Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its treatment continues to face major challenges such as therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Pyroptosis, a newly characterized form of programmed cell death, induces tumor cell death through gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation and is accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby playing complex roles in lung cancer initiation, progression, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Active components and herbal formulas derived from traditional Chinese medicine can modulate pyroptosis-related signaling pathways through multi-target mechanisms, showing potential advantages in inducing lung cancer cell death, inhibiting proliferation and migration, and reversing chemoresistance. This review systematically summarizes relevant studies from domestic and international sources, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, its roles in lung cancer development and tumor microenvironment remodeling, and the current research progress on traditional Chinese medicine-based interventions targeting pyroptosis, with the aim of providing references for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer using traditional Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inhibitory effect of online-sold “preservative-free” cosmetics against contaminated microorganisms during storage and use, to establish a method for assessing the preservative efficacy of such cosmetics, and to provide data support for the formulation of relevant standards. MethodsA total of 16 batches of cosmetics claiming preservative free were collected to determine their pH value, water activity, total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) and total molds and yeasts count (TYMC). Meanwhile, preservatives not listed in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition) (referred to as “unlisted preservatives”) were screened. In addition, a preservative challenge test was conducted on these cosmetics. ResultsAll the 16 batches of samples were generally weakly acidic, and with a water activity ≥0.6, which were suitable for microbial growth. Unlisted preservative not labeled on the package was detected in one batch of cosmetic. The results of neutralizer verification showed that three batches required further dilution to eliminate the antimicrobial interference. After inoculation with challenge microorganisms and cultivation for 7 days, two batches of cosmetics did not achieve a bacterial reduction rate of 99.90%, and the fungal reduction rate did not reach 90.00% either. While another two batches of cosmetics experienced microbial growth during testing, indicating a failure of the preservative challenge test. The overall pass rate was 75.00%. ConclusionSome online-sold preservative free cosmetics have insufficient preservation efficacy and pose a certain risk of microbial contamination.

Objective: To analyze the serotypes and drug resistance of Salmonella isolated from food-borne disease surveillance samples in Longwan District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of Salmonella infection. Methods: Salmonella strains isolated from feces or anal swabs of patients with foodborne diarrhea in Longwan District People's Hospital from 2018 to 2024 were collected. After re-identification, slide agglutination test was used to identify serotypes. The drug susceptibility test of live Salmonella strains was performed using the broth microdilution method, and the resistance patterns were analyzed. Results: A total of 2 293 samples were collected, and 186 strains of Salmonella were isolated, with a detection rate of 8.11%. The detection rate was higher from May to October. A total of 28 Salmonella serotypes were identified, with S. typhimurium (72 isolates, 38.71%), S. enteritidis (31 isolates, 16.67%), and S. London (30 isolates, 16.13%) being dominant. Among the 121 Salmonella live strains, 20 strains were susceptible to 14 antibacterial drugs. A total of 101 strains were resistant to antibacterial drugs, and the drug resistance rate was 1.65%-67.77%, with the drug resistance rate of ampicillin being the highest, and the drug resistance rate of imipenem was the lowest. S. typhimurium had the highest resistance rate to tetracycline (78.26%). S. enteritidis had the highest resistance rate to ampicillin (100.00%). S. London had the highest resistance rate to tetracycline (66.67%). Fifty-five types of drug resistance patterns were detected, showing a number of drug resistance of 1-10, of which 76 strains were multi-drug resistant, accounting for 75.25%. The predominant multidrug resistance patterns were ampicillin/sulbactam-cefazolin-ampicillin-nalidixic acid (10.53%), tetracycline-ampicillin-nalidixic acid (9.21%), and ampicillin/sulbactam-ampicillin-nalidixic acid (7.89%). Conclusions Salmonella strains isolated from foodborne diseases in Longwan District were mainly detected in summer and autumn. S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, and S. London were the predominant serotypes. The drug resistance of Salmonella to different antibacterial drugs was different, and the drug resistance spectrum showed diversity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the subcellular localization and biological functions of transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240). METHODS: NCBI BLAST and TMHMM bioinformatics software were used for protein sequence analysis and prediction of transmembrane domain of TMEM240. Brain tissues from male C57BL/6 mice (18-20 days old) were examined for distribution of TMEM240 using in situ hybridization, and qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect TMEM240 expression in different mouse tissues and in cortical neurons at different time points (n=3). In the in vitro experiment, HepG2 and Neuro-2a cells were transfected with plasmids for overexpression of TMEM240, and subcellular localization of TMEM240 was analyzed using cell imaging. In primary cultures of cortical neurons isolated from C57BL/6 mice, TMEM240 expression and its biological functions were investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Human and mouse TMEM240 proteins share a 97.69% similarity in the protein sequences, and both are transmembrane proteins with two transmembrane domains. TMEM240 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in mouse brain tissues and cortical neurons. In isolated mouse cortical neurons, TMEM240 expression reached the peak level after primary culture for 9 days and distributed in scattered spots within the cells. In HepG2 cells, TMEM240 was characterized as intracellular membrane structures and showed 80% colocalization with peroxisomes. In Neuro-2a cells, TMEM240 overexpression caused significant enhancement of the expressions of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor β (ARHGDIB) at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS TMEM240 is a novel intracellular subcellular structure specifically expressed in neurons with significant potential for targeted cellular function regulation.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Peroxisomes/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Male ; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Brain/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the differences in resistance to chemical disinfectants between bacteriophage Phi-X174 and disinfection effect indicator microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods:Three commonly used disinfectants, including chlorine-containing disinfectants, alcohol-based disinfectants and quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants, were selected to analyze the differences in resistance of phage Phi-X174, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by using the quantitative sterilization test of suspension. Results:The 250 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate solution treated for 10 minutes yielded log reduction values of 3.39, 7.25 and 7.37 against phage Phi-X174, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. The 40% ethanol for 1 minute yielded log reduction values of 0.03, 2.46 and 7.30 against phage Phi-X174, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The 100 mg/L benzalkonium chloride for 10 minutes yielded log reduction values of 1.41, 6.84 and 0.93 for phage Phi-X174, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Conclusion:Phage Phi-X174 has stronger resistance to chlorine-containing disinfectants and alcohol-based disinfectants than Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Its resistance to quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants is between that of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Objective To study the regulatory effect of Qufeng Xiaodian Formula on serum differential metabolites of allergic purpura,and provide scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic purpura in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(referred to as the blank group),a model group,a compound glycyrrhizin group,a low-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,a medium dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,and a high-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group according to a random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.The model group was constructed by combining dried ginger,pepper,and long pepper with ovalbumin to create an allergic purpura rat model.After successful modeling,each treatment group was intervened with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks.After 4 weeks,serum was collected and non targeted metabolomics screening of serum differential metabolites was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS).Subsequently,data extraction and multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to identify potential metabolic pathways.Results Compared with the control group,there were 91 possible differential metabolites in the serum of the model group rats,corresponding to 20 metabolic pathways;Compared with the model group,there were a total of 43 possible differential metabolites in the serum of rats in the wind dispelling and disease eliminating group,corresponding to 15 metabolic pathways.Among them,there are a total of 12 metabolic pathways.Inflammatory metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide can damage vascular endothelium.Ten biomarkers,including arachidonic acid and ceramide,were significantly abnormal in the serum of the model group rats compared to the normal group.The Qufeng Xiaodian formula can significantly reverse these metabolites and significantly enrich them in arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion Qufeng Xiaodian Formula has a certain regulatory effect on metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide that affect vascular endothelial injury.

Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Objective:To investigate the effects of lactulose and oral rehydration salt powder (Ⅲ) on bowel preparation for colonoscopy and their impact on the detection rate of lesions.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted with 120 patients who underwent colonoscopy at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2023 to April 2024. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group received Hengkang Zhengqing and simethicone for bowel preparation, while the experimental group received lactulose, oral rehydration salt powder (Ⅲ), and simethicone for bowel preparation. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (referred to as the Boston scale) was used to assess bowel cleanliness, the Bubble scale was used to assess the presence of gas in the bowel, and a self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction after colonoscopy. The Boston scale scores, Bubble scale scores, patient satisfaction, lesion detection rates, and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The total score on the Boston scale in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group [(7.23 ± 1.30) vs. (5.44 ± 1.17), t = 7.92, P < 0.001]. The Bubble scale score in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group [(2.60 ± 0.15) vs. (2.21 ± 0.10), t = 16.75, P < 0.001]. The rates of acceptable taste and tolerance in the experimental group were 96.6% (58/60) and 95.0% (57/60), respectively, both of which were higher than those in the control group at 86.6% (52/60) and 81.6% (49/60) ( χ2 = 3.92, 5.17, P = 0.048, 0.023). The detection rate of colonic polyps in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group [31.67% (19/60) vs. 15.00% (9/60), χ2 = 4.65, P = 0.031]. The incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group [3.33% (2/60) vs. 13.33% (8/60), χ2 = 3.92, P = 0.048]. The patient satisfaction rate after examination in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group [96.67% (58/60) vs. 85.00% (52/60), χ2 = 4.90, P = 0.027]. Conclusions:The intestinal preparation for colonoscopy using the lactulose and oral rehydration salt powder (Ⅲ) regimen can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation and the detection rate of lesions. Additionally, it offers better taste, higher patient tolerance, and greater satisfaction, along with fewer adverse reactions compared with the Hengkang Zhengqing and simethicone regimen.

Objective To study the regulatory effect of Qufeng Xiaodian Formula on serum differential metabolites of allergic purpura,and provide scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic purpura in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(referred to as the blank group),a model group,a compound glycyrrhizin group,a low-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,a medium dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,and a high-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group according to a random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.The model group was constructed by combining dried ginger,pepper,and long pepper with ovalbumin to create an allergic purpura rat model.After successful modeling,each treatment group was intervened with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks.After 4 weeks,serum was collected and non targeted metabolomics screening of serum differential metabolites was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS).Subsequently,data extraction and multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to identify potential metabolic pathways.Results Compared with the control group,there were 91 possible differential metabolites in the serum of the model group rats,corresponding to 20 metabolic pathways;Compared with the model group,there were a total of 43 possible differential metabolites in the serum of rats in the wind dispelling and disease eliminating group,corresponding to 15 metabolic pathways.Among them,there are a total of 12 metabolic pathways.Inflammatory metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide can damage vascular endothelium.Ten biomarkers,including arachidonic acid and ceramide,were significantly abnormal in the serum of the model group rats compared to the normal group.The Qufeng Xiaodian formula can significantly reverse these metabolites and significantly enrich them in arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion Qufeng Xiaodian Formula has a certain regulatory effect on metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide that affect vascular endothelial injury.

Objective To study the effect of Liangxue Tuizi Formula(LXTZF)on reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura(HSP)rats,and to explore its possible mechanism in the treatment of HSP.Methods Twenty-four rats were divided randomly into four groups:control,model,LXTZF,and compound glycyrrhizin(CG)groups.Except for the control group,a model of HSP was established in the other groups by heat drugs combined with egg albumin.After successful modeling,rats in the LXTZF group were given LXTZF solution 7.47 g/kg,rats in the CG group were given CG solution 13.5 mg/kg by gavage,and rats in the control and model groups were given normal saline solution by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Samples were collected 8 hours after the last gavage.Skin histopathology changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Serum interleukin(IL)-18 and IL-1βlevels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Changes in ROS levels in the skin were detected by immunofluorescence.Apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein(ASC),NLRP3,cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1(Caspase-1)mRNA and protein expression levels in rat skin were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemistry and Western blot,respectively.Results The skin pathology in the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the control group.Serum IL-18 and IL-1β levels were significantly increased(P＜0.05),skin ROS levels were significantly increased(P＜0.05),and skin ASC,NLRP3,Caspase-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin tissues of rats was alleviated in the LXTZF and CG groups compared with the model group,while serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).ROS levels in the skin were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and mRNA and protein levels of ASC,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 in the skin were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusions The mechanism of LXTZF in HSP may be related to the inhibition of ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.