Objective To compare the application effects of plankton multiplex polymerase chain reac-tion-capillary electrophoresis(PCR-CE),SYBR Green Ⅰ real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy(MD-VF-Auto SEM)in the diagnosis of drowning.Methods Lung,liver and kidney tissues from 212 drowned corpses and 30 non-drowned corpses were examined respectively by the three drowning-related plankton testing methods,and the detection rates of plankton in each tissue by three methods were compared.Results In drowned corpses,the total detection rates of PCR-CE,qPCR,and MD-VF-Auto SEM were 93.9%,96.2%,and 95.3%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The detection rate of lung tissue by MD-VF-Auto SEM(100%)was higher than those of PCR-CE and qPCR(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the detection rates of the three methods in liver or kidney tissues(P>0.05).In non-drowning corpses,a small number of diatoms(less than 10 cells/10 g)were detected by MD-VF-Auto SEM method,only in liver and kidney tissues,while the other two methods yielded negative results for all tissues.Conclusion All three methods have good efficacy in the examination of drowned corpses.The MD-VF-Auto SEM method directly observes diatom morpho-logical characteristics through scanning electron microscopy,and the qualitative and quantitative analy-ses are intuitive and accurate.It has great advantages in the examination of difficult degradation samples.The PCR-CE method and qPCR method have a low sample demand(0.5 g),are easy to operate and have short detection time(4-7 h).They are easy to be applied in the grassroots depart-ments and are suitable for the rapid determination of drowned corpses in routin cases.The combina-tion of the two DNA methods with the MD-VF-Auto SEM method can increase the detection rate of plankton,ensuring the reliability of examination results.This combined use is of significant importance in the application of drowning diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) capable of clearing heat and removing toxin is most commonly used in clinical practice and has the effect of removing fire-heat and toxin. Studies have shown that most of the Ilex plants have the effect of clearing heat and removing toxin, among which the varieties of I. cornuta, I. pubescens, I. rotunda, I. latifolia, and I. chinensis are most widely used. These plants generally contain triterpenoids and their glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other chemical components, especially pentacyclic triterpenoids. According to their skeletons, pentacyclic triterpenoids can be divided into the oleanane type, the ursane type, the lupinane type, etc. Among them, ursane-type components are the most abundant, and 136 species have been found so far. These components have been proved to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, anti-thrombosis, cardiomyocyte-protective, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the domestic and foreign literature on Ilex plants with a focus on the research progress on pentacyclic triterpenoids and their pharmacological activities, aiming to provide reference for the development of TCM resources with the effect of clearing heat and removing toxin.
Ilex/chemistry* ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Pentacyclic Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Animals

This paper investigated the inhibitory effect of carbonized Scutellariae Radix(Cb-SR) on pyroptosis in endometrial epithelial cells of mice with endometritis and its correlation with the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis. Mice model of endometritis was established by using an intrauterine injection of 10 μL polysaccharides(LPS, 5 mg·mL~(-1)), and the mice were randomly divided into model group(LPS), low-dose group of Cb-SR(L-Cb-SR, 0.55 g·kg~(-1)), medium-dose group of Cb-SR(M-Cb-SR, 1.10 g·kg~(-1)), high-dose group of Cb-SR(H-Cb-SR, 2.20 g·kg~(-1)), crude Scutellariae Radix group(Cr-SR, 1.63 g·kg~(-1)), and Fuke Qianjin Capsule group(FQC, 0.30 g·kg~(-1)), with 10 mice in each group. Ten healthy female mice were selected and injected with PBS of equal volume into the bilateral uterus, and they were set as the sham group. The mice in the drug treatment groups were given the corresponding doses of Cb-SR, Cr-SR, FQC, or physiological saline of equal volume by gavage twice a day for seven days. Thirty minutes after the last administration, each mouse was euthanized by cervical dislocation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy were applied to observe the histopathological morphology of the uterine tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CD38 and CD138. Myeloperoxidase(MPO) values in neutrophils were measured by the kit; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the secretion of interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to analyze the expression of the proteins related to the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis. Mouse endometrial epithelial cells(MEECs) were separated and purified from the uterine tissue of pregnant female mice through in vitro experiments and injured by LPS for 24 h, and then they were cultured with Cb-SR-containing serum. The anti-endometritis effect of Cb-SR was investigated by CCK-8 assay, scanning electron microscopy, and Western blot. The results showed that Cb-SR significantly reduced MPO values, attenuated uterine tissue damage, inhibited the expression of CD38 and CD138, decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, and inhibited the expression of proteins associated with IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis in mice with endometritis. In addition, Cb-SR-containing serum reduced swelling of MEECs organelles induced by LPS, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, and suppressed the expression of IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis-related proteins. These results suggest that Cb-SR can inhibit endometrial epithelial cell pyroptosis in endometritis by suppressing the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis.
Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Endometritis/chemically induced* ; Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects* ; Scutellaria baicalensis/chemistry* ; Humans ; Epithelial Cells/drug effects*

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether sleep duration and physical activity (PA) trajectories in middle-aged and older adults are associated with different risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aimed to explore the trajectories of total sleep duration and PA among middle-aged and older Chinese adults and their impact on CVD risk. METHODS: This study was based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. 12009 adults aged 45 years and older from five waves were included. CVD events were measured by self-reports of heart disease and stroke. We first used group-based trajectory modeling to identify total sleep duration and PA trajectories from 2011 to 2020, and then employed logistic regression models to analyze their risk for CVD. RESULTS: We identified three sleep duration and PA trajectories. The risk of heart disease increased by 33% (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12-1.53) for the short sleep duration trajectory (vs. moderate sleep duration trajectory), by 40% (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.84) for the high decreasing PA trajectory, and by 20% (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01-1.42) for the low stable PA trajectory (vs. high stable PA trajectory), respectively. Similar results for stroke and CVD as the outcomes were also observed, but the higher risk of stroke in the high decreasing PA trajectory group was not statistically significant. The joint effects of sleep and PA showed lower risks of heart disease and stroke in trajectories with moderate or long sleep duration and high stable PA compared with short sleep duration and a low stable PA trajectory. CONCLUSIONS Short total sleep duration, high decreasing PA, and low stable PA trajectories could increase the risk of CVDs among middle-aged and older adults. Long-term moderate to long total sleep durations and high stable PA trajectories might be optimal for preventing CVDs.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories. Conclusion In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories. Conclusion In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories. Conclusion In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories. Conclusion In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories. Conclusion In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

ObjectiveTo construct a rat model of psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type）， and evaluate the macroscopic manifestations and microscopic indicators of the model. MethodsTwenty-two SD rats were divided into normal group （n=3）， common psoriasis group （n=5）， spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group （n=7）， and psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group （n=7）. The spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） rat model was established through 32-week exposure to an artificially simulated high-humidity environment， while the common psoriasis model was developed via 7-day topical application of imiquimod cream， and these two approaches were combined to construct a composite model of psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type）. Rats in the normal group were housed under normal humidity conditions. The general state， tongue manifestation of rats were observed to evaluate the macroscopic syndrome manifestations； the microscopic syndrome manifestations of rats were evaluated through adipose tissue and liver tissue changes； the severity of psoriasis in rats was evaluated through skin pathological changes， psoriasis area and severity index （PASI）， proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） expression and spleen tissue changes； changes in rat CD4⁺ interferon-γ⁺ cells （CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells）， CD4⁺ tumour necrosis factor-α+ cells （CD4⁺ TNF-α⁺ cells）， and forkhead framing protein P3⁺ regulatory T cells （CD3⁺CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ Treg cells） were detected by flow cytometry. ResultsMacroscopically， both the spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group and psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group exhibited manifestations of spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction， including lethargy， huddling behavior， dull and disheveled fur， as well as soft or loose stools and perianal soiling in some individuals； both these two groups displayed enlarged tongue， swollen， and moist tongue texture， accompanied by slippery tongue surface. Microscopically， compared to the common psoriasis group， the psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group showed increased epididymal fat index （P＜0.05）； compared to the normal group and spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group， the psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group demonstrated significantly elevated spleen mass （P＜0.05）， while hepatic gross morphology and HE staining revealed no significant histopathological changes across all groups. Dorsal skin lesions were markedly exacerbated in the psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group when compared to those in common psoriasis group. Both the common psoriasis group and psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group exhibited significantly higher erythema scores， scaling scores， infiltration scores， PASI total scores， and proportions of CD3⁺CD4⁺FoxP3⁺Treg cells compared to the normal group and spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group （P＜0.05）， with pronounced PCNA-positive expression observed in the epidermal basal layer and dermis； the psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group displayed significantly increased proportions of CD4⁺TNF-α⁺cells compared to the spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） group （P＜0.05）； whereas no significant differences were detected in CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺cell proportions among groups （P＞0.05）. ConclusionThe rat model of psoriasis with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome （external dampness type） can be successfully constructed by artificially simulating a high-humidity environment combined with imiquimod induction.