Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica（CMM）. Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design， process optimization， and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms， with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion， tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years， this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties， offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM， analyzes its advantages， disadvantages， and challenges in this domain， and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies， while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.

Chronic, unresolved inflammation correlates with persistent hepatic injury and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) demonstrates therapeutic potential against HCC, yet its mechanism in preventing hepatic "inflammation-carcinoma transformation" remains incompletely understood. In the current research, clinical HCC specimens underwent analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the expression of fibrosis markers, M2 macrophage markers, and CXCL12. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced LX-2 cells and a co-culture system of LX-2, THP-1, and HCC cells were established. Cell functions underwent assessment through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence evaluated the differential expression of molecules. The interaction between β-catenin/TCF4 and CXCL12 was examined using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A DEN-induced rat model was developed to investigate BDMC's role in liver fibrosis-associated HCC (LFAHCC) development in vivo. Our results showed that clinical HCC tissues exhibited elevated fibrosis and enriched M2 macrophages. BDMC delayed liver fibrosis progression to HCC in vivo. BDMC inhibited the inflammatory microenvironment induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, BDMC suppressed M2 macrophage-induced fibrosis and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, BDMC repressed TCF4/β-catenin complex formation, thereby reducing CXCL12 transcription in LX-2 cells. Moreover, CXCL12 overexpression reversed BDMC's inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization and its mediation of fibrosis, as well as HCC proliferation and metastasis. BDMC significantly suppressed LFAHCC development through CXCL12 in rats. In conclusion, BDMC inhibited LFAHCC progression by reducing M2 macrophage polarization through suppressing β-catenin/TCF4-mediated CXCL12 transcription.
Animals ; Liver Neoplasms/etiology* ; Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats ; Chemokine CXCL12/genetics* ; Diarylheptanoids/pharmacology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; beta Catenin/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear. METHODS: Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences. RESULTS: Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals ; Poxviridae/physiology* ; Ticks/virology* ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Poxviridae Infections/virology* ; Genome, Viral

OBJECTIVE: Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes. RESULTS: Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Europe ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Lung ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Multiomics ; Pneumoconiosis/microbiology* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the clinical distribution characteristics changes in antimicrobial resistance, and carbapenemase resistance genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from children in Chongqing region during the period of January 2019 to December 2024, providing a basis for the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.Methods:An observational study was conducted to retrospectively analyze 5 020 Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates detected in four hospitals of the Southwest Pediatric Laboratory Specialty Alliance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the minimum inhibitory concentration method combined with the disk diffusion method. Results were interpreted according to the 2024 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. Carbapenemase resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with Sanger sequencing. WHONET 5.6 was used for resistance analysis and SPSS 19.0 for statistical analysis. The chi-square test was used to assess trends in resistance rates, ESBL detection rates, and resistance rates of different CRKP carbapenemase genotypes from 2019 to 2024. Statistical significance was confirmed if the two-tailed P-value was <0.05. Results:A total of 5 020 strains were isolated, with a detection rate of 5.1% (5 020/99 063). The majority were from sputum (59.2%, 2 970/5 020), followed by pus (17.1%, 857), urine (9.7%, 487), venous blood (6.5%, 326), secretions (2.6%, 130), and other specimens (5.0%, 250).The lowest resistance rate was to amikacin (3.8%), followed by levofloxacin (10.9%), imipenem (19.1%), and meropenem (19.9%). Resistance rates to cefoperazone/sulbactam ( χ2=9.982 0, P=0.001 6), piperacillin/tazobactam ( χ2=10.110 0, P=0.001 5), ceftazidime ( χ2=3.849 0, P=0.049 8), cefotaxime ( χ2=7.605 0, P=0.005 8), cefepime ( χ2=13.510 0, P=0.000 2), aztreonam ( χ2=6.457 0, P=0.011 1), imipenem ( χ2=4.672 0, P=0.030 7), and levofloxacin ( χ2=7.555 0, P=0.006 0) showed an annual increasing trend. The main carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-5 (42.2%, 127/301), blaNDM-1 (33.9%, 102/301), and blaKPC-2 (17.3%, 52/301). Patients with KPC-2-producing strains (median age, 240 days) were older than those with NDM-1/NDM-5-producing strains (median age, 40 days) ( χ2=22.620 0, P<0.000 1). In neonatal wards, the detection rate of NDM-KP was higher than that of KPC-KP (64.6%, 148/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=24.680 0, P<0.000 1), whereas in ICUs, it was lower (6.1%, 14/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=20.450 0, P<0.000 1). Conclusion:In Chongqing region, the isolation rate of K. pneumoniae from sputum was the highest with most cases from neonatal wards. Resistance to carbapenems showed an upward trend. BlaNDM-5 was the predominant genotype in pediatric CRKP. Patients with KPC-KP were older than those with NDM-KP. NDM-KP predominated in neonatal wards, while KPC-KP predominated in ICUs, with KPC-KP showing higher antimicrobial resistance.

Objective:To analyze the variation trends in the levels of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the ratio of apolipoprotein B to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ApoB/LDL-C), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) among patients and individuals undergoing physical examinations at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2014 to 2024.Methods:Data on ApoB, LDL-C, and nonHDL-C levels were collected from individuals (the overall population) who visited or underwent physical examinations at our hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2024, as well as from individuals (the fixed population) who were tested annually over the 11-year period. The Mann-Kendall test combined with Sen slope estimation was used to analyze the trends. The abnormal rates of ApoB and non-HDL-C in both the overall and fixed populations, as well as the changes in the first and last test results over the 11 years in the fixed population, were also analyzed.Results:The overall population totaled 1 679 440 cases, aged 57 (45, 67) years, and 718 738 cases (42.8%) were female, of which 1 250 234 cases (74.4%) were in the patient population and 429 206 cases (25.6%) were in the health check population. The fixed population of 1 560 cases was 56 (45, 65) years old and 655 cases (42.0%) were female, of which 1 044 cases (66.9%) were in the patient population and 516 cases (33.1%) in the health check population. Between 2014 and 2024, the overall population ApoB decreased from 0.842 g/L to 0.822 g/L (Sen slope -0.001 g·L -1·year -1, P=0.01), the abnormality rate decreased from 24.70% to 22.03% (Sen slope -0.50%/year, P=0.06), and 69.4% of the fixed population showed no change in the subgroups of initial and final tests. ApoB/LDL-C increased from 0.824 to 0.868 (Sen slope -0.003/year, P=0.72). Non-HDL-C decreased from 3.46 mmol/L to 3.32 mmol/L (Sen slope 0.018 mmol·L -1·year -1, P=0.35), with a statistically significant upward trend since 2019 (Sen slope 0.037 mmol·L -1·year -1, P=0.008), and the anomaly rate decreased from 24.3% to 22.7% (Sen slope 0.55%/year, P=0.64), with a statistically significant upward trend since 2019 (Sen slope 1.53%/year, P=0.014), and no change in the grouping of the first and last tests in 75.0% of the fixed population. The trends in the above items were consistent between the overall population and the fixed population. 20-<40 year olds had the most significant upward trend in non-HDL-C along with the least significant downward trend in ApoB/LDL-C and ApoB. Conclusion:ApoB in the overall and fixed populations from 2014-2024 in a Shanghai hospital showed a decreasing trend, and non-HDL-C and abnormality rates showed an increasing trend from 2019 onwards.

Objective:To analyze the trend of lipid changes in patients and individuals undergoing physical examination at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from 2014 to 2024, providing evidence for the formulation of cardiovascular disease prevention and control strategies.Methods:A total of 2 657 835 individuals (general population) who underwent lipid testing during medical visits or physical examinations at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024, were selected. Among them, 6 234 individuals who were tested consecutively for 11 years were considered as the fixed population. Lipid levels were analyzed across different genders and age groups. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were analyzed. The trends in lipid changes and the abnormal rates of TC (≥5.18 mmol/L) and LDL-C (≥3.40 mmol/L) in both the general and fixed populations were statistically analyzed.Results:The median age of the general population was 53 (41, 63) years, with 1 498 533 males (56.4%); 1 149 662 individuals (43.3%) were from the physical examination group. The median age of the fixed population was 52 (39, 62) years, with 3 262 males (52.3%); 2 955 individuals (47.4%) were from the physical examination group. Over an 11-year period, the logarithmically transformed TG (lnTG) in the general population slightly increased from 1.35 mmol/L to 1.36 mmol/L (Sen slope=0.007 mmol·L -1·year -1; S=27, P=0.043). Although there were fluctuations in TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C, the trends were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). However, in the subset of the population undergoing regular health check-ups, TC showed a steady increase over time ( S=27, P=0.043). Within a fixed population over the same 11-year period, there were no statistically significant changes in lipid profiles ( P>0.05). Nevertheless, in the fixed subset undergoing regular health check-ups, both TC and lnTG exhibited an upward trend (TC: S=27, P=0.043; lnTG: S=31, P=0.020), while in the fixed subset seeking medical attention, TC and LDL-C demonstrated a downward trend (TC: S=-31, P=0.020; LDL-C: S=-27, P=0.043). Trends in lipid profiles varied among different genders and age groups. Specifically, both men and women aged 20-<40 years old showed an increase in TC, abnormal TC rates, and abnormal LDL-C rates ( P<0.05). Conversely, in the fixed population, women over 60 years old exhibited a decrease in TC, abnormal TC rates, and abnormal LDL-C rates ( P<0.05). Conclusion:During the period from 2014 to 2024, there were slight fluctuations in the average lipid levels of both the general and fixed populations. Notably, TC, abnormal TC rates, and abnormal LDL-C rates increased among men and women aged 20-<40 years old, while these parameters decreased among women over 60 years old in the fixed population.

Objective:To establish a set of reasonable,reliable and easy-to-operate evaluation index system for the clinical application of ventilators,so as to carry out all-round clinical evaluation for application of ventilators.Methods:A research group on the evaluation index system for the clinical application of ventilators was formed by 5 clinical engineers,who came from the Department of Medical Engineering of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine,to form a primary evaluation index system for the clinical application of ventilators through literature review and internal discussion,and invited 14 experts from different provinces and cities engaged in respiratory therapy or ventilator maintenance management,after two rounds of online discussion and optimization,the importance scores of each evaluation index were obtained by the Delphi method,and the relative importance of each evaluation index was calculated by analytic hierarchy process.An evaluation index system for the clinical application of ventilators was established from three dimensions:technical performance,clinical effect and after-sales service.The ventilators of brand A and brand B used in the hospital during the same period were selected,and the clinical application of the two different brands of ventilators was compared and evaluated by using the evaluation index system.Results:The constructed evaluation index system for clinical application of ventilator included 3 first-level indicators(technical performance,clinical effect and after-sale service),and 8 second-level indicators and 35 third-level indicators.The combined weight of indicators showed that the ratio of importance of"technical performance"of the first-level indicators accounted for more than half,and the relatively important indicators in the second-level indicators were successively design for safety,static performance,reliability,service quality and applicability.The comprehensive average score of ventilator A was 4.468 points,and that of ventilator B was 4.117 points.The overall performance of ventilator A was better than that of ventilator B in the evaluation of this round,which was consistent with the actually clinical application of the two ventilators.Conclusion:The evaluation index system for clinical application of ventilator can conduct comprehensive evaluation for the effect of clinical application of various kinds of ventilators,and clarify the advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of ventilators,and provide reference basis for medical institutions in selecting ventilator's brands,and for manufacturers in improving product's performance.

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a respiratory syndrome caused by severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Once SARS-CoV-2 was detected in Wuhan(Hubei Province,China),it rap-idly spread widely across China and the world,posing a serious threat to global health and the economy.With the development of Artificial Intelligence(AI)technology and the openness and application of open-source software,tremendous progress has been achieved in the quantitative study of chest radiology for COVID-19,enabling the quantitative dataization of radiological image data,which adds a powerful indicator to the prognosis study of COV-ID-19.Therefore,we reviewed the current literature on the factors predicting the severity and prognosis of COV-ID-19,and summarized demographic,laboratory and radiological factors to help with risk stratification and prog-nosis assessment for COVID-19 patients and assist in their clinical management and treatment.