ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan （JSW） and Liuwei Dihuangwan （LDW） on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group， the other six groups were as follows： a group of both males and females receiving JSW （3.0 g·kg^-1）， a group of both males and females receiving LDW （4.5 g·kg^-1）， a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW， a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW， a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW， and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 （female∶male） ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth， which was followed by the observation of newborn mice， calculation of their average number， and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment， the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients， and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems， while novel object recognition test （NOR） was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay， and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together （P<0.05）， while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally， compared with the control group， JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in the thalamus， as well as reproductive stem cell factor （SCF） and tyrosine kinase receptor （c-Kit） in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue （MVH） in the ovaries， upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity， such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， in hippocampal neurons （P<0.05）， and enhance sucrose preference in male mice （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice （P<0.05）， which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor （D1R） and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor （Nmdar） gene expression. Compared with the control group， both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， BDNF， and tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） in the hippocampus of offspring mice （P<0.05）. ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice， which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally， JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.

Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease （DKD）， and it plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of DKD. The "Gaozhuo" pathogenesis posits that DKD is characterized by the invasion of Gaozhuo and damage to the kidney collaterals， with the underlying cause being the insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo， which provides valuable guidance on oxidative stress. The insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo represent a dynamic， evolving process. Gaozhuo invades the kidney collaterals， impairs kidney Qi， and progressively leads to the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood， ultimately resulting in the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The damage caused by Gaozhuo to the kidney collaterals and kidney Qi is analogous to the organ and functional damage of the kidneys induced by excessive reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Damage to the kidney collaterals means organic injuries to the glomeruli， renal tubules， and renal interstitium， and the depletion of kidney Qi refers to damage to glomerular filtration and renal tubular reabsorption. The congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood in the kidney collaterals is similar to oxidative stress-induced thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fibrosis. The interaction between spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates the condition， ultimately evolving into the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The failure of the spleen and kidneys is analogous to renal failure， and its extreme manifestation is end-stage renal disease and uremia. The treatment of oxidative stress in DKD with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is based on the principles of strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys， and dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis. According to the syndrome type， it is recommended to use methods such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity， strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity， strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis， or consolidating the spleen and kidneys while clearing away turbidity and blood stasis.

Spinal muscular atrophy （SMA） is characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness caused by degeneration of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord， and spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance （SMALED） accounts for less than 2% of all SMA cases.Due to the rarity of the disease and varying severities of its clinical phenotype， misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis is often observed in clinical practice. In this case， a male patient aged 19 years was admitted due to “weakness in both lower limbs for more than 2 years and aggravation for more than 2 months”. Neurophysical examination showed low muscle strength and muscle atrophy of lower limbs， with negative pathological signs or sensory disorders. Electromyography examination revealed neurogenic damage in both lower limbs， and the clinical and electrophysiological features of the patient were consistent with the features of SMALED. Genetic testing revealed BICD2 gene mutation， and the patient was diagnosed with SMALED2. There was no aggravation of clinical symptoms at follow-up half a year later. This case report aims to improve the understanding and diagnosis of this disease among clinicians.

Objective: To study the association between ankyloglossia and sagittal mandibular development impairment as well as lower anterior dental crowding, providing a reference for clinical practice. Methods: This study was approved by the hospital's Medical Ethics Committee. A total of 100 patients aged 7-13 years were enrolled from January 2024 to January 2025, comprising 50 patients with ankyloglossia (case group) and 50 individuals with a healthy lingual frenulum (normal group). Clinical examination was performed to assess lingual frenulum length, Kotlow classification, and the simplified Hazelbaker assessment tool for lingual frenulum function (HATLFF) score. Cephalometric radiographs were used to measure the A-point-nasion-B-point (ANB) angle, sella-nasion-B-point (SNB) angle, and mandibular total length (condylion-gnathion [Co-Gn]). Dental cast analysis was conducted to evaluate lower anterior teeth crowding. Data were compared between the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between the lingual frenulum length, simplified HATLFF score, and cephalometric/dental cast parameters (ANB, SNB, Co-Gn, lower anterior crowding). The diagnostic value of ankyloglossia for mandibular development and lower anterior crowding was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Ankyloglossia was significantly associated with mandibular development and lower anterior crowding (P<0.05). The case group showed significantly lower values for the lingual frenulum length, simplified HATLFF score, SNB angle, and Co-Gn, while the ANB angle and lower anterior crowding index were significantly higher compared to the normal group (P<0.05). The lingual frenulum length and simplified HATLFF score were negatively correlated with the ANB angle and lower anterior crowding index, and positively correlated with the SNB angle and Co-Gn (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) for the simplified HATLFF score, and ankyloglossia in predicting mandibular development deficiency and lower anterior crowding was greater than 0.700, demonstrating good diagnostic value. Conclusion A significant correlation exists between ankyloglossia and both mandibular development deficiency and lower anterior crowding.

ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） under disease-syndrome combination， thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations （≥2 times/year） and infrequent acute exacerbations （<2 times/year） according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression， and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）. ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group （1 196 cases） and infrequent acute exacerbations group （833 cases） were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors： body mass index （BMI）， hospitalization days， number of smoking years， place of residence， use of noninvasive ventilators， oxygen-demanding therapy， liver cirrhosis， use of systemic glucocorticosteroids， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome （phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung）. The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set （AUC=0.748） and validation set （AUC=0.774）. ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD， integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome， constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.

Chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） is a digestive system disease characterized by the reduction and atrophy of the intrinsic glands of the gastric mucosa. This disease is closely related to risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori （Hp） infection，long-term unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. As CAG is a key link in the development of gastric cancer，effectively preventing its deterioration is of great significance for the prevention of gastric cancer. At present，Western medicine mainly uses symptomatic treatments such as eradicating Hp，protecting gastric mucosa， and promoting gastrointestinal motility. However， long-term use is prone to drug resistance and cannot reverse limitations such as gland atrophy， making it urgent to explore new intervention strategies. In recent years，with the deepening of CAG mechanism research，the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway，as one of the classic signaling pathways，plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of CAG，while its systematic summary is still blank. Based on the regulatory advantages of "multi-target，multi-pathway，and low toxicity"，traditional Chinese medicine can improve the pathological process of CAG by intervening in key nodes of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In this paper，the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine regulating PI3K/Akt pathway to improve CAG was systematically reviewed for the first time. The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CAG was discussed，including the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress，cell proliferation and apoptosis，and autophagy. The traditional Chinese medicine flavonoids，alkaloids，terpenoids and other compounds that regulate this pathway were summarized. The traditional Chinese medicine compounds mainly include classic famous prescriptions such as Xiaochaihu Tang，Banxia Xiexin Tang，Morodan concentrated pills，Elian granules and other traditional Chinese patent medicines，as well as empirical prescriptions such as modified Leweiyin formula，and Qiling prescription. This study aims to give full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and lay a solid foundation for the wide application and further development of CAG treatment，and provide new ideas for clinical research and drug research on CAG.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of saikosaponin C （SSC） on acute liver injury （ALI） in mice induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCl4） based on serum metabolomics. METHODS Forty mice were divided into blank group （water）， model group （water）， positive control drug group （Biphenyl diester drop pills， 150 mg/kg）， and SSC low- and high-dose groups （2.5， 10 mg/kg） using the random number table method， with 8 mice in each group. They were given water/ relevant drugs， once a day， for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the last administration， all mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.2% CCl4 olive oil to induce ALI model， except for the blank group. After 17 hours of the modeling， the liver index of mice was calculated. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and IL-1β in serum of mice were detected. The histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed. Meanwhile， the serum metabolomics of mice were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the levels of liver index， ALT， AST， LDH， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the model group were significantly increased （P＜0.01）. Hepatocytes were edema， vacuolar degeneration， more necrosis， and a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated. Compared with the model group， liver index and serum index levels of mice were significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， accompanied by marked improvement in histopathological damage to the liver tissue. The metabolomics results showed that compared with the model group， there were 63 up-regulated and 256 down-regulated differential metabolites in the serum of mice in the SSC high-dose group， including prostaglandin B2， 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B4， 5- hydroxy-L-tryptophan， 7α -hydroxycholesterol， etc.； these metabolites were primarily involved in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism， 5-hydroxytryptamine synapse， primary bile acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS SSC exerts a protective effect against CCl4-induced ALI by down-regulating the level of key metabolites such as prostaglandin B2 and 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B4， and then ruducing metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism， 5- hydroxytryptamine synapse， and primary bile acid biosynthesis.

OBJECTIVE:Exercise intervention is considered the cornerstone of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.However,no clear conclusion has been reached regarding which exercise therapy is more effective in improving knee muscle strength and function in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.To this end,this study used a network meta-analysis method to compare the efficacy of exercise therapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,providing evidence-based medical basis for selecting the best exercise therapy. METHODS:A computer search was conducted in PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,The Cochrane Library,and EBSCO to collect randomized controlled trials addressing exercise therapy following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to 2023-11-20.Outcome indicators included three continuous variables:quadriceps muscle strength,hamstring muscle strength,and knee joint function score.EndNote X9.1 was used for literature screening.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature.The GRADE score was used to rate the strength of evidence for the results of the article.Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0. RESULTS:A total of 36 randomized controlled trials were included,involving 1 179 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The overall quality of the included literature was moderate.Nine types of exercise therapies were involved:isokinetic training,cross training,eccentric training,aquatic rehabilitation,blood flow restriction training,motor control training,plyometric training,whole-body vibration training,and multimodal training;the control measure was conventional rehabilitation training.The results of the network meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional rehabilitation training,eccentric training[standardized mean difference(SMD)=2.08,95%confidence interval(CI):0.56 to 3.60,P=0.007)had the best improvement effect on quadriceps muscle strength in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,followed by multimodal training(SMD=1.69,95%CI:0.11 to 3.27,P=0.249)and whole body vibration training(SMD=0.81,95%CI:0.11 to 1.51,P=0.042).In terms of improving patients'hamstring muscle strength,multimodal training(SMD=2.08,95%CI:0.30 to 3.86,P=0.022)had the best effect,followed by plyometric training(SMD=1.51,95%CI:0.18 to 2.84,P=0.026)and isokinetic training(SMD=1.37,95%CI:0.06 to 2.67,P=0.039).Multimodal training(SMD=4.60,95%CI:2.40 to 6.80,P<0.001)was the most effective in improving knee joint function scores,followed by eccentric training(SMD=1.75,95%CI:0.24 to 3.25,P=0.023)and aquatic rehabilitation(SMD=1.65,95%CI:0.07 to 3.24,P=0.041). CONCLUSION:Evidence of low to moderate strength suggests that multimodal training may be the most effective exercise therapy in improving knee muscle strength and function in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,followed by eccentric training,plyometric training,isokinetic training,whole body vibration training,and aquatic rehabilitation.More high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are still needed in the future to verify the reliability of the conclusions.

BACKGROUND:Synthetic polymers,such as polypropylene and polyester,used for the treatment of abdominal wall defects not only lack biodegradability and bioactivity but also fail to meet the demands of complex and irregular wounds.Therefore,finding bioactive materials with low immunogenicity and good histocompatibility has become a hot spot in the repair of abdominal wall defects. OBJECTIVE:To prepare methacryloyl modified dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel and explore its potential application in abdominal wall defect. METHODS:(1)The porcine dermis was acellular with 0.25%trypsin and 1%Triton X-100 in turn to obtain the dermal extracellular matrix.After pepsin digestion and methacrylic anhydride modification,the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was formed by photocrosslinking.The microscopic morphology of the hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscope,and its rheological properties,swelling properties and other physical and chemical properties were tested.(2)Mice fibroblasts(L929)were inoculated into methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel to detect the cell compatibility.(3)Totally 12 SD rats were randomly divided into two groups(n=6)to create abdominal wall defect model with peritoneum preserved.The defect site of the polypropylene group was filled with polypropylene material,and the hydrogel group was filled with methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel.The wound skin of both groups was covered with polypropylene material.The wound healing was observed and histological analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Enzymatic hydrolysis had a good decellularization effect on porcine dermis after decellularization,and the original glycosaminoglycans and collagen were well retained.Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel presented loose and porous structure.The aperture was between 70 and 120 μm.The swelling ratio was(16.88±3.24)%and the water absorption was(94.24±1.11)%.The rheological property test showed that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was stable and had shear thinning characteristics,with injectability.(2)CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel had good cell compatibility.(3)The results of animal experiments showed that the skin wound healing rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 7,10,and 14 days after operation(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining of skin and muscle tissue exhibited that compared with the polypropylene group,the skin wound epithelialization,hair follicle formation,collagen fiber arrangement,and neovascularization were better in the hydrogel group 14 days after surgery.The skin wound new tissue structure was similar to the normal tissue at 28 days after surgery,and scar hyperplasia was less.A small amount of muscle regeneration was observed on day 28 after operation.(4)The results show that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel can promote wound skin healing and muscle tissue regeneration in rats with abdominal wall defect.

BACKGROUND:The guinea pig is considered to be the most useful spontaneous model for evaluating primary osteoarthritis in humans because of its similar knee joint structure and close histopathologic features to those of humans. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the pathological process of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis in guinea pigs by analyzing the histopathology of the total knee joint of guinea pigs aged 1 to 18 months. METHODS:Eight healthy female Hartley guinea pigs in each age group of 1,6,10,14,16,and 18 months old were selected.The quadriceps femoris was taken for hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the total knee joint was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue.The histopathology of the cartilage,subchondral bone,synovium,meniscus,and muscles were observed under light microscope.Mankin's score and synovitis score were compared,and the correlation analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:As the guinea pig age increased,the Mankin's score increased(P<0.05),and the pathological score of synovitis also gradually increased(P<0.05),and there was a significant positive correlation between the two(r=0.641,P<0.001).The incidence rate of subchondral bone marrow lesion in 18-month-old guinea pigs was 50%,and the incidence of meniscus injury was 37.5%.In addition,osteophyte and narrowing of the joint space were observed,and only a few guinea pigs had inflammation in the quadriceps femoris.To conclude,guinea pigs develop significant cartilage defects,synovial inflammation,subchondral bone lesions,meniscus injury,osteophyte formation,and joint space narrowing as they age,all of which are similar to the pathological processes of primary knee osteoarthritis in humans,making it an ideal model of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis.