Transdermal drug delivery offers advantages such as safety, convenience, and high patient compliance. However, the complex structure of the skin and significant individual variability, particularly the barrier function of the stratum corneum, result in generally low bioavailability for topical formulations. The formulation of topical drug products is complex, with numerous factors influencing quality, which requires strict control of product quality. Raman spectroscopy, as a non-destructive vibrational technique, combined with chemometric methods, imaging technology, and other spectroscopic techniques, can be applied to study the key quality attributes of topical drug formulations. The applications of Raman spectroscopy in studies of the crystal form, particle size distribution, excipient research, and in vitro transdermal experiments of topical drug formulations were summarized. In particular, it focused on the use of Raman spectroscopy in the selection of skin samples for in vitro permeation tests, the study of drug spatial distribution in the skin, and the interactions between drugs and the skin.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

To evaluate the clinical value of nebulized indocyanine green(ICG) combined with near-infrared fluorescence imaging for intraoperative detection of air leaks during pulmonary resection.

Background: Surgeons face challenges in selecting cost-effective and biologically active agents for rotator cuff healing, given the numerous commercial products available, such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and atelocollagen (ATC). However, the precise efficacy of PDRN and ATC in rotator cuff healing remains debatable, and there is currently a lack of studies directly comparing the effects of the 2 agents on repaired cuff tendons. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of PDRN and ATC on bone-to-tendon interface (BTI) healing using a chronic rotator cuff tear (RCT) model in rabbits. Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. To create chronic RCT models, transected tendons were left untreated for 6 weeks, and then were repaired in a transosseous manner with PDRN and ATC injection into the repair site according to group allocation (group A: saline, group B: PDRN, group C: ATC; n = 16 per group). Genetic and immunofluorescence analyses were performed at 4 weeks after surgery. Furthermore, genetic, histologic, and biomechanical analyses were performed at 12 weeks after surgery. Results: At 4 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders showed the highest mRNA expression levels of collagen type I alpha 1 and aggrecan compared to the other 2 groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Meanwhile, there was more preliminary fibrocartilaginous matrix formation in the ATC-injected group. At 12 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders demonstrated better collagen fiber continuity and orientation, denser collagen fibers, a more mature bone-to-tendon junction, and greater fibrocartilage layer formation compared to the other 2 groups (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, ATC-injected shoulders also demonstrated a significantly higher load-to-failure value (40.4 ± 4.5 N/kg) than the remaining groups (group A, 26.7 ± 3.0 N/kg; group B, 32.8 ± 4.2 N/kg; p < 0.001). Conclusions ATC demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting BTI healing following surgical repair in a chronic RCT model of rabbits.

The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis （GS/CACM 337-2023） was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13^th， 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology， pharmacy， and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine （pulmonary diseases） and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung， acute bronchitis， and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations， efficacy evaluation， usage， dosage， drug combination， and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions， give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid， and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.

Objective To investigate the relationship between preoperative serum high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1),macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α),osteopontin(OPN)and the prognosis of patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage after neuroendoscopic surgery.Methods From March 2022 to March 2024,98 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia treated by neuroendoscopic removal were selected.Serum HMGB1,MIP-1 a and OPN were detected before operation,and they were followed up for 1 month after operation.Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia.Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Log-rank test were used to analyze the survival rate of patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia.Results Among the 98 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia,21 patients died within 1 month after neuroendoscopic removal,and the mortality rate was 21.43％.The proportion of patients with midline shift ≥ 10 mm(76.19％)and hematoma volume[(51.18±7.62)ml]in the death group were higher than those in the survival group[14.29％and(31.93±5.66)ml],and the hematoma clearance rate[(78.13±5.86)％]was lower than that in the survival group[(90.58±6.29)％](P＜0.05).The preoperative levels of HMGB1,MIP-1 α and OPN in the death group were(12.44±2.26)ng/ml,(417.25±134.12)pg/ml and(12.32±3.19)ng/ml,respectively.The survival groups were(7.52±2.37)ng/ml,(200.35±31.36)pg/ml and(6.29±2.37)ng/ml,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that preoperative high HMGB1(HR=1.629,95％CI:1.274-2.083),high MIP-1α(HR=2.875,95％CI:1.384-5.972),high OPN(HR=1.429,95％CI:1.073-1.093)were risk factors for death within 1 month after neuroendoscopic removal of basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage(P＜0.05).Survival curve analysis showed that the survival rate of high HMGB1,high MIP-1α and high OPN at 1 month after operation was significantly lower than that of low HMGB1,low MIP-1α and low OPN(Long-rank x2=7.539,6.028,8.220,P＜0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage with high HMGB1,high MIP-1α and high OPN before neuroendoscopic surgery was poor.Preoperative HMGB1,MIP-1α and OPN may be used as indicators for postoperative evaluation of neuroendoscopic removal in patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage.

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental-behavioral disorder characterized by perceptual disturbances,affective dysregulation,and behavioral abnormalities.In traditional Chinese medicine,it is classified under"manic depressive psychosis"according to its symptomatology.The concepts of"spirit,soul,and inferior spirit"originate from Lingshu·Benshen.Drawing on the concept of"spirit governs the soul and inferior spirit"from Lei Jing,this study explored schizophrenia pathogenesis and treatment from the perspective of the three-level regulation of spirit,soul,and inferior spirit.The core pathogenesis involves failure of spirit to govern as the root cause,disruption of soul homing as the pathodynamic process,and the loss of inferior spirit's somatic functional expression as the manifestation.The pathological locations are the heart,liver,and lungs.Therapeutic strategies are developed according to the pathological transmission pattern"spirit derangement,soul floating,inferior spirit dissipation,"forming a treatment system that emphasizes"calming the heart and tranquillization,restoring its control to solidify the root;suppressing the liver soul and regulating the central mechanism to pacify excess to stop mania;purifying the lungs and calming the inferior spirit to restore its clarity and regulate sensory perception and restore cognition."The treatment emphasizes the synergistic use of"calming the spirit,stabilizing the soul,and soothing the inferior spirit,"and combines acupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and other treatments to treat both the manifestation and root cause of schizophrenia.Exploring the syndrome differentiation and treatment of schizophrenia from the perspective of spirit,soul,and inferior spirit,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of schizophrenia with traditional Chinese medicine.

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic,nonspecific inflammatory condition of the intes-tine.However,its pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms remain elusive.The primary therapeutic goal for IBD is to achieve complete restoration of the intestinal mucosa.Despite various treatment strategies available in clinical practice,options to effectively promote mucosal healing remain limited.Macrophages play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal ho-meostasis,modulating inflammatory responses,and facilitating mucosal healing.This review explores the significance and regulatory mechanisms of macrophages in intestinal mucosal healing,with particular emphasis on modulating macrophage phenotypic switching in the treatment of IBD.Furthermore,this review provides a theoretical basis for precision medicine in IBD treatment,highlighting valuable insights for more targeted therapeutic approaches.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using stent semi-retrieval technique during mechanical thrombectomy(MT)for acute anterior cerebral artery(ACA)occlusion.Methods We made a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with acute ACA occlusion treated by stent semi-retrieval technique at Tangdu Hospital and Xi'an No.1 Hospital from June 2019 to September 2023.The successful recanalization,first-pass effect(FPE),perioperative complications and postoperative recovery of all the patients were analyzed.Modified thrombolytic test in cerebral infarction(mTICI)was used to evaluate the recanalization(unsuccessful recanalization,mTICI 0-2a;successful recanalization,mTICI 2b-3).FPE was defined as mTICI 3 after one thrombectomy.The clinical outcome was evaluated by modified Rankin Scale(mRS)3 months postoperatively.A good prognosis was defined as a mRS 0-2.Results Of the 38 patients,36(94.7％)got successful recanalization(mTICI 2b-3),with an FPE of 73.7％(28/38).Two cases of mild vascular spasm(5.3％)occurred during the mechanical thrombectomy,which completely relieved without further treatment.None of the 38 patients experienced vascular rupture or dissection,and no thrombus escaped during the thrombus removal process.There was no subarachnoid hemorrhage or parenchymal hemorrhage in the area related to ACA occlusion.Ninety days after operation,14 cases(36.8％)reached good outcome(mRS 0-2),18 cases(47.4％)reached mRS 3-5,and 6 cases(15.8％)died.Conclusion Our preliminary experience suggests that the stent semi-retrieval technique may be a safe and effective method for treating acute anterior cerebral artery occlusion.