 27.9%, and 6.7%, respectively, with significant sex differences ( χ 2=2 005.3, 587.7, 99.6, all P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that students with insufficient physical activity had a higher risk of overweight/obesity compared with those with sufficient physical activity ( OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.06-1.17, P <0.01). Comparing to students who exercised 0-1 day per week, those who exercised 5-7 days per week were associated with a reduced risk of overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms ( OR=0.93, 95%CI =0.90-0.97; OR=0.95, 95%CI =0.91-0.99, both P <0.05). When total activity volume and frequency were held constant, students with sufficient rest day physical activity had lower risks of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence than those with insufficient rest day activity (all P < 0.01). Conclusions Sufficient amount of physical activity and higher frequency of rest day physical activity are significantly associated with lower risks of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence in adolescents. Physical activity performed on rest days may confer greater health benefits than activity performed on work days.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound in treating pulmonary nodules, providing evidence-based medical evidence for TCM intervention in pulmonary nodules. Methods Computer search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was conducted to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM compound intervention in pulmonary nodules, with the retrieval time from the inception to November 29, 2023. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included, covering 8 provinces across the country, with a total sample size of 1301 patients. The TCM compounds used in the included studies all incorporated the method of dissolving phlegm and dissipating nodules. There was a high risk of bias uncertainty in the included studies. Meta-analysis results suggested that TCM compound could significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules [MD=−1.41, 95%CI (−1.70, −1.13), P<0.001], decrease the number of nodules [MD=−0.37, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.01), P=0.05], alleviate clinical symptoms [MD=−4.84, 95%CI (−6.04, −3.64), P<0.001], and improve lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MD=0.55, 95%CI (0.09, 1.01), P=0.02; FEV1/forced vital capacity, MD=6.12, 95%CI (4.47, 7.78), P<0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of malignancy between the experimental group and the control group [MD=−0.01, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.00), P=0.09]. Conclusion TCM compound can significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules, decrease the number of nodules, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve lung function, but future multicenter, large-sample, high-quality RCTs are still needed to further explore and verify this conclusion.

As a commonly used clinical herb, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus is renowned for its effects in nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving vision, and darkening hair. Its preparation originated from the "steaming on rice" method in the Song Dynasty. After centuries of inheritance and development, it has evolved into the diverse processing techniques used today. Ancient methods primarily included cleaning, cutting, soaking, honey-roasting, and steaming, while baking-though documented-was not a mainstream practice. Modern techniques have inherited traditional approaches such as cleaning, steaming, and roasting, while diversifying into specifications like wine-steaming, wine-stewing, plain steaming, vinegar-steaming, salt-roasting, and ultra-fine granules. However, variations in critical parameters, such as auxiliary material ratios and steaming duration across regions, have led to inconsistencies in the quality of processed Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. Notably, region-specific methods warrant further exploration, as they may embody unique processing principles and advantages with potential value for enhancing efficacy and quality. By systematically reviewing the historical evolution and regional variations of processing techniques for Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, key issues such as inconsistent processing parameters were identified, which provided a reference for the standardization of processing procedures and the improvement of quality standards.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Huaji Formula （扶正化积方） for chronic hepatitis B to reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted， collecting medical records of 118 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 234 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who visited the hospital between January 1， 2014， and December 31， 2018. The use of Fuzheng Huaji Formula was designated as the exposure factor. Patients receiving antiviral treatment for hepatitis B without concurrent Fuzheng Huaji Formula therapy were included in the western medicine group， while those receiving antiviral treatment combined with Fuzheng Huaji Formula for a cumulative treatment lasting longer than 3 months were included in the combined treatment group. The follow-up observation period was five years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the factors influencing the occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. ResultsAmong patients with chronic hepatitis B， there were 55 cases in the combined treatment group and 63 cases in the western medicine group； among patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis， there were 110 cases in the combined treatment group and 124 cases in the western medicine group. Five-year follow-up outcomes for chronic hepatitis B patients showed that the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was 5.45% （3/55） in the combined treatment group and 17.46% （11/63） in the western medicine group， with a statistically significant difference between groups （Z = 2.003， P = 0.045）. Five-year follow-up outcomes for hepatitis B-related cirrhosis patients showed that the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 8.18% （9/110） in the combined treatment group and 22.58% （28/124） in the western medicine group， also showing a statistically significant difference （Z = 3.007， P = 0.003）. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that treatment with Fuzheng Huaji Formula is an independent protective factor in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and the progression of hepatitis B-related cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma （P＜0.05）. ConclusionCombining Fuzheng Huaji Formula with antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can effectively intervene in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B， reducing the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Sessile serrated lesion(SSL)is a major precancerous lesion type of colorectal cancer and one of the main causes of colorectal cancer.SSL has unique tissue structures and morphological features,with low detection rate under endoscopy and high variability in histopathological diagnosis,making it one of the most easily missed lesions in colorectal cancer screening.In recent years,the application of artificial intelligence(AI)in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer has been rapidly increasing.Previous studies have found that AI-assisted endoscopic technology can improve the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of colorectal SSL,and AI-assisted pathological diagnosis can improve diagnostic efficiency and consistency.This article aims to provide a review of current research on AI technology in colorectal SSL.

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide,and its incidence has been increasing in recent years,especially among young adults.Non-genetic factors,such as dietary habits,lifestyle and intestinal flora,play an important role in the development of CRC.Dietary factors have a close relationship with CRC development.Insufficient fiber intake and excessive consumption of red and processed meat are generally considered major high-risk factors for CRC,while vegetables and fruits are considered as beneficial factors.The roles of calcium supplements,vitamin D,dairy products,and different dietary patterns in the development of CRC are still controversial.Furthermore,obesity,smoking,alcohol consumption,and lack of physical exercise are also associated with the risk of CRC.The imbalance of intestinal flora is also believed to be associated with the development of CRC.Optimizing dietary habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of CRC.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and estrogen supplementation may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of CRC.For certain individuals at high risk,pharmacological intervention may serve as an effective preventive measure.

Objective:To establish the characteristic spectrum of Liushenqu standard decoction using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC); To determine the contents of related index components; To evaluate the quality of Liushenqu standard decoction.Methods:UPLC method was used to establish characteristic spectrum of Liushenqu standard decoction. Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System (2012 edition) was used for similarity analysis, the characteristic peak was assigned, and the content of its index components was determined.Results:The characteristic peaks of Liushenqu standard decoction were calibrated and 8 components were identified, namely uridine, adenosine, guanosine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, tryptophan, vanillic acid, ferulic acid and shaftaside. The contents of uridine, adenosine, tryptophan ferulic acid and shaftaside in 10 batches of Liushenqu standard decoction were simultaneously determined, and ranged from 0.036 1～0.383 9 mg/g, 0.030 7～0.170 2 mg/g, 0.007 0～0.060 2 mg/g, 0.001 0～0.005 0 mg/g, 0.000 8～0.013 8 mg/g, respectively. The transfer rates ranged from 44.2% to 50.8%, 60.1% to 67.7%, 60.4% to 76.4%, 62.7% to 77.4%, 50.7% to 61.4%, respectively.Conclusion:The established UPLC characteristic spectrum and content determination method are accurate and repeatable, which can provide references for quality control of Liushenqu standard granules.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the level of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) in the uterine fluid and the thickness of endometrium in infertile women with chronic endometritis.Methods:A case-control study was conducted to select 122 patients who underwent hysteroscopy and endometrial tissue biopsy at Assisted Reproduction Center, Taiyuan Central Hospital due to infertility from March 2023 to January 2024 as the study subjects. According to the results of hysteroscopy and endometrial tissue biopsy, the patients were divided into 52 cases in the infertility group with normal endometrium (NE infertility group) and the chronic endometritis combined with infertility group (CE infertility group) with 70 cases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of the two groups. General clinical data, AT1-AA absorbance value of uterine fluid and uterine related indexes of the two groups were analyzed, and the correlations between AT1-AA level and the variation of indexes were analyzed.Results:Gravidity (median: 1 vs 1; Z=7.029, P=0.030) and parity (median: 0 vs 0; Z=12.258, P=0.002) in CE infertility group were higher than those in NE infertility group. There was AT1-AA in the uterine fluid, and the level of AT1-AA in CE infertility group was significantly higher than that in NE infertility group (median: 2.07 vs 1.44; Z=3.099, P=0.029). The endometrial thickness of CE infertility group was lower than that of NE infertility group (median: 6.0 vs 7.0 mm; Z=-2.179, P=0.029), and there were no statistical differences in other indexes between the two groups (all P>0.05). Further correlation analysis showed that there were no correlation between the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid and parity, endometrial thickness, gravidity in NE infertility group (all P>0.05). However, the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of CE infertility group was positively correlated with parity (Spearman′s r=0.339, P=0.004), and negatively correlated with endometrial thickness (Spearman′s r=-0.499, P<0.001), but not correlated with gravidity ( P>0.05). Conclusions:AT1-AA is present in the uterine fluid of infertile women. The elevated level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of infertile women with CE is related to the thinning of the endometrium.

Objective:To analyze the changing trends and international differences in the incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) in China from 1990 to 2021 based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.Methods:The data were derived from the GBD database, covering the incidence and DALY data of HDP in countries or regions around the world. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the differences in disease burden between China and different regions of Europe, America and other developed countries, and to analyze the disease burden characteristics of women of childbearing age in different age groups (every 5 years). The Joinpoint regression model was used to identify trend change points. The age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the independent effects of age, period and birth cohort.Results:(1) From 1990 to 2021, the incidence of HDP in China showed an overall downward trend, from 387.18/100 000 in 1990 to 216.35/100 000 in 2021. Compared with the global incidence rate (1990: 1 167.28/100 000; 2021: 923.48/100 000), the incidence rate of HDP in China was relatively low, but it was still higher than that in some developed countries. (2) The analysis of the Joinpoint regression model showed that the incidence rate of HDP in different age groups first decreased, then increased, and finally leveled off. The connection point with the lowest point was in 2005. DALY showed a continuous downward trend in all age groups. Among them, the decline in maternal DALY of pregnant women in all age groups from 15 to 39 years old was more obvious. (3) The age-period-cohort effect model showed that the incidence rate and DALY of HDP in women of childbearing age aged 20 to 24 years reached their peak.Conclusions:The burden of HDP in China continues to decrease, and the disease prevention and control has achieved remarkable results, but the incidence rate is still higher than that in some developed countries. It is suggested that personalized interventions should be developed for different risk groups to further reduce the burden of disease.