AIM: To investigate the specific molecular mechanism of Yinqiao Powder in affecting macrophage polarization in herpes simplex keratitis(HSK)through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING)-interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3)molecular pathway.METHODS:Human corneal epithelial cells(HCE-T)were divided into control, HSK, and HSK + Yinqiao Powder groups. M0 macrophages were grouped as Ctrl, HSV-1, HSV-1+oe-cGAS, HSV-1+Yinqiao Powder, and HSV-1+oe-cGAS+Yinqiao Powder. Conditional medium(CM)from each group of M0 macrophages was collected to intervene in HCE-T cells and divided into Ctrl-CM, HSV-1-CM, HSV-1+oe-cGAS-CM, and HSV-1+Yinqiao Powder-CM groups. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. ELISA was used to detect the concentrations of Arg-1 and iNOS in cell supernatants, and Western blotting was used to detect the relative protein expressions of cGAS, STING, and IRF3. Balb/c mice were divided into control, model, and drug groups. The model and drug groups were inoculated with HSV-1 on the cornea of Balb/c mice using the corneal scratch method to construct an HSK mouse model, and the drug group was treated with Yinqiao Powder. The incidence and mortality of the three groups were compared on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 after modeling.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the HCE-T cell viability in the HSK group was decreased but apoptosis was increased, which was reversed by Yinqiao Powder intervention. Compared with the Ctrl group, the Arg-1 concentration in the cell supernatant of the HSV-1 group was decreased, the iNOS concentration was increased, and the protein expressions of cGAS, STING, and IRF3 were decreased. Compared with the HSV-1 group, the Arg-1 concentration was increased, the iNOS concentration was decreased, and the protein expressions of cGAS, STING, and IRF3 were enhanced in the HSV-1+oe-cGAS group and the HSV-1+Yinqiao Powder group, and the same results were obtained in the HSV-1+oe-cGAS+Yinqiao Powder group. Compared with the Ctrl-CM group, the HCE-T cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was increased in the HSV-1-CM group, which was reversed by overexpressing cGAS in macrophages or intervening with Yinqiao Powder. In vivo experiments found that Yinqiao Powder intervention could improve the pathological progression of keratitis.CONCLUSION:Yinqiao Powder inhibits M1 polarization of macrophages through the cGAS-STING-IRF3 molecular pathway, thereby delaying the progression of HSK.

Background and Aims:Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a common endocrine disorder among obese women,often accompanied by psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)is an effective treatment for obesity and its related metabolic conditions,and has shown clear benefits in improving weight and metabolic profiles in PCOS patients.However,the potential mechanisms by which psychological status may affect weight loss outcomes remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the psychological characteristics of obese patients with PCOS and explore their impact on postoperative weight loss outcomes,in order to provide evidence for individualized intervention strategies.Methods:Female obese patients scheduled for LSG between November 2020 and September 2022 were enrolled and divided into PCOS and non-PCOS groups.Standardized psychological scales were used to assess anxiety,depression,self-esteem,and eating behaviors.Weight loss outcomes were recorded at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding factors such as age and body mass index(BMI),and correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between psychological status and weight loss outcomes.Results:A total of 314 patients were included,with 130 cases(41.4％)in the PCOS group.Before matching,the PCOS group had significantly worse psychological indicators and lower weight loss outcomes compared to the non-PCOS group(all P＜0.05);after matching,these differences were no longer statistically significant(all P＞0.05).Emotional eating was positively correlated with 12-month weight loss outcomes in the PCOS group,while anxiety and internalized weight stigma were associated with weight loss outcomes in the non-PCOS group(P＜0.05).Additionally,among patients with moderate and extreme obesity,weight loss outcomes in the PCOS group were superior to those in the non-PCOS group(P＜0.05).BMI was negatively correlated with self-esteem,eating behaviors,and quality of life(all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Obese patients with PCOS exhibit notable psychological distress.However,after controlling for BMI and age,their psychological status and weight loss outcomes are comparable to those of non-PCOS patients.BMI may serve as an important confounding factor,and psychological factors may influence weight loss indirectly through eating behaviors.Preoperative psychological screening and intervention are recommended.

The integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is a crucial contemporary medical model widely utilized today.Modern medicine is intricately linked to"data"and"calculation".The key to the high-quality development of integrated Chinese and Western medicine is to realise the in-depth integration of information technology and modern medicine,including tackling the three major scientific problems(algorithm establishment,queue creation and data quality),introducing laws and policies,fostering cross-innovation talents in integrated Chinese and Western medicine,and regulating standards.At the same time,adhering to the principle of integrity and innovation,and being firm in cultural self-confidence are important factors in promoting the healthy,rapid and sustainable development of the cause of integrative Chinese and Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of carvacrol(CVL)on paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis(PF)in mice.Methods:Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into blank group(NS),model group(PQ),carvacrol low-dose group(CVL 10 mg/kg),carvacrol high-dose group(CVL 20 mg/kg),with nine in each group.Modeling of paraquat(20 mg/kg)by intraperitoneal injection,from the second day of model making,the treatment groups received intraperitoneal injection with carvacrol every day for 21 days.Lung histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition were observed by HE and Masson staining.Serum and lung tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured using a hydroxyproline kit.The TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissue were determined by ELISA.The expressions of α-SMA,E-cadherin,TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 in mouse lung tissues were detected by IHC.Expressions of Collagen1,α-SMA,E-cadherin,TGF-β1 protein,Smad2/3 protein and p-Smad 2/3 protein in lung tissue were detected by Western blot.TGF-β1 gene expression was determined by RT-PCR.Results:Compared with model group,after carvacrol treat-ment,inflammation in lung tissue of mice and collagen fiber deposition were decreased.The concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissue were decreased(P<0.05).The expressions of the proteins including the Collagen1,α-SMA and TGF-β1/Smad sig-naling pathway was reduced(P<0.05).The E-cadherin expression was upregulated(P<0.05).The mRNA level of TGF-β1 was also downregulated(P<0.05).Conclusion:Carvacrol ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis in paraquat-induced mice.The mechanism may be re-lated to the downregulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling to prevent epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and the suppression of in-flammation.

Background and Aims:Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a common endocrine disorder among obese women,often accompanied by psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)is an effective treatment for obesity and its related metabolic conditions,and has shown clear benefits in improving weight and metabolic profiles in PCOS patients.However,the potential mechanisms by which psychological status may affect weight loss outcomes remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the psychological characteristics of obese patients with PCOS and explore their impact on postoperative weight loss outcomes,in order to provide evidence for individualized intervention strategies.Methods:Female obese patients scheduled for LSG between November 2020 and September 2022 were enrolled and divided into PCOS and non-PCOS groups.Standardized psychological scales were used to assess anxiety,depression,self-esteem,and eating behaviors.Weight loss outcomes were recorded at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding factors such as age and body mass index(BMI),and correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between psychological status and weight loss outcomes.Results:A total of 314 patients were included,with 130 cases(41.4％)in the PCOS group.Before matching,the PCOS group had significantly worse psychological indicators and lower weight loss outcomes compared to the non-PCOS group(all P＜0.05);after matching,these differences were no longer statistically significant(all P＞0.05).Emotional eating was positively correlated with 12-month weight loss outcomes in the PCOS group,while anxiety and internalized weight stigma were associated with weight loss outcomes in the non-PCOS group(P＜0.05).Additionally,among patients with moderate and extreme obesity,weight loss outcomes in the PCOS group were superior to those in the non-PCOS group(P＜0.05).BMI was negatively correlated with self-esteem,eating behaviors,and quality of life(all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Obese patients with PCOS exhibit notable psychological distress.However,after controlling for BMI and age,their psychological status and weight loss outcomes are comparable to those of non-PCOS patients.BMI may serve as an important confounding factor,and psychological factors may influence weight loss indirectly through eating behaviors.Preoperative psychological screening and intervention are recommended.

The integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is a crucial contemporary medical model widely utilized today.Modern medicine is intricately linked to"data"and"calculation".The key to the high-quality development of integrated Chinese and Western medicine is to realise the in-depth integration of information technology and modern medicine,including tackling the three major scientific problems(algorithm establishment,queue creation and data quality),introducing laws and policies,fostering cross-innovation talents in integrated Chinese and Western medicine,and regulating standards.At the same time,adhering to the principle of integrity and innovation,and being firm in cultural self-confidence are important factors in promoting the healthy,rapid and sustainable development of the cause of integrative Chinese and Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of carvacrol(CVL)on paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis(PF)in mice.Methods:Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into blank group(NS),model group(PQ),carvacrol low-dose group(CVL 10 mg/kg),carvacrol high-dose group(CVL 20 mg/kg),with nine in each group.Modeling of paraquat(20 mg/kg)by intraperitoneal injection,from the second day of model making,the treatment groups received intraperitoneal injection with carvacrol every day for 21 days.Lung histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition were observed by HE and Masson staining.Serum and lung tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured using a hydroxyproline kit.The TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissue were determined by ELISA.The expressions of α-SMA,E-cadherin,TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 in mouse lung tissues were detected by IHC.Expressions of Collagen1,α-SMA,E-cadherin,TGF-β1 protein,Smad2/3 protein and p-Smad 2/3 protein in lung tissue were detected by Western blot.TGF-β1 gene expression was determined by RT-PCR.Results:Compared with model group,after carvacrol treat-ment,inflammation in lung tissue of mice and collagen fiber deposition were decreased.The concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissue were decreased(P<0.05).The expressions of the proteins including the Collagen1,α-SMA and TGF-β1/Smad sig-naling pathway was reduced(P<0.05).The E-cadherin expression was upregulated(P<0.05).The mRNA level of TGF-β1 was also downregulated(P<0.05).Conclusion:Carvacrol ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis in paraquat-induced mice.The mechanism may be re-lated to the downregulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling to prevent epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and the suppression of in-flammation.

Critically ill patients are at high risk for hospital acquired infections, which can significantly increase the mortality rate and treatment costs for these patients. Therefore, in the process of treating the primary disease, strict prevention and control of new hospital infections is an essential component of the treatment for critically ill patients. The treatment of critically ill patients involves multiple steps and requires a concerted effort from various aspects such as theory, management, education, standards, and supervision to achieve effective prevention and control of hospital infections. However, there is currently a lack of unified understanding and standards for hospital infection prevention and control. To address this, in March 2024, a group of experts in critical care medicine, infectious diseases, and hospital infection from China discussed the current situation and issues of hospital infection control in the intensive care unit together. Based on a review of the latest evidence-based medical evidence from both domestic and international sources, 2024 Expert Consensus on Hospital Acquired Infection Control Principles in the Department of Critical Care Medicine was formed, aiming to provide a basis for the development of hospital infection prevention and control strategies in the field of critical care medicine.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcome of a special physeal sparing knee prosthesis for pediatric distal femoral osteosarcoma regarding the functional outcome, retention of the growth potential of the proximal tibia, and postoperative complications.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to review 37 pediatric patients with osteosarcoma of distal femur who were treated in a single musculuskeletal tumor center between August 2015 and January 2019. Among them, 21 were boys and 16 were girls, aged from 5 to 12 years at the time of operation, with an average age of 9.1±2.1 years and the height of 115 to 160 cm, with an average of 140±10 cm. Tumor resection of distal femur was performed and the bone defect was reconstructed by a special hinged knee prosthesis which can preserve the proximal tibial epiphyseal plate. Demographic data was recorded. Overall leg length and tibial length was assessed by full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs of bilateral lower extremity with the patella pointing anteriorly preoperativelly and postoperativelly at each follow up. And the growth potential of the affected proximal tibia was calculated by comparing with the preoperative length of tibia. Meanwhile, the functional outcome was assessed by using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) system, and the postoperative complications were analysed.Results:All patients underwent the tumor resection and reconstruction operation successfully. The average operation duration was 143±41 minutes, ranging 90 to 250 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 314±397 ml, ranging 30 to 2 200 ml. The patients were followed up for 24 to 64 months, averaging 42.3±12.1 months. The postoperative knee range of motion was 100-130 degrees, with an average of 115.6±7.2 degrees. The postoperative MSTS score was 23-30, with an average of 26.7±1.6. To the last follow-up, the limb length discrepancy of the lower limb was 1.3 to 10 cm, and the length of the tibia was shortened from 0 to 3.8 cm compared with the opposite side, with an average of 1.3±1.0 cm. The growth percentage of the proximal tibial epiphysis on the affected side was 30% to 100%, with an average of 70%±17%. Totally, 13 patients suffered postoperative complication, the overall incidence of complications was 35% (13/37), and prosthesis-related complications were 16% (6/37). Three patients with wound dehiscence were managed by debridement and antibiotics. Radiographs revealed femoral stem loosening in a single patient 3 years after the initial operation and then the prosthesis was converted to an adult tumor knee endoprosthesis. Two cases experienced breakage of the femoral stem at 30 and 33 months, respectively, due to an accidental injury. They received revision surgery, and a new femoral prosthesis component was replaced. One patient developed femoral stem breakage at 10 months after surgery due to fatigue fracture, which treated with revision surgery. Tumor recurrence occurred in 6 patients. Among them, tumor recurrence in soft tissue occurred in 4 patients, and treated with regional resection without further recurrence. The other 2 patients experienced tumor recurrence at the distal femoral site, and treated with resection and prosthetic revision.Conclusion:The physeal sparing pediatric knee prosthesis can preserve the growth potential of the proximal tibial epiphyseal plate with good postoperative function and low incidence of prosthesis complications. Therefore, it can be an alternativeespecially for skeletally immature patients with distal femur osteosarcoma.

Objective:To investigate the expression levels of microRNA-124 (miR-124) and microRNA-494(miR-494) in the serum of elderly patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and its clinical significance.Methods:Ninety PD patients (PD group) who were hospitalized in Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from March 2018 to April 2020 were selected.At the same time, 100 non-PD elderly people examined in the physical examination center of the same hospital who matched with age and gender of PD patients were selected as the control group.After 12 hours of fasting, 4 ml of venous blood was taken from all subjects.All PD patients were graded by unified Parkinson disease rating scale(UPDRS) from the aspects of mental state, behavior and emotion, quality of life and motor examination, and graded by the Hoehn-Yahr rating scale for Parkinson disease.The expression levels of miR-124 and miR-494 in serum were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and the diagnostic values of miR-124 and miR-494 in PD patients were evaluated by ROC curve.Results:Hoehn-Yahr grade of PD patients with UPDRS≤60 points was significantly lower than that of patients with UPDRS >60 points((2.47±0.43) vs (3.42±0.47))( t=9.055, P<0.001), and there was no significant difference in serum miR-124 and miR-494 expression levels((0.72±0.14) vs (0.70±0.12), (1.17±0.19) vs (1.18±0.22)) ( t=0.633, 0.230, P=0.529, 0.819). Compared with that in control group, the expression of miR-124 in PD group was down-regulated ((0.71±0.20) vs (1.05±0.24)), and the expression of miR-494 was up-regulated((1.18±0.26) vs (0.96±0.22)) ( t=10.542, 6.315, P<0.001). The results of ROC showed that the area under curve (AUC) of serum miR-124 and miR-494 in the diagnosis of PD were 0.847 and 0.760 respectively, the cutoff values were 0.901 and 1.126, respectively, the sensitivities were 86.67% and 61.11% respectively, and the specificities were 75.03% and 79.00% respectively. The AUC of the combined diagnosis of PD was 0.898, and the sensitivity and specificity were 85.56% and 85.00% respectively. Conclusions:The expression of miR-124 is low in PD patients, while the expression of miR-494 is high, which suggests that the changes of the two miRNA levels may be related with the occurrence and development of PD.Both of them have a certain diagnostic value for PD, and the value of combined diagnosis is higher.