OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Arctium lappa extract for treatment of Post-Viral Pneumonia Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF). METHODS: The chemical constituents of Arctium lappa extracts were identified using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis established by tracheal instillation of bleomycin were treated with Arctium lappa extract, and body weight changes were recorded and lung tissue pathology was examined using HE and Masson staining. Metabolomics analysis was used to identify the differential metabolites and the associated metabolic pathways in the treated mice. The common targets of viral pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis were acquired from the publicly available databases, and the core targets and active constituents were screened using the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and molecular docking, and a "gene-metabolite" regulatory network was constructed. The expressions of the core targets were detected in the lung tissues of the treated mice using Western blotting. RESULTS: Fifty-three chemical constituents were identified from Arctium lappa extract. In the mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis, treatment with Arctium lappa extract significantly improved weight loss and ameliorated lung inflammation and fibrosis. The differential metabolites in the treated mice were enriched in energy metabolism pathways involving citrate cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, tryptophan metabolism, glutamate metabolism and glutathione metabolism, which regulated the production of energy metabolism intermediates. Twenty-three key active compounds (mostly lignans and phenolic acids) and 82 core targets were screened, which were associated with the non-canonical Smad signaling pathways (including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, MAPK, and Foxo) that participated in the regulation of energy metabolism. Arctium lappa extract also regulated the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)‑related proteins (fibronectin, vimentim, and Snail, etc.) and inhibited MAPK signaling pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings suggest that Arctium lappa treats fibrosis by regulating metabolism to inhibit EMT and involves the modulation of non-canonical Smad signaling pathways, such as MAPK providing theoretical support for its clinical application and further research in treating PPF.
Arctium/chemistry* ; Animals ; Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Mice ; Metabolomics ; Network Pharmacology ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Signal Transduction ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Molecular Docking Simulation

Objective:To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of circular RNA-centrosome and spindle pole-associated protein 1 (circ-CSPP1) on the malignant biological behavior of hepatoma cells.Methods:Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of circ-CSPP1 and microRNA-582-5p (miR-582-5p) in hepatoma cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of karyopherins α2 (KPNA2). HepG2 cells were divided into the circ-CSPP1 overexpression group, the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group, the si-CSPP1 group, the si-NC group, the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition group, and the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition control group. circ-CSPP1 overexpression plasmid, CSPP1 interfering small RNA, CSPP1 interfering small RNA, miR-582-5p inhibition sequence and negative control were transfected respectively in these groups. Cell proliferation in each group was detected by 5-acetylene-2'-deoxyuridine (Edu), invasion ability was detected by Transwell assay, and the binding of circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 to miR-582-5p was verified by dual-luciferase assay. In the si-CSPP1 group, HepG2 cells transfected with si-CSPP1 lentivirus were subcutaneously injected into the back of nude mice ( n=12), and in the si-NC group, HepG2 cells transfected with negative control lentivirus ( n=12) were injected. The tumor mass, volume, circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 were detected. Results:In the circ-CSPP1 overexpression group, the relative expression of circ-CSPP1 was (1.68±0.17), the expression of KPNA2 was (1.52±0.16), and the number of invasive cells in the 100-fold field of view was (128.4±13.5), which were all higher than those in the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group [(1.25±0.16), (1.24±0.15), (128.4±13.5)], while the expression of miR-552-5p was lower than that in the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group [(0.96±0.11) vs (1.31±0.15)]; The relative expression of circ-CSPP1 in the si-CSPP1 group was (1.02±0.13), KPNA2 was (0.74±0.09), and the number of invasive cells was (53.5±6.7), which were lower than those in the si-NC group [(1.28±0.14), (1.22±0.13), (74.6±8.3)], while the expression of miR-582-5p was higher than that in the si-NC group [(1.71±0.18) vs (1.32±0.14)]; The expression of circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 and the number of invasion cells in the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition group was higher than that in the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of cell proliferation were consistent with those of invasion. The dual-luciferase gene report showed that, compared with the miR-NC group, the relative luciferase activity in HepG2 cells co-transfected with circ-CSPP1-WT or KPNA2-WT wild-type reporter vectors in the miR-882-5p mimic group decreased [(0.46±0.05) vs (1.03±0.11), (0.42±0.03) vs (1.01±0.09)]. The differences were all statistically significant (both P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the relative luciferase activity in HepG2 cells co-transfected with the circ-CSPP1-MUT or KPNA2-MUT mutant reporter vectors (both P>0.05). The tumor weight, volume and circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 expressions in tumor tissue of nude mice in the si-CSPP1 group were all lower than those in the si-NC group, and the expression of miR-582-5p was higher than that in the si-NC group. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Inhibition of circ-CSPP1 suppressed the malignant biological behavior of hepatoma cells and tumor growth by upregulating miR-582-5p and downregulating KPNA2.

Objective To systematically evaluate the level of proteus mirabilis(PM)infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and to investigate its potential association with the development of RA.Methods Based on Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology and preferred reporting items for systematic review and Meta-analysis guide,a comprehensive search of PubMed,Web of Science and Embase databases was conducted to screen relevant literature published up to December 2024 for studies comparing the levels of anti-PM antibodies between RA patients and healthy populations,and the quality of the included studies was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by Q-test and I2-test,and accordingly,fixed-effects or random-effects models were selected,and the robustness of the results was assessed by sensitivity analyses,Begg's test,and clipping and patching method.Results Finally,18 eligible articles were included,involving 753 RA patients and 716 healthy controls.The total antibody levels[weighted mean difference(WMD)=0.86,95％CI:0.38-1.34,I2=98.3％,P=0.000]and IgA antibody levels(WMD=0.17,95％CI:0.06-0.28,I2=96.7％,P=0.000)of RA patients were higher than those of healthy controls,and subgroup analyses revealed significant heterogeneity among geographic regions and testing methods.Conclusion Prevention and treatment of PM infections may be a complementary strategy for RA management and provide evidence-based support for the"PM antigen-genitourinary tract mucosa-autoimmunity"pathology hypothesis.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Objective:To evaluate the potential of IgG N-glycans as diagnostic biomarker for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by comparing and analyzing the IgG N-glycan profiles with AS and healthy controls.Methods:A 1∶1 matched case-control study design was adopted, 81 AS patients who visited the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Taian City Central Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between July 2020 and June 2021 were recruited. These patients were matched with 81 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical checkup. The levels of IgG N-glycosylation in human plasma were quantitatively measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify IgG N-glycan biomarkers associated with AS.Results:A total of 14 primary glycans and 13 derived traits showed statistically significant differences between the AS case group and the control group. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that glycan peak 4, agalactosylated glycans, fucosylated glycans, and fucosylated agalactosylated glycans were positively associated with AS[ OR(95% CI)=1.12(1.01, 1.42), 1.21(1.03, 1.43), 1.48(1.08, 2.03), and 1.27(1.04, 1.55); P=0.036, 0.022, 0.039, 0.020, respectively]. In terms of diagnostic performance, the single glycan GP4 exhibited the largest area under the ROC curve, with an AUC (95% CI) 0.751 (0.677, 0.826), while the combined glycan indicators (GP4+G0+F+FG0) achieved an AUC (95% CI) 0.768(0.697, 0.840). Conclusion:IgG N-glycans have the potentials to serve as candidate biomarkers for AS, and warrants further investigation.

Viral myocarditis(VMC)is a type of myocarditis caused by Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)infection.Its pathogenesis is complex that includes direct viral action,host immune and inflammatory response,myocardial structure and function remodeling.The therapeutic effect of single target drugs is limited,while traditional Chinese medicine not only has antiviral effects,but also demon-strates systematic advantages in intervening in VMC due to its"multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway"characteristics.This article reviews the pathogenic mechanisms of CVB3-induced VMC,clarifies the interaction between CVB3 and host cells,and ex-plores the intervention mechanisms and developments of traditional Chinese medicine interventions for CVB3-induced VMC.At the same time,the prospects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for CVB3-induced VMC in this study suggest that future research should strengthen the analysis of multi-target synergistic mechanisms based on traditional Chinese medicine formulas,combine artifi-cial intelligence,genomics,and gene editing technologies to predict drug-target interaction networks,establish standardized and per-sonalized system for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans,and provide more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of VMC.