ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum （PRP） on lung tissue， gut microbiota， and short-chain fatty acid （SCFA） metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group， model group， positive control group （Xiaoqinglong granules， 6.5 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups （3.0， 1.5 g·kg^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin （OVA） sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interferon-γ （IFN-γ）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and BALF levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） and aquaporin 5 （AQP5） protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis， and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value （RI） （P<0.05）， elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF （P<0.05）， increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， with reduced IFN-γ levels （P<0.05）. It also showed thickened bronchial walls， widened alveolar septa， narrowed lumens， and mucus plugs in lung tissue， upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression （P<0.05）， decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota （Firmicutes， Clostridia， Clostridiales， Lactobacillaceae， and Lactobacillus）， and increased abundance of harmful microbiota （Bacteroidetes， Bacteroidia， Bacteroidales， Muribaculaceae， and Muribaculum）. In addition， the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） （P<0.05）. After the intervention of PRP decoction， compared to the model group， all drug administration groups showed decreased RI （P<0.05）， increased phenol red excretion， declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6， IL-8， IgE， and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， and improved IFN-γ levels （P<0.05） and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased （P<0.05）， and the AQP5 protein expression increased （P<0.05）. The disorder of gut microbiota was improved， and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored， with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota （P<0.05） and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota （P<0.05）. The SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） increased （P<0.05）. The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors （IgE， IL-4， and IFN-γ）， phlegm-resolving effect， airway resistance， total pathological score， and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis， promoting beneficial gut microbiota， enhancing SCFA production， restoring the balance of gut microbiota， and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum （PRP） on lung tissue， gut microbiota， and short-chain fatty acid （SCFA） metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group， model group， positive control group （Xiaoqinglong granules， 6.5 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups （3.0， 1.5 g·kg^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin （OVA） sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interferon-γ （IFN-γ）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and BALF levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） and aquaporin 5 （AQP5） protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis， and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value （RI） （P<0.05）， elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF （P<0.05）， increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， with reduced IFN-γ levels （P<0.05）. It also showed thickened bronchial walls， widened alveolar septa， narrowed lumens， and mucus plugs in lung tissue， upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression （P<0.05）， decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota （Firmicutes， Clostridia， Clostridiales， Lactobacillaceae， and Lactobacillus）， and increased abundance of harmful microbiota （Bacteroidetes， Bacteroidia， Bacteroidales， Muribaculaceae， and Muribaculum）. In addition， the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） （P<0.05）. After the intervention of PRP decoction， compared to the model group， all drug administration groups showed decreased RI （P<0.05）， increased phenol red excretion， declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6， IL-8， IgE， and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， and improved IFN-γ levels （P<0.05） and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased （P<0.05）， and the AQP5 protein expression increased （P<0.05）. The disorder of gut microbiota was improved， and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored， with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota （P<0.05） and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota （P<0.05）. The SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） increased （P<0.05）. The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors （IgE， IL-4， and IFN-γ）， phlegm-resolving effect， airway resistance， total pathological score， and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis， promoting beneficial gut microbiota， enhancing SCFA production， restoring the balance of gut microbiota， and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Senegenin(SEN)alleviates microglial inflammatory response through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Methods BV2 mouse microglia cells were randomly divided into control group,model group,SEN group and MCC950 group.Cells in control group were not treated,and cells in model group were added with 1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide(LPS);Cells in SEN group were added with 1 μg/ml LPS+4 μmol/L SEN,and cells in MCC950 group were added with 1 μg/ml LPS+10 μmol/L MCC950 for 24 hours.CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of SEN on the viability of BV2 cells.Griess method was used to determine the release amount of nitric oxide(NO)in the supernatant.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,lymphocyte apoptosis-associated spect-like protein containing a CARD(ASC),caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 mRNA.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of ASC,IL-1β,Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,ASC,IL-1β,IL-18,Nrf2,HO-1,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS).Results The results of CCK-8 method showed that there was no significant difference in the viability of BV2 cells treated with 2～20 μmol/L SEN compared with control group(P>0.05).Compared with control group,the viability of BV2 cells in model group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the viability of BV2 cells in 4 μmol/L SEN group was significantly restored(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the results of Griess method showed that the release amount of NO in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05);the results of real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05);the results of Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05),and the immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression levels of iNOS and NF-κB protein in cells of model group increased,and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the release amount of NO in cells of SEN group and MCC950 group decreased,and the expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and proteins decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);in the SEN group,the expression levels of iNOS and NF-κB decreased,and immunofluorescence staining showed that Nrf2 was translocated into the nucleus,and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins increased significantly,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusions SEN could alleviate the inflammatory response of mouse microglia cells induced by LPS and inhibit the activation and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome,with an effect comparable to that of the inflammasome inhibitor MCC950.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of upstream factors Nrf2 and HO-1.

Objective:To investigate the impact of early invasive arterial blood pressure (IBP) monitoring on survival and neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed 44 OHCA patients receiving ECPR between January 2021 and January 2023. Patients were divided into: Early intervention group : IBP established within 3 min of ECMO initiation; Late intervention group : IBP established after ICU admission. Baseline characteristics, ECMO parameters, and clinical outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, initial rhythm, etc.) and Spearman's correlation were used.Results:This study included a total of 44 patients treated with OHCA and ECPR, divided into an early intervention group of 23 cases and a late intervention group of 21 cases. The early intervention group showed significantly higher: Survival to discharge (43.5% vs. 9.5%, P<0.05), Good neurological recovery (CPC 1-2: 34.8% vs. 9.5%, P<0.05).Early intervention independently predicted survival (adjusted OR=18.84, 95% CI:1.97-179.98, P=0.01). Stratified analysis by pH (cutoff 7.0) demonstrated consistent benefits in both pH>7.0 ( aOR=0.392, 95% CI:0.106-0.678) and pH≤7.0 subgroups ( aOR=0.385, 95% CI: 0.075-0.695; interaction P=0.183). Early IBP positively correlated with CPC scores ( ρ=0.40, P=0.007). Conclusions:Early IBP monitoring significantly improves survival and neurological outcomes in OHCA-ECPR patients, supporting its integration into standardized protocols.

Objective To explore the protective mechanism of baicalin regulating NOD like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasomes against acne.Methods Compound acne models were prepared by intradermal injection of Propionibacterium acnes into the auricle.Rats were randomly divided into control group(normal rats were given physiological saline by gavage),model group(acne model rats were given physiological saline by gavage),experimental-L,-M,-H groups(acne model rats were given 25,50,and 100 mg·kg-1 of baicalin by gavage),and positive control group(acne model rats were given 3.125 mg·kg-1 of isotretinoin by gavage),with 10 rats in each group.Observe the morphology of rat auricles;enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the level of inflammation in serum;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in rat auricle tissue;Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression level in the auricle tissue.Results After drug treatment,the auricular thickness of rats in the control,model,experimental-H and positive control groups were(0.42±0.05),(0.75±0.10),(0.49±0.05)and(0.50±0.05)mm;the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α were(20.46±2.13),(62.32±5.47),(23.27±2.26)and(25.41±2.28)pg·mL-1;interleukin-1 β levels were(11.38±1.26),(31.62±2.58),(15.61±1.35)and(16.72±1.38)pg·mL-1;interleukin-6 levels were(10.62±1.02),(25.43±2.51),(13.27±1.15)and(14.01±1.17)pg·mL-1;NLRP3 protein expression levels in auricular tissues were 0.23±0.03,0.81±0.08,0.30±0.04 and 0.32±0.04;and Caspase-1 protein expression levels were 0.31±0.04,0.76±0.08,0.39±0.04 and 0.41±0.04;matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein expression levels were 0.35±0.04,0.86±0.10,0.40±0.05 and 0.42±0.05.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Baicalin can inhibit the inflammatory response in acne rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease caused by abnormal expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) on the cell membrane due to mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A(PIGA) gene. It is commonly characterized by intravascular hemolysis, repeated thrombosis, and bone marrow failure, as well as multiple systemic involvement symptoms such as renal dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, swallowing difficulties, chest pain, abdominal pain, and erectile dysfunction. Due to the rarity of PNH and its strong heterogeneity in clinical manifestations, multidisciplinary collaboration is often required for diagnosis and treatment. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, relying on the rare disease diagnosis and treatment platform, has invited multidisciplinary clinical experts to form a unified opinion on the diagnosis and treatment of PNH, and formulated the Expert Consensus of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (2024), with the hope of promoting the standardization of PNH diagnosis and treatment.

The incidence of male infertility has been increasing year by year,and one of the major causes is testicular spermato-genic epithelial injury,which affects the spermatogenic function of the testis.Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death and plays an im-portant role in testicular cell injury.Some traditional Chinese medicines can intervene in the progression of testicular injury by regula-ting the ferroptosis pathway in testicular spermatogenic epithelia.This paper focuses on the effect of traditional Chinese drugs in regula-ting the ferroptosis pathway in testicular cells,and summarizes the advances in the studies of traditional Chinese medicines in the treat-ment of testicular spermatogenic epithelial injury,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of relevant medicines and their clinical application.