The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate ⁺" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.

Based on the theory of cancer-toxin pathogenesis， this article proposes that cancer toxin persists throughout the entire course of colorectal cancer （CRC）， with spleen qi depletion as the root of disease and damp-heat and stasis toxin as key factors in the evolution of pathogenesis. It further explores the intrinsic relationship between these pathogenetic features and the modern pathological process of "inflammasome pre-activation/repeated activation/gasdermin D-mediated pyroptotic microenvironmental imbalance". Spleen qi depletion is regarded as an upstream pathological basis for inflammasome pre-activation， while damp-heat and stasis toxin are considered key drivers of repeated inflammasome activation， the gasdermin D-mediated amplification of pyroptotic inflammation， and persistent microenvironmental imbalance. These two pathogenetic aspects interact sequentially and concurrently， jointly contributing to the early development and progression of CRC. Guided by the principle of anti-cancer and detoxification， and based on the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment strategy of simultaneously fortifying the spleen and replenishing qi， clearing and resolving damp-heat， and resolving stasis and toxins， this study further elucidates the modern mechanistic connotations of how these relevant therapies intervene in the gasdermin D-mediated pyroptotic microenvironment imbalance in CRC. The ultimate aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the modern scientific interpretation of cancer-toxin pathogenesis and the clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment of CRC.

Based on the theory of cancer-toxin pathogenesis， this article proposes that cancer toxin persists throughout the entire course of colorectal cancer （CRC）， with spleen qi depletion as the root of disease and damp-heat and stasis toxin as key factors in the evolution of pathogenesis. It further explores the intrinsic relationship between these pathogenetic features and the modern pathological process of "inflammasome pre-activation/repeated activation/gasdermin D-mediated pyroptotic microenvironmental imbalance". Spleen qi depletion is regarded as an upstream pathological basis for inflammasome pre-activation， while damp-heat and stasis toxin are considered key drivers of repeated inflammasome activation， the gasdermin D-mediated amplification of pyroptotic inflammation， and persistent microenvironmental imbalance. These two pathogenetic aspects interact sequentially and concurrently， jointly contributing to the early development and progression of CRC. Guided by the principle of anti-cancer and detoxification， and based on the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment strategy of simultaneously fortifying the spleen and replenishing qi， clearing and resolving damp-heat， and resolving stasis and toxins， this study further elucidates the modern mechanistic connotations of how these relevant therapies intervene in the gasdermin D-mediated pyroptotic microenvironment imbalance in CRC. The ultimate aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the modern scientific interpretation of cancer-toxin pathogenesis and the clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment of CRC.

BACKGROUND:The asymmetrical biomechanical environment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can lead to further wedge deformation of the vertebral body,which may affect cardiopulmonary function and compress nerves in severe cases.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with different degrees of scoliosis should be treated with exercise,bracing,and surgery.However,the mechanical mechanism of selecting an orthopedic approach remains unclear due to the individual variability of patients.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical mechanism of different orthopedic modalities for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide a basis for clinical selection of treatment modalities based on the spine model of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.METHODS:Based on the CT images of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient,a scoliosis model(C7-L5)was reconstructed in Mimics software in three dimensions,and lateral thrust force was applied at the T8/T9 thorax and vertical distraction force was applied over the C7 vertebra with the magnitude of 20,40,60,80,100,and 120 N.The intervertebral disc stress and vertebral displacement in concave and convex sides,and Cobb angle of the spine were analyzed under two orthopedic modalities.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With lateral thrust,there was no significant change in the C7T1-T7T8 intervertebral disc.The concave and convex stress of T7T8-L4L5 segment decreased first and then increased with the increase of lateral thrust force.The correction effect of lateral thrust on the segment near T8T9 was obvious and weakened with the extension of the segment to the cephalic and caudal ends.At 120 N of lateral thrust,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 32.5° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 43.9°.(2)With the vertical distraction,the thoracic intervertebral disc stresses first decreased and then increased,and all the lumbar disc stresses decreased.The C7 displacement was the most obvious,and the correction effect gradually diminished with the segment extended to the caudal end.At a vertical distraction force of 120 N,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 39.4° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 47.6°.(3)It is concluded that both orthopedic modalities provide improvement in the degree of scoliosis,with the thoracic correction being greater than the lumbar correction.Also,the asymmetric stress distribution on the concave and convex sides is improved,which contributes to normal bone growth.A vertical distraction approach is appropriate for larger Cobb angles,and a lateral thrust approach is appropriate for smaller Cobb angles.The results of this study help to understand the mechanism of spinal orthosis and provide a theoretical basis for the choice of orthopedic approach.

Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.

Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.

Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.

BACKGROUND:The asymmetrical biomechanical environment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can lead to further wedge deformation of the vertebral body,which may affect cardiopulmonary function and compress nerves in severe cases.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with different degrees of scoliosis should be treated with exercise,bracing,and surgery.However,the mechanical mechanism of selecting an orthopedic approach remains unclear due to the individual variability of patients.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical mechanism of different orthopedic modalities for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide a basis for clinical selection of treatment modalities based on the spine model of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.METHODS:Based on the CT images of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient,a scoliosis model(C7-L5)was reconstructed in Mimics software in three dimensions,and lateral thrust force was applied at the T8/T9 thorax and vertical distraction force was applied over the C7 vertebra with the magnitude of 20,40,60,80,100,and 120 N.The intervertebral disc stress and vertebral displacement in concave and convex sides,and Cobb angle of the spine were analyzed under two orthopedic modalities.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With lateral thrust,there was no significant change in the C7T1-T7T8 intervertebral disc.The concave and convex stress of T7T8-L4L5 segment decreased first and then increased with the increase of lateral thrust force.The correction effect of lateral thrust on the segment near T8T9 was obvious and weakened with the extension of the segment to the cephalic and caudal ends.At 120 N of lateral thrust,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 32.5° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 43.9°.(2)With the vertical distraction,the thoracic intervertebral disc stresses first decreased and then increased,and all the lumbar disc stresses decreased.The C7 displacement was the most obvious,and the correction effect gradually diminished with the segment extended to the caudal end.At a vertical distraction force of 120 N,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 39.4° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 47.6°.(3)It is concluded that both orthopedic modalities provide improvement in the degree of scoliosis,with the thoracic correction being greater than the lumbar correction.Also,the asymmetric stress distribution on the concave and convex sides is improved,which contributes to normal bone growth.A vertical distraction approach is appropriate for larger Cobb angles,and a lateral thrust approach is appropriate for smaller Cobb angles.The results of this study help to understand the mechanism of spinal orthosis and provide a theoretical basis for the choice of orthopedic approach.