ObjectiveDonkey hide is the sole legally designated raw material for the preparation of the traditional Chinese medicine Ejiao. The quality stability of donkey hide during preservation directly determines the efficacy and safety of Ejiao. This study focuses on the dynamic succession of microbial communities during the preservation of donkey hides from different origins, aiming to clarify the correlation between microbial biodiversity difference and the degradation profiles of hide collagen and critical biochemical components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing targeted preservation strategies based on microbial regulation. MethodsDonkey hides originating from four different regions were subjected to an accelerated microbial aging assay to simulate the spoilage process. The microbial community succession was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Microstructure changes and pore structure characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, respectively. Additionally, the content of major components, including lipids, proteins, and sugars were determined by biochemical methods. ResultsAfter 96 h of aging, the collagen fiber structure in Africa donkey hides (ADH) exhibited significant degradation and collapse, followed by Xinjiang donkey hides (XDH). Instead, the microstructure of Dong’e black donkey hides (DDH) and Peru donkey hides (PDH) remained relatively intact. The porosities of DDH, XDH, PDH, and ADH increased from 27.9%, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 46.2% to 36.5%, 52.6%, 42.8%, and 57.7%, respectively, during the aging process, which suggested that the originally compact fiber structure was disrupted by microbial aging. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed the amide bands in XDH exhibited relatively weak intensity, and no collagen amide I band was observed in ADH. Meanwhile, the lipid and protein contents decreased in all four types of donkey hides, indicating that these components served as the primary nutrient sources for the growth of microorganism. Notably, the most severe collagen degradation was observed in XDH and ADH. A substantial increase was detected in the total soluble sugar in PDH aging solution and hydroxyproline in the ADH aging solution, respectively. These results indicated that donkey hides exhibit distinct patterns of structural degradation and nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the viable cells number of donkey hides increased sharply after 48 h of aging. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Euryarchaeota in ADH, PDH and XDH declining from initial 93.19%, 97.73% and 30.08% to 0.79%, 1.43% and 0.02% after 96 h, respectively. Conversely, a significantly increase was observed in the abundance of Bacillota, with a marked increase in ADH, peaking at 92.75%. Additionally, the abundance of Pseudomonadota in PDH increased from 0.10% to 87.84%, suggesting that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota may be key factors exacerbating donkey hide spoilage. Unlike the other three types of donkey hides, the dominant bacterial phylum in DDH shifted from Pseudomonadota to Bacteroidota, characterized by a substantial abundance increase of Bacteroidota from 0.13% to 44.22%. ConclusionRegional variation in origin significantly influence the microbial aging of donkey hides, leading to distinct patterns of structural deterioration and differential nutrient utilization. Therefore, implementing origin-specific preservation strategies, through the precisely controlling environmental factors to suppress harmful phyla such as Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, is crucial for enhancing the storage quality of donkey hides.

Alzheimer's disease （AD） is a common type of dementia， primarily characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairments as well as deficits in learning and memory. The progression of AD has imposed a significant economic burden on society and families. However， its exact pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Currently， available therapeutic drugs are limited and are often accompanied by serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs） and their extracts are mostly natural products and possess advantages such as multi-pathway regulation and relatively few adverse reactions. Experimental studies have shown that TCMs exhibit great potential in the prevention and treatment of AD. For example， Huanglian Jieduang， Danggui Shaoyaosan， Kaixin San， Liuwei Dihuangwan， Buyang Huanwutang， as well as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， Astragali Radix， Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis， Coptidis Rhizoma， Gardeniae Fructus， Ginkgo Folium， Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma， can reduce β-amyloid deposition， inhibit excessive Tau protein phosphorylation， restore mitochondrial function， alleviate oxidative stress， suppress neuroinflammation and apoptosis， repair synaptic function， and improve gut microbiota. This article mainly summarizes the effects of several TCMs and compound prescriptions on AD， aiming to provide a reference for subsequent TCM-based treatment of AD.

To explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy), and hyperlipidemia in the Tibetan population of Tibet.

AIM: To evaluate the visual function and optical quality in adults aged 80y and older following the bilateral implantation of zonal refractive multifocal intraocular lens(IOL, LS-313 MF30).METHODS: A single-center, non-randomized, prospective clinical trial was conducted, involving cataract patients aged 80 y and older. Patients received bilateral implantation of the LS-313 MF30 or CT Asphina 409MP, based on personal preference. Postoperative assessments included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance, intermediate, and near ranges, as well as defocus curve. Subjective evaluations were performed using the visual function(VF-14)questionnaire, spectacle independence rates, and patient satisfaction surveys. Photic phenomena such as glare, halos, and starbursts were also analyzed.RESULTS: The MF30 group(16 eyes from 8 participants, 85.38±2.56 y)exhibited superior uncorrected and corrected intermediate and near visual acuity compared to the 409MP group(26 eyes from 13 participants, 85.77±2.20 y), while distance visual acuity was comparable between groups. The defocus curve of the MF30 group revealed two peaks at 0.00 D and -3.00 D, indicating a broader depth of focus. Patients in the MF30 group reported higher rates of spectacle independence and greater satisfaction. While photic phenomena such as glare(28.6% vs 18.5%, P=0.584), starburst(9.5% vs 3.7%, P=0.567)and halos(23.8% vs 11.11%, P=0.438)were more prevalent in the MF30 group, they were generally mild and did not significantly impact daily activities.CONCLUSION: Zonal refractive multifocal IOLs provide elderly patients with improved distance and near vision, greater spectacle independence, and greater satisfaction. Although photic phenomena were slightly more frequent with MF30, they are generally reported as non-disruptive and do not affect their daily life compared to monofocal IOLs.

Objective: To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality from 2002 to 2019, so as to provide the evidence for formulating lung cancer prevention and control measures. Methods: Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality among residents in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019 were collected through the Shanghai Cancer Registration and Reporting Management System. The crude incidence and mortality of lung cancer was calculated, and standardized by the data from the Chinese Fifth National Population Census in 2000 (Chinese-standardized rate) and the Segi's world standard population in 1960 (world-standardized rate). The trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer among residents by age and gender were evaluated using annual percent change (APC). Results: A total of 12 965 cases of lung cancer were reported in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019, and the crude incidence rate was 80.66/105, the Chinese-standardized incidence rate was 34.54/105, and the world-standardized incidence rate was 31.30/105, all showing upward trends (APC=4.588%, 2.933% and 3.247%, all P<0.05). A total of 10 102 deaths of lung cancer were reported, and the crude mortality rate was 62.30/105, showing an upward trend (APC=0.959%, P<0.05); the Chinese-standardized mortality was 25.93/105, and the world-standardized mortality was 22.05/105, both showing downward trends (APC=-1.282% and -1.263%, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (101.39/105 vs. 60.52/105, 85.45/105 vs. 39.87/105, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer showed upward trends with age (both P<0.05), reaching their peaks in the age groups of 80-<85 years (341.37/105) and 85 years or above (355.97/105), respectively. Conclusions The incidence of lung cancer showed an upward trend, while the mortality showed a downward trend in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019. Elderly men were the high-risk group for lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of vertebral cement augmentation (VCA) at upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and UIV+1 in preventing proximal junction complications in correction surgery for adult spinal deformity patients. Methods: A literature search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for comparative studies published before December 30th, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed study quality with Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and extracted data like study characteristics, surgical details, primary and secondary outcomes. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata software. Results: Of all 513 papers screened, a meta-analysis was conducted on 7 articles, which included 333 cases in the VCA group and 827 cases in the control group. Patients in the VCA group had significantly older age and lower T score than patients in the control group. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of proximal junctional failure between the 2 groups, the results of the meta-analysis showed that the incidence of proximal junctional failure and the need for revision surgery were reduced by 36% and 71%, respectively, in the VCA group. One study reported 2 clinically silent pulmonary cement embolism and 1 patient requiring surgical decompression for cement leak into the spinal canal. Conclusion This meta-analysis supported the use of VCA in corrective surgery for spinal deformities patients, especially in patients with advanced age and osteoporosis.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics. Results: From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds. Conclusion Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.

Objective:An integrated automatic quality control system(automatic quality control instrument)for high dose rate(HDR)afterloader was independently developed.This system was used to measure the placement accuracy,residence time and activity of the radioactive source,so as to assess the accuracy and stability of this system in quality assurance.Methods:The automatic quality control system was connected to the Flexitron type of HDR afterloader through a connecting tube.Quality assurance(QA)plans with different resident positions,clearances,and times were designed for measurement and verification.The measurement length was 1079-1119 mm,and the measurement time was 2-10 s,and the measurement activity was 14,326-28,653 μGy·m2·h-1.The measurements were repeated once per one week in three months,so as to determine the consistency of the measurement parameters in a longer period of time.The measurement results of the placement accuracy,resident time and activity of radioactive source of the HDR 192Ir radioactive source were analyzed.Results:The plate ionization chamber was used to measure the activity of radioactive source.In three months,the measurement deviation of the activity of radioactive source was 1.17%,and the fitted activity decay curve was consistent with the expected decay curve of radioactive source.The measurement accuracies of the positioning of radioactive source were respectively 0.46,0.18,0.23,0.25,and 0.15 mm when the interval step sizes of resident times were respectively 2,3,5,8,and 10 mm,all of them were<1 mm.The measurement accuracy of time was(4.90±0.04)s when the resident time was 5 s.In the measurement accuracy of different resident times(1,2,3,5 and 10s)of same step size,the deviation of them was less than 0.5s.When the resident time was the shortest,the deviation between the read-out value of the automatic system software of quality control and the actually resident time was(0.09±0.04)s.The measurement accuracy gradually stabilized with the increasing of resident times.Conclusion:The automatic quality control instrument can complete the measurements for the positioning accuracy,the accuracy of resident time and the activity of radioactive source,and achieve rapidly and accurately periodic quality assurance.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Radix Puerariae Lobatae from Anhui province and their in vitro lipid-lowering activity.METHODS D101 macroporous resin,silica gel,MCI,and semi-preparative HPLC were used for isolation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The lipid accumulation model was established by palmitic acid-induced hepatocyte AML12,and the in vitro lipid-lowering activity was evaluated.RESULTS Twenty-one compounds were isolated and identified as carboxymethyl isoferulate(1),methyl(E)feruloylglycolate(2),ariscucurbin-A(3),trans-p-coumaroygly colic acid(4),indole-3-carboxaldehyde(5),β-sitosterol(6),puerol A(7),pueroside C(8),cumoestrol(9),dihydrofurocoumarin(10),decuroside V(11),psoralen dimer(12),bergapten dimer(13),isoliquiritigenin(14),neoliquiritin(15),calycosin(16),daidzein(17),3,4,7-trihydroxyisoflavone(18),ononin(19),genistein(20),genistin(21).Compounds 1-4、7-10、13 and 17-19 significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in AML12 cells,and compound 9 inhibited PPAR-γ expression.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-6,10-13 are isolated from Pueraria genus for the first time.Compounds 1-4,7-10,13 and 17-19 have good lipid-lowering activity.