ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum （PRP） on lung tissue， gut microbiota， and short-chain fatty acid （SCFA） metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group， model group， positive control group （Xiaoqinglong granules， 6.5 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups （3.0， 1.5 g·kg^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin （OVA） sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interferon-γ （IFN-γ）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and BALF levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） and aquaporin 5 （AQP5） protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis， and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value （RI） （P<0.05）， elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF （P<0.05）， increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， with reduced IFN-γ levels （P<0.05）. It also showed thickened bronchial walls， widened alveolar septa， narrowed lumens， and mucus plugs in lung tissue， upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression （P<0.05）， decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota （Firmicutes， Clostridia， Clostridiales， Lactobacillaceae， and Lactobacillus）， and increased abundance of harmful microbiota （Bacteroidetes， Bacteroidia， Bacteroidales， Muribaculaceae， and Muribaculum）. In addition， the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） （P<0.05）. After the intervention of PRP decoction， compared to the model group， all drug administration groups showed decreased RI （P<0.05）， increased phenol red excretion， declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6， IL-8， IgE， and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， and improved IFN-γ levels （P<0.05） and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased （P<0.05）， and the AQP5 protein expression increased （P<0.05）. The disorder of gut microbiota was improved， and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored， with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota （P<0.05） and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota （P<0.05）. The SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） increased （P<0.05）. The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors （IgE， IL-4， and IFN-γ）， phlegm-resolving effect， airway resistance， total pathological score， and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis， promoting beneficial gut microbiota， enhancing SCFA production， restoring the balance of gut microbiota， and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum （PRP） on lung tissue， gut microbiota， and short-chain fatty acid （SCFA） metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group， model group， positive control group （Xiaoqinglong granules， 6.5 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups （3.0， 1.5 g·kg^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin （OVA） sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interferon-γ （IFN-γ）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and BALF levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） and aquaporin 5 （AQP5） protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis， and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value （RI） （P<0.05）， elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF （P<0.05）， increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， with reduced IFN-γ levels （P<0.05）. It also showed thickened bronchial walls， widened alveolar septa， narrowed lumens， and mucus plugs in lung tissue， upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression （P<0.05）， decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota （Firmicutes， Clostridia， Clostridiales， Lactobacillaceae， and Lactobacillus）， and increased abundance of harmful microbiota （Bacteroidetes， Bacteroidia， Bacteroidales， Muribaculaceae， and Muribaculum）. In addition， the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） （P<0.05）. After the intervention of PRP decoction， compared to the model group， all drug administration groups showed decreased RI （P<0.05）， increased phenol red excretion， declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6， IL-8， IgE， and IL-4 levels （P<0.05）， and improved IFN-γ levels （P<0.05） and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased （P<0.05）， and the AQP5 protein expression increased （P<0.05）. The disorder of gut microbiota was improved， and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored， with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota （P<0.05） and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota （P<0.05）. The SCFA levels （acetate， propionate， and butyrate） increased （P<0.05）. The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors （IgE， IL-4， and IFN-γ）， phlegm-resolving effect， airway resistance， total pathological score， and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis， promoting beneficial gut microbiota， enhancing SCFA production， restoring the balance of gut microbiota， and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for recurrence of colon polyps after endoscopic resection.Methods Two hun-dred and forty-four patients who were treated with endoscopic colon polyps were divided into recurrence group(n=168)and non-re-currence group(n=76)according to the results of the first postoperative colonoscopy review,the basic data,biochemical indexes,polyp characteristics and surgical methods of the two groups were compared,and the risk factors of recurrence after resection of colon polyps were evaluated by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results There were 168 recurrences in 244 patients(68.9％),the age[60.17± 10.54 years old]and number of polyps[3(2,5)]in the recurrence group[56.30±11.08 years old and 2(1,4)]were higher than in the non-recurrence group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The proportion of males,age＞58 years old,num-ber of polyps ≥3,polyps distributed in the whole colon,multi-site polyps and polyps at risk of malignant transformation(71.4％,58.3％,60.1％,54.8％,63.7％,75.6％)were higher than those in the non-recurrence group(48.7％,42.1％,34.2％,30.3％,42.1％,61.8％),and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),and the HDL(high density lipoprotein)level in the recurrence group[1.08(0.90,1.31)mmol/L]was lower than that in the non-recurrence group[1.21(0.96,1.40)mmol/L](U=-2.321,P=0.020),and the proportion of polyp distribution in the right hemi-colon(19.0％)was lower than in the non-recurrence group(31.6％)(x2=4.647,P=0.031).The proportion of polyp distribution in men(OR=2.375,95％CI:1.222-4.616,P=0.011),age(OR=1.036,95％CI:1.007-1.065,P=0.013),and polyp distribution in the whole colon(OR=2.009,95％CI:1.039-3.886,P=0.038)were independent risk factors for recurrence of colon polyps after endoscopic resection.Conclusion Pa-tients who were male,older,and had polyps distributed in the whole colon were more likely to recur after endoscopic polypectomy.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ESG) in the treatment of obesity.Method:A 26 year old female patient was admitted on October 20, 2022 due to a progressive increase in weight for 2 years. Her body mass index (BMI) was 30.04 kg/m 2, body fat percentage was 39.2%, and visceral fat grade was 15. ESG was performed using the OverStitch SX endoscopic suture system. Result:The surgery was successful, with approximately 5 ml of intraoperative bleeding.The patient discharged on the first day after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, small bowel follow-through showed a tubular shape of the stomach. At 6 months after surgery, the BMI was 25.2 kg/m 2, body fat percentage was 32%, visceral fat grade was 10. The total body weight loss rate (%TBWL) at 6 months after surgery was 16%, and the excess weight loss rate (%EWL) was 54.5%. Conclusion:ESG is effective for the treatment of obesity.

To analyze the factors affecting the cost of hospitalization for patients and provide insights using the intrauterine lesion surgery group (DRG code NE19) as an example.

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition for which diagnosis mainly relies on imaging examinations, while reliable biomarkers to detect or monitor are still under investigation. Recent advances in technologies provide an unprecedented opportunity to yield the identification of clinically valuable biomarkers, including proteins, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), and deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), for early detection of pathological changes in susceptible patients, rapid diagnosis at the bedside after onset, and a superior therapeutic regimen primarily within the concept of personalized and tailored endovascular therapy for aortic dissection.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ESG) in the treatment of obesity.Method:A 26 year old female patient was admitted on October 20, 2022 due to a progressive increase in weight for 2 years. Her body mass index (BMI) was 30.04 kg/m 2, body fat percentage was 39.2%, and visceral fat grade was 15. ESG was performed using the OverStitch SX endoscopic suture system. Result:The surgery was successful, with approximately 5 ml of intraoperative bleeding.The patient discharged on the first day after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, small bowel follow-through showed a tubular shape of the stomach. At 6 months after surgery, the BMI was 25.2 kg/m 2, body fat percentage was 32%, visceral fat grade was 10. The total body weight loss rate (%TBWL) at 6 months after surgery was 16%, and the excess weight loss rate (%EWL) was 54.5%. Conclusion:ESG is effective for the treatment of obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize clinical predictors and imaging characteristics of critically ill children infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron with neurological complications in Shenzhen during the peak of the first round of infections. METHODS: The clinical data of 11 critically ill children with neurological complications infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from December 12 to 31, 2022, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Laboratory test results related to liver parenchymal injury, histiocytic injury, inflammation, and coagulation function were collected, and imaging characteristics including CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed. The differences in CT/MRI score, acute necrotizing encephalopathy severity scale (ANE-SS) score and total score (CT/MRI score + ANE-SS score) were compared between the two groups with different prognosis during hospitation. RESULTS: Among 11 children, 7 were male and 4 were female. The age ranged from 10 months to 16 years. There were 5 cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) and 6 cases of acute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE). During hospitalization, 3 patients survived and 8 patients died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), including 2 cases of ANE and 6 cases of AFCE. All cases had fever (> 38.5 centigrade), and 3 cases had ultra-high fever (> 41 centigrade). Within 48 hours of onset, all cases had disorders of consciousness and 9 cases had seizures. The 8 dead children had complications with multisystem involvement, including shock, respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver failure, renal failure or myocardial damage, and the laboratory predictors related to hepatocellular injury [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], histocyte injury [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], inflammation [procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum ferritin (SF)], coagulation function (D-dimer) and blood glucose (Glu) increased in different quantities, of which PCT was specifically increased in 6 cases with AFCE, PLT was specifically decreased in 3 cases with AFCE, and ALT and LDH were significantly increased in 2 cases with ANE. Imaging analysis showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, basal ganglia and thalamus lesions in all 6 cases with AFCE, while thalamus lesions in all 5 cases with ANE. The ANE-SS score of 8 deceased children ranged from 2 to 7 (of which 6 cases were ≥ 5), and the ANE-SS score of 3 surviving children ranged from 0 to 2. Eight dead children had a CT/MRI score of 1-4 (of which 6 cases were 4), and 3 surviving children had a CT/MRI score of 1-2 (of which 2 cases were 1). The total score of 8 deceased children was 6-10 (of which 6 cases ≥ 8), and 3 surviving children was 1-4. CONCLUSIONS The neurological complications of critically ill children infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Shenzhen progressed rapidly to ANE and AFCE, with high mortality. High fever (> 40 centigrade), convulsion/disturbance of consciousness, and multiple organ failure were the most common symptoms in ANE and AFCE cases. PCT increased and PLT decreased specifically in AFCE cases. Poor prognosis (death) was more common in age < 4 years old, predictors of ALT, AST, CK, LDH, PCT, D-dimer, Glu, IL-6 increased significantly, PLT decreased significantly. The common imaging feature of ANE and AFCE is the involvement of dorsal thalamus, a new imaging sign of AFCE (subarachnoid hemorrhage) was found. The higher the ANE-SS score, CT/MRI score and total score, the greater the risk of death.
Humans ; Male ; Child ; Female ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Interleukin-6 ; Retrospective Studies ; Critical Illness ; COVID-19/complications* ; Procalcitonin ; Inflammation ; Brain Diseases/diagnostic imaging*

As the research of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） on knee osteoarthritis （KOA） is progressing， researchers have discovered that a variety of Chinese medicines can delay the progress of KOA by regulating signaling pathways at the molecular level. The Chinese medicines and their active ingredients mentioned in this article are associated with the signaling pathways in KOA. They can regulate the levels of targeted molecules via different signaling pathways to inhibit cartilage inflammatory cytokine， apoptosis， and cartilage matrix degradation and promote chondrocyte autophagy， so as to reduce the synovial inflammatory edema and delay cartilage degeneration. This paper systematically reviews the studies about the TCM intervention of KOA. Baicalein can reduce the inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis and promote the autophagy of chondrocytes by blocking the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway. Cornuside I can decrease the phosphorylation activity of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK2/STAT3） pathway to reduce synovial inflammation and delay cartilage matrix degeneration. Salvianolic acid A can reduce inflammation and cartilage matrix degradation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） pathway. Emodin can reduce the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway to inhibit the decomposition of collagen and proteoglycan. Myristicoside can inhibit apoptosis by blocking the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） signaling pathway. Akebia saponin D can enhance the activity of nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1（Nrf2/HO-1） pathway to inhibit oxidative stress in chondrocytes. The saponins in Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix reduce cartilage matrix degradation by enhancing the transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smad signaling pathway. Crocin inhibits the cartilage inflammation and apoptosis factor increase by stimulating the activity of hippo-Yes-associated protein （Hippo-YAP）. Ligustrazine blocks the Notch pathway to improve the morphology and abnormality of chondrocytes. Oleanolic acid reduces the destruction and degeneration of cartilage matrix via the estrogen signaling pathway. The above summary aims to provide references for future clinical and experimental research on KOA.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between famine exposure in early life and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood during the 1959–1961 Chinese Famine. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 3,418 individuals aged 35–74 years free of diabetes from two studies in 2006 and 2009 were followed up prospectively in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Famine exposure was classified as unexposed (individuals born in 1962–1978), fetal exposed (individuals born in 1959–1961), child exposed (individuals born in 1949–1958), and adolescent/adult exposed (born in 1931–1948). A logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between famine exposure and diabetes after adjustment for potential covariates. RESULTS: During a three-year follow-up, the age-adjusted incidence rates of type 2 diabetes were 5.7%, 14.5%, 12.7%, and 17.8% in unexposed, fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Relative to the unexposed group, the relative risks (95% confidence interval) for diabetes were 2.15 (1.29–3.60), 1.53 (0.93– 2.51), and 1.65 (0.75–3.63) in the fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, after controlling for potential covariates. The interactions between famine exposure and obesity, education level, and family history of diabetes were not observed, except for the urbanization type. Individuals living in rural areas with fetal and childhood famine exposure were at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, with relative risks of 8.79 (1.82–42.54) and 2.33 (1.17–4.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that famine exposure in early life is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. Early identification and intervention may help prevent diabetes in later life.