Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） is a common digestive system disease with high prevalence and recurrence rates for years， high treatment costs， and serious impacts on patients' quality of life and economic burden. Therefore， it is important to explore new and safe treatment methods. The pathogenesis of IBS-D is complex， in which the gut-brain axis is a key factor. The gut-brain axis， a bidirectional signaling pathway connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system， regulates gastrointestinal motility， secretion， and immune responses， playing a key role in the occurrence and development of IBS-D. Up to now， antidiarrheal agents， probiotics， and neurotransmitter modulators are the main methods for the clinical treatment of IBS-D. Although they can partially curb the progression of this disease， the therapeutic effects remain to be improved. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has significant advantages in the treatment of IBS-D since it can regulate the gut-brain axis via multiple pathways and targets to improve the gastrointestinal motility and strengthen immune defenses. However， there is a lack of systematic reviews on the regulation of the gut-brain axis by TCM in the treatment of IBS-D. Based on the review of IBS-D-related articles published in recent years， this paper systematically summarized the relationship between the gut-brain axis and IBS-D and the role of TCM in the treatment， providing new ideas for the treatment of IBS-D.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features and initial treatment outcomes of elderly individuals with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effect of hospitalized patients aged 60 years or older with renal-biopsy-proven idiopathic membranous nephropathy for at least one year.Results:This study enrolled a total of 91 elderly patients with IMN, consisting of 51 males(56.0%)and 40 females(44.0%). The median age of the patients was 67 years.The urinary protein creatinine ratio(uPCR)and urinary albumin creatinine ratio(uACR)of the patients were 4 454.3 mg/g and 2 258.5 mg/g, respectively.The median 24-hour urinary protein and urinary albumin levels were 5 098.2 mg/24 h and 2 800.6 mg/24 h, respectively.The average estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)was(60.5±20.4)ml·min -1·1.73 m -2.Out of the total of 61 patients, 67.0% achieved remission, including complete and partial remission, within a year of renal biopsy.The levels of uPCR and uACR were significantly higher in the non-remission group compared to the remission group(5 462.5 vs.2 271.1 mg/g, P<0.001; 2 774.4 vs.1 320.0 mg/g, P=0.001). Additionally, the levels of 24h urinary protein and urinary albumin were significantly higher in the non-remission group compared to the remission group(6 526.4 vs.3 210.4 mg/g, P=0.002; 3 067.7 vs.2 102.4 mg/g, P=0.007). The remission group had a higher proportion of patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy(85.2% vs.33.3%, P<0.001). The remission rates were higher in patients treated with glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide, glucocorticoid combined with calcineurin inhibitors, or glucocorticoid combined with mycophenolate mofetil compared to those receiving conservative treatment(88.2% vs.31.0%, P=0.001; 80.0% vs.31.0%, P<0.001; 100.0% vs.31.0%, P=0.007). There was no significant difference in remission rate between the three immunosuppressive therapy groups( P>0.05). However, upon further analysis, it was found that the levels of uPCR, uACR, and serum cystatin C(CysC)were higher in the immunosuppressive therapy groups compared to conservative treatment.Additionally, serum total protein and albumin were lower in the immunosuppressive therapy groups, and these differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusions:The majority of elderly patients diagnosed with IMN have multiple comorbidities.For those at high risk with elevated urinary protein levels, early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may lead to a higher initial urinary protein remission rate.Therefore, it is advisable to develop individualized treatment plans for elderly patients with IMN based on their clinical characteristics, as well as the risks and benefits associated with immunosuppressive therapy.

Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological process of chronic liver injury. Without timely intervention and treatment， liver fibrosis may eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） signaling pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Based on this， this paper summarized and analyzed the mechanism and effects of active ingredients and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine improving liver fibrosis based on JAK/STAT signaling pathway. It is found that the active ingredients and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis （ingredients such as ethanol extract of Euonymus alatus and paclitaxel， as well as compounds such as Ershiwuwei songshi pill and Ganfukang）， clear away heat and toxic material （ingredients such as betulinic acid， total flavonoids from Persicaria perfoliata， as well as compounds such as Pianzaihuang and Kehuang capsules）， and sooth the liver and promote qi circulation （ingredients such as fraxetin and cucurbitacin B， as well as compounds such as Chaihu shugan powder and Xiaochaihu decoction） can all relieve liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activity of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway， reducing inflammatory reactions， and inhibiting the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells.

Purpose To explore the influence of different spin-locking frequencies on T1ρ values based on a 3.0T MR system.Materials and Methods Thirty-eight healthy adult volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from July to September 2023.T1ρ mapping and short-axis cine imaging with steady-state free precession sequences were performed with 3.0T MR system.T1ρ mapping sequence in three short-axis slices with three spin-lock frequencies at the amplitude of 5 Hz,300 Hz,400 Hz,and 500 Hz was scanned,respectively.T1ρ relaxation times and myocardial fibrosis index were quantified for each slice and each myocardial segment,the difference in T1ρ of different spin-locking frequencies and myocardial fibrosis index was analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance method.Results T1ρ of 5 Hz,300 Hz,400 Hz,and 500 Hz were(33.9±2.8)ms,(43.4±2.1)ms,(45.4±2.6)ms and(46.5±2.4)ms,respectively;and T1ρ values showed a significant progressive increase from the low spin-lock frequency to the high spin-lock frequency of the heart(300 Hz vs.400 Hz:P<0.001;300 Hz vs.500 Hz:P<0.001;400 Hz vs.500 Hz:P=0.043).In addition,the measured myocardial fibrosis index at 300 Hz,400 Hz and 500 Hz were(9.4±2.2)ms,(11.3±2.9)ms and(12.6±2.7)ms,respectively.Statistical analysis underscored significant variations among these measurements(300 Hz vs.400 Hz:P<0.001;300 Hz vs.500 Hz:P<0.001;400 Hz vs.500 Hz:P=0.033).Conclusion In this prospective study,myocardial T1ρ values for the specific cardiac magnetic resonance setting are provided,and we found that spin-lock frequency can affect the T1ρ values.

Objective:To explore the antibacterial performance and mechanism of reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachines mimicking neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).Methods:In this study, a cross-shaped DNA nanostructure was synthesized using the one-step method to form a network under the polymerization of magnesium ions. The network was used as a template for inlaying reduced Cu 0 to form reticulated DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNPs). The cruciform DNA formation process was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The optimal concentrations of Cu 2+, Mg 2+and DNA in the reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine was determined by plate coating experiments. The antibacterial performance of the reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine against Escherichia coli ( E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae was verified by plate coating experiments. The aggregation effect of E. coli was evaluated by crystal violet staining, and the changes on the membrane surface of E. coli were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in order to explore the antibacterial mechanism of the reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine. Results:PAGE showed that the band migration distance of the four DNA strands was the smallest after co-incubation. AFM showed that the DNA structure was reticulated and evenly distributed, and the Cu, Mg, and P elements coexisted in the structure. The optimal concentrations of Cu 2+, Mg 2+, and DNA required for the synthesis of the reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine were 1 mmol/L, 100 mmol/L, and 20 μmol/L, respectively. The reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine had the ability to inhibit E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with survival rates of 39.72%, 43.56% and 60.57%, respectively. The reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine had an aggregation effect on E. coli. The surface of the bacterial film exhibited shrinkage and fractures. Conclusion:The reticulated cruciform DNA nanomachine constructed in this study can aggregate E. coli, leading to the shrinkage and fracturing of the bacterial film, and exhibiting antibacterial effects.

【Objective】 To investigate the correlation of serum exosomal microRNA-301a (miR-301a) with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis in diabetic nephropathy. 【Methods】 A total of 211 patients with diabetic nephropathy treated with peritoneal dialysis from June 2019 to June 2020 in the First Hospital Affiliated of Hebei North University were selected as study subjects. Serum exosomal miR-301a was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The patients were divided into high miR-301a group and low miR-301a group based on the median of miR-301a; the clinical data of the two groups were compared. The correlation of miR-301a with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was analyzed by Spearman. Linear regression was applied to analyze the factors associated with the effect of miR-301a. The patients were followed up for two years. Kaplan-Meier and Log-Rank were conducted to compare the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events between the two groups, and COX regression and restricted cubic spline were used to analyze the level-effect relationship between miR-301a and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis. 【Results】 Thirty-seven cases (17.54%) of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred during follow-up. The hs-CRP level and dialysis duration were lower in low miR-301a group than in high miR-301a group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between miR-301a and hs-CRP (rs=0.237, P=0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that hs-CRP was independently associated with miR-301a (P<0.05). The cumulative cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rate in low miR-301a group was 3.70% (4/108), which was lower than that in high miR-301a group [32.04% (33/103), P<0.001]. COX regression analysis showed that high serum albumin level was an independent protective factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis in diabetic nephropathy,while high hs-CRP level and miR-301a >1.46 were independent risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis in diabetic nephropathy. Restricted cubic spline fitting COX regression analysis showed a non-linear relationship between miR-301a and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis in diabetic nephropathy (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 hs-CRP is independently associated with miR-301a in diabetic nephropathy peritoneal dialysis patients. High miR-301a level suggests a high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after peritoneal dialysis in diabetic nephropathy.

Objective:To analyze the effects of butylphthalide combined with alteplase on acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 176 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received treatment at The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng from November 2020 to October 2021 were prospectively included in this study. They were divided into control and combined treatment groups ( n = 88/group) according to hospital registraction number. The control group was given intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase. The combined treatment group was intravenously administered alteplase for 6 hours followed by butylphthalide sodium chloride injection. The two groups were treated for 2 consecutive weeks. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, clinical efficacy, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels as well as the incidence of adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:After thrombolysis, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the combined treatment group were (4.23 ± 1.75) points, (6.42 ± 2.05) ng/L, (13.42 ± 3.59) ng/L, and (3.17 ± 0.94) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (7.28 ± 1.93) points, (9.58 ± 2.79) ng/L, (22.28 ± 3.73) ng/L, and (5.23 ± 1.25) mg/L, respectively in the control group ( t = 10.98, 20.29, 16.06, 12.36, all P < 0.001). The total response rate in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group [94.32% (83/88) vs. 80.68% (71/88), χ2 = 7.48, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions between the combined treatment and control groups [6.82% (6/88) vs. 11.36% (10/88), χ2 = 0.01, P > 0.05]. Conclusion:Butylphthalide combined with alteplase for the early treatment of acute ischemic stroke can increase therapeutic efficacy, improve neurological function, and reduce inflammatory responses. The combined therapy has a positive clinical value in the early treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Objective:To investigate the effects of miniature free groin perforator flaps in repairing small wounds on hands.Methods:The retrospective observational study was conducted. Fifteen patients with 16 small wounds on hands were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital from July 2020 to October 2022, including 12 males and 3 females, aged 19 to 56 years. The size of skin and soft tissue defect was 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 6.0 cm×3.0 cm after debridement. According to size and shape of the wounds, 13 single-lobe perforator flaps and 2 bilobed perforator flaps were designed in the groin region, with the flap size of 4.5 cm×2.5 cm to 7.5 cm×3.5 cm. According to the condition of the recipient area, the arteries and veins at the pedicle of the flap were anastomosed to the arteries and veins of the recipient area respectively. The wounds in the donor area of the flap was closed by layered and tension-reducing suture. The thickness of the flap was measured during operation. The survival of the flap was observed, and the complications in the donor and recipient areas were recorded after operation. The appearance and texture of the flap were observed during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensory recovery of the affected hand was evaluated, the function of the affected hand was evaluated according to the trial standard of the upper limb partial function evaluation of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, the scar in the donor and recipient areas were observed, and the satisfaction of patients for the curative effects was inquired.Results:The thickness of the flap was ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 cm, with an average thickness of 0.6 cm. After operation, 11 single-lobe flaps and 2 bilobed flaps survived well; in the left 2 single-lobe flaps, one flap had venous crisis but returned to normal after removing stitches to reduce tension and bloodletting of flaps, while the other one flap had a little necrosis on tip but healed after dressing change. No complications occurred in donor and recipient areas. During follow-up of 8 to 35 months after operation, the flaps had good elasticity and soft texture; 8 flaps were slightly bloated and were trimmed 3 to 8 months after operation, while the appearances of the other flaps were good. At the last follow-up, all flaps recovered protective feeling; the function of the affected hand was evaluated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case; only linear scar remained in the donor and recipient areas; the patients were satisfied with the appearance and function recovery of the affected hand.Conclusions:The miniature free groin perforator flaps in repairing small wounds on hands have the advantages of high survival rate of flaps, hidden flap donor area, little damage, few complications, good repair effect, etc., showing clinical application value. It is recommended for repairing non-functional wounds on hands.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of free transplantation of inguinal flap in repairing electrical burn wounds of mice in the limbs.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2012 to May 2023, 24 male patients with electrical burns in the limbs meeting the inclusion criteria, aged 20 to 69 years, were admitted to the Department of Burns of Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital. Totally 27 limbs were involved, including 18 upper limbs and 9 lower limbs. After debridement, the wound area in the limbs proposed to be repaired with the inguinal flap was 5.0 cm×1.5 cm-20.0 cm×9.0 cm. A total of 26 operations were performed in 24 patients, and 27 free inguinal flaps with area being 5.0 cm×3.5 cm-22.0 cm×12.0 cm were resected, including 6 for lobed transplantation, 2 for chimeric transplantation with iliac bone graft, 3 for conjoined transplantation with pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and 1 for conjoined transplantation with free paraumbilical perforator flap. Indocyanine green angiography was used to evaluate the blood supply of the inguinal flap during operation, to guide arterial supercharge during transplantation. Among the transplanted inguinal flaps, 5 were pedicled with the common trunk of the superficial circumflex iliac artery and the superficial abdominal wall artery, 13 were pedicled with the superficial circumflex iliac artery alone, 6 were pedicled with the superficial abdominal wall artery alone, and the remaining 3 were simultaneously anastomosed with the superficial circumflex iliac artery and the superficial abdominal wall artery for arterial supercharge. In another patient, the deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery was used as a bridging vessel to recanalize the proper artery of the index finger in the distal segment. The wound in the donor area were sutured directly. The blood supply status of the inguinal flap immediately after resection but before cutting off blood vessels and after transplantation and vascular anastomosis was recorded. The survival of the tissue flap, the fixation of the iliac bone graft, and the healing of secondary defect in the donor area were observed after surgery. The appearance of the inguinal flap and the functional recovery of the recipient area were followed up. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected upper limb was scored using the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Disability (DASH) scoring scale, and the satisfaction of patients with the efficacy of each surgical treatment was investigated by referring to the 5-level Likert scale.Results:Totally 27 inguinal flaps showed good arterial blood perfusion and venous return immediately after resection but before cutting off blood vessels and after transplantation and vascular anastomosis. Except for one inguinal flap that developed necrosis 12 days after operation and was repaired by split-thickness skin graft from the head, the remaining 26 inguinal flaps and conjointly transplanted tissue flaps survived completely without vascular crisis. The iliac bone graft was fixed securely after operation. All secondary defects in donor area healed well after operation. After 6 to 36 months of follow-up, the inguinal flap was soft in texture, without obvious swelling, the function of the recipient area was significantly improved as compared with that before surgery, and the protective feeling of the inguinal flap was restored. At the last follow-up, the functional scores of DASH scoring scale of the 18 affected upper limbs ranged from 0 to 100 (with a mean of 27). The patients were very satisfied with the efficacy of 17 surgical treatments and relatively satisfied with the efficacy of 9 surgical treatments.Conclusions:The donor area of the inguinal flap is concealed, and the damage resulted from flap resection in this area is small. This flap has a rich blood supply. In the electrical burn wounds of mice in the limbs repaired with lobed transplantation, chimeric transplantation, and conjoined transplantation with other flaps, the appearance and function of the recipient area are well restored, and the patients' satisfaction with the efficacy of surgical treatment is high, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Background: High concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) in poultry houses is an important cause of respiratory disease in animals and humans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can induce severe respiratory disease in animals under stress or with abnormal immune functions. When excessively high concentrations of PM2.5 in poultry houses damage the respiratory system and impair host immunity, secondary infections with P. aeruginosa can occur and produce a more intense inflammatory response, resulting in more severe lung injury. Objectives: In this study, we focused on the synergistic induction of inflammatory injury in the respiratory system and the related molecular mechanisms induced by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa in poultry houses. Methods: High-throughput 16S rDNA sequence analysis was used for characterizing the bacterial diversity and relative abundance of the PM2.5 samples, and the effects of PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa stimulation on inflammation were detected by in vitro and in vivo. Results: Sequencing results indicated that the PM2.5 in poultry houses contained a high abundance of potentially pathogenic genera, such as Pseudomonas (2.94%). The lung tissues of mice had more significant pathological damage when co-stimulated by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa, and it can increase the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α through nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions The results confirmed that poultry house PM2.5 in combination with P. aeruginosa could aggravate the inflammatory response and cause more severe respiratory system injuries through a process closely related to the activation of the NF-κB pathway.