ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongluo Formula （化瘀通络方， HTF） in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome and explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA multi-center， randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients of mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome were divided into a control group of 46 cases and a treatment group of 44 cases. Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment， the treatment group additionally taking HTF， while the control group taking a placebo of the formula. The treatment was administered once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included 24-hour urine total protein （24 h-UTP）， serum albumin （Alb）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， and serum creatinine （Scr）.The secondary outcomes included changes in levels of endothelin-1 （ET-1）， nitric oxide （NO）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on TCM syndrome scores and overall disease outcomes. Adverse reactions and endpoint events were recorded. ResultsIn the treatment group after treatment， 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， Alb and NO levels significantly increased （P＜0.05）； while the TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， numbness of limbs， dark purple lips， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse all significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. In the control group， no significant changes were observed in any of the indicators after treatment （P＞0.05）.Compared with the control group， the treatment group showed significant reductions in 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels， and increases in Alb and NO levels （P＜0.05）. The TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse were all lower in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group was 59.09% （26/44）， and the overall clinical effective rate was 45.45% （20/44）. In the control group， these rates were 15.22% （7/46） and 8.7% （4/46）， respectively， with the treatment group showing significantly better outcomes （P＜0.05）. A total of 7 adverse events occurred across both groups， with no significant difference （P＞0.05）. No endpoint events occurred during the study. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional treatment of Western medicine， HTF can further reduce urinary protein levels and improve clinical symptoms in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome. The mechanism may be related to its effects on endothelial function.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between changes in intestinal toxicity and compositional alterations of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix(commonly known as Langdu) before and after milk processing, and to explore the detoxification mechanism of milk processing. Mice were intragastrically administered the 95% ethanol extract of raw Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix, milk-decocted(milk-processed), and water-decocted(water-processed) Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. Fecal morphology, fecal water content, and the release levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in different intestinal segments were used as indicators to evaluate the effects of different processing methods on the cathartic effect and intestinal inflammatory toxicity of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. LC-MS/MS was employed to analyze the small-molecule components in the raw product, the 95% ethanol extract of the milk-processed product, and the milky waste(precipitate) formed during milk processing, to assess the impact of milk processing on the chemical composition of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. The results showed that compared with the blank group, both the raw and water-processed Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix significantly increased the fecal morphology score, fecal water content, and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in various intestinal segments(P<0.05). Compared with the raw group, all indicators in the milk-processed group significantly decreased(P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the water-processed group, indicating that milk, as an adjuvant in processing, plays a key role in reducing the intestinal toxicity of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. Mass spectrometry results revealed that 29 components were identified in the raw product, including 28 terpenoids and 1 acetophenone. The content of these components decreased to varying extents after milk processing. A total of 28 components derived from Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix were identified in the milky precipitate, of which 27 were terpenoids, suggesting that milk processing promotes the transfer of toxic components from Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix into milk. To further investigate the effect of milk adjuvant processing on the toxic terpenoid components of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was used to observe the morphology of self-assembled casein micelles(the main protein in milk) in the milky precipitate. The micelles formed in casein-terpenoid solutions were characterized using particle size analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy. TEM observations confirmed the presence of casein micelles in the milky precipitate. Characterization results showed that with increasing concentrations of toxic terpenoids, the average particle size of casein micelles increased, fluorescence intensity of the solution decreased, the maximum absorption wavelength in the UV spectrum shifted, and significant changes occurred in the infrared spectrum, indicating that interactions occurred between casein micelles and toxic terpenoid components. These findings indicate that the cathartic effect of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix becomes milder and its intestinal inflammatory toxicity is reduced after milk processing. The detoxification mechanism is that terpenoid components in Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix reassemble with casein in milk to form micelles, promoting the transfer of some terpenoids into the milky precipitate.
Animals ; Mice ; Milk/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Male ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Interleukin-1beta/immunology* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Female

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel sleep-aid decoction in treating elderly insomnia patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional types, and its effects on neurotransmitter and inflammatory factor levels. Methods A total of 200 patients with four different TCM constitutions-peaceful, Qi-deficient, Yin-deficient, and Yang-deficient-were recruited. Peripheral blood neurotransmitter and inflammatory factor levels were measured for variations among insomnia patients across different constitutions. These patients were treated using the novel sleep-aid decoction, the effects of which were evaluated based on changes in neurotransmitters and inflammatory factors. Results Compared to the peaceful constitution group, insomnia patients with Qi-deficient, Yin-deficient, and Yang-deficient constitutions exhibited significantly elevated baseline levels of neurotransmitters (5-HT, GABA) and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP). Following the treatment, the Qi-deficient and Yin-deficient groups showed a marked increase in 5-HT levels, restored balance of Glu, GABA, and melatonin, and significant reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The overall effective rate was 83.5%, with optimal efficacy observed in the Qi-deficient (97.72%) and Yin-deficient (95.34%) groups. Conclusion The novel sleep-aid decoction is effective in treating insomnia in elderly patients, with the best results observed in the Qi-deficient and Yin-deficient constitution groups.
Humans ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/blood* ; Aged ; Male ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical/therapeutic use* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Interleukin-1beta/blood* ; Neurotransmitter Agents/blood* ; Aged, 80 and over ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism*

BACKGROUND:At present,the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still unclear,and there is a lack of effective means to control the disease.Research on osteoarthritis is mostly concentrated in the field of immunity,and there are few studies in the field of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE:To explore the roles of oxidative stress and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis and to predict related miRNAs and therapeutic agents. METHODS:The GSE55235 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)and the GSE55457 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)were obtained from the GEO database for merging to obtain their differentially expressed genes that were combined with oxidative stress genes to get the differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress.The differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress were analyzed for KEGG and GO enrichment,and the osteoarthritis pathways and biological processes were evaluated using GSEA enrichment analysis.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING online website and Cytoscape software,and the Degree algorithm was run to get the key genes.The GSE1919 dataset was obtained from the GEO database as a validation dataset,and the key genes were analyzed by variance analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to get the core genes.In addition,immune infiltration was evaluated by CIBERSORT and the correlation between core genes and immune cells was explored.miRNA prediction of core genes was performed using TargetScan and target drugs were predicted using the DSigDB database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sixty-five differentially expressed genes and five core genes(IL1B,CXCL8,MYC,NFKBIA,JUN)associated with oxidative stress were identified.Enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes associated with oxidative stress were concentrated in the pathways of oxidative stress,interleukin-17,osteoclast differentiation,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the five core genes exceeded 0.85,indicating their excellent specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing bone and joint conditions,as well as their close association with immune cells.The predicted miRNA was has-miR-3937,and the therapeutic small-molecule drugs were metformin,ionomycin and celecoxib.To conclude,oxidative stress and immune infiltration exist in osteoarthritis,and immune infiltration is involved in activating oxidative stress.The core genes and predicted miRNAs can be used as novel markers for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis,and small molecule drugs are predicted to treat osteoarthritis.

Objective To analyze chemical constituents of compound Maxing Shigan decoction by ultra-high perfor-mance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). Methods The separation was performed on a UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 2.5 µm)，with a gradient elution applying 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution and 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile as a mobile phase. The column temperature was 40 °C. The flow rate was 0.4 ml/min and the analysis time was 15 min. Mass spectrometry (MS) data were collected in both positive and negative ESI ion modes. Results Through UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis and reference validation, a total of 59 chemical components in Maxing Shigan decoction were identified. Conclusion An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method was established to identify the chemical components of Maxing Shigan decoction. This method is simple, efficient, sensitive and accurate, and provides a basis for the elucidation of the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction. It can provide data reference for the optimization of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19.

Objective To explore the differences in stress distribution and stability of the planta pedis in the patients with unilateral and bilateral plantar fasciitis(PF)through plantar stress and center of pressure(COP)analysis.Methods A total of 100 patients with PF visiting in this hospital were enrolled,among them 50 cases were unilateral heel pain(unilateral heel pain group)and 50 cases were bilateral heel pain(bilateral heel pain).Meanwhile,50 healthy subjects were included(healthy group).In the health group and bilateral heel pain groups,the average stress value of both planta pedis surfaces of each subject was taken and named as the J0 group and H2 group,respectively.In the unilateral heel pain group,the plantar stress in 50 healthy feet and 50 affected feet were named as the J1 group and H1 group,respectively.The plantar pedis was divided into 10 regions for analysis and comparison[the first foot toe(T1),T2-5,the first-fifth metatarsal bones(M1-M5),the mid foot(MF),heel medial side(MH),heel lateral side(LH)].The subjects in 3 groups conducted the static and dynamic tests respectively,and the differences in plantar stress distribution and COP parameters among the J1,H1,H2 and J0 groups were compared respectively.Results In the static tests,the maximum pressure of the LH regions in the group J1 was increased when compared with the group J0,the contact area of LH regions in the group H1 was reduced when compared with the group J0,the maximum pressure of the M2 and M3 regions in the H1 group was increased when compared with the group J0,the contact areas of the MH and LH regions in the H2 group were decreased when compared with the group J0,the maximum pressure of the M1 region was increased when compared with the group J0,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In the dynamic tests,the maximum pressure of the T2-5 regions in the J1 group was increased when compared with the J0 group,the maximum pressure of the M3 region in the group H1 was increased when compared with the group J0,the maximum pressure of the M3 and M4 region in the group H2 was in-creased when compared with the group J0,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The COP 95%confidence ellipse area in the health group was the smallest,followed by the bilateral heel pain group,and finally the unilateral heel pain group,and the differences among 3 groups were statistically signifi-cant(P<0.05),there was also statistically significant difference between pairwise comparisons in 3 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion In the static condition,the pressure of the healthy heel and affected forefoot in the patients with PF is increased;while in the dynamic condition,the pressure of the toes of the healthy foot and forefoot of the affected foot in the patients with PF is also increased.The distribution of plantar stress in the patients with PF has larger difference compared with the healthy population,and the stability is poor.Meas-ures can be taken to improve the abnormal force on the foot,reduce pain and reduce the risk of falling.

Objective To identify risk factors for pathological upgrading after radical prostatectomy in patients with biopsy-confirmed International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)grade 1 prostate cancer and to develop a predictive nomogram.Methods A total of 256 patients with ISUP grade 1 prostate cancer diagnosed by biopsy and undergoing radical prostatectomy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University between Jan.2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively enrolled.Clinical,imaging,and biopsy data were collected.Independent predictors were identified using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression,and a nomogram model was constructed.Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve,clinical impact curve,and decision curve analysis.The stability of the model was evaluated by Hosmer-Lemeshow test.Results Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of positive puncture cores(odds ratio[OR]=1.80),prostate imaging and reporting data system(PI-RADS)score(OR=1.88),and prostate specific antigen density(PSAD)stage(OR=1.43)were independent predictors of pathological upgrading(all P＜0.01).The area under curve(AUC)value of the nomogram model based on the above 3 predictors was 0.82(95％confidence interval 0.77-0.87).Decision curve analysis demonstrated favourable clinical utility within a threshold probability range of 0.01-0.99.Clinical impact curve analysis showed that at a threshold probability of 0.40,the model could avoid 45 unnecessary interventions(12％reduction in false-positive rate)with a net clinical benefit of 0.46.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good model fit(P=0.45).Conclusion The constructed nomogram model can accurately predict the risk of pathological upgrading after radical prostatectomy in patients with ISUP grade 1 prostate cancer,providing a quantitative tool to support individualized decision-making for active surveillance.

The main features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include chronic airway inflammation,persis-tent airflow limitation,progressive dyspnea,and impaired lung function.Acetylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications of proteins,which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,such as oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction,and airway remodeling,by regulating gene ex-pression,cell signaling,and protein function.Therefore,exploring the regulatory mechanism of acetylating modifi-cation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can not only deeply understand the pathophysiological mechanism of the disease,but also provide a theoretical basis for the development of new treatment strategies.

The in-depth research of artificial intelligence in the medical field has greatly improved the workflow and diagnostic ability of diagnostic radiology.This article focuses on artificial intelligence technology in the field of interventional medicine,and enumerates its potential application scenarios,including improving image analysis capabilities to assist diagnosis and predict treatment response.It also describes the challenges that need to be overcome for practical application.Finally,with the continuous development of artificial intelligence in interventional medicine,artificial intelligence will further optimize the channels of interventional medicine and bring revolutionary changes to the clinical practice of interventional medicine.

Objective To evaluate the clinical application of CT-guided coaxial needle biopsy in pancreatic puncture-cutting biopsy via adipose tissue space.Methods The clinical data of 30 patients,who received CT-guided pancreatic coaxial needle biopsy via adipose tissue space at the Pingdu Hospital Area of Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University of China from June 2021 to April 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.The patients included 20 males and 10 females with a mean age of(65.1±8.7)years.The lesions were located in the pancreatic head(n=7),pancreatic neck(n=4),pancreatic body(n=7),pancreatic tail(n=10)and uncinate process(n=2).Under CT guidance,a 17 G co-axial guiding needle was inserted to establish a puncture pass through adipose tissue space,then an 18 G biopsy needle was used to make tissue sampling.A total of 32 procedures of pancreatic puncture-cutting biopsy were performed,two of these patients received two times of biopsy.After sampling,a self-made blocking agent(a mixed liquid of gelatin sponge particles and snake venom hemagglutinin),was used to occlude the puncture channel so as to prevent complications such as bleeding,pancreatic leakage,needle tract implantation metastasis,etc.Results A total of 32 procedures of pancreatic puncture-cutting biopsy with coaxial guiding needle via adipose tissue space were performed,including two patients who received two times of biopsy.The success rate of puncturing was 100％(32/32),the success rate of sampling was 93.8％(30/32),and the accuracy of sampling was 93.8％(30/32).No serious puncture-related complications occurred in all patients.Conclusion CT-guided pancreatic coaxial needle biopsy via adipose tissue space is clinically safe,accurate in sampling and minimally-invasive.This interventional diagnostic technique is worth applying in clinical practice.