The mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations today provides a broad perspective and new opportunity for the development of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， fostering the interdisciplinary integration， fusion， and innovation of the discipline. The premise of mutual understanding of civilizations is uphold the principles of Chinese traditional scholarship and original thinking， overcome academic barriers and cognitive differences， and achieve the organic integration of knowledge systems and research methods. The development of TCM as a discipline should first be based on literature as a carrier to convey ideas and ensure the continuity of the academic tradition. Secondly， the discipline development should be guided by the unique， original thinking of TCM， accurately identifying the bottlenecks in its development， focusing on the key links for improvement， continuously exploring innovative academic paths， and striving to build a leading research platform. Finally， the cultivation of talents in the field of TCM discipline should focus on leading ones with international academic discourse power and influence， and establish an academic team with clinical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge structure.

This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical efficacy of manual reduction combined with 3D printing small splint external fixation and synchronous manual reduction combined with traditional small splint external fixation in the treatment of humeral shaft. METHODS: Between January 2021 and December 2022, 40 patients with humeral shaft fractures were treated with 3D printing small splints and traditional small splints. They were divided into 3D group and traditional group according to different fixation methods. Among them, there were 15 males and 5 females in the 3D group, aged from 20 to 52 years old with an average of (36.3±15.6) years old. In the traditional group there were 17 males and 3 females, aged from16 to 51 years old with an average of (32.9±17.2) years old. The occurrence of complications, duration of fracture healing, rate of fracture healing, subjective evaluation scores for brace comfort at 1 week and 4 weeks, as well as the Constant-Murley shoulder function score and Mayo elbow function score at 8 weeks and 16 weeks were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 16 weeks. The 3D group did not experience any complications, while there were two cases of complications in the traditional group. However, this difference was not found to be statistically significant (χ²=2.105, P=0.146). The fracture healing time of the 3D group (90.1±4.5) days was significantly shorter compared to that of the traditional group (93.3±3.8) days (P<0.05). The subjective evaluation scores for brace comfort in the 3D group (53.7±2.3) points and (62.8±1.1) points were significantly higher than those in the traditional group (45.6±2.4) points and (52.3±1.4) points at 1 and 4 weeks after reduction (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of reduction, the Constant-Murley shoulder function score in the 3D group was(68.1±5.3) points, which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared to the traditional group(54.3±4.9) points (P<0.05). However, at 16 weeks post-reduction, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups (P>0.05). The Mayo elbow function score of the 3D group (84.1±7.5) points was significantly superior to that of the traditional group (79.5±6.8) points at 8 weeks post-reduction (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 16 weeks post-reduction (P>0.05). CONCLUSION For humeral shaft fractures with conservative treatment indications, manual reduction combined with 3D printed small splints is a good choice for treatment. The patient's comfort level is higher, which can not only reduce the occurrence of complications, but also improve the fracture healing rate and joint function to a certain extent, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Humeral Fractures/physiopathology* ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Splints ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Fracture Healing

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy on the patients treated with image fusion-guided transperineal prostate biopsy. METHODS: A total of 160 patients who underwent image fusion-guided transperineal prostate biopsy in the Urology Department from April 2023 to April 2024 were included. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group, with 80 cases in each group. The control group received routine care, while the observation group received combined MBSR on the basis of routine care. The surgical indicators, pain levels, psychological states, nursing satisfaction, and postoperative complication rates of both groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in general personal information and clinical data between the two groups（P>0.05）. The surgery duration, secondary fusion rate, and postoperative complication rate in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (［23.54±2.07］min vs ［26.25±1.69］min, P<0.05； 8.75% vs 22.50%, P=0.017； 17% vs 29%, P=0.036), and nursing satisfaction was higher in the observation group than in the control group ( 77% vs 69%, P=0.025). The VAS scores biopsy (5.11±0.93 vs 6.27±1.32, P=0.041), discharge (0.74±0.67 vs 1.85±0.95, P=0.004), and scores of SDS (47.76±2.06 vs 50.46±2.07, P=0.009) and SAS (46.89±2.68 vs 49.75±2.83, P=0.031) in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION The application of MBSR in image fusion-guided prostate biopsy can synergistically utilize the advantages of minimally invasive technology, significantly optimize surgical indicators, and improve patients' psychological experiences, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
Humans ; Male ; Mindfulness ; Prostate/pathology* ; Image-Guided Biopsy ; Stress, Psychological/therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shuangshi Tonglin Capsules (SSTL) in the treatment of prostate fibrosis (PF). METHODS: Human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) were used for in vitro experiments to establish PF cell models induced with estradiol (E₂). The cell proliferation, migration and clonogenic capacity were determined by cell counting kit-8, scratch assay, and crystal violet staining, respectively. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for in vivo experiments. The changes in histomorphology and organ index of rat prostate by SSTL were determined. Pathologic changes and collagen deposition changes in rat prostate were observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine changes in rat PF markers fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), E₂ and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Mechanistically, changes in oxidative stress indicators by SSTL were determined in WPMY-1 cells and PF rats. Then the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway-related proteins as well as Nrf2 and TGF-β1 mRNA were further detected by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: In the efficacy study, SSTL significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and clonogenic ability of cells, improved the morphology of the glandular tissue, significantly reduced the prostate index, reduced glandular fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of FGF-23, E₂ and PSA (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the mechanistic study, SSTL ameliorated oxidative stress by significantly increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and decreasing malondialdehyde level in WPMY-1 cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL significantly elevated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and Smad7 proteins in both cells and rats, and significantly decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin and Smad4 proteins (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL also elevated the content of Nrf2 mRNA and decreased the content of TGF-β1 mRNA in cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was added in in vitro experiments to further validate the pathway relevance. CONCLUSION SSTL was effective in improving PF in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action may function through the Nrf2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Fibrosis ; Prostate/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Rats

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in eukaryotes, with nearly 800 genes coding for these proteins. They are involved in many physiological processes, such as light perception, taste and smell, neurotransmitter, metabolism, endocrine and exocrine, cell growth and migration. Importantly, GPCRs and their ligands are the targets of approximately one third of all marketed drugs. GPCRs are traditionally known for their role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the cell's interior via the plasma membrane. However, emerging evidence suggests that GPCRs are also localized on mitochondria, where they play critical roles in modulating mitochondrial functions. These mitochondrial GPCRs (mGPCRs) can influence processes such as mitochondrial respiration, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By interacting with mitochondrial signaling pathways, mGPCRs contribute to the regulation of energy metabolism and cell survival. Their presence on mitochondria adds a new layer of complexity to the understanding of cellular signaling, highlighting the organelle's role as not just an energy powerhouse but also a crucial hub for signal transduction. This expanding understanding of mGPCR function on mitochondria opens new avenues for research, particularly in the context of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role. Abnormalities in the phase conductance pathway of GPCRs located on mitochondria are closely associated with the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we examined the various types of GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes and analyzed the complex relationships between mGPCRs and the pathogenesis of various diseases. We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the emerging significance of mGPCRs in health and disease, and to underscore their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these conditions.

OBJECTIVE To optimize ethanol extraction process of Yihuang powder. METHODS An orthogonal experiment was designed by reflux extraction with ethanol volume fraction， liquid-to-material ratio， and extraction time as investigation factors. The parameters used were the contents of hesperidin， nobiletin， tangeretin， gallic acid， chebulagic acid， chebulinic acid， liquiritin， glycyrrhizin， eugenol， and the paste-forming rate. The analytic hierarchy process （AHP） was used to calculate the comprehensive score. The optimal ethanol extraction process parameters of Yihuang powder were determined by verifying the results predicted by orthogonal experiment and genetic algorithm （GA）-back propagation neural network （BP neural network）. RESULTS The optimal ethanol extraction process parameters， as optimized by orthogonal experiment， were as follows: ethanol volume fraction of 60%， liquid-solid ratio of 14∶1 （mL/g)， extraction time of 90 min， and extraction for 2 times. The comprehensive score obtained by verification was 79.19. Meanwhile， the optimal ethanol extraction process parameters， optimized by GA-BP neural network， were ethanol volume fraction of 65%， liquid-solid ratio of 14∶1 （mL/g )， extraction time of 60 min， and extraction for 2 times. The comprehensive score obtained by verification was 85.30， higher than the results obtained from orthogonal experiment. CONCLUSIONS The optimization method of orthogonal experiment combined with GA-BP neural network is superior to the traditional orthogonal experiment optimization method. The optimized ethanol extraction process of Yihuang powder is stable and reliable.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Beimu Zhizhu Prescription(derived from the modification of Zhizhu Pills)in the treatment of GERC by retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of 297 patients with gastroesophageal reflux cough(GERC).Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a total of 297 patients with GERC of rebellious stomach qi type who were admitted to the Outpatient Department of Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from July 2021 to July 2023.The patients were divided into an exposure group(136 cases)and a non-exposure group(161 cases)according to the medication of Beimu Zhizhu Prescription or not.The exposure group was treated with Beimu Zhizhu Decoction,and the non-exposure group was treated with proton pump inhibitor of Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Tablets.A total of 119 pairs of cases were obtained after propensity score matching(PSM)at the ratio of 1 to 1.The changes of salivary pepsin level before and after treatment in the two groups were observed.After two weeks and eight weeks of treatment,the cough response rate and the remission rates for reflux-related symptoms of acid reflux,heartburn,belching and gastric distension were compared between the two groups,and the incidence of adverse reactions was recorded.Results(1)After two weeks of treatment,the comparison of symptom remission rate after PSM showed that the cough response rate and the remission rates for reflux-related symptoms of acid reflux,heartburn,belching and gastric distension in the exposure group were 84.87％(101/119),80.77％(84/104),82.61％(76/92),82.5％(66/80),84.42％(65/77),respectively,and those in the non-exposure group were 73.95％(88/119),72.90％(78/107),70.41％(69/98),65.38％(51/78),64.38％(47/73),respectively.The intergroup comparison showed that the remission rates for all of the symptoms except for acid reflux in the exposure group was significantly superior to that in the non-exposure group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).After eight weeks of treatment,the cough response rate and the remission rates for reflux-related symptoms of acid reflux,heartburn,belching,and gastric distension in the exposure group were 94.74％(36/38),91.67％(33/36),91.43％(32/35),93.75％(30/32),94.12％(32/34),respectively,and those in the non-exposure group were 77.78％(35/45),74.42％(32/43),71.43％(30/42),68.42％(26/38),66.67％(24/36),respectively.The intergroup comparison showed that the remission rate of all of the symptoms in the exposure group was significantly superior to that in the non-exposure group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(2)After two weeks of treatment,the comparison of salivary pepsin level after PSM showed that the salivary pepsin level of the exposure group was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.01),while that of the non-exposure group was not significantly decreased(P＞0.05).The decrease of salivary pepsin level in the exposure group was significantly superior to that in the non-exposure group.Statistically significant differences were presented in the post-treatment salivary pepsin level after two weeks of treatment and in the pre-and post-treatment difference of salivary pepsin level between the two groups(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)There were four cases(2.48％)of adverse reactions in the non-exposure group,while no related adverse reactions occurred in the exposure group.There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(x2=1.180,P=0.178).Conclusion Beimu Zhizhu Decoction can effectively relieve cough and reflux-related symptoms of acid reflux,heartburn,belching,and gastric distension in patients with GERC of rebellious stomach qi type,reduce the level of salivary pepsin,and has high safety.