Objective To study the mini-character and microscopic features of Plantago asiatica from different populations and summarize the exclusive features to provide a reference for the effective identification of Plantago asiatica. Methods Stereomicroscope and optical microscope were used to identify 30 batches of Plantago asiatica from different populations.The similarities and differences in mini-character and microscopic features of Plantago asiatica among different populations were identified. Results The differences in mini character between the Plantago asiatica from different populations were mainly reflected in whether there was fluff on the surface of leaves, inflorescence peduncles, and persistent sepals, as well as whether the epidermis of fibrous roots was flaky. The differences in microscopic characteristics between the Plantago asiatica from different populations were mainly reflected in the number of non-glandular hairs on the leaf surface, the shape of the petiole endothelial layer cells, and the number of large vascular bundles, and the number of layers of mesophyll palisade tissue cells, etc. Conclusion Plantago asiatica from different populations can be identified through mini-character and microscopic; by comparing the relevant identification features, which can provide a basis for revising and improving the standards of Plantago asiatica.

This paper summarizes Professor LI Diangui's experience in treating vitiligo from the perspective of turbid toxins latent in the collaterals. Based on the theory of turbid-toxin， professor LI proposes that turbid toxins latent in the collaterals and qi-blood disharmony constitute the core pathogenesis of the onset and progression of the disease， and that resolving turbidity and removing toxins while harmonizing qi and blood should serve as the fundamental therapeutic principles. In clinical practice， treatment is tailored according to the evolution of the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation. When stagnation of qi movement leads to the endogenous accumulation of turbid pathogens， treatment focuses on relieving constraint， dispersing turbidity， soothing the liver， and regulating qi， with a modified self-formulated Kaiyu Sanzhuo Decoction （开郁散浊汤）. When turbid pathogens overflow to the superficial tissues and obstruct the cutaneous collaterals， treatment aims to resolve blood stasis， disperse turbidity， regulate qi， and unblock the collaterals， using a modified self-formulated Tongluo Huazhuo Decoction （通络化浊汤）. When deficiency of healthy qi allows toxins to remain latent and the disease becomes prolonged， treatment emphasizes reinforcing healthy qi， eliminating turbidity， tonifying qi， and nourishing blood， with a modified self-formulated Fuzheng Quzhuo Decoction （扶正祛浊汤）.

Objective:To evaluate the mediating effect of electrocardiographic (ECG) indicators in the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and blood pressure and to explore the key PM 2.5 element constituents that produce the mediating effect. Methods:Based on a cross-sectional survey across 10 cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, PM 2.5 and its element constituents were collected from the nearest air monitoring superstation. Blood pressure and ECG indicators of participants were obtained through physical examinations. A multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the effect of short-term exposures to PM 2.5 on blood pressure. A mediation analysis was used to identify the mediating effect of ECG indicators in the association between exposure to PM 2.5 and its element constituents and blood pressure. Results:The age of the 1 793 participants was (65.1±13.3) years, and 885 (49.4%) were males. During the study period, the daily mean concentration of PM 2.5 was (70±45) μg/m 3, and the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) were (139±20), (82±11), (101±13), and (57±17) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively. The results of the multivariate linear regression showed that for every 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 on the same day (lag 0), DBP increased by 0.15 (95% CI: 0.02-0.28) mmHg, and PP decreased 0.18 (95% CI: 0.36-0.01) mmHg. The exposure to 14 elemental constituents, such as Ga, Co and Se, was associated with an increase in DBP, while the exposure to 17 elemental constituents, such as Cs, Se and Ag, was associated with a decrease in PP. At lag 0, the PM 2.5-induced increase in DBP was mediated by the QRS interval (mediation percentage of 18.98%), and the PM 2.5-induced decrease in PP was mediated by the QT interval (mediation percentage of -6.31%). The exposure to K, Br, Pb, Zn, Ca, Co, Pd, Cu, and As constituents was associated with increases in DBP mediated by prolonged QRS interval. The exposure to Pb, Zn, K, and As constituents was associated with decreases in PP mediated by prolonged QRS interval. Conclusion:ECG indicators such as QRS interval may mediate the association between short-term exposure to PM 2.5 and its element constituents and blood pressure.

Objective:This study aims to construct a quality evaluation index system for specialized disease databases. Through systematic assessment and optimization, it seeks to comprehensively enhance the quality and standardization of specialized disease cohort data. This initiative will provide more precise and reliable data support for disease research, the development of innovative drugs and medical devices, as well as policy formulation.Methods:By conducting a thorough analysis of domestic and international literature and policies related to clinical research data quality evaluation systems, preliminary quality evaluation indicators for specialized disease databases were established. Utilizing the Delphi method in two rounds, a quality evaluation system for specialized disease databases was constructed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and YAAHP 7.5 software were then employed to calculate the relative weights of indicators at various levels and their composite weights.Results:The two rounds of expert consultation achieved a 100.00% valid response rate, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.81 in both rounds. In the second round, the Kendall′s coordination coefficients for the first-level and second-level indicators reached 0.311 and 0.218, respectively ( P<0.05), indicating a good level of consensus among experts. The final specialized disease database quality evaluation system consists of 3 first-level indicators, 10 second-level indicators, and 32 third-level indicators. The first-level indicators include database construction, data quality, and cohort development, with weight coefficients of 31.82%, 41.49%, and 26.69%, respectively. The scientific validity of the indicator system was confirmed through reliability and validity analyses. When applied to assessing 58 specialized disease database projects from 36 medical institutions in a certain city, the results showed significant improvements in scores for database construction, data quality, and cohort development, with the most notable improvement observed in database construction. Conclusions:This study successfully developed a scientific, practical, and rationally weighted quality evaluation system for specialized disease databases, demonstrating high expert consensus and broad applicability.Validation studies have shown that this system effectively enhances the standardization and data quality of databases, providing robust technical support and assurance for specialized disease research and data resource sharing.

Antibiotic adjuvants offer a promising strategy for restoring antibiotic sensitivity, expanding antibacterial spectra, and reducing required dosages. Previously, compound 15 was identified as a potential adjuvant for Polymyxin B (PB) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa DK2; however, its clinical utility was hindered by high cytotoxicity, uncertain in vivo efficacy, and an unclear synergetic mechanism. To address these challenges, we synthesized and evaluated a series of novel benzamide derivatives, with A22 emerging as a particularly promising candidate. A22 demonstrated potent synergistic activity to PB, minimal cytotoxicity, improved water solubility, and broad-spectrum synergism of polymyxins against various clinically isolated MDR Gram-negative strains. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse models further confirmed the efficacy of A22. Moreover, A22 effectively suppressed the development of PB resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DK2. Mechanistic investigations revealed that A22 enhances polymyxins activity by inducing reactive oxygen species production, reducing ATP levels, increasing NOX activity, and inhibiting biofilm formation, leading to bacterial death. These findings position A22 as a highly promising candidate for the development of polymyxin adjuvants, offering a robust approach to combating MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections.

OBJECTIVE: Paridis Rhizoma (Chonglou in Chinese), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown have strong anti-tumor effects. Paris saponin VII (PSVII), an active constituent isolated from Paridis Rhizoma, was demonstrated to significantly suppress the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in our previous study. Here, we aimed to elucidate the anti-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) effect of PSVII and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Cell viability was determined by CCK-8, colony formation, and cell migration assays. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/propidine iodide (Annexin V/PI) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. Pyroptosis was evaluated by morphological features, Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). JC-1 fluorescent dye was employed to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the levels of proteins or mRNAs. The effect in vivo was assessed by a xenograft tumor model. RESULTS: PSVII inhibited the viability of PDAC cells (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and Capan-2 cells) and induced gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, as well as the simultaneous cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP). Knockdown of GSDME shifted PSVII-induced pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the effect of PSVII was significantly attenuated by Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), on the induction of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. PSVII also elevated intracellular ROS accumulation and stimulated Bax and Caspase-3/GSDME to conduct pyroptosis in PDAC cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) suppressed the release of LDH and inhibited Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME cleavage in PDAC cells, ultimately reversing PSVII-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor model, PSVII markedly suppressed the growth of PDAC tumors and induced pyroptosis. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that PSVII exerts therapeutic effects through Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis and may constitute a novel strategy for preventing chemotherapeutic resistance in patients with PDAC in the future.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder in which patients experience recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching. The colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is correlated with the severity of the disease, but its role in AD development remains elusive. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we uncovered that keratinocytes activate a distinct immune response characterized by induction of Il24 when exposed to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Further experiments using animal models showed that the administration of recombinant IL-24 protein worsened AD-like pathology. Genetic ablation of Il24 or the receptor Il20rb in keratinocytes alleviated allergic inflammation and atopic march. Mechanistically, IL-24 acted through its heterodimeric receptors on keratinocytes and augmented the production of IL-33, which in turn aggravated type 2 immunity and AD-like skin conditions. Overall, these findings establish IL-24 as a critical factor for onset and progression of AD and a compelling therapeutic target.
Dermatitis, Atopic/genetics* ; Interleukins/metabolism* ; Animals ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/immunology* ; Mice ; Keratinocytes/microbiology* ; Humans ; Interleukin-33/immunology* ; Inflammation/microbiology* ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hypersensitivity/microbiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective:To explore the improvement effect of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula combined with Dai meridian moxibustion on endometrial fibrosis in rats with intrauterine adhesions(IUA)by regulating M2 type macrophage polarization.Methods:SD rats were selected to establish an IUA model using a dual injury method of mechanical curettage and lipopolysaccharide infection,which were randomly separated into model group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group,with 10 rats in each group,another 10 rats were regarded as a sham operation(control)group,after grouping and treatment,the number of embryo implantation of rats in each group after cage closure was detected;HE staining was applied to detect pathological morphology of uterine tissue in rats in different groups,and their endometrial thickness and glandular number were compared;Masson staining was applied to detect endometrial fibrosis in rats of each group,and the collagen volume fraction(CVF)was compared;ELISA was applied to detect serum levels of profibrotic factor TGF-β1,pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6,and levels of procollagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide(PⅠNP)and procollagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide(PⅢNP)of rats in each group;immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect expressions of M2 type macrophage markers CD163 and CD68 in endometrium of rats in each group.Results:Compared with control group,model group showed obvious pathological damage to uterine tissue,thickness of endometrium was thinner,the number of glands and embryo implantation were obviously reduced(P<0.05),endometrial CVF,levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was reduced,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the numbers of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);compared with Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group and Dai meridian moxibustion group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was alleviated,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);there was no obvious change in all indicators between Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Combination of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula and Dai meridian moxibustion can promote the polarization of M2 type macrophages,thereby inhibiting inflammation and endometrial fibrosis in IUA rats,and improving their symptoms of uterine adhesions.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between relative grip strength and hyperuricemia (HUA) levels in university freshmen, and to explore the potential value of muscle function indicators in HUA prevention among young populations, so as to provide new scientific evidences for HUA control in the demographic. Methods: Utilizing health examination data from 1 744 freshmen enrolled in a Shaanxi Province university in September 2024, absolute grip strength was measured using CAMRY electronic dynamometers, with relative grip strength subsequently calculated. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to examine relationships between student characteristics and relative grip strength, and binary Logistic regression models assessed the association strength between relative grip strength and HUA. Results: The overall HUA detection rate among freshmen was 29.8%, with significant gender differences (male:43.1%; female:24.0%; χ 2=64.62, P <0.01). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between relative grip strength, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and HUA in both genders (boys: r =-0.27, 0.54, 0.11 , 0.53; girls: r =-0.18, 0.33, 0.08, 0.33, all P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression demonstrated that each standard deviation increase in relative grip strength reduced HUA risk by 77% in males ( OR=0.23, 95%CI =0.14-0.37) and 80% in females ( OR=0.20, 95%CI =0.11-0.36) (both P <0.01). Conclusions Relative grip strength represents a significant factor associated with HUA in university students. Incorporating muscle strength training into HUA prevention programs and establishing muscle function based HUA risk warning systems should be considered.

AIM: To investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory markers in peripheral blood on the progression of neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of NVG: those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)alone(PDR group, n=148)and those with NVG secondary to PDR(NVG secondary to PDR group, n=142). Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were evaluated, including white blood cell-related indices, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII). The distinctions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers between the two groups of patients and their relationships with NVG secondary to PDR were analyzed.RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were observed in basic characteristics between the two groups, confirming their comparability. However, significant differences were found in eosinophil percentage and MLR between the PDR group and the NVG secondary to PDR group(all P<0.05), with both values being significantly higher in the NVG secondary to PDR group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the eosinophil percentage and the MLR were factors influencing the development of patients with NVG secondary to PDR.CONCLUSION: Eosinophil percentage and MLR may be associated with the progression of PDR to NVG, and could serve as potential predictive markers for NVG development in PDR patients.