ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

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.

BACKGROUND:The results of in vivo and in vitro studies showed that catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa can significantly reduce the level of inflammatory indexes in the synovial tissue of rats with knee osteoarthritis,and meanwhile,it can delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis.But whether catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa affects chondrocyte senescence and then delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate investigate whether catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa could regulate ATDC5 chondrocyte senescence and the possible mechanisms. METHODS:ATDC5 chondrocytes were divided into blank group(0.1%bovine serum albumin),model group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin),low-dose catalpol group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin+20 μmol/L catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa)and high-dose catalpol group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin+80 μmol/L catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa).Adriamycin-induced ATDC5 chondrocyte senescence model was constructed,and the corresponding treatments were given according to the above groups.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the effects of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa on ATDC5 chondrocyte viability,and to screen the optimal concentration of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa.The senescence of ATDC5 chondrocytes in each group was detected by β-galactosidase staining after the corresponding treatments.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of P21,P53,type II collagen,matrix metalloproteinase 13,and interleukin-6.Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the expression of P21,P53 and type II collagen.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:ATDC5 chondrocytes were identified to be successfully induced and senescence model was induced.Catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa at the concentrations of 0,20,40,and 80 μmol/L showed no significant effects on the cell viability,suggesting that catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa is non-cytotoxic and can be used safely(P>0.05);when the concentration was≥100 μmol/L,the cell viability was reduced,suggesting that there may be cytotoxic.Therefore,80 μmol/L was chosen as the high dose for subsequent experiments in this study.The percentage of positive cells in the model group was(86.93±2.18)%,which was significantly higher than that in the blank group[(17.32±0.72)%;P<0.05].Compared with the model group,the percentage of positive cells was significantly lower in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups[(57.28±1.73)%and(27.18±0.97)%,respectively;both P<0.05].Compared with the model group,the relative expression of P21,P53,matrix metalloproteinase 13,and interleukin-6 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly downregulated in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,while the relative expression of type II collagen at mRNA and protein levels was significantly upregulated in both groups(P<0.05),especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensities of P21 and P53 were significantly weakened in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,while the fluorescence intensity of type II collagen was significantly enhanced in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups(P<0.05),especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis detected by Annexin V/PI method showed that there was no significant difference between the model group and the blank group(P>0.05);compared with the model group,the apoptotic index was significantly elevated in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).To conclude,catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa can slow the progression of osteoarthritis by promoting apoptosis of senescent ATDC5 chondrocytes,further removing senescent ATDC5 chondrocytes,and decreasing the senescence-associated phenotypes.

To investigate the risk factors for early relapse after curative resection of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) and construct a visual predictive model.

Objective:To explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy between social support and fear of dementia among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 271 middle-aged and elderly people from 5 rural villages in Hunan Province were selected as research objects by the convenient sampling method from January to March 2023. A questionnaire survey was conducted using General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (GSES), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Fear of Dementia Scale (FODS). Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between self-efficacy, social support, and dementia fear of dementia among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. The mediation effect was tested using the SPSS macro program Process 4.1.Results:A total of 280 questionnaires were sent out, and 271 were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 96.79% (271/280). The scores of GSES, SSRS, and FODS of 271 middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas were (22.86±6.94), (38.88±8.66) and (55.79±13.88), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that social support was positively correlated with self-efficacy ( r=0.571, P<0.01), while fear of dementia was negatively correlated with social support and self-efficacy ( r=-0.368, -0.338; both P<0.01). Self-efficacy partially mediated between social support and fear of dementia, and the mediating effect was -0.111, accounting for 32.17% of the total effect. Conclusions:Self-efficacy partially mediates between social support and fear of dementia. Medical staff should pay attention to the improvement of self-efficacy of rural middle-aged and elderly people, provide continuous social support, and reduce the level of fear of dementia.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Sanjie Quban recipe in a keloid nude mice model and its impact on transforming growth factor-β 1(TGF-β1).Methods Keloid tissue after surgical resection was subcutaneously transplanted into the backs of healthy SPF BALB/C female nude mice,aged 6～8 weeks,and a keloid nude mice model was thus established.The mice were randomly divided into three groups,the Sanjie Quban recipe group,the Asiaticoside tablet group and the control gnup,with five in each group.They were respectively treated with Sanjie Quban recipe,Asiaticoside tablets,or sterile pure water.After 28 days of continuous gavage,the keloid tissue was exfoliated and weighed,and HE staining,Masson staining,and immunohistochemical staining for TGF-β1 were conducted.Differences in keloid weight between the three groups before and after treatment were compared,as were the differences in collagen fiber,fibroblast numbers,and TGF-β1 expression between the three groups after treatment.Results The difference in keloid weight before and after treatment in the Asiaticoside tablet group was greater than that of the control group,and the weight difference before and after treatment keloid treatment was the largest in the Sanjie Quban recipe group(P＜0.01).Compared with the control group,collagen fibers in the Sanjie Quban recipe group were looser and less numerous,and fibroblasts were decreased in number.The expression of TGF-β1 in the Sanjie Quban recipe group was decreased compared with that of the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusions Sanjie Quban recipe has certain therapeutic effects on keloids.The mechanism may involve reducing the expression of TGF-βl in keloid tissue and thereby reducing the proliferation of fibroblasts and the synthesis of extracellular matrix.This study provides experimental and theoretical bases for the clinical treatment of keloids with Chinese medicine.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, heterogeneous inflammatory disease with high prevalence and mortality rate. Although current treatments can relieve symptoms, they cannot prevent further decline in lung function. With the development of stem cell therapy, mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles have received widespread attention for their anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, tissue regeneration and repair functions, aging, and other applications in the treatment of lung diseases. This article reviews the role and clinical application prospects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its complications.

Mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high(dMMR/MSI-H)gastric cancer represents a distinct molecular subtype of tumors characterized by pronounced sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)attributed to its unique immune microenvironment and elevated mutation burden.Various clinical studies underscore the efficacy of ICIs in treating dMMR/MSI-H gastric cancer;however,chal-lenges such as primary and acquired resistance persist.Overcoming resistance and identifying optimal ICIs for its treatment remain critical clinical issues.This review delineates the mechanisms of ICIs,recent advances in their therapeutic application for dMMR/MSI-H gastric can-cer,and ongoing challenges in combating resistance,aiming to guide clinical practice effectively.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of music therapy on patients with post-stroke aphasia.Methods Randomized controlled trials of music therapy for patients with post-stroke aphasia were systematically searched from 9 databases,such as CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,etc.The search time was from the inception of databases to July 2023.The literature was screened and extracted by 2 researchers according to the inclusion criteria,and the quality of the literature was assessed using Cochrane Manual 5.1.0.Revman 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.Results We selected 22 studies comprising 827 participants comparing with control conditions.The meta-analysis demonstrated that music therapy significantly improved spontaneous speech[SMD=0.60,95％CI(0.40～0.80),P＜0.01],listening comprehension[SMD=0.49,95％CI(0.32～0.67),P＜0.0 1],repetition[SMD=0.77,95％CI(0.60～0.94),P＜0.01],naming[SMD=0.54,95％CI(0.29～0.78),P＜0.01],communication ability[SMD=0.40,95％CI(0.02～0.78),P＜0.01],depression[SMD=-0.75,95％CI(-1.10～-0.40),P＜0.01],but had no significant effect on the severity of aphasia[SMD=0.82,95％CI(-0.26,1.90),P=0.14].Conclusion Music therapy significantly improved language expres-sion and understanding ability,but there was no clear evidence for the improvement of aphasia severity.