OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Shaoyao gancao decoction in improving intestinal motility in rats with slow transit constipation （STC） by regulating acid-sensitive ion channel 3 （ASIC3）/extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） signaling pathway. METHODS SD rats were used to construct an STC model by gavage with compound diphenoxylate. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group， Shaoyao gancao decoction group （1.5 g/mL）， lactulose group （208.4 mg/mL， positive control）， and combined inhibition group （Shaoyao gancao decoction 1.5 g/mL+amiloride hydrochloride 20 μg/kg）， with 12 rats in each group. Additionally， 12 healthy rats were selected as the blank group. They were given relevant medicine once a day and continuously intervened for 14 days. After intervention， the intestinal propulsion function and visceral sensitivity of the model rats were detected. The expression of ASIC3 in the colon tissue of rats was observed by immunohistochemical staining. mRNA expressions of ASIC3， ERK1 and ERK2 as well as protein expressions of ASIC3， ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 （p-ERK1/2） in colon tissue of rats were detected； the ultrastructural changes of the enteric nervous system （ENS） -interstitial cell of Cajal （ICC）-smooth muscle cell （SMC） network in the rat colon were observed under electron microscopy. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the intestinal propulsion rate of the Shaoyao gancao decoction group was significantly increased， while the visceral pain threshold was significantly decreased. The proportion of the positive area of ASIC3 in the colonic tissue was significantly increased. The relative mRNA expression levels of ERK1， ERK2， and ASIC3， as well as the relative protein expression levels of p-ERK1/2 and ASIC3， and the p-ERK1/2 to ERK1/2 in the colonic tissue， were all significantly increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Additionally， there was marked repair of the morphological structure of ICC and SMC， with closer gap junctions observed. Compared with the Shaoyao gancao decoction group， the combined inhibition group exhibited a diminished improvement in intestinal motility of rats， with statistically significant differences in the levels of some indicators （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the repairing of the morphological structure of ICC and SMC was notably attenuated. CONCLUSIONS Shaoyao gancao decoction can effectively improve the intestinal transmission function and promote intestinal repair in STC rats， and its mechanism may be related to regulating the balance of the ENS-ICC-SMC network mediated by the ASIC3/ERK signaling pathway， thus promoting intestinal motility and reducing visceral sensitivity.

Objective: To investigate the association between plant-based diet and different types of obesity, so as to provide references for obesity prevention. Methods: Residents aged 35-75 years from 33 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were selected as study subjects using a multistage stratified random sampling method between April and December 2024. Demographic information and living behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. BMI ≥28.0 kg/m2 was defined as obesity, waist circumference ≥90 cm in males or ≥85 cm in females was defined as central obesity, and individual with obesity who also had central obesity was defined as having compound obesity. Food intake over a 3-day period was collected using the consecutive 3-day 24-hour dietary recall method. The plant diet index (PDI), healthful plant diet index (HPDI), and unhealthful plant diet index (UPDI) were calculated, and categorized into quintiles (Q1-Q5) based on their distribution. Association between the PDI, PDI, UPDI and different types of obesity were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 4 882 individuals were surveyed, including 2 233 males (45.74%) and 2 649 females (54.26%). The average age was (55.42±12.14) years. There were 537 individuals of obesity, 1 718 individuals of central obesity, and 500 individuals of compound obesity, with detection rates of 11.00%, 35.19%, and 10.24%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for demographic information and living behaviors, compared with Q1 group, HPDI Q5 group showed a 29.6% lower risk of obesity (OR=0.704, 95%CI: 0.525-0.943) and a 32.1% lower risk of compound obesity (OR=0.679, 95%CI: 0.502-0.918). Conversely, the UPDI Q5 group exhibited a 39.5% higher risk of obesity (OR=1.395, 95%CI: 1.032-1.886) and a 39.8% higher risk of compound obesity (OR=1.398, 95%CI: 1.025-1.907). No statistically significant association was found between PDI and obesity, central obesity, and compound obesity (all P>0.05). As HPDI increased, the risks of obesity and compound obesity showed decreasing trends; as UPDI increased, the risks of obesity and compound obesity showed increasing trends (all Ptrend<0.05). Conclusion A healthful plant-based diet is associated with reduced risks of obesity and compound obesity, while an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with increased risks of obesity and compound obesity.

OBJECTIVE To establish a method for the determination of propofol concentration in human plasma and apply it in patients with lymphedema. METHODS The concentration of propofol was determined by UPLC-MS/MS after protein precipitation of plasma samples using thymol as internal standard. The sample was eluted on a Kinetex C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile （A）-water （B） for gradient elution at the flow rate of 200 μL/min. The sample size was 5 μL， and the column temperature was set at 40 ℃. The sample chamber temperature was 15 ℃. Using multi-reaction monitoring mode， the ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 177.0→161.2 （propofol） and m/z 149.0→133.1 （internal standard）， respectively. The above method was used to determine the plasma concentration of propofol in 6 patients with lymphedema. RESULTS The linear range of propofol was 50-5 000 ng/mL （r＝0.995 0）. RSDs of within- and between-batch precision were not more than 8.08%； no endogenous interference， carryover effect， or dilution effect was observed in blank plasma. The extraction recovery ranged from 89.80% to 93.73%， and matrix effects were within the range of 97.93%-101.73%. RSDs of the stability test were all lower than 3.27%. During intraoperative TCI 2-30 min， the plasma concentration of propofol in 6 patients was maintained in the range of 1 865.3-6 056.2 ng/mL， and the propofol was almost excreted within 4-8 h after operation. CONCLUSIONS The established UPLC-MS/MS method in this study can achieve the determination of propofol and a simple and fast sample pretreatment process without derivatization； it is proved to be suitable for the concentration monitoring of propofol in plasma samples of patients with lymphedema.

Objective: To understand current status and related factors of breakfast among primary and secondary school students in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving breakfast habits of primary and secondary school students. Methods: During May to November of 2023, 33 326 students from grade four to six of primary schools and grade one to two of secondary schools were selected from 90 counties and cities in Zhejiang Province by using the stratified cluster random sampling method. General information and breakfast consumption were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of breakfast. Results: About 81.29% of the primary and secondary school students reported regular breakfast consumption. The rate of regular breakfast consumption was higher on the school days (92.23%) than on the weekends (85.17%), and higher in primary school students (85.83%) compared to secondary school students (74.71%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=827.42, 655.03, P <0.01). About 49.19% of primary and secondary school students had their breakfast within 10 minutes or less, and 83.30% of primary and secondary school students had 3-5 food groups for breakfast. The proportions of students who consumed cereals and potatoes, milk, and eggs were respectively 18.76%, 28.85%, 14.63%. About 22.84%, 28.00 %, 32.60% and 32.23% of the students had no meat, soybeans, vegetables and fruits in their breakfast. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that girls, rural area, secondary school, place of living (dormitory, others), migrant parent (one or both outside the hometown), late bedtime (22:00-22:59, 23:00 and later) and late wake up time (9:00 and later) on the weekends were positively correlated with no having breakfast every day ( OR=1.22, 1.40, 1.46, 1.20, 1.20, 1.34, 1.36, 1.41 , 3.51, 2.32, P <0.05). The time of physical activity per day (30-<60, 60-<90, 90-120, >120 min), bedtime (21:00-21:59, 22:00-22:59) and wake up time (6:00-6:59, 7:00-7:59) on school days were negatively correlated with no having breakfast every day ( OR=0.75, 0.64, 0.67, 0.64, 0.77, 0.82, 0.75, 0.67, P <0.05). Conclusions There is a considerable number of primary and secondary school students with irregular breakfast consumption, which are related to multiple factors. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen nutrition education and improve the behavior of breakfast for primary and secondary school students.

Microglia, originating from primitive macrophages in the yolk sac, serves as both immune system defenders and regulators of homeostasis. These cells exhibit two primary polarization states: conventionally activated(M1)and alternatively activated(M2). The polarization of microglia plays a crucial role in influencing inflammatory disorders, metabolic imbalances, and neural degeneration. This process is implicated in various aspects of ocular diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration(AMD), including inflammation, oxidative stress and pathological angiogenesis. The distinct functional phenotypes of microglia impact disease progression and prognosis. Thus, regulating the polarization or functional phenotype of microglia at different stages of AMD holds promise for personalized therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive review outlines the involvement of microglia polarization in both physiological and pathological conditions, emphasizing its relevance in AMD. The discussion underscores the potential of polarization as a foundation for personalized treatment strategies for AMD.

Objective:To investigate the alteration in iodine nutritional status and influence on thyroid function in the elderly aged≥65 years following water source modification in high iodine areas.Methods:Data from Yaoji Town, Xuzhou, Jiangsu(an area with high iodine due to water sources) of the national epidemiological survey on thyroid diseases, iodine nutrition, and diabetes(TIDE study) in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2015 to 2017 were utilized. Additionally, data from the screening, monitoring, and intervention on thyroid diseases(TOPS study) in the elderly(≥65 years) in Shunhe Town, Suqian, Jiangsu(an area with iodine levels exceeding the recommended amount), and Yaoji Town, Xuzhou from May to August 2021, are included. Each subject completed a questionnaire, physical examination, laboratory tests and thyroid ultrasound examinations. A total of 2 717 subjects aged≥65 years were included, including group 1, 258 subjects in TIDE study; Group 2, 1 313 subjects in TOPS Xuzhou area; Group 3, 1 146 subjects in TOPS Suqian area.Results:The urinary iodine concentration(UIC) in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(235.16±67.09)μg/L vs (491.58±384.93)μg/L, P<0.001], but no significant difference compared with group 3 [(235.16±67.09) μg/L vs(231.62±66.11) μg/L, P>0.05]. The serum TSH level in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(2.92±5.14)μIU/mL vs (4.15±9.19)μIU/mL, P<0.001]. Compared with group 2 and 3, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly in group 1 was the highest(22.48% vs 10.13% and 8.12%, P<0.001). TSH levels were linearly correlated with age in both excessive iodine and more than adequate iodine nutrition areas. TSH level was gradually increased with age. Conclusion:The alteration in TSH levels among the elderly is notably linked to both aging and iodine status. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the elderly can be significantly reduced when the iodine nutrition status of the elderly returns to normal.

Corneal lymphangiogenesis plays a crucial role in ocular diseases. Normally, the cornea lacks blood vessels and lymph vessels, which are essential for maintaining transparency and function of cornea. However, certain diseases or injuries will prompt angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cornea, thus disrupting the structure and function of cornea. Although various drugs targeting corneal angiogenesis have been applied in clinical practice, there is still a gap in medications targeting corneal lymphangiogenesis. Therefore, this review will introduce the factors related to corneal lymphangiogenesis, introduce related ocular diseases, and analyze the current treatment status, which will provide more options and possibilities for the treatment of lymphangiogenesis in ocular diseases and provide guidance for future research and drug development.

Specific pathogen-free(SPF)chickens are widely used in the research of avian diseases and vaccines.Vertically transmissible diseases are transmitted to chickens through vertical transmission,seriously affecting their survival rate,increasing production costs,and causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry,while severely impacting the breeding and use of SPF chickens.Therefore,it is crucial for researchers and managers to enhance their understanding of vertically transmissible pathogens in chickens and to develop effective monitoring measures.Quality monitoring is an important part of ensuring the quality of SPF chickens,with pathogen detection being the primary step.Based on this,it is necessary to cultivate qualified SPF chickens through purification methods and biosecurity measures.This paper reviews the major vertically transmissible pathogens in chickens,including viral pathogens,bacterial pathogens and mycoplasmas,as well as their detection methods.This study compares the differences in microbiological testing items and methods for SPF chickens between the U.S.corporate standard and the Chinese national standard.Analysis of the results shows that in both standards,vertically transmissible pathogens such as Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Salmonella,and avian leukosis are not included in the microbiological testing items for SPF chickens.Instead,these pathogens are characterized by mixed infections,and outbreaks can seriously affect flock health.To produce higher-quality SPF chickens,it is necessary to include these pathogens in the mandatory testing items.The aim of this paper is to help readers understand the relevant standards for microbiological monitoring of SPF chickens,the hazards of vertically transmissible pathogens,and prevention and control strategies,so as to provide a reference for the detection and purification of pathogens in SPF chickens.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5(CCL5)modulation by extracellular matrix stiffness in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and to determine the effect of CCL5 on the immunotherapy response of NSCLC.Methods The correlation between extracellular matrix stiffness and CCL5 expression in NSCLC was analyzed with the TCGA database.Polyacrylamide hydrogels with different stiffness were designed according to the extracellular matrix stiffness of NSCLC,and H1299 cells responding to the mechanical loading of hydrogel matrix stiffness were subjected to transcriptome sequencing.High matrix stiffness was verified to promote the expression of CCL5 by using sequence.Results High extracellular matrix stiffness upregulated CCL5 expression,and interferon-γ mediated signaling pathway might be involved in the process.NSCLC patients with high CCL5 expression had a greater abundance of cytotoxic T-cells in tumor tissue and reacted favorably to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 treatment.Conclusion Increased extracellular matrix stiffness promotes CCL5 synthesis,and CCL5 enhances immunotherapy responsiveness in NSCLC by increasing cytotoxic T cell infiltration in tumor tissue.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of PF-562271,a FAK inhibitor,against aging platelet-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).Methods Cultured HUVECs were treated with vehicle,lipopolysaccharide(LPS),LPS+aging platelets,or LPS+aging platelets+PF-562271.The changes in protein expressions of FAK,pFAK and PECAM-1 in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay,and the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected with flow cytometry.The changes of barrier function of the cells were assessed with cell permeability test and transendothelial cell resistance test.RT-qPCR was used to analyze mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors,and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the culture supernatants was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Immunofluorescence assay was used to examine the effect of the ROS inhibitor vitamin C on PECAM-1 expression in the cells with different treatments.Results Treatment of HUVECs with LPS and aging platelets significantly increased cellular protein expressions of FAK,pFAK and PECAM-1,which were effectively lowered by addition of PF-562271(P<0.05).LPS and aged platelets obviously enhanced ROS production in the cells,which was inhibited by the addition of PF-562271(P<0.001).PF-562271 significantly alleviated the damage of endothelial cell barrier function of the cells caused by LPS and aging platelets(P<0.01).The expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-8 in HUVECs increased significantly after exposure to LPS and aging platelets,and were obviously lowered after treatment with PF-562271(P<0.05).Treatment with vitamin C significantly decreased the expression of PECAM-1 protein in the cells(P<0.01).Conclusion The FAK inhibitor PF-562271 alleviates endothelial cell damage induced by LPS and aging platelets by lowering cellular oxidative stress levels and reducing inflammatory responses.