ObjectiveTo observe the mechanism of Guihuang formula in regulating the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome and inhibiting pyroptosis in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis. Methods（1） In an animal experiment， 50 Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， and low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， the type Ⅲ prostatitis rat model was prepared for the other four groups.After the modeling was successful， the blank group and the model group were given normal saline intragastrically， and the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula were given intragastrically with Guihuang formula （4.9， 9.8， 19.6 g·kg^-1）. After 30 days of intragastrical administration， samples were taken for detection. Inflammatory cell infiltration in prostate tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Serum malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） levels were determined by biochemistry. NLRP3 expression in prostate tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry， and the expression of NLRP3， cysteine-aspartic acid protease-1 （Caspase-1）， and gasdermin D （GSDMD） in prostate tissue was measured by Western blot. （2） In a cell experiment， human normal prostate epithelial cells （RWPE-1 cells） were divided into a blank group， a model group， a Guihuang formula group， and an NLRP3 inhibitor group （MCC950 group）. Except for the blank group， the other three groups were stimulated by 100 μg·L^-1 lipopolysaccharide （LPS） for 4 h and 5 mol·L^-1 adenosine triphosphate （ATP） for 30 min to prepare the pyroptosis model. After successful modeling， blank serum was given to the blank group and the model group. 6.25 μg·mL^-1 Guihuang formula drug-containing serum was added to the Guihuang formula group， and MCC950 was added to the MCC950 group on the basis of the model group. Propidium iodide （PI） uptake and Caspase-1 expression were detected by flow cytometry， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） level in the cell supernatant was measured by biochemistry. Interleukin （IL）-1β and IL-18 levels of the cell supernatant were determined by ELISA， and the expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD was detected in Western blot. Results（1） For the animal experiment， compared with the blank group， the model group showed significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in prostate tissue， while the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed reduced infiltration of acinar inflammatory cells， reduced degree of glandular epithelial degeneration and interstitial edema， and significantly reduced degree of damage. Compared with those in the blank group， the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significant decrease in serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the blank group， the serum MDA level in the model group significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the MDA level in the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the blank group， the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in the serum of the model group significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significantly increase in SOD （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significantly increase in GSH-Px （P<0.05）. Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had high expression of NLRP3 molecule in prostate tissue. The expression of NLRP3 in the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula was significantly lower than that in the model group. Compared with those in the blank group， the expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD proteins in the prostate tissue of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD proteins in the low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula were significantly inhibited （P<0.01）. （2） For the cell experiment， compared with that in the blank group， the PI uptake rate of RWPE-1 cells in the model group significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the PI uptake rate of the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the blank group， the expression of Caspase-1 in the model group was significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the Caspase-1 in the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed an increase in LDH release （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group showed a significantly decrease in LDH release （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the blank group， the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group showed a significantly decrease in the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the blank group， the expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD proteins significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the protein expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were significantly reduced in the Guihuang formula group and inhibitor group （P<0.01）. ConclusionGuihuang formula can inhibit the activation of Caspase-1， prevent GSDMD cleavation and lysis， and inhibit cell pyrodeath in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system, and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord manifests abnormal dilatation, extension, and circuity, which is a vasculopathy. In this article, we believe that the relevance of the essence chamber collaterals to the spermatic vein in terms of anatomical morphology and physiological function is high and that when pathogenic qi invades the essence chamber, the qi and collaterals of the essence chamber are out of harmony, the fluid collaterals are impassable, and the blood collaterals are obstrcuted, and the essence chamber collaterals are blockaded with several pathological products, and even intermingled phlegm and blood stasis in the blood collaterals and form vascular clusters, resulting in the formation and development of varicocele. Based on this, this article proposes the core treatment principle of healing, harmonizing, activating, and dredging the collaterals, with the basic treatment method of nourishing qi and harmonizing collaterals, activating blood collaterals, and dredging blood stasis to, respectively treat degree Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ varicocele, aiming to prevent the change of the varicocele, dredge the curvature of the varicocele, and dissipate the knots of the varicocele. The proposal of essence chamber collaterals is of great significance to understanding the common law and pathological aspects of the occurrence and development of essence collateral and vascular lesions from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and hormonal changes in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-suppressed and non-suppressed subclinical Cushing′s syndrome(SCS), to evaluate the influencing factors of ACTH suppression, and to assess the diagnostic efficiency of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels in distinguishing these two groups of SCS patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with SCS in the Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical College, between June 2014 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 194 cases were included. According to morning(8: 00 AM) plasma ACTH levels, patients were divided into an ACTH-suppressed group(ACTH<2.2 pmol/L) and a non-suppressed group(ACTH≥2.2 pmol/L). Additionally, 194 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched patients with non-functional adrenal tumors(NFA) were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics and hormone levels were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing ACTH suppression in SCS patients. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum DHEAS levels in distinguishing ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, or bone metabolism disorders between the ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed groups. The serum cortisol level after the 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test(DST) was significantly lower in the ACTH non-suppressed group than that in the suppressed group, while the serum DHEAS level was significantly higher in the non-suppressed group(both P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUCs) of serum DHEAS for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients and ACTH-suppressed SCS patients was 0.779(95% CI 0.721-0.837) and 0.874(95% CI 0.831-0.918), respectively. Using a serum DHEAS cutoff of 60.0 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients were 66.7% and 76.1%, respectively, while for ACTH-suppressed SCS patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusion:There were no significant differences in metabolic characteristics between ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Serum cortisol level after 1 mg-DST is an independent influencing factor for ACTH suppression status. Low serum DHEAS level serves as a sensitive diagnostic marker for SCS and also demonstrates diagnostic value in ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of Qi stagnation on inhibitory control function and its neuroelectrophysiological mechanism in college students.Methods The population of peace and Qi depression was screened from college students through the scale of"Classification and Judgment Criteria of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution",and 35 subjects were included in each group.Combined with event-related potential technology,the two groups were collected to complete the Flanker paradigm behavioral indicators(accuracy,response time)and EEG data indicators(amplitude and latency of N2 and P3 components),and the behavioral differences and neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms between the two groups under the Flanker paradigm were explored.Results Compared with the flat group,the reaction time of the gas depression group was longer(P=0.07).Compared with the consistent dondition,the reaction time was longer under the inconsistent condition(P<0.001),and the accuracy rate was lower under the inconsistent condition significantly(P<0.001).Compared with the peaceful group,the N2 amplitude of the air depression group was higher(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the main effect of brain regions in the N2 latency period(P<0.001).Frontal lobe zero(Fz)in frontal region was greater than Frontal lobe central zero(FCz)in frontal region and greater than Central zero(Cz)in central region(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the main effect of brain region(P<0.001).FCz in the frontal central region was significantly greater than that in the frontal region Fz(P<0.001),and the difference was statistically significant in the central region Cz was significantly greater than that in the frontal region(P<0.001).The incubation period of P3 component was significantly smaller than that of inconsistent stimulation(P<0.001).Conclusion Qi stagnation has a negative effect on the inhibitory control function of college students,and the decline of conflict monitoring and control ability is one of the possible mechanisms.

Objective:To investigate the effect of p38MAPK signaling pathway mediating progesterone regulation on IL-8 protein secretion by decidual stromal cells(DSCs)on early spontaneous miscarriage.Methods:IHC and Western blot were applied to detect protein expressions of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in decidual tissues of miscarriage group and control group.Human DSCs in early pregnancy were isolated in vitro and cultured to be treated with different concentrations of progesterone(0.01 μmol/L,0.1 μmol/L,1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L),with ELISA measuring IL-8 protein secretion from DSCs and Western blot measuring protein expressions of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in DSCs.After treatment with p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580,IL-8 protein secretion was detected by ELISA in progesterone+inhibitor group,progesterone group and control group.Results:Protein expression of p-p38MAPK in decidual tissues of miscarriage group was significantly higher than that of control group(P=0.002 3).Protein secretion of IL-8 in DSCs of 0.01 μmol/L progesterone group was lower than that of control group(P=0.027 6),protein expression of p-p38MAPK in DSCs of 0.1 μmol/L proges-terone group was lower than that of control group(P=0.025 3),IL-8 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group(P=0.007 0),and protein expressions of both IL-8 and p-p38MAPK from DSCs in 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L progesterone groups were significantly lower than those in control group(P=0.003 2,P=0.001 9;P=0.002 2,P=0.001 3).IL-8 protein secretion in proges-terone+p38MAPK inhibitor group was further reduced compared to progesterone group(P=0.046 6).Conclusion:Abnormal activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway is involved in early spontaneous miscarriage,and progesterone may down-regulate IL-8 expression in DSCs by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation to correct early spontaneous miscarriage caused by Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance.

Based on the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) from the meridian-zangfu relationship and the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis, it proposes that dysfunction of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis is closely related to the occurrence of ED. Among these, brain-heart disharmony is the key pathogenic factor, kidney deficiency and essence depletion constitute an important basis, and essence chamber stasis is a critical mechanism. The treatment approach emphasizes harmonizing the brain and heart, regulating the mind, tonifying the kidney and replenishing qi, unblocking qi and blood to harmonize the essence chamber. The primary acupoints include Baihui (GV20)-Neiguan (PC6)-Shenmen (HT7), Taixi (KI3)-Guanyuan (CV4)-Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zhongji (CV3)-Dahe (KI12)-Gongsun (SP4), with additional acupoints selected based on syndrome differentiation. This approach aims to restore the clarity of the brain and heart, replenish kidney qi, and unblock the essence chamber, thereby facilitating the restoration of normal functions of the brain, heart, kidney, and essence chamber, and alleviating ED symptoms and improving overall clinical efficacy.
Humans ; Male ; Meridians ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Heart/physiopathology*

In recent years, potato scab caused by Streptomyces scabies is aggravating year by year, becoming an industrial problem urgently to be resolved. Screening antagonistic bacteria with good inhibitory effect and wide adaptability is the main measure to realize effective prevention and control of the disease. This study screened three strains of antagonistic bacteria DXT2-4, T2-1 and 21-14 with good inhibitory effect on S. scabies by using plate standoff test, and identified them as Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus safensis and Bacillus pumilus, respectively, based on morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical properties, and 16S rRNA gene sequences. DXT2-4, T2-1 and 21-14 showed the pot control efficacy of 68.83%, 48.57%, and 57.14%, respectively. The field control efficacy of the three strains was 59.48%, 34.58% and 51.75% in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and 55.14%, 36.05%, and 49.05% in Huizhou, Guangdong. The three strains could grow normally in the media with pH 1.0-13.0 and with 1%-11% NaCl, and they had inhibitory effects on Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillium dahliae, Alternaria solani, and Fusarium oxysporum. The indole-3-acetic acid yields of DXT2-4, T2-1, and 21-14 were 2.23, 1.11, and 1.67 mg/L, respectively. DXT2-4 and 21-14 demonstrated strong abilities to solubilize phosphorus. The optimal carbon source, nitrogen source, and inorganic salt for fermentation of strain DXT2-4 were 2% molasses+2% corn starch, 2% soybean meal, and 0.3% MgSO₄·7H₂O, respectively. These findings suggest the three strains of bacteria can efficiently inhibit the growth of S. scabies and have strong environmental adaptability. Particularly, DXT2-4 has the best effects of inhibiting the disease and promoting plant growth, showing a high development value and broad application prospects, this is of great significance for promoting sustainable potato production and ensuring the environmentally sound utilization of resources.
Streptomyces/metabolism* ; Fermentation ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Solanum tuberosum/growth & development* ; Bacillus/growth & development* ; Antibiosis

Objective To clarify the evidence of the frequency and risk factors for falls in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)of adults by meta-analysis.Methods Computerized searches of the CNKI,VIP,Wanfang data,CBM,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science were conducted for literature on risk factors for falls in adults with KOA from the inception of the databases to August 2024.After literature screening,data extraction,and quality evaluation,RevMan 5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.Results A total of 26 articles were involved.Meta-analysis result showed that the rate of falls was 29.0％.Factors associated with increased risk of falls included being female(OR=1.35),decreased lower limb muscle strength(OR=1.72),decreased knee flexion muscle strength(OR=7.05),decreased static posture stability(OR=1.28),opioid use(OR=1.79),antidepressant use(OR=1.69),frequent stair climbing(OR=7.58),combined neurological disease(OR=1.77),history of falls(OR=3.29)and fear of falling(OR=2.54).Conclusion The rate of falls of patients with KOA is high.The adults with KOA who are women,have lower muscle strength of lower limbs and knee flexion muscle strength,poorer static posture stability,use opioids,antidepressant,frequent stair climbing,combined neurological disorders,previous falls in the past year and fear of falls are at higher risk of falls.Healthcare professionals should dynamically assess and detect the risk of falls in the patients with KOA and adopt targeted,individualized interventions to prevent falls.

Objective:To investigate the influence of prealbumin on cerebral infarction severity, hemorrhage transformation and 1-year prognosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to select 752 patients with cerebral infarction who were treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from December 2018 to December 2019 as the study objects. Personal information and laboratory indicators of the patients were collected including prealbumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, etc.Patients were divided into group B1 (<238 mg/L) and group B2 (≥238 mg/L) based on median prealbumin. By inquiry patient's case, NIHSS score (<16 was classified as mild, ≥16 as moderate and severe)and cerebral infarction volume (<20 cm 3 as small infarct, >20 cm 3 as large infarct) were recorded to evaluate the severity of the disease, and whether hemorrhage transformation occurred during hospitalization was recorded. Patients were followed up 1 year after discharge, and prognostic information of patients was recorded, including neurological function recovery (mRS score <3 was classified as good recovery, ≥3 as poor recovery),all-cause case fatality rate, and recurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ±s, non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as median and quartiles[ M( Q1, Q3)], categorical variable were expressed as ratio and percent(%). Comparison between groups of measurement data were performed by independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Chi-square test were used on comparison between groups of categorical variable. Single-factor comparison, Spearman correlation analysis and multiple Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between prealbumin and other laboratory indicators, cerebral infarction severity, hemorrhage transformation and 1-year prognosis, respectively. Results:The NIHSS score and infarct volume of patients in group B1 were 5(2,10) and 3.18(0.72,18.00) cm 3, and those in group B2 were 3(2,7) and 2.0(0.5,10.0) cm 3, respectively, which were higher in group B1 than in group B2, the differences were statistically significant ( Z=3.85, P<0.001, Z=2.81, P=0.005). The proportion of mRS Score ≥3 in group B1 was 28.8%(107/371), and the all-cause case fatality rate was 7.5%(28/371), both higher than 20.5%(78/381) and 3.1%(12/381) in group B2, with statistical significance ( χ2=7.10, P=0.008, χ2=7.22, P=0.007). Hemorrhage transformation and recurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events were 13.5%(50/371) and 11.6%(43/371) in group B1 and 9.2% (35/381) and 8.7%(33/381) in group B2, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=3.45, P=0.063, χ2=1.78, P=0.183). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusted for potential confounding factors, prealbumin was protective factor of NIHSS ( OR and 95% CI: 0.990(0.984-0.997), P=0.035), poor neurological recovery(mRS≥3) ( OR and 95% CI:0.992(0.988-0.997), P<0.001) and all-cause case fatality rate ( OR and 95% CI:0.991(0.983-0.999), while prealbumin had no significant influence on cardiocerebrovascular recurrence events ( OR and 95% CI: 0.999(0.993-1.005), P=0.729). Conclusion:Prealbumin is significantly associated with the severity of cerebral infarction and poor prognosis 1 year after discharge, and low prealbumin was an independent risk factor for NIHSS score(≥16), poor neurological recovery (mRS≥3) and all-cause case fatality rate.

Objectives:To explore the effects of infarct volume, infarct type, inflammation, and coagulation indicators on hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods:711 patients with cerebral infarction admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital were retrospectively included as the study objects from December 2018 to December 2019 [535 males and 176 females, age 22-95 years, mean age (59.6±12.1) years]. Clinical data, laboratory indicators such as inflammation and coagulation function of patients were collected, and information such as location, volume and type of infarction were recorded. The patients were divided into hemorrhage transformation group and non-hemorrhage transformation group according to whether hemorrhage transformation occurred during hospitalization. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ± s, non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as median and quartiles [ M( Q1, Q3)], categorical variable were expressed as ratio and percent (%). Comparison between groups of measurement data were performed by independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. χ2 test were used on comparison between groups of categorical variable. Univariate comparison and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between hemorrhage transformation and infarct volume, infarction type and laboratory indicators, respectively, to explore the risk factors of hemorrhage transformation. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of indicators. Results:The rates of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation history in the hemorrhage transformation group were 23.5% (20/85) and 22.4% (19/85), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the non-hemorrhage transformation group (13.9% (87/626) and 5.8% (36/626), respectively), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=5.43, χ2=28.90, P=0.020, P<0.001, respectively). The NIHSS score [10(4,17) points] and infarct volume [46.50 (14.21,118.42) mL] in the hemorrhage transformation group were significantly higher than those in the non-hemorrhage transformation group [4(2,7) points, 2.00(0.51,8.94) mL]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z values were 6.69 and 10.69, respectively, P<0.001). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that atrial fibrillation (OR=2.604, 95% CI: 1.186-5.716, P=0.107), infarct volume (OR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.004-1.015, P=0.001), infarct type of Chinese ischemic stroke subclassfication (OR=1.371, 95% CI: 1.085-1.731, P=0.008) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR=1.047, 95% CI: 1.006-1.090, P=0.023) were independent risk factors for hemorrhage transformation. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of infarct volume and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were 0.861 (0.821-0.901) and 0.684 (0.626-0.741), respectively, which were effective in predicting hemorrhage transformation after cerebral infarction. The prediction of infarct volume was more efficient. Conclusion:History of atrial fibrillation, classification of cardioembolic stroke, infarct volume, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are all risk factors for hemorrhagic transformation after acute cerebral infarction.