Humans ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Graft vs Host Disease

Background Heavy metals may play an important role in environmental risk factors associated disorders of activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. Objective To investigate the associations between plasma levels of six heavy metals (zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese, and copper) and ADL disorders in older adults. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2018 to 2019 among 1412 rural elderly people in Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The plasma metal concentrations were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and subsequently classified into three groups (T1-T3) based on tertiles, with the T1 group as the reference. The samples were assessed for ADL disorders using the ADL scale. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model (RCS) were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the associations between heavy metals and the prevalence of reporting ADL disorders. Results The mean age of the study population was (68.52 ± 5.92) years, 825 (58.4%) female and 587 (41.6%) male. Of these, 372 (26.34%) subjects reported ADL disorders, and most of them were female (74.30%). The results of logistic regression showed that the participants in the cadmium T2 group (0.15-0.25 µg·L⁻¹) had a higher risk of ADL disorders compared to the T1 group (≤0.15 μg·L⁻¹) (OR=1.552, 95%CI: 1.086, 2.134). After stratification by sex, the relative risk of ADL disorders was lower in the plasma copper T3 group (>1019.58 µg·L⁻¹) compared to the T1 group (≤868.12 μg·L⁻¹) in men (OR=0.481, 95%CI: 0.232, 0.998). The relative risk of ADL disorders was higher in the plasma cadmium T2 group (0.15-0.25 µg·L⁻¹) compared to the T1 group (≤0.15 μg·L⁻¹) in women (OR=1.758, 95%CI: 1.182, 2.616). The RCS results showed that the risk of ADL disorders in men was nonlinearly associated with copper (P_nonlinear=0.011, P_overall<0.05). Conclusion High levels of cadmium are positively associated with the risk of reporting ADL disorders, while high levels of copper are negatively associated with the risk of reporting ADL disorders in men.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the processing technology of wine steamed Cnidii Fructus. METHODS The content of xanthotoxol, xanthotoxin, bergapten, isobergapten, imperatorin and osthole was used as the evaluation index. The response surface methodology combined with entropy weight method was used to investigate the adding amount of rice wine, the soaking time and the steaming time with aim to find the best processing technology. RESULTS The best processing technology for Cnidii Fructus with wine steaming was: adding 30 g of rice wine 4 mL for infiltrating 18.5 h, and steaming for 10 h. CONCLUSION The optimized wine steaming process is stable and feasible. The establishment of an HPLC analytical method for the determination of 6 components in wine steamed Cnidii Fructus is accurate and reliable, which can be used for the quality control of wine steamed Cnidii Fructus decoction pieces.

Referring to ZHANG Xichun's experience in treating dysentery from cold-fire accumulation， the treatment of ulcerative colitis （UC） in this paper can be divided into three stages including cold-fire accumulation stage， excessive heat and putrid intestine stage， and healthy qi deficiency and pathogen lingering stage. For people with slippery and excess pulse in the cold-fire accumulation stage， Xiaochengqi Decoction （小承气汤） added with Baishao （Radix Paeoniae Alba） and Gancao （Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae） can be used for purgation， while those with deficient pulse， Huazhi Decoction （化滞汤） or Xieli Decoction （燮理汤） can be used. In the excessive heat and putrid intestine stage， Tongbian Baitouweng Decoction （通变白头翁汤） and Jiedu Shenghua Elixir （解毒生化丹） are suggested. In the healthy qi deficiency and pathogen lingering stage， it is advised to use Jiedu Shenghua Elixir added with Shanyao （Rhizoma Dioscoreae）， and Sanbao Porridge （三宝粥）. Additionally， the medication rules， dosage and administration characteristics of Huanglian （Rhizoma Coptidis）-Rougui （Cortex Cinnamomi）， Yadanzi （Fructus Bruceae）， Diyu （Radix Sanguisorbae）， Shanyao and Liuhuang （Sulphur） by ZHANG Xichun have been summarized with the help of modern pharmacological research， so as to provide new ideas for the treatment of UC by TCM.

ObjectiveTo analyze the on-site technical evaluation results of the provincial-level health enterprises in Shandong Province. Methods A total of 88 provincial-level health enterprises in Shandong Province in 2021 were selected as the research subjects using the convenient sampling method. The scores of on-site technical assessments were analyzed. Results The total score of on-site technical evaluations for the 88 provincial health enterprises was (942.1±21.8) points. The scores for the first-level indicators, including management system, health environment, health management and services, and health culture, were (193.7±4.7), (191.6±5.2), (414.4±16.4), and (142.3±6.7) points, respectively. The score for health culture in large-sized enterprises was higher than that in medium-sized and below enterprises (P<0.05). State-owned enterprises had higher total scores than private enterprises and joint-stock enterprises (both P<0.05). The score for health management and services in the mining industry was higher than that in the manufacturing industry (P<0.05). Enterprises with high total investment in health promotion had higher scores for health culture than those with low investment (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores for indicators of management system and health environment among enterprises of different sizes, natures, industries, and total investments in health promotion (all P>0.05). Conclusion The overall score of these 88 enterprises was higher than the standard for provincial health enterprises. Except for management systems and general environment, there were some differences in the scores for health management and services, and health culture assessments among enterprises of different sizes, natures, industries, and total investments in health promotion.

Objective:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of compound wild chrysanthemum eye pad on blue light-induced alteration of meibomian gland function in mice and its mechanism.Methods:Sixty-four 15-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups of 32 mice each according to random numbers for the prevention test and the treatment test.The respective 32 mice in the prevention and treatment experiments were randomly divided into normal group, blue light group, solvent group and eye pad group according to random numbers, with eight mice in each group, respectively.In the prevention experiments, mice in each group were exposed to blue light at a wavelength of 460 nm and a light intensity of 2 000 lx for 6 hours per day for 15 consecutive days to establish a mouse model of meibomian gland function changes except for the normal group.The solvent group and the eye pad group were treated with the corresponding eye pad before and after the blue light exposure for 25 minutes daily for the 15 consecutive days.The blue light group was treated with blue light exposure only for 15 days, and the mice were photographed at the edge of the meibomian gland on day 15 to observe the function of the meibomian gland except for the normal group.In the treatment test, all groups of mice except the normal group were induced the altered function of the mouse meibomian gland by the above method.The solvent and eye pad groups were treated with corresponding eye pads for 25 minutes in the morning and afternoon of each day for 15 consecutive days after blue light exposure.The blue light group was kept in a standard environment for 15 days and the changes in meibomian gland function of mice were detected by meibomian gland photographs on day 15.Photography of the eyelid margin in vitro, oil red O staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining were performed to observe the histologic changes in the meibomian glands of mice after the preventive and experimental treatment.The relative expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA in mouse meibomian gland tissues was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of NF-κB (p-NF-κB) proteins in mice meibomian gland tissues was detected by Western blot to assess the degree of amelioration of blue light-induced inflammation in mouse meibomian glands by the compound wild chrysanthemum eye pad.This study was conducted in accordance with the Statement of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology on the Use of Animals in Ophthalmology and Vision Research, and was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Xiamen University (No.XMULAC20220258). Results:Compared with the normal group, a gradually increased number of blocked meibomian gland openings, and a gradually decreased remaining area of lower meibomian gland, were observed in the mice after 15 days of blue light group, and all the differences were statistically different (all at P<0.05). In the prevention test, the number of obstructed opening in the eye pad group was 1.833±0.753, which was significantly less than 3.667±1.033 in the solvent group ( P<0.05). The relative remaining area of the lower lid meibomian gland in the eye pad group was 0.718±0.091, which was significantly greater than 0.624±0.130 in the solvent group ( P<0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse meibomian gland in the blue light and solvent groups.There was no inflammatory cell infiltration in eye pad group, and the morphology of the acini was similar to that of the normal group.Oil red O staining showed that there was no significant lipid deposition in the groups.The relative expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ mRNA were significantly lower, and the relative expressions of NF-κB and p-NF-κB proteins were significantly lower in the eye pad group than in the solvent group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). In the treatment test, the number of obstructed openings in the eye pad group and solvent group was 4.333±1.211 and 4.833±1.722, respectively, and the relative remaining area of the lower meibomian gland was 0.572±0.151 and 0.588±0.154, respectively, showing no statistically significant differences (both at P>0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse meibomian glands in the blue light and solvent groups, with a similar morphology of acini as in the normal group.There was no inflammatory cell infiltration in eye pad group.Oil red O staining showed that there was no significant lipid deposition in the groups.The relative expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNA were significantly lower and the relative expressions of NF-κB and p-NF-κB proteins were significantly lower in the eye pad group than in the solvent group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Compound wild chrysanthemum eye pad may have preventive and therapeutic effects on blue light-induced changes in meibomian gland function by reducing the inflammatory response of meibomian gland tissue through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

AIM:To observe the effect of Pingwei capsule on the precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)cell model induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG),and to preliminarily explore its mecha-nism.METHODS:Blank serum and Pingwei capsule-containing serum were prepared for later use.A PLGC cell model was established by MNNG-induced human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line GES-1.To evaluate the model,cell morpho-logical changes were observed under inverted microscope,and the expression of proliferating cell-related antigen Ki67 was detected by immunofluorescence staining.CCK-8 assay was used to screen the optimal intervention concentration and time of serum containing drugs.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)content in cells was detected using a fluorescent probe DCFH-DA.Malondialdehyde(MDA)content was detected by ELISA,and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and gluta-thione peroxidase(GSH-Px)was detected using biochemical reagents.A novel fluorescent probe JC-10 was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential.The mRNA expression levels of Ki67 and melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7(MDA-7)were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of Ki67,interleukin-6(IL-6)and MDA-7 were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with normal group,the ROS and MDA levels in model group and blank serum group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the activity of SOD and GSH-Px was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The protein expression levels of Ki67 and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expression level of MDA-7 was significantly decreased(P<0.01).There were no significant differences of the above indicators between model group and blank serum group(P>0.05).Compared with blank serum group,the Pingwei capsule-containing serum group showed significantly decreased ROS and MDA levels(P<0.01),significantly increased activity of SOD and GSH-Px(P<0.05),significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.01),significantly decreased protein expres-sion levels of Ki67 and IL-6(P<0.01),and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of MDA-7(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Pingwei capsule can significantly alleviate MNNG-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory response,and regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes,thereby playing a role in prevention and treatment of PLGC.

AIM:To study whether glycyrrhizic acid(GL)can resist the ototoxicity of cisplatin(CDDP)in mice and its molecular mechanism.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 5 groups:control group,DMSO(5%)group,CDDP(4 mg/kg)group,CDDP+low-dose(50 mg/kg)GL group,and CDDP+high-dose(100 mg/kg)GL group(n=14).Auditory brainstem response(ABR)was used to detect hearing changes of mice.HE staining was used to observe the morphological change of cochlear stria vascular in mice.Evans blue(EB)staining was used to observe the per-meability change of the blood-labyrinth barrier(BLB).Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression and distribution of adhesion protein VE-cadherin and tight junction protein ZO-1 on the cochlear stria.ELISA assay and immunofluorescence technology were employed to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleu-kin-1β(1L-1β).RESULTS:In CDDP group,ABR waveforms of all frequencies were disturbed,the hearing threshold was significantly increased,and I wave latency was prolonged(P＜0.05).In CDDP+GL group,ABR waveforms of various frequencies were well differentiated,the hearing threshold was significantly decreased,and the latency of I-wave was shortened(P＜0.01).The disordered morphology and more vacuoles in the stria vascularis were observed by HE staining in CDDP group.The GL alleviated CDDP-induced damage in the stria vascularis.In EB staining,CDDP caused an increase in per-meability of BLB(P＜0.01),which was improved by GL treatment(P＜0.01).Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 in CDDP group were decreased(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).The ELISA and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was in-creased after CDDP treatment(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The GL alleviates CDDP-induced hearing loss in mice by inhibiting CDDP-induced inflammation and reducing the permeability of BLB.

Objective To observe the effects of Huatan Quyu Decoction on cognitive function and the expressions of GABA and VILIP-1 in brain tissue of rats with cerebral small vessel disease;To discuss its mechanism for treatment on cerebral small vessel disease.Methods Totally 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,a rat model of cerebral small vessel disease was prepared by in vitro injection of homologous microemboli.Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups were given Huatan Quyu Decoction 1.25 and 2.5 g/kg by gavage,the blank group and model group were gavage with equal amounts of distilled water for 28 consecutive days.Morris water maze experiment was conducted on day 1,7,14,and 28 after administration to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats,HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in hippocampal tissue,and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of GABA and VILIP-1 proteins in brain tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the escape latency of Morris water maze experiment in model group significantly prolonged(P<0.05),and the number of crossing platforms was significantly reduced(P<0.05);the arrangement of hippocampal tissue cells was disordered,gaps widen,and nuclei atrophy and necrosis,the GABA expression in brain tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the VILIP-1 expression significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the escape latency of Morris water maze experiment in the Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups significantly shortened(P<0.05)on day 7,14,and 28 of administration,and the number of crossing platforms significantly increased(P<0.05),GABA expression significantly increased(P<0.05),while VILIP-1 expression significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the Huatan Quyu Decoction low-dosage group,the escape latency of Morris water maze experiment in Huatan Quyu Decoction high-dosage group decreased at various time points,and the number of crossing platforms increase,the pathological damage of hippocampal tissue was reduced,the expression of GABA in brain tissue increased,and the expression of VILIP-1 decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Huatan Quyu Decoction can increase the expression of GABA in brain tissue and inhibit the expression of VILIP-1,thereby improve the cognitive function of rats with cerebrovascular disease.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 CD patients who underwent surgical resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2014 and June 2023. Clinical presentations and histopathological features were assessed. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 17 of the samples, followed by sequencing and pathway enrichment analyses. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of frequently mutated genes.Results:Among the 52 patients, 34 were males and 18 were females, male-to-female ratio was 1.9∶1.0, with a median age of 45 years at surgery and 35 years at diagnosis. According to the Montreal classification, A3 (51.9%,27/52), B2 (61.5%, 32/52), and L3 (50.0%,26/52) subtypes were the most predominant. Abdominal pain and diarrhea were the common symptoms. Histopathological features seen in all 52 patients included transmural inflammation, disruption of cryptal architecture, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, varying degrees of submucosal fibrosis and thickening, increased enteric nerve fibers and neuronal proliferation. Mucosal defects, fissure ulcers, abscesses, pseudopolyps, and adenomatous proliferation were also observed in 51 (98.1%), 38 (73.1%), 28 (53.8%), 45 (86.5%), and 28 (53.8%) cases, respectively. Thirty-one (59.6%) cases had non-caseating granulomas, and 3 (5.8%) cases had intestinal mucosal glandular epithelial dysplasia. Molecular analysis showed that 12/17 CD patients exhibited mutations in at least one mucin family gene (MUC2, MUC3A, MUC4, MUC6, MUC12, MUC17), and MUC4 was the most frequently mutated in 7/17 of cases. Immunohistochemical stains showed reduced MUC4 expression in epithelial cells, with increased MUC4 expression in the epithelial surface, particularly around areas of inflammatory cell aggregation; and minimal expression in the lower half of the epithelium.Conclusions:CD exhibits diverse clinical and pathological features, necessitating a comprehensive multidimensional analysis for diagnosis. Mutations and expression alterations in mucin family genes, particularly MUC4, may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of CD.