1.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
2.Construction and clinical application exploration of an artificial intelligence-based high-quality lung cancer surgery dataset
Xuhua HUANG ; Yunfeng NIE ; Liang SHEN ; Pengxu KONG ; Xin TAN ; Zihao LI ; Wang LV ; Min ZHOU ; Xudong LV ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):717-727
Objective To construct a lung cancer surgery-oriented disease-specific database covering the entire perioperative care pathway, thereby improving the quality and usability of key surgical data elements. Methods Real-world clinical data were extracted from a single-center thoracic surgery department. A standardized data model was established based on the open electronic health record (openEHR) standard. Large language model (LLM), optical character recognition (OCR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven techniques were employed to extract, structure, and perform quality control on unstructured clinical narratives, imaging reports, and radiological data, with a focus on capturing surgically relevant perioperative indicator. Results A multimodal database comprising 19 917 patients was established, including 7 930 males and 11 987 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 97 (61.7±9.7) years. The database includes 582 structured data variables, textual report data corresponding to 69 clinical indicators, 13 000 pulmonary function test PDF reports, and chest CT imaging data from 16 884 patients. This database comprehensively covers major information relevant to surgical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, significantly improving the completeness and granularity of surgical detail data. Large language models (LLMs) and optical character recognition (OCR) technologies enhanced the efficiency of converting unstructured data into structured formats, while a multi-level manual verification process ensured data accuracy and traceability. The database supports real-world research including comparisons of surgical procedures, prediction of postoperative complications, prognosis assessment, and multimodal data association analyses.
3.Robotic-Assisted Uniportal Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Note on a Hybrid Form of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Ting Yao ANG ; A. Aravin KUMAR ; Chin Hong NGAI ; John J.Y. ZHANG ; Jacob Y.L. OH ; Ji Min LING ; Thomas C.H. TAN
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):105-117
Robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement and full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (FE-TLIF) are established minimally invasive spine techniques. Their integration has the potential to combine navigation accuracy with the muscle-preserving advantages of uniportal endoscopy. This technical note describes a hybrid approach using the Mazor X Stealth edition robotic system to enhance workflow, safety, and efficiency during FE-TLIF. A 74-year-old patient with metabolic syndrome presented with severe back and radicular leg pain that was refractory to conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral lateral recess stenosis, disc height loss, and facet arthropathy at L4–5, with dynamic instability observed on flexion-extension radiographs. Preoperative computed tomography imaging was uploaded to the robotic system for trajectory planning. Following registration, the robotic arm guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement via Wiltse incisions. Uniportal endoscopic access enabled hemilaminotomy, facetectomy, discectomy, endplate preparation, and insertion of an expandable L4–5 interbody cage under direct visualization. Robotic guidance facilitated precise screw trajectory placement without repeated fluoroscopic localization, reduced intraoperative radiation exposure, and avoided muscle disruption associated with open approaches. Endoscopic visualization enabled controlled facet resection and preservation of neural elements during cage placement. Postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate implant positioning. The combined workflow improved surgical ergonomics and minimized tissue trauma while maintaining fusion stability. Robotic-assisted FE-TLIF represents a safe and feasible hybrid minimally invasive surgery technique that enhances pedicle screw accuracy and complements endoscopic fusion. Despite a steep learning curve, this approach may reduce perioperative morbidity, improve procedural efficiency, and enhance postoperative recovery. Further comparative studies are required to evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.
4.Trends in Lumbar Spinal Decompression Surgery at a Single Tertiary Center: A Retrospective Review
Kai Lin LEE ; Dhivakaran GENGATHARAN ; John Wen Cong THNG ; Thanos SIVRIDIS ; Dickson CHAU ; Ghim Hoe NEO ; Haobin CHEN ; Ji Min LING ; Thomas Choo Heng TAN ; Yilun HUANG
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):65-76
Objective:
Spinal stenosis and degenerative spinal disorders are increasingly prevalent and have a substantial impact on quality of life. Surgical decompression, performed using either open microscopic or endoscopic approaches, remains a cornerstone of management for these conditions. This study examines evolving trends in single-level lumbar spinal decompression procedures performed at a tertiary academic hospital in Singapore.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 588 patients who underwent single-level spinal decompression between 2021 and 2024, including endoscopic spine surgery (ESS; n=364) and microdecompression (n=224). Primary outcome measures were changes in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, reoperation rates, and operative time. Patient demographics, spinal level and pathology characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in SF-36 and VAS scores. At 2 years, Short Form Health Survey physical function (SFPF) scores improved in the endoscopic group (mean difference [MD], 18.6; standard deviation [SD], 21.7; p=0.064) and in the open microscopic group (MD, 36.7; SD, 20.9; p=0.007), with a non-significant DID of -18.1 (p=0.155). No DID comparisons across SF-36 domains reached statistical significance. Mean operative time for endoscopic procedures decreased from 249 minutes in 2022 to 145 minutes in 2024, reflecting a procedural learning curve. Surgeons with higher endoscopic caseloads exhibited greater improvements in functional outcomes.
Conclusion
Both endoscopic and open microscopic decompression achieve comparable short- and long-term clinical outcomes. ESS provides similar effectiveness while being associated with shorter recovery periods and reduced hospital stay. Further research is warranted to identify factors contributing to incomplete symptom resolution or the need for revision surgery.
6.Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Rare but Devastating Complication of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hui Min Tan ; Mohd Irfan bin Moktar ; Hwee Ching Tee
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):56-
Introduction:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication
of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Neurological complications of DKA are rare in adults. We report a case of young
lady with T1DM who presented with severe DKA and
complicated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Case:
A 19-year-old female was diagnosed with T1DM following
an admission for DKA 2 months earlier. Her hemoglobin
A1c was 17.2%, and autoimmune markers showed positive
anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies (71
IU/mL) with negative anti-insulinoma-associated antigen
2 (anti-IA2) and islet cell antibodies. Her C-peptide level
was low at 69 pmol/L. She was discharged with basal bolus
insulin analogues, but she defaulted on her medications.
She presented to the hospital 2 months later with a history
of epigastric pain, vomiting, and breathlessness for 2 days,
and was then found unconscious at home. There was no
history of trauma. She was intubated for a poor Glasgow
Coma Scale (E1V1M1). Blood results showed severe DKA
with glucose 25 mmol/L, blood gas pH 6.572, bicarbonate 2.6
mmol/L, and ketone more than 8.8 mmol/L. She was started
on insulin infusion and fluid resuscitation. DKA resolved
after 24 hours. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain
showed SAH in the right frontal and left frontotemporal
regions. CT angiography of the brain reported no evidence
of an intracranial aneurysm. She was extubated on day
4 of admission. Subsequent cerebral digital subtraction
angiography was unremarkable. The patient achieved
complete neurological recovery on follow-up.
Conclusion
This case highlights that severe DKA may rarely be
associated with spontaneous SAH, which increases
morbidity and mortality. Proposed mechanisms include
vascular injury, oxidative stress from severe ketoacidosis,
and endothelial dysfunction related to inflammatory
mediators. Clinicians should have a high suspicion and
consider neuroimaging in DKA patients with unexplained
reduced consciousness or atypical neurological findings.
7.Clinical diagnostic value of sFlt-1/PLGF,UA and ALB for preeclampsia
Qilin TAN ; Min JIANG ; Chaohui DUAN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(21):2601-2606
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1)to placental growth factor(PLGF)ratio(sFlt-1/PLGF),serum uric acid(UA)and albumin(ALB)for preeclampsia(PE).Methods A total of 110 pregnant women with PE who underwent prenatal examination,delivery and had complete data at the Affiliated Women's and Children's Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2022 to July 2023 were selected as the PE group,and another 47 healthy pregnant women during the same period were selected as the control group.A retrospective analysis was conducted.The general data of the two groups of pregnant women,such as gestational weeks at delivery,blood pressure,body mass index(BMI),the second trimester and biochemical indicators,such as serum sFlt-1 and PLGF were compared.Lo-gistic regression Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for the occurrence of PE,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of sFlt-1/PLGF and biochemical indicators for PE.Results The levels of serum UA and sFlt-1/PLGF in the PE group were higher than those in the control group,while the level of serum ALB was lower than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that sFlt-1/PLGF,UA,and ALB all had certain diagnostic value for PE.The areas under the curve(AUC)were 0.854,0.825,and 0.778 respectively,and the AUC of the combination of the three was 0.894,which was higher than that of the single detection(P<0.05).Conclusion The three indicators,sFlt-1/PLGF,UA and ALB,are all have reference value for predicting the occurrence and development of PE.The combined detec-tion of the three has a better diagnostic efficacy for PE..
8.Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Combined with Western Medicine in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Mild Anemia Under the Guidance of"Dongyuan Acupuncture"
Fengzhi TAN ; Min YU ; Longlin ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(4):907-913
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with western medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)complicated with mild anemia under the guidance of"Dongyuan acupuncture".Methods A total of 80 cases of patients definitively diagnosed as RA complicated with mild anemia of deficiency of qi and blood were selected and randomly divided into the observation group and the control group according to the random number table method,those who were admitted to the wards and outpatient clinics of the Department.of Rheumatology,Chongqing Hospital of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2024 to September 2024,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional treatment with western medicines,while the observation group was additionally treated with acupuncture under the guidance of"Dongguan acupuncture".The course of treatment covered four consecutive weeks.After one month of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)of pain scores,as well as Disease Activity Scores(DAS-28)before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.The changes of rheumatoid factor(RF),C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),red blood cell count(RBC),and hemoglobin(Hb)levels before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.The safety and incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups were also evaluated.Results(1)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the patients in the observation group were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the VAS scores and DAS-28 scores of the patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the RF,CRP,and ESR levels of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05);after treatment,there was a significant improvement in the RBC level of the observation group(P<0.05),but the difference was not statistically significant when compared with the control group(P>0.05);after treatment,the Hb level of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 95.00%(38/40)in the observation group and 87.50%(35/40)in the control group,and the efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions was 7.50%(3/40)in the observation group and 27.50%(11/40)in the control group,the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Under the guidance of"Dongyuan acupuncture",the application of acupuncture combined with western medicine in the treatment of RA complicated with mild anemia can not only realize the complementarity of acupuncture and medicine,improve the clinical efficacy,reduce the level of inflammatory factors,and significantly alleviate the joint symptoms of the patients,but also increase the level of blood cells,improve the anemia condition of the patients and have fewer adverse reactions,thus enhancing their quality of life.
9.Clinical Observation on the Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method Combined with Western Medical Treatment in Treating Gouty Nephropathy with Damp-Heat Accumulation Syndrome
Longlin ZHANG ; Fengzhi TAN ; Min YU ; Yaoyu DU ; Ao LUO ; Yihao LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1706-1713
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengqing Jiangzhuo(lifting lucid yang and lowering turbid yin)Acupuncture Method,based on the"turbidity-clearness interaction"theory,combined with western medicine in treating gouty nephropathy(GN)patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome.Methods A total of 117 patients diagnosed with GN from September 2023 to September 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Chongqing Hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups,with 39 cases in each group.The western medicine group received Febuxostat Tablets,the control group was given western medicine+conventional acupuncture,and observation group was given western medicine+Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method.All groups received 4 weeks of treatment.Clinical efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,visual analogue scale(VAS)of pain scores,and laboratory parameters—including serum uric acid(UA),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),24-hour urinary protein(24h-UTP),cystatin C(CysC)were assessed.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and C-reactive protein(CRP)were compared before and after treatment.Results(1)The total effective rate was 71.79%(28/39)in the western medicine group,84.62%(33/39)in the control group,and 92.31%(36/39)in the observation group.The observation group demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the western medicine group(P<0.05),while showing marginally better efficacy than the control group without statistical significance(P>0.05).(2)After treatment,all three groups exhibited significant improvements in ESR,CRP,and UA levels(P<0.05).The observation group significantly outperformed the other two groups in reducing ESR and CRP levels(P<0.05),and was statistically superior to the western medicine group in lowering UA levels(P<0.05),though no significant difference was observed versus the control group for UA improvement(P>0.05).The control group showed significantly greater reductions in ESR,CRP,and UA levels than the western medicine group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,Scr,BUN,and eGFR levels were significantly improved in all groups(P<0.05).The observation group achieved significantly better improvements in Scr and eGFR than the other two groups(P<0.05).However,no statistical difference existed between the control and western medicine groups for Scr or eGFR enhancement(P>0.05).No intergroup differences were detected in BUN improvement(P>0.05).(4)Significant differences emerged in β2-MG and CysC levels among all groups after treatment(P<0.05).Both observation and control groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in 24-hour 24h-UTP(P<0.05),whereas the western medicine group showed no significant change(P>0.05).The observation group significantly outperformed the other groups in reducing 24h-UTP and β2-MG levels(P<0.05),and was superior to the western medicine group in lowering CysC(P<0.05),though no difference versus the control group was observed for CysC reduction(P>0.05).The control group showed no statistical advantage over the western medicine group in improving 24h-UTP,β 2-MG,or CysC(P>0.05).(5)After treatment,TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores were significantly improved in all groups(P<0.05).The observation group achieved significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores than the western medicine group(P<0.05).The control group showed statistically superior VAS score improvement versus the western medicine group(P<0.05),but no significant differences emerged in TCM syndrome score improvement compared to either group(P>0.05).No statistical difference existed between observation and control groups for VAS score reduction(P>0.05).Conclusion Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method,grounded in the"turbidity-clearness interaction"theory,effectively reduces serum UA,controls inflammation,and preserves renal function in damp-heat accumulation type of GN,demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits.
10.Application analysis of the 3N linked care model among caregivers of leukemia patients
Jiahua DONG ; Min ZHANG ; Qian TAN ; Li ZHU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(5):135-138
Objective To explore the effectiveness of applying 3N linked care model among care-givers of leukemia patients.Methods A total of 96 caregivers of acute leukemia patients were select-ed and randomly divided into observation groupand control group using a random lottery method,with 48 caregivers in each group.The observation group received the 3N linked care model,while the con-trol group received routine care.Psychological resilience,caregiving burden,and nursing outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results After intervention,the total score on the Connor Da-vidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC)in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[(105.23±6.24)versus(91.20±5.06),P<0.05].After intervention,the proportion of caregiv-ers with no burden in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,while the proportions of mild,moderate,and severe burdens were significantly lower(P<0.05).The total nursing outcome score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[(28.54±2.36)versus(21.05±1.42),P<0.05].Conclusion The application of 3N linked care model a-mong caregivers of leukemia patients helps improve caregivers'levels of psychological resilience,re-duce their caregiving burden,and enhance nursing outcomes.


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