Objective To explore whether there is a causal relationship between intestinal flora and esophageal cancer. Methods Summary statistics of intestinal flora and esophageal cancer were obtained from the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database. Five methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median estimation, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, single mode, and weighted mode, were used for analysis, with IVW as the main analysis method. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of MR results. Results In the IVW method, Oxalobacteraceae [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.023], Faecalibacterium [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.028], Senegalimassilia [OR=1.002, 95%CI (1.000, 1.003), P=0.006] and Veillonella [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.018] were positively correlated with esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.002], Eubacterium oxidoreducens [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.038], Romboutsia [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.048] and Turicibacter [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.013] were negatively correlated with esophageal cancer. Sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy and reverse causality. Conclusion Oxalobacteraceae, Faecalibacterium, Senegalimassilia and Veillonella increase the risk of esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales, Eubacterium oxidoreducens, Romboutsia and Turicibacter decrease the risk of esophageal cancer. Further studies are needed to explore how these bacteria affect the progression of esophageal cancer.

Objective:This study applies metabolomics technology integrated with bioinformatics analysis to investigate the distinctive characteristics and differential expressions of serum lipids in acne patients across disease stages and between genders.The research aims to identify potential biomarkers,thereby providing innovative perspectives and theoretical foundations for the complex pathogenesis of acne.Methods:From November 2021 to August 2022,serum samples were collected from 41 acne patients with mild,moderate,and severe acne,as well as 26 healthy controls,at the Department of Dermatology,First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Serum lipidomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).Multivariate statistical analysis of differentially expressed metabolites was conducted using partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA).Metabolomics data were further analyzed using volcano plots and Gene Ontology(GO)pathway enrichment analysis to identify significantly altered signaling pathways across disease stages and genders,as well as key candidate biomarkers.Results:This study revealed distinct serum metabolite profiles among acne patients at different disease stages.Throughout the progression of acne,the purine pathway remains consistently upregulated.However,distinct dysregulated pathways characterize different severity stages:the purine pathway exhibits the most pronounced alterations in mild and moderate groups,while the methionine metabolism pathway demonstrates the most significant upregulation in severe cases.Males exhibited prominent dysregulation of the purine pathway,whereas females showed significant alterations in arginine and proline metabolism.Additionally,we identified nine metabolites common across all stages,six stage-specific metabolites,and nine gender-specific metabolites in male and female patients,respectively.Conclusions:Acne patients exhibit distinct metabolic profiles across disease stages and genders.The identification of both common metabolic biomarkers shared across stages and or gender specific biomarkers offers novel pathways for precise phenotyping and personalized therapeutic approaches.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the petroleum ether fraction of the roots of Gypsophila licentiana Hand.-Mazz.METHODS Silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC were used for isolation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Eighteen compounds were isolated and identified as dibutyl phthalate(1),glyceryl arachidate(2),bis(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate(3),9,12-octadecadienoic acid(Z,Z)-methyl ester(4),(3'S,4'S)-3'-acetoxy-4'-angeloyloxy-3',4'-dihydroseselin(5),3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid(6),bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(7),2,2'-oxybis(1,4)-di-tert-butylbenzene(8),gypsogenin(9),3-keto,16α-hydroxy,24-noroleanolic acid(10),3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid(11),10-eicosenoic acid(12),hexacosanic acid(13),enniatin B(14),(R,Z)-21-methyl-8-pentatriacontene(15),ethyl gallate(16),stellarine A(17),pentacosane(18).CONCLUSION All compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Objective To establish a backpack-based field emergency medical rescue equipment system to enhance emergency rescue efficiency.Methods A backpack-based field emergency medical rescue equipment system was preliminarily constructed with the concept of medical treatment in echelons and prolonged field care(PFC)and the method of capability-based equipment need analysis;with the Delphi method 15 experts from relevant fields were invited to execute two rounds of questionnaire consultations,and the final equipment system was determined after the equipment varieties and quantities were revised based on the expert opinions.Results The response rate for the two rounds of expert questionnaire surveys was 100%.The experts'authority coefficients were 0.8734 and 0.87,respectively;Kendall coefficients were 0.232 and 0.345(both P<0.001),indicating statistically significant results.Ultimately,a backpack-based field emer-gency medical rescue equipment system comprising 15 backpacks and 158 individual pieces of equipment was established.Conclusion The established system demonstrates a certain degree of specificity and practicability,providing references for the equipment allocation and utilization of emergency medical rescue teams.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):17-22]

Objective:This study applies metabolomics technology integrated with bioinformatics analysis to investigate the distinctive characteristics and differential expressions of serum lipids in acne patients across disease stages and between genders.The research aims to identify potential biomarkers,thereby providing innovative perspectives and theoretical foundations for the complex pathogenesis of acne.Methods:From November 2021 to August 2022,serum samples were collected from 41 acne patients with mild,moderate,and severe acne,as well as 26 healthy controls,at the Department of Dermatology,First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Serum lipidomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).Multivariate statistical analysis of differentially expressed metabolites was conducted using partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA).Metabolomics data were further analyzed using volcano plots and Gene Ontology(GO)pathway enrichment analysis to identify significantly altered signaling pathways across disease stages and genders,as well as key candidate biomarkers.Results:This study revealed distinct serum metabolite profiles among acne patients at different disease stages.Throughout the progression of acne,the purine pathway remains consistently upregulated.However,distinct dysregulated pathways characterize different severity stages:the purine pathway exhibits the most pronounced alterations in mild and moderate groups,while the methionine metabolism pathway demonstrates the most significant upregulation in severe cases.Males exhibited prominent dysregulation of the purine pathway,whereas females showed significant alterations in arginine and proline metabolism.Additionally,we identified nine metabolites common across all stages,six stage-specific metabolites,and nine gender-specific metabolites in male and female patients,respectively.Conclusions:Acne patients exhibit distinct metabolic profiles across disease stages and genders.The identification of both common metabolic biomarkers shared across stages and or gender specific biomarkers offers novel pathways for precise phenotyping and personalized therapeutic approaches.

Objective To establish a backpack-based field emergency medical rescue equipment system to enhance emergency rescue efficiency.Methods A backpack-based field emergency medical rescue equipment system was preliminarily constructed with the concept of medical treatment in echelons and prolonged field care(PFC)and the method of capability-based equipment need analysis;with the Delphi method 15 experts from relevant fields were invited to execute two rounds of questionnaire consultations,and the final equipment system was determined after the equipment varieties and quantities were revised based on the expert opinions.Results The response rate for the two rounds of expert questionnaire surveys was 100%.The experts'authority coefficients were 0.8734 and 0.87,respectively;Kendall coefficients were 0.232 and 0.345(both P<0.001),indicating statistically significant results.Ultimately,a backpack-based field emer-gency medical rescue equipment system comprising 15 backpacks and 158 individual pieces of equipment was established.Conclusion The established system demonstrates a certain degree of specificity and practicability,providing references for the equipment allocation and utilization of emergency medical rescue teams.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):17-22]

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the petroleum ether fraction of the roots of Gypsophila licentiana Hand.-Mazz.METHODS Silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC were used for isolation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Eighteen compounds were isolated and identified as dibutyl phthalate(1),glyceryl arachidate(2),bis(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate(3),9,12-octadecadienoic acid(Z,Z)-methyl ester(4),(3'S,4'S)-3'-acetoxy-4'-angeloyloxy-3',4'-dihydroseselin(5),3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid(6),bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(7),2,2'-oxybis(1,4)-di-tert-butylbenzene(8),gypsogenin(9),3-keto,16α-hydroxy,24-noroleanolic acid(10),3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid(11),10-eicosenoic acid(12),hexacosanic acid(13),enniatin B(14),(R,Z)-21-methyl-8-pentatriacontene(15),ethyl gallate(16),stellarine A(17),pentacosane(18).CONCLUSION All compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

This study aims to explore the effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BYD) on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING) signaling pathway in the mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT) and the mechanism of BYD in alleviating the immune injury. Forty-eight NOD.H-2~(h4) mice were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose BYD, and selenium yeast tablets groups(n=8). Mice of 8 weeks old were treated with 0.05% sodium iodide solution for 8 weeks for the modeling of AIT and then administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 weeks before sampling. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to measure the astragaloside Ⅳ content in BYD. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Flow cytometry was employed to detect the distribution of T cell subsets in the spleen. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of markers related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the thyroid tissue. The results showed that the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in BYD was(7.06±0.08) mg·mL~(-1). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed disrupted structures of thyroid follicular epithelial cells, massive infiltration of lymphocytes, and elevated levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed intact epithelial cells, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, and lowered levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, a decrease in the proportion of Th2 cells, and an increase in the IFN-γ level. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups presented decreased proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells and lowered levels of IFN-γ, and the medium-dose BYD group showed an increase in the proportion of Th2 cells. Compared with the normal group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3 and the protein levels of cGAS, p-STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed reduced levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3-positive products, down-regulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, and TBK1, and down-regulated protein levels of cGAS and p-STING. The high-dose BYD group showed down-regulations in the mRNA level of IRF3 and the protein levels of p-TBK1 and p-IRF3. The above results indicate that BYD can repair the imbalance of T cell subsets, alleviate immune injury, and reduce thyroid lymphocyte infiltration in AIT mice by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/metabolism* ; Mice ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Humans ; Female ; Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism* ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal