This study aims to review the current status and development trends of digital TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) specimen museums, providing a theoretical basis for their future construction. By systematically organizing literature and materials, practical experiences in platform architecture design, content planning, and technical implementation were summarized. The research results show that digital technology has significant application value in the TCM field. Currently, some Food and Drug Control Institutes have formed diverse construction achievements by integrating regional characteristics with technological innovation. However, current TCM specimen museums generally still face many challenges, such as insufficient digitalization. In conclusion, the digitalization of TCM specimen museums has become an inevitable trend in the industry. Targeted measures are urgently needed to solve existing problems and promote the sustainable development of digital TCM specimen museums. It is suggested to strengthen the standardization of data collection and storage, deepen the integration of technologies such as 3D, AR, and AI into the construction of specimen museums, and at the same time promote the spatial design combining regional culture with TCM. This will help create "one museum with one feature for one region" digital TCM specimen museums, further promoting their sustainable development and facilitating the digital inheritance of TCM.

Objectives: . The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC. Methods: . A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients. Results: . Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected. Conclusion . Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

Investigator initiated trial （IIT） represents a primary format for clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. As key implementation sites for TCM-based IIT targeting malignant tumors， western medicine institutions often face unique challenges in conducting such studies， which limit their feasibility and standardization. This paper reviews the registration status of TCM-based IIT for malignancies conducted in western medical institutions and analyzes key difficulties， including complex project initiation and management processes， limited TCM knowledge and skills among western medicine physicians， and relatively low patient acceptance of TCM. From a practical perspective， the study proposes several optimization strategies. These include improving the review and management mechanisms of TCM-related IIT within western medical institutions， establishing multidisciplinary clinical research teams that integrate TCM and western medicine， and enhancing investigators' training in TCM theory and clinical skills. Additionally， the study suggests standardizing IIT operational procedures， objectifying the collection of TCM diagnostic information， refining subject recruitment methods， and increasing TCM involvement in patient follow-up and management. These investigator-oriented， TCM-featured， and operable strategies aim to promote the high-quality development of TCM-based IIT in western medicine institutions and enhance the clinical application of TCM.

According to the theory of cancer toxin pathogenesis， tumors are complex syndromes centered on cancer toxin， characterized by multiple time points and locations， interwoven pathogenic toxins， and a combination of deficiency and excess. Postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer is a dynamic spatiotemporal process. In this paper， the core pathogenesis of postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer， namely "deficiency of spleen qi， with damp-heat stasis toxin"， has been discussed based on spatiotemporal evolution of cancer toxin. It is suggested that spleen qi depletion leading to the proliferation of cancer toxin represents the temporal characteristic of postoperative recurrence， while the stasis of damp-heat facilitating the aggregation and spread of cancer toxin refelct its spatial pattern. This paper has constructed a holistic spatiotemporal prevention and treatment strategy according to different stages before and after recurrence. Before recurrence， the focus is on prevention， and it is suggested to rectify the healthy qi and fortify spleen， clear heat and resolve dampness， unblock collaterals and remove toxin. After recurrence， the focus should be on treatment， and the strategy is combating cancer and removing toxin， breaking the blood to eliminate disease， regulating and tonifying the zang-fu （脏腑） organs.

Objective:To detect pathogenic gene mutations in a patient with CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption (CAPE) and his family, and to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of ustekinumab treatment.Methods:Clinical data were collected from a 6-year-old child presenting with erythroderma secondary to pityriasis rubra pilaris and from his family members. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient, his parents and younger brother, and DNA was extracted from these peripheral blood samples. A next-generation skin-targeted sequencing panel was used to detect gene mutations, and Sanger sequencing was performed for verification. Genomic DNA was also extracted from 100 unrelated healthy controls using the same method.Results:A heterozygous mutation c.349+1G>A in intron 6 of the CARD14 gene was identified in the proband and his mother, but was not identified in his father, younger brother or 100 healthy controls, leading to a diagnosis of CAPE in the proband. The patient received subcutaneous injections of ustekinumab at a dose of 45 mg at weeks 0 and 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. After 1-week treatment, the skin lesions and symptoms improved markedly. No adverse events were reported during the 18-month treatment and follow-up.Conclusion:The heterozygous mutation c.349+1G>A in the CARD14 gene may be the cause of the disease in this family, and ustekinumab was effective and safe for the treatment of CAPE.

BACKGROUND:Erythropoietin has anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and pro-bone defect repair effects.To date,fewer studies have been conducted on its effects and molecular mechanism underlying restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of erythropoietin on restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into control group(n=16)and experimental group(n=16).In the experimental group,collagen sponges containing erythropoietin were used to directly cap the pulp at the pulp injury,and in the control group,collagen sponges containing PBS were used to directly cap the pulp at the exposed pulp injury.The cavity was then closed with glass ionomer adhesive.After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment,the maxillary bones of the two groups were collected,and the expression of nestin in dentin was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the reparative dentin production was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The maxillae of four Sprague-Dawley rats were taken for immunohistochemical detection of erythropoietin expression in molar and incisor teeth.(2)Cell experiment:Human dental pulp cells,human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts were obtained from human dental tissue,periodontal ligament,and gingival tissue.Real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression of erythropoietin.Erythropoietin,dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,and nestin mRNA levels in human pulp cells were detected by RT-PCR under induced or uninduced odontoblastic differentiation.After down-regulation of erythropoietin expression or exogenous administration of erythropoietin intervention under induced or uninduced differentiation odontoblastic differentiation,the relative mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1 in human pulp cells was detected by RT-PCR,and the formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red S staining,and mRNA and protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Animal experiment:Compared with the control group,the restorative dentin production and nestin expression were higher in the experimental group after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.The expression of erythropoietin was weakly positive in pulp,odontoblastic cell layer and periodontal membrane of the rat's first maxillary molar,and strongly positive in odontoblasts.(2)Cell experiment:The mRNA expression of erythropoietin was higher in human dental pulp cells than in the other two types of cells.The mRNA expressions of dentin sialophosphorin,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,erythropoietin and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in human pulp cells increased and the formation of mineralized nodules during odontoblastic differentiation under induction compared with non-induction conditions.The mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,bone morphogenetic protein 2 and the formation of mineralized nodules were decreased in human pulp cells after downregulation of erythropoietin under induced odontoblastic differentiation,and the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 was also decreased.After exogenous erythropoietin intervention,the expression of the above indexes in human dental pulp cells increased.To conclude,erythropoietin can promote the formation of dentin to some extent.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the common mechanisms among collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and CIA+BLM to evaluate the therapeutic effect of triptolide (TP) on CIA+BLM. METHODS: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups according to a random number table (n=6 per group): normal control (NC), CIA, BLM, combined CIA+BLM model, TP low-dose (TP-L, 0.0931 mg/kg), and TP high-dose (TP-H, 0.1862 mg/kg) groups. The CIA model was induced by intradermal injection at the base of the tail with emulsion of bovine type II collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (1:1), with 200 µL administered on day 0 and a booster of 100 µL on day 7. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced via a single intratracheal injection of BLM (5 mg/kg). The CIA+BLM model combined both protocols, and TP was administered orally from day 14 to 35. After successful modeling, arthritis scores were recorded every 3 days, and pulmonary function was assessed once at the end of the treatment period. Lung tissues were collected for histological analysis (hematoxylin eosin and Masson staining), immunohistochemistry, measurement of hydroxyproline (HYP) content, and calculation of lung coefficient. In addition, HE staining was performed on the ankle joint. Total RNA was extracted from lung tissues for transcriptomic analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared with those from the RA-associated interstitial lung diseases patient dataset GSE199152 to identify overlapping genes, which were then used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Hub genes were identified using multiple topological algorithms. RESULTS: The successfully established CIA+BLM rat model exhibited significantly increased arthritis scores and severe pulmonary fibrosis (P<0.01). By intersecting the DEGs obtained from transcriptomic analysis of lung tissues in CIA, BLM, and CIA+BLM rats with DEGs from rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease patients (GSE199152 dataset), 50 upregulated and 44 downregulated genes were identified. Through integrated PPI network analysis using multiple topological algorithms, IGF1 was identified as a central hub gene. TP intervention significantly improved pulmonary function by increasing peak inspiratory flow (P<0.01), and reduced lung index and HYP content (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis showed that TP alleviated alveolar collapse, interstitial thickening, and collagen deposition in the lung tissues (P<0.01). Moreover, TP treatment reduced the expression of collagen type I and α-SMA and increased E-cadherin levels (P<0.01). TP also significantly reduced arthritis scores and ameliorated synovial inflammation (P<0.05). Both transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that IGF1 expression was elevated in the CIA+BLM group and downregulated following TP treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION TP exerts protective effects in the CIA+BLM model by alleviating arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis through the inhibition of IGF1-mediated EMT.
Animals ; Pulmonary Fibrosis/complications* ; Bleomycin/adverse effects* ; Phenanthrenes/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Diterpenes/pharmacology* ; Epoxy Compounds/therapeutic use* ; Arthritis, Experimental/complications* ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism* ; Rats ; Lung/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of neferine in the context of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction. METHODS: Male mice were infused with Ang II to induce hypertension and randomly divided into treatment groups receiving neferine or a control vehicle based on baseline blood pressure using a random number table method. The hypertensive mouse model was constructed by infusing Ang II via a micro-osmotic pump (500 ng/kg per minute), and neferine (0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg), valsartan (10 mg/kg), or double distilled water was administered intragastrically once daily for 6 weeks. A non-invasive blood pressure system, ultrasound, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess blood pressure and vascular changes. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) and pathways. Vascular ring tension assay was used to test vascular function. A7R5 cells were incubated with neferine for 24 h and then treated with Ang II to record the real-time Ca²⁺ concentration by confocal microscope. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to evaluate vasorelaxation, calcium, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway. RESULTS: Neferine treatment effectively mitigated the elevation in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, aortic thickening in the abdominal aorta of Ang II-infused mice (P<0.05). RNA sequencing and network pharmacology analysis identified 355 DETs that were significantly reversed by neferine treatment, along with 25 potential target genes, which were further enriched in multiple pathways and biological processes, such as ERK1 and ERK2 cascade regulation, calcium pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Further investigation revealed that neferine treatment enhanced vasorelaxation and reduced Ca²⁺-dependent contraction of abdominal aortic rings, independent of endothelium function (P<0.05). The underlying mechanisms were mediated, at least in part, via suppression of receptor-operated channels, store-operated channels, or voltage-operated calcium channels. Neferine pre-treatment demonstrated a reduction in intracellular Ca²⁺ release in Ang II stimulated A7R5 cells. IHC staining and Western blot confirmed that neferine treatment effectively attenuated the upregulation of p-ERK1/2 both in vivo and in vitro, which was similar with treatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neferine remarkably alleviates Ang II-induced elevation of blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and pathological changes in the abdominal aorta. This beneficial effect is mediated by the modulation of multiple pathways, including calcium and ERK1/2 pathways.
Animals ; Angiotensin II ; Male ; Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use* ; Network Pharmacology ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Mice ; Hypertension/chemically induced* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Calcium/metabolism*

Objective:To explore the efficacy of intensive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (irTMS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and its impact on cognitive function and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).Methods:Forty-eight TRD patients were divided into observation group and control group using random number table method, with 24 patients in each group. The observation group was treated with irTMS, and the stimulation site was the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe. The stimulation intensity was 110% of the motor threshold, and the stimulation frequency was 15 Hz. The stimulation interval was 26 s, and 3 000 pulses were stimulated each time. Stimulating 5 times per day, with an interval of 50 min, and continuous treatment for 5 days. The total stimulation amount for 5 days was 75 000 pulses. The control group was treated with pseudo stimulation. Before treatment (T0), 5 days after treatment (T1), and 1 month after treatment (T2), 17-item Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) was used to assess depressive mood. Evaluating cognitive function using the Wisconsin card sorting test.A fully automated blood cell analyzer was used to detect platelet count (PLT), neutrophil count (NC), and lymphocyte count (LC), calculate the systemic immune inflammation index (SII), SII=PLT × NC/LC. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0 software. The comparison between two sets of repeated measurement data was performed using repeated measurement analysis of variance.Simple effect analysis was performed if the interaction effect was significant.Pearson analysis was used for correlation testing.Results:The interaction effect between the time and group of HAMD-17 scores was significant ( F=121.784, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that the HAMD-17 scores of the observation group at T1 and T2 ((12.07±4.08) and (14.78±4.99), respectively) were lower than those of the control group ((23.78±5.87) and (24.67±7.00), P<0.05). The treatment response rate and remission rate of the observation group at T1 were higher than those of the control group ( χ2=4.090, 7.378, both P<0.05).The treatment response rate and remission rate of the observation group at T2 were higher than those of the control group ( χ2=4.463, 4.547, both P<0.05). The time and group interaction effects of the percentage of correct response and conceptualization level in the Wisconsin card sorting test were significant ( F=30.087, 20.004, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that the percentage of correct response and conceptualization level in the observation group at T1 and T2 were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The time and group interaction effect of SII was significant ( F=8.173, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in SII between the two groups at T0 ( P>0.05). The SII at T1 and T2 in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). In the observation group, the changes in SII from T2 to T0 was positively correlated with the change in HAMD-17 scores ( r=0.527, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the percentage of correct responses to the Wisconsin card sorting test ( r=-0.412, P<0.05) and the percentage of conceptualization level ( r=-0.411, P<0.05). Conclusion:irTMS is effective in treating TRD and can improve patients' cognitive function and immune inflammation damage.