ObjectiveTo clarify the repair effect of Mume Fructus on the intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier in the mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） and explore the repair mechanism. MethodsThirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into six groups： normal， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose （200， 400， and 800 mg·kg^-1） Mume Fructus， and sulfasalazine （300 mg·kg^-1）. Except the normal group， the rest groups had free access to 2% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） solution for seven days to establish the IBD model， followed by a seven-day drug intervention. The body weight change and disease activity index （DAI） were recorded. After the last administration， spleen and colon tissue samples were collected to analyze the differences in colon length and spleen index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of the colon tissue. The level of diamine oxidase （DAO） in the serum was measured by the DAO assay kit. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression of tight junction proteins such as Claudin-1， Occludin， and zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） in the colon tissue. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in the colon tissue. Finally， Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase （MEK）， extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）， phosphorylated （p）-MEK， and phosphorylated ERK in the colon tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited decreases in body weight and colon length （P<0.01）， increases in DAI， spleen index， and serum DAO level （P<0.01）， damaged colonic epithelium and goblet cells， and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition， the model group exhibited higher positive expression of Claudin-1， Occludin， and ZO-1 （P<0.01）， higher mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β （P<0.01）， and higher protein levels of p-MEK and p-ERK （P<0.05， P<0.01） than the normal group. However， sulfasalazine and three doses of Mume Fructus markedly decreased the body weight and DAI （P<0.05）， recovered the colon length and spleen index， alleviated colon tissue damage， lowered the level of DAO in the serum （P<0.01）， and down-regulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β （P<0.01） and the protein levels of p-MEK and p-ERK （P<0.05）. Sulfasalazine and low- and medium-dose Mume Fructus increased the positive expression of Occludin， Claudin-1， and ZO-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， high-dose Mume Fructus elevated the protein expression of Occludin （P<0.05）. ConclusionMume Fructus can restore the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins by inhibiting the phosphorylation of proteins in the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and down-regulating the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β， thus repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier in the mouse model of IBD.

ObjectiveTo explore the evolution of medication patterns and syndrome-herb associations of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in treating inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）， providing a theoretical foundation for precise syndrome differentiation and treatment in clinical practice. MethodsMedical case literature on TCM treatment of IBD from 1960 to 2024 was retrieved to establish a database. Frequency statistics， cluster analysis， change point detection， and association rule mining were employed to comprehensively analyze the syndrome distribution， therapeutic methods， medication patterns， and their temporal variations. ResultsA total of 685 medical cases were included. Common syndromes were dampness-heat （66.42%） and spleen deficiency （56.20%）. Primary therapeutic methods included heat clearing （63.65%）， spleen invigorating （47.45%）， and dampness draining （36.79%）. High-frequency herbs included Coptidis Rhizoma （354）， Paeoniae Radix Alba （303）， Aucklandiae Radix （292）， Codonopsis Radix （253）， and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （244）. Initial prescription clustering revealed three core therapeutic method combinations： heat clearing and detoxifying （represented by Baitouweng Tang）， spleen invigorating and Qi reinforcing （represented by Shenling Baizhusan）， and cold-heat regulation （represented by Wumeiwan combined with Shaoyao tang）. Temporal analysis identified 2008 as a key transition point in TCM treatment of IBD， with significantly increased usage frequency of heat-clearing and dampness-drying herbs such as Fraxini Cortex， Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex， Sophorae Flavescentis Radix， and Scutellariae Radix as well as hemostatic herbs such as carbonized Sanguisorbae Radix， Bletillae Rhizoma， Agrimoniae Herba， and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. Follow-up efficacy analysis showed median improvement rates of 64.0% at the first follow-up， 76.0% at the second follow-up， and 78.7% at the third follow-up. Syndrome-drug association analysis revealed specific herb pairs with significant therapeutic advantages， including Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma + Coicis Semen， Sanguisorbae Radix + Coptidis Rhizoma， and Codonopsis Radix + Aconii Lateralis Radix Praeparaia. ConclusionTCM medication patterns for treating IBD demonstrate distinct temporal evolution characteristics， with significantly increased usage frequency of herbs such as Fraxini Cortex， Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma， and Agrimoniae Herba. Significant therapeutic method-herb associations and syndrome-herb association patterns exist， with the formation of specific herb pairs， providing evidence-based support for precise syndrome differentiation and treatment of IBD.

Objective To retrospectively analyze of factors influencing early preterm birth(EPB)and late preterm birth(LPB)in pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta spectrum disorders(PAS),and assess maternal and infant outcomes.Methods We included 590 cases of pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by PAS who underwent cesarean sections at five hospitals in Wuhan and Xianning cities between January 2018 and June 2021.These patients were divided into three groups based on delivery gesta-tional age:EPB,LPB,and term birth(TB).A multiple logistic regression model was employed to analyze the risk factors associated with EPB and LPB.Additionally,differences in early maternal and infant outcomes among these groups were examined.Results Among 590 pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by PAS,the proportions of EPB and LPB were 9.7%and 54.4%.The use of uterine contraction inhibitors prior to cesarean section,vaginal bleeding,and previous cesarean sections history were identified as risk factors for both EPB and LPB.The proportion of severe postpartum hemorrhage was comparable between the EPB group and the LPB group;however,the incidence of neonatal asphyxia,low birth weight infants,and the rate of newborns transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)within 24 hours after cesarean delivery were significantly higher in the EPB group compared to the LPB group.Conclusions Placenta previa complicated by PAS predominantly leads to LPB.The history of prior cesarean sections,uterine contractions,and vaginal bleeding prior to cesarean section,are sig-nificantly associated with both EPB and LPB.During the perinatal period,efforts should be made to extend gesta-tional weeks under close monitoring to minimize the incidence of premature births and thereby improve early mater-nal and infant outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the impact of short-term exposure to atmospheric pollutants on the number of acute stroke daily admissions in Taiyuan, China.Methods:The case data of patients with stroke from three large hospitals in different regions of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were collected. The daily average concentrations of atmospheric pollutants and meteorological data in Taiyuan during the same period were collected. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between meteorological factors and atmospheric pollutants, and a generalized additive model (GAM) based on time series research and analysis was used to investigate the impact and lag effect of air pollutants on the number of stroke daily admissions. Stratified analysis was performed based on different genders and ages (≤64 years, 65-74 years, and ≥75 years).Results:Between 2018 and 2019, a total of 4 921 patients with acute stroke were collected from three large hospitals, with a daily average of 6.74 stroke admissions. Among them, 4 310 patients (87.6%) had ischemic stroke, 521 (10.6%) had cerebral hemorrhage, and 90 (1.8%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage. GAM analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between short-term exposure to PM 2.5, PM 10, and SO 2 and the number of stroke daily admissions. All three had a significant impact on the number of stroke daily admissions on the day of onset and 3 days later. The maximum effect value was reached on the day of onset, and when the average concentrations of PM 2.5, PM 10, and SO 2 increase by 10 μg/m 3, the number of stroke daily admissions increased by 1.48% (95% confidence interval [ CI] 0.46%-2.53%), 0.80% (95% CI 0.25%-1.36%), and 2.80% (95% CI 0.76%-4.88%), respectively. Stratified analysis showed that exposure to PM 2.5, PM 10, SO 2, and CO had a more significant impact on the number of stroke daily admissions in male patients, while only PM 10 showed positive results in females. Age stratified analysis showed that PM 2.5 significantly increased the number of stroke daily admissions in individuals aged ≥75 years. Conclusion:Short-term exposure to atmospheric pollutants (PM 2.5, PM 10, SO 2, and CO) will to some extent increase the number of stroke daily admissions among residents of Taiyuan, especially among males and those aged ≥75 years.

Cerebral circulation time is defined as the difference between the time to peak of the cavernous sinus segment of the internal carotid artery and the Trolard vein, which is easily obtained in digital subtraction angiography and is closely associated with hemodynamics. Cerebral circulation time can be used to evaluate the outcome of acute ischemic stroke, especially in patients receiving endovascular treatment. This article reviews the evaluation methods of cerebral circulation time and its clinical significance in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

ColorViz is a cerebrovascular imaging technique with time resolution that integrates vascular information from three phases of multi-phase CT angiography (mCTA) into a single time-varying color coded images. By analyzing the image, it evaluates the cerebral collateral circulation and predict the outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke. ColorViz can shorten the evaluation time of collateral circulation and improve the objectivity of evaluation. Moreover, its evaluation of collateral circulation status is closely associated with the evaluation of collateral circulation status of mCTA, digital subtraction angiography, and CT perfusion imaging. This article reviews the application of ColorViz in evaluating collateral circulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation during induction of anesthesia on perioperative atelectasis and oxygenation in elderly patients.Methods:Forty-six elderly patients of either sex, aged 65-80 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, undergoing elective cerebrovascular intervention surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=23 each) according to the random number table method: control group (group C) and CPAP ventilation group (group CPAP). During induction of anesthesia, CPAP was set at 5 cmH 2O during spontaneous breathing, and PEEP was set at 5 cmH 2O when spontaneous breathing disappeared, and the ventilation mode was changed to pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) mode in group CPAP. CPAP was not set, and PEEP was set at 0 cmH 2O for PCV when spontaneous breathing disappeared in group C. During anesthesia maintenance, PCV-volume guaranteed mode was used in both groups, and PEEP was set at 5 cmH 2O. Whole lung CT scanning was performed immediately after radial artery catheterization (T 0), at 1 min after endotracheal intubation (T 1), and before tracheal extubation (T 2) at the end of operation to calculate the percentage of atelectasis area at 1 cm above the right diaphragm. At T 0, T 1, T 2 and 30 min after entering postanesthesia care unit (T 3), blood samples from the radial artery were taken to record PaO 2 and PaCO 2 and calculate the oxygenation index (OI). Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, the percentage of atelectasis area was significantly increased at T 1 and T 2 in two groups ( P<0.05); PaO 2 was significantly increased at T 1 and T 2 and decreased to T 0 level at T 3, OI was decreased at T 1 and T 2 and increased to T 0 level at T 3 in two groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group C, the percentage of atelectasis area was significantly decreased and PaO 2 and OI were increased at T 1 and T 2 in group CPAP ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in PaCO 2 at each time point between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:CPAP ventilation during induction of anesthesia can reduce the development of perioperative atelectasis and improve the oxygenation in elderly patients.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) ventilation strategy during induction of general anesthesia on atelectasis after induction in obese patients.Methods:A total of 86 patients, aged 30-60 yr, with body mass index of 28-35 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱor Ⅲ, scheduled for elective cerebrovascular intervention under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=43 each) using a random number table method: CPAP group (group C) and routine group (group R). Group C received CPAP 5 cmH 2O-assisted ventilation after preoxygenation for spontaneous breathing and disappearance of spontaneous breathing. Chest CT scan and arterial blood gas analysis were performed after entering the operating room (T 1) and 5 min after endotracheal intubation (T 2) to calculate the percentage of atelectasis area and to record PaO 2. Dynamic lung compliance and plateau pressure were recorded at T 2. Mean minute ventilation under controlled breathing, P ETCO 2, and use of vasoactive drugs during induction were recorded. The occurrence of reflux and aspiration during mask ventilation was recorded. The development of pulmonary complications within 3 days after operation was recorded. Results:Compared with group R, the percentage of atelectasis area at T 2 was significantly decreased, PaO 2, dynamic lung compliance and plateau pressure were increased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in mean minute ventilation, P ETCO 2, requirement for vasoactive drugs and incidence of pulmonary complications in group C ( P>0.05). No reflux or aspiration was observed during mask ventilation. Conclusions:CPAP (5 cmH 2O) strategy during anesthesia induction can reduce the degree of atelectasis after induction in obese patients.

Melatonin receptor 1B (MT2, encoded by the MTNR1B gene), a high-affinity receptor for melatonin, is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport. The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development, as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts. TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping. MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and qPCR. The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters (GLUTs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was established by western blot, and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit. The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women (P<0.05). The fasting, 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers (P<0.05). Besides, the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγ protein expression in trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown. In conclusion, the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM. The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport, which may be mediated by PPARγ.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism* ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Melatonin/metabolism* ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; PPAR gamma ; Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics*

Objective:To evaluate the application value of electrical impedance tomography(EIT)imaging combining bedside bronchoscopy sputum suction by observing the changes of pulmonary ventilation, tidal volume and dynamic pulmonary compliance after bedside bronchoscopy sputum suction in elderly stroke-associated pneumonia(SAP).Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted.Patients with SAP admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled as research objects.They were divided into the control group versus observation group with the only difference in receiving bedside bronchoscope sputum suction replacing control's receiving conventional sputum suction.Impedance imaging region of interest 4(ROI4)values collected by using EIT at admission and 1, 3, 5 days after fiberoptic bronchoscope sputum suction were compared between the two groups.Meanwhile, the tidal volume, dynamic lung compliance, the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization time in intensive care unit were recorded in the two groups.Results:A total of 78 patients meeting an inclusion and exclusion criterion were enrolled, with 37 cases in the control group and 41 cases in the observation group.Compared with control group, the bronchoscope sputum suction group showed the significantly increased regional gas distribution values(2.24±0.77% vs.0.49±0.65%, 7.05±0.77% vs.2.49±0.87%, 12.34±1.47% vs.5.57±0.50%, t=10.85, 24.56 and 26.54, respectively, all P<0.001)at 1, 3, 5 days after fiberoptic bronchoscope sputum suction.The tidal volume and dynamic lung compliance were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group at 1, 3, 5 days after fiberoptic bronchoscope sputum suction.The duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization time in the intensive care unit were shorter in the observation group than in the control group(12.22±0.88 d vs.14.65±0.92 d, 18.41±1.12 d vs.21.14±1.06 d, t=11.91 and 11.01, both P< 0.001). Conclusions:For patients with SAP, an intermittent bedside fiberoptic bronchoscope sputum suction can effectively improve the pulmonary ventilation in the dorsal area, optimize pulmonary respiratory dynamics, facilitate the early withdrawal of the mechanic ventilation, and shorten the hospitalization time in the intensive care unit.