Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.

AIM: To prepare radix scutellariae microemulsion gel and investigate its therapeutic effect on chronic eczema based on the previous research of radix scutellariae self microemulsion. METHODS: The gel matrix and humectant were optimized by single factor method and response surface method to obtain the formula and preparation technique of the gel. The Franz diffusion cell method was used to evaluate the transdermal properties of microemulsion and microemulsion gel in vitro. By establishing a chronic eczema model in the mouse ear, the swelling degree, swelling inhibition rate, pathological changes and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin - 6 (IL-6) of radix scutellariae microemulsion gel were measured, to investigate the therapeutic effect on chronic eczema in mice. RESULTS: The physical and chemical properties of radix scutellariae microemulsion gel were stable. Compared with microemulsion, the microemulsion gel had better transdermal performance. The cumulative transdermal amount of baicalein and wogonin, the main components of microemulsion gel, was 1.85 times and 2.77 times of that of microemulsion respectively. Moreover, the steady flow rate and permeability coefficient of microemulsion gel significantly increased, and the lag time significantly shortened. Pharmacodynamic study showed that compared with the model group, the radix scutellariae microemulsion gel could significantly reduce the ear swelling of mice (P<0.05), and the serum inflammatory factor TNF - α, IL-1β and IL-6 reduced content by over 37%. Compared with the radix scutellaria aqueous extract and aqueous extract gel, the treatment of chronic eczema was better. CONCLUSION: The preparation process of radix scutellaria microemulsion gel is feasible, with strong transdermal property, and a significant therapeutic effect on chronic eczema.

Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and β-lactam allergens in the combination of the two may be mainly regulated by PLD1, PLA2G12A and CYP1A1. The three upstream signal target proteins mainly activate the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, promote the degranulation of mast cells, release downstream endogenous inflammatory mediators, and induce PARs.

In the field of dental aesthetics,digital aesthetic design plays a crucial role in helping dentists to predict treatment outcomes vis-ually,as well as in enhancing the consistency of knowledge and understanding of aesthetic goals between dentists and patients.It serves as the foundation for achieving ideal aesthetic effects.However,there is no clear standard for this digital process currently in China and abroad.Many dentists lack of systematic understanding of how to carry out digital aesthetic design for treatment.To establish standardized processes for dental aesthetic design and to improve the homogeneity of treatment outcomes,Chinese Society of Digital Dental Industry(CSD-DI)convened domestic experts in related field to compile this consensus.This article elaborates on the key aspects of digital aesthetic data collection,integration steps,and the digital aesthetic design process.It also formulates a decision tree for dental aesthetics at macro level and outlines corresponding workflows for various clinical scenarios,serving as a reference for clinicians.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of artemisinin derivative dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on anti-tumor immune function of CD8+T cells induced by non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods NSCLC A549 cells were divided into DMSO control group and DHA treatment group.A549 cells were treated with DMSO and DHA at different concentrations(25,50 and 100 μmol/L),and the optimal concentration of DHA was selected to treat A549 cells for 0,24,48 and 72 h according to half maximal inhibitory concentrate(IC50).CCK-8 method and colony formation test were used to detect the effect of DHA on the proliferation and colony formation ability of A549 cells.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of healthy individuals were isolated by density gradient centrifugation.After monocytes were removed by adhesion method,A549 cells pretreated with mitomycin C were co-cultured with PBMCs at 10:1 ratio.After 2 weeks,flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD8+T cells and the expression levels of perforin and granzyme B.Results Compared with the control group,the proliferation inhibition rates of A549 cells increased after treatment with 25,50 and 100 μmol/L DHA for 24 h(P<0.01).The IC50 of DHA on A549 cells was46.26 μmol/L.According to IC50 concentration analysis,the inhibi-tion rates of A549 cells treated with 50 μmol/L DHA for 0,24,48 and 72h were 1.53%,53.50%,63.84%and 69.91%,and the cells inhibition rates of A548 cells increased compared with the previous observation time point,namely 0,24 and 48 h(P<0.01).The colony formation assay showed that the colony formation number of A549 cells in DHA treated group decreased compared with the control group(P<0.01).Flow cytometry results showed that compared with the control group,the proportion of CD8+T cells induced by A549 cells in the co-culture system and the proportion of CD8+T cells expressing perforin and granzyme B were higher in DHA pretreatment group(P<0.01).Conclusion DHA inhibits the growth of NSCLC cells and promotes anti-tumor immune response of CD8+T cells induced by NSCLC cells.

AIM:To prepare radix scutellariae mi-croemulsion gel and investigate its therapeutic ef-fect on chronic eczema based on the previous re-search of radix scutellariae self microemulsion.METHODS:The gel matrix and humectant were op-timized by single factor method and response sur-face method to obtain the formula and preparation technique of the gel.The Franz diffusion cell meth-od was used to evaluate the transdermal proper-ties of microemulsion and microemulsion gel in vi-tro.By establishing a chronic eczema model in the mouse ear,the swelling degree,swelling inhibition rate,pathological changes and tumor necrosis fac-tor a(TNF-a),Interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)of radix scutellariae microemulsion gel were measured,to investigate the therapeutic ef-fect on chronic eczema in mice.RESULTS:The physi-cal and chemical properties of radix scutellariae mi-croemulsion gel were stable.Compared with micro-emulsion,the microemulsion gel had better trans-dermal performance.The cumulative transdermal amount of baicalein and wogonin,the main compo-nents of microemulsion gel,was 1.85 times and 2.77 times of that of microemulsion respectively.Moreover,the steady flow rate and permeability co-efficient of microemulsion gel significantly in-creased,and the lag time significantly shortened.Pharmacodynamic study showed that compared with the model group,the radix scutellariae micro-emulsion gel could significantly reduce the ear swelling of mice(P＜0.05),and the serum inflamma-tory factor TNF-a,IL-1β and IL-6 reduced content by over 37％.Compared with the radix scutellaria aqueous extract and aqueous extract gel,the treat-ment of chronic eczema was better.CONCLUSION:The preparation process of radix scutellaria micro-emulsion gel is feasible,with strong transdermal property,and a significant therapeutic effect on chronic eczema.

AIM:To prepare radix scutellariae mi-croemulsion gel and investigate its therapeutic ef-fect on chronic eczema based on the previous re-search of radix scutellariae self microemulsion.METHODS:The gel matrix and humectant were op-timized by single factor method and response sur-face method to obtain the formula and preparation technique of the gel.The Franz diffusion cell meth-od was used to evaluate the transdermal proper-ties of microemulsion and microemulsion gel in vi-tro.By establishing a chronic eczema model in the mouse ear,the swelling degree,swelling inhibition rate,pathological changes and tumor necrosis fac-tor a(TNF-a),Interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)of radix scutellariae microemulsion gel were measured,to investigate the therapeutic ef-fect on chronic eczema in mice.RESULTS:The physi-cal and chemical properties of radix scutellariae mi-croemulsion gel were stable.Compared with micro-emulsion,the microemulsion gel had better trans-dermal performance.The cumulative transdermal amount of baicalein and wogonin,the main compo-nents of microemulsion gel,was 1.85 times and 2.77 times of that of microemulsion respectively.Moreover,the steady flow rate and permeability co-efficient of microemulsion gel significantly in-creased,and the lag time significantly shortened.Pharmacodynamic study showed that compared with the model group,the radix scutellariae micro-emulsion gel could significantly reduce the ear swelling of mice(P＜0.05),and the serum inflamma-tory factor TNF-a,IL-1β and IL-6 reduced content by over 37％.Compared with the radix scutellaria aqueous extract and aqueous extract gel,the treat-ment of chronic eczema was better.CONCLUSION:The preparation process of radix scutellaria micro-emulsion gel is feasible,with strong transdermal property,and a significant therapeutic effect on chronic eczema.