Short-chain fatty acids （SCFA） are the main metabolic products generated by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota. Studies have shown that SCFA not only play a role in energy metabolism， but also act as important signaling molecules， exhibiting a significant potential in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis. The core mechanism of SCFA mainly involves the regulation of various key signaling pathways by activating G protein-coupled receptors and inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylase， thereby suppressing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cell （HSC） and pancreatic stellate cell （PSC）， which is a key link in fibrosis formation. In addition， SCFA can effectively alleviate tissue inflammation response， improve intestinal barrier function， and regulate gut microbiota balance， thus indirectly preventing the process of fibrosis mediated by the “gut-liver/pancreas axis”. Compared with the research on SCFA in liver fibrosis， studies on their role in pancreatic fibrosis are limited. Given that HSC and PSC are highly homologous， the transcription factors and proteins that have been confirmed in liver fibrosis-related studies are also similarly expressed in PSC， suggesting that they may also influence the activation of PSC. This article systematically summarizes the recent advances in the research on SCFA in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis， in order to provide new perspectives for exploring the mechanism of pancreatic fibrosis and developing related interventional strategies.

Chronic pancreatitis （CP） is a common disease in clinical practice characterized by progressive inflammatory fibrosis of the pancreas. Gut microbiota， known as the “second genome” of humans， bidirectionally modulates the progression of fibrosis in CP via the gut-pancreas axis. This article systematically elaborates on the characteristics of gut microbiota during the progression of CP and its molecular mechanism in mediating pancreatic fibrosis through bacterial translocation， metabolites， immune regulatory networks， and microbe-pancreatic stellate cell interactions， with a focus on the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids and inflammatory cytokine networks in pancreatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition. In addition， this article explores the potential value of gut microbiota-targeted interventions in the prevention and treatment of CP fibrosis， such as probiotics， prebiotics， and fecal microbiota transplantation， and discusses the translational potential of using multi-omics technologies to identify diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for CP， in order to provide new ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of CP.

ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.

Objective:To observe the changes in choroidal morphology and blood perfusion in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) after intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.Methods:A cohort study was performed.A total of 157 patients (157 eyes) with macular edema secondary to monocular acute retinal vein occlusion (RVO) were enrolled in the Third People's Hospital of Dalian from January 2022 to March 2023.There were 66 cases (66 eyes) with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 91 cases (91 eyes) with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).All patients were treated with 3+ pro re nata (PRN) regimen of ranibizumab.Before and 1 month after each injection, the central retinal thickness of the macula was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Clear images of the choroid were obtained using the OCT enhanced depth scan mode.Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), the nasal choroidal thickness at 1 500 μm of macula (CT N1.5 mm), the temporal choroidal thickness at 1 500 μm of macula (CT T1.5 mm) were measured and mean macular thickness (CT Mean) was calculated.Binarization of choroidal images processed by ImageJ software was used to analyze luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA) and total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Third People's Hospital of Dalian (No.2023-145-001).Results:SFCT, CT T1.5 mm, CT N1.5 mm, CT Mean, LA, SA, TCA and CVI of RVO eyes were higher than those of the contralateral eyes and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01).CT Mean in CRVO group was (326.99±64.92)μm, which was higher than (299.80±73.08)μm in BRVO group, with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.41, P=0.02).Baseline CVI values in CRVO group and BRVO group were (72.50±5.62)% and (72.33±5.85)%, respectively, with no significant difference ( t=0.187, P=0.85).In eyes with RVO, CRVO and BRVO, SFCT, CT T1.5 mm, CT N1.5 mm, CT Mean, LA, SA, TCA and CVI after every injection were lower than the baseline and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).In eyes with CRVO, there was no significant difference in LA and CVI between first and second injections (both P>0.05), and SFCT, CT T1.5 mm, CT N1.5 mm, CT Mean, SA and TCA after second injection were lower than those after first injection with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).In eyes with BRVO, there was no significant difference in SA and CVI between first and second injections (both P>0.05), and SFCT, CT T1.5 mm, CT N1.5 mm, CT Mean, LA and TCA after second injection were lower than those after first injection with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).In eyes with RVO, CRVO and BRVO, there was no significant difference in SFCT, CT T1.5 mm, CT N1.5 mm, CT Mean, SA, TCA and CVI between second and third injections (all P>0.05). Conclusions:After intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, the choroidal thickness becomes thinner and CVI decreases in eyes with macular edema secondary to RVO, and remain relatively stable after the second injection.

Objective To analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterisation in treating postoperative urinary retention after radical surgery for cervical cancer,and provide reference for the clinical treatment of postoperative urinary retention.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the clinical data of patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University,from Sept 2019 to Dec 2021 and subsequently developed urinary retention.The patients were treated with a combination of acupuncture and intermittent catheterization.We observed residual urine volume,duration of acupuncture treatment,and urinary tract infection status to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterization regimen.We examined the relationship between treatment duration and various factors such as age,pathological type,surgical-pathological staging,surgical method,pre-treatment catheter indwelling time,pre-treatment residual urine volume,presence or absence of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy,pre-existing urinary tract infection,and whether ureteral stenting was performed,in order to analyze the factors affecting the treatment duration.Results A total of 156 patients were reviewed.After treatment,132 cases had a post-treatment residual urine volume<100 mL,7 cases had a volume of 100-200 mL,and 15 cases had a volume>200 mL.Two cases still had great difficulty in urination after treatment,resulting in an overall effectiveness rate of 89.1%.No significant adverse events occurred in the patients.The treatment duration ranged from 2 to 17 days,with an average treatment time of 6.2 days.The treatment duration was a correlated with the preoperative indwelling catheter duration,residual urine volume and postoperative radiotherapy.Conclusion Acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterisation in treating urinary retention after radical surgery for cervical cancer has good efficacy,short treatment time and no obvious adverse effects,and can be an option for treating postoperative urinary retention.

Objective:To assess the predictive value for the risk of cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using quantification of left atrial appendage early blood stasis (LAA-BS) signs derived from left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examination.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 187 patients with PAF, who were confirmed to have LAA-BS by left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examinations, was conducted at Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2021. The ratio of LAA-BS CT values to ascending aorta (AA) CT values (HU BS/HU AA) and the ratio of LAA-BS volume to LAA volume (V BS/V LAA) were measured at the peak time of AA enhancement, which were used as characteristic quantitative indicators of LAA-BS. Using the median values of HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA as cut-off points for grouping, the differences between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared in terms of general information, clinical characteristics, and imaging characteristics. All enrolled patients were followed up with the primary outcome event of CS occurrence. The differences in the proportion of CS occurrence between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared. The risk stratification analysis of the occurrence of CS in PAF patients was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Additionally, the predictive value of HU BS/HU AA, V BS/V LAA and other imaging indices for the risk of CS occurrence was assessed using Cox proportional risk regression models. Results:The incidence of hypertension and the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation-stroke risk score (CHA 2DS 2-VASc)≥3 in the high V BS/V LAA group were higher than that in the low V BS/V LAA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.041, P=0.011). The left atrial volume (LAV) in patients in the low HU BS/HU AA group was greater than in the high HU BS/HU AA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.040). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher incidence of CS in the low HU BS/HU AA group than in the high HU BS/HU AA group ( P=0.012). Similarly, the high V BS/V LAA group had a higher incidence of CS compared with the low V BS/V LAA group ( P=0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher incidence of CS in the subgroup with low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA compared to other subgroups (all P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusting for confounding factors, identified low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA as independent risk factors for CS occurrence in PAF patients ( P=0.005 and P=0.029). Conclusion:The HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA quantified using left atrium-pulmonary vein CT imaging are predictive factors for CS occurrence in patients with PAF. These ratios synergistically contribute to the risk assessment of CS.

Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.

This study was aimed at determining the molecular characteristics of Yersinia pestis in the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake through single nucleotide polymorphism technology,to lay a foundation for molecular epidemiological and source-tracing analysis of Y.pestis in this area.Using the whole genome sequencing technology,we obtained the whole genome sequences of 84 representative Y.pestis strains.Using the sequences of Y.pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis IP32953 from the NCBI database as references,we compared and analyzed the 2 298 SNP loci of these strains.From 1957 to 2020,84 representative strains of Y.pestis from the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake were divided into two clades:1.IN2 and 3.ANT1.The 1.IN2 clade was the characteristic population of Y.pestis throughout all epidemic years in this area.Additionally,analysis of the SNP distribution and hosts in the region indicated that the 1.IN2 clade was located in five counties except Wulan,whereas the 3.ANT1 clade was isolated from Himalayan marmot and dog in two counties.In conclusion,the population structure of SNP of Y.pestis in the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake is relatively simple,and SNP analysis of Y.pestis provided a scientific basis for tracing plague epidemic sources and formulating plague prevention and control measures in this area.

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Due to the treatment intolerance and side effects, CRC rank the top among various cancers regarding the incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, exploring new therapies is of great significance for the treatment of CRC. Aerobic glycolysis(AEG) plays an important role in the microenvironment formation, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence of CRC and other tumor cells. It has been confirmed that intervening in the AEG pathway can effectively curb CRC. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can effectively inhibit the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance and regulate the apoptosis of tumor cells by modulating AEG-associated transport proteins [eg, glucose transporters(GLUT)], key enzymes [hexokinase(HK) and phosphofructokinase(PFK)], key genes [hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1) and oncogene(c-Myc)], and signaling pathways(MET/PI3K/Akt/mTOR). Accordingly, they can treat CRC, reduce the recurrence, and improve the prognosis of CRC. Although AEG plays a key role in the development and progression of CRC, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this article delves into the intrinsic connection of the targets and mechanisms of the AEG pathway with CRC from the perspective of tumor cell glycolysis and explores how active ingredients(oxymatrine, kaempferol, and dioscin) and compound prescriptions(Quxie Capsules, Jiedu Sangen Decoction, and Xianlian Jiedu Prescription) of TCM treat CRC by intervening in the AEG pathway. Additionally, this article explores the shortcomings in the current research, aiming to provide reliable targets and a theoretical basis for treating CRC with TCM.
Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Amber and subfossil resins are subjects of interdisciplinary research across multiple fields. However, due to their diverse origins and complex compositions, different disciplines vary in their definitions and functional interpretations. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), amber has been utilized as a medicinal material since ancient time, with extensive historical documentation. However, its classification, provenance, and nomenclature remain ambiguous, and authentic medicinal amber artifacts are exceedingly rare. This study employed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) to characterize amber and subfossil resins from various geological sources and commercially "medicinal amber". Additionally, historical literature and market surveys were analyzed to explore their provenance, composition, and functional attributes. The results indicate that amber and subfossil resins from different sources and with different compositions exhibit distinct fingerprint characteristics in the FTIR spectral range of 1 800-700 cm~(-1). "Medicinal amber" available in the market primarily consists of subfossil or modern resins, significantly differing in composition and structure from geological amber. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research on amber identification and resource management. It is essential to establish a systematic database of amber and subfossil resin characteristics and integrate modern analytical techniques to enhance research on their composition, pharmacological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic effects, thereby promoting the standardized utilization of amber resources and advancing the modernization of TCM.
Amber/history* ; Archaeology ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional