This paper summarizes professor LI Guolie's clinical experience in treating orthostatic hypotension （OH） based on the theory of "raising the clear and directing the turbid downward". It is considered that the core pathogenesis of OH lies in the body's transition from a supine to an upright position， during which dysfunction of the middle jiao （焦） transformation and transportation， along with impaired pivot function， hinders the ascending of clear yang and the descending of turbid yin. Treatment should follow the general principle of "ascending the clear and directing the turbid downward"， placing emphasis on distinguishing the primary and secondary aspects. For cases where the clear yang fails to ascend， the self-formulated Li's Shengqing Jiangzhuo Decoction （李氏升清降浊汤）is used to supplement qi， raise the clear， and strengthen the middle jiao. For cases where the turbid yin fails to descend， the self-formulated Wuxiang Qingzhuo Beverage（五香清浊饮）with modifications is applied to resolve phlegm， eliminate stasis， harmonize the middle， and descend the turbid.

This paper summarizes professor LI Guolie's clinical experience in treating orthostatic hypotension （OH） based on the theory of "raising the clear and directing the turbid downward". It is considered that the core pathogenesis of OH lies in the body's transition from a supine to an upright position， during which dysfunction of the middle jiao （焦） transformation and transportation， along with impaired pivot function， hinders the ascending of clear yang and the descending of turbid yin. Treatment should follow the general principle of "ascending the clear and directing the turbid downward"， placing emphasis on distinguishing the primary and secondary aspects. For cases where the clear yang fails to ascend， the self-formulated Li's Shengqing Jiangzhuo Decoction （李氏升清降浊汤）is used to supplement qi， raise the clear， and strengthen the middle jiao. For cases where the turbid yin fails to descend， the self-formulated Wuxiang Qingzhuo Beverage（五香清浊饮）with modifications is applied to resolve phlegm， eliminate stasis， harmonize the middle， and descend the turbid.

Objective: To fabricate a hydrogel loaded with inositol hexaphosphate-zinc and preliminarily evaluate its performance in self-mineralization and osteoinduction, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of bone regeneration materials. Methods: The hydrogel framework (designated DF0) was formed by copolymerizing methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride and four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate, followed by sequentially loading inositol hexaphosphate anions via electrostatic interaction and zinc ions via chelation. The hydrogel loaded only with inositol hexaphosphate anions was named DF1, while the co-loaded hydrogel was named DF2. The self-mineralization efficacy of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The biocompatibility was assessed via live/dead cell staining and a CCK-8 assay. The osteoinductive capacity of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels on MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. In the aforementioned cell experiments, cells cultured in standard medium served as the control group Results: The DF0, DF1, and DF2 hydrogels were successfully synthesized. Notably, DF1 and DF2 exhibited distinct self-mineralization within 6 days. Results from TEM, EDS, and SAED confirmed that the mineralization products were amorphous calcium phosphate in group DF1, and amorphous calciumzinc phosphate in group DF2. Biocompatibility tests revealed that none of the hydrogels (DF0, DF1, and DF2) adversely affected cell viability or proliferation. In osteogenic induction experiments, both ALP and ARS staining were intensified in the DF1 and DF2 groups, with the most profound staining observed in the DF2 group. Conclusion The developed inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel (DF2) demonstrates the dual capacity to generate calcium-phosphate compounds through self-mineralization while exhibiting excellent osteoinductive properties. This biocompatible, dual-promoting osteogenic hydrogel presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration.

Ulcerative colitis （UC）， a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease， involves multifaceted pathological mechanisms such as intestinal barrier dysfunction， immune dysregulation， and oxidative stress. Current therapeutic strategies remain limited in efficacy and safety. In recent years， the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK） signaling pathway has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic target for UC due to its central role in energy metabolism， inflammatory regulation， and intestinal homeostasis. This article systematically reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） prevented and treated UC through the regulation of the AMPK signaling pathway， with a focus on elucidating AMPK's multidimensional regulatory network in inflammatory signaling crosstalk， alleviating oxidative stress， restoring intestinal immune balance， repairing the intestinal barrier， and modulating gut microbiota. Leveraging its unique advantages of multi-target engagement and low toxicity， TCM demonstrates promising potential in UC treatment and has become a focal area of research. By systematically summarizing and synthesizing the existing literature on TCM-mediated AMPK pathway modulation in UC， this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing mechanistic research and clinical interventions in UC.

Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics of post-cholecystectomy specimens from patients with benign gallbladder diseases.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data from 1 712 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases at the Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between September 2022 and August 2024. The cohort included 757 males and 955 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 57(23) years (range: 14 to 91 years). Clinical and pathological features were analyzed. The χ2 test was used to compare clinical characteristics between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps. Factors statistically significant in the χ2 test were subsequently included in a binary logistic regression analysis. Results:Postoperative pathological examination revealed gallbladder cancer in 7 patients (0.41%). These 7 cases, including 2 with pT3 stage cancer, were not detected preoperatively by various imaging examinations (ultrasound+magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography/MRI plain scan in 3 cases, ultrasound+enhanced MRI in 1 case, ultrasound+enhanced CT in 2 cases, enhanced CT+enhanced MRI in 1 case). Gallbladder adenoma was found in 23 cases (1.34%), neoplastic polyps (including cholesterol polyps with dysplasia) in 29 cases (1.69%), and non-neoplastic polyps in 154 cases (9.00%). Statistically significant differences were observed in age and polyp number between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps ( χ2=10.436 and 8.030; both P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified age ≥60 years ( P=0.003) and solitary polyps ( P=0.009) as risk factors for neoplastic polyps. Mucosal dysplasia was present in 164 cases (9.58%), including 9 cases of severe dysplasia, 4 of which exhibited focal carcinomatous transformation. Gallbladder polyps combined with stones were found in 90 cases (5.26%), among which 10 were associated with adenoma and mucosal dysplasia, and 2 showed focal carcinomatous transformation. Conclusions:The incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma was 0.41%. Intraoperative bile spillage can severely compromise prognosis. Preoperative imaging demonstrates a low detection rate for neoplastic polyps. Particular vigilance for neoplastic polyps is warranted in patients aged ≥60 years or with solitary polyps. Cholecystectomy should be performed promptly for benign gallbladder diseases meeting surgical indications.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that platelet-derived growth factor BB can stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and accelerate the calcification process of osteoblast-like cells.However,its clinical application has problems such as short half-life and easy decomposition.Loading the growth factor onto a suitable biomaterial scaffold can enable its slow and continuous release and maintain an effective concentration,which has become a hot topic in current research.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB on the repair of alveolar bone defect in rats.METHODS:(1)Chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds(referred to as CS/rGO scaffolds)and chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with different mass concentrations(5,10,15,and 20 mg/L)of platelet-derived growth factor BB(referred to as CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds)were prepared respectively.The five groups of scaffolds were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells.The cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 assay and Transwell chamber assay,respectively,to screen the appropriate growth factor loading mass concentration for subsequent experiments.CS/rGO scaffolds(or extracts)and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffolds(or extracts)were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells,and the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenic ability of the cells were detected.(2)The alveolar bone defect model was prepared in front of the bilateral maxillary first molars of 16 SD rats,and the rats were randomly divided into 4 intervention groups:the blank control group did not receive any intervention,the simple scaffold group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold,the control group was implanted with CS/rGO scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,and the experimental group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,with 4 rats in each group.Twelve weeks after surgery,the bone repair of the alveolar bone defect was observed by Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds could promote the proliferation and migration of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.Among them,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold had the most significant effect on promoting cell proliferation and migration,and this scaffold was used for subsequent experiments.Compared with the CS/rGO scaffold,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold could promote the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.(2)Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the experimental group had the best alveolar bone defect repair effect,and a large amount of new bone tissue and blood vessel formation could be seen.(3)The chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffold loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB can effectively promote the repair of rat alveolar bone defects by promoting the proliferation,migration,angiogenic and osteogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that platelet-derived growth factor BB can stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and accelerate the calcification process of osteoblast-like cells.However,its clinical application has problems such as short half-life and easy decomposition.Loading the growth factor onto a suitable biomaterial scaffold can enable its slow and continuous release and maintain an effective concentration,which has become a hot topic in current research.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB on the repair of alveolar bone defect in rats.METHODS:(1)Chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds(referred to as CS/rGO scaffolds)and chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with different mass concentrations(5,10,15,and 20 mg/L)of platelet-derived growth factor BB(referred to as CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds)were prepared respectively.The five groups of scaffolds were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells.The cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 assay and Transwell chamber assay,respectively,to screen the appropriate growth factor loading mass concentration for subsequent experiments.CS/rGO scaffolds(or extracts)and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffolds(or extracts)were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells,and the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenic ability of the cells were detected.(2)The alveolar bone defect model was prepared in front of the bilateral maxillary first molars of 16 SD rats,and the rats were randomly divided into 4 intervention groups:the blank control group did not receive any intervention,the simple scaffold group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold,the control group was implanted with CS/rGO scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,and the experimental group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,with 4 rats in each group.Twelve weeks after surgery,the bone repair of the alveolar bone defect was observed by Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds could promote the proliferation and migration of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.Among them,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold had the most significant effect on promoting cell proliferation and migration,and this scaffold was used for subsequent experiments.Compared with the CS/rGO scaffold,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold could promote the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.(2)Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the experimental group had the best alveolar bone defect repair effect,and a large amount of new bone tissue and blood vessel formation could be seen.(3)The chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffold loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB can effectively promote the repair of rat alveolar bone defects by promoting the proliferation,migration,angiogenic and osteogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.

Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics of post-cholecystectomy specimens from patients with benign gallbladder diseases.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data from 1 712 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases at the Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between September 2022 and August 2024. The cohort included 757 males and 955 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 57(23) years (range: 14 to 91 years). Clinical and pathological features were analyzed. The χ2 test was used to compare clinical characteristics between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps. Factors statistically significant in the χ2 test were subsequently included in a binary logistic regression analysis. Results:Postoperative pathological examination revealed gallbladder cancer in 7 patients (0.41%). These 7 cases, including 2 with pT3 stage cancer, were not detected preoperatively by various imaging examinations (ultrasound+magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography/MRI plain scan in 3 cases, ultrasound+enhanced MRI in 1 case, ultrasound+enhanced CT in 2 cases, enhanced CT+enhanced MRI in 1 case). Gallbladder adenoma was found in 23 cases (1.34%), neoplastic polyps (including cholesterol polyps with dysplasia) in 29 cases (1.69%), and non-neoplastic polyps in 154 cases (9.00%). Statistically significant differences were observed in age and polyp number between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps ( χ2=10.436 and 8.030; both P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified age ≥60 years ( P=0.003) and solitary polyps ( P=0.009) as risk factors for neoplastic polyps. Mucosal dysplasia was present in 164 cases (9.58%), including 9 cases of severe dysplasia, 4 of which exhibited focal carcinomatous transformation. Gallbladder polyps combined with stones were found in 90 cases (5.26%), among which 10 were associated with adenoma and mucosal dysplasia, and 2 showed focal carcinomatous transformation. Conclusions:The incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma was 0.41%. Intraoperative bile spillage can severely compromise prognosis. Preoperative imaging demonstrates a low detection rate for neoplastic polyps. Particular vigilance for neoplastic polyps is warranted in patients aged ≥60 years or with solitary polyps. Cholecystectomy should be performed promptly for benign gallbladder diseases meeting surgical indications.

Objective To explore the role of neogambogic acid in the characteristics of colorectal cancer stem cells (CRC-CSCs) through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Methods The colorectal cells SW480 and HCT166 were divided into control group and neogambogic acid groups (1.5, 3, 6, and 12 μmol/L). The viability of CRC-CSCs was determined by MTT method, and spheroid and clone formation assays were used to assess the capacity of spheroid formation and self-renewal ability of the cells. The effects of neogambogic acid on the apoptosis and cell cycle of CRC-CSCs were evaluated by flow cytometry assays. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of relative markers (CD133, CD44, ALDH1, Oct4, and Nanog) of CRC-CSCs, and the protein expression levels of the self-renewal marker (PCNA), apoptosis markers (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway markers (p-GSK3β, GSK3β, β-catenin, and Wnt) were analyzed using Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, after neogambogic acid treatment, the viability of SW480 and HCT116 cells decreased (P<0.05), the spheroid forming ability and the clone numbers of CRC-CSCs decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01) but the cell apoptosis rate increased (P<0.01), and cell cycle was arrested in G₀/G₁ phase. Moreover, neogambogic acid downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of relative markers of CRC-CSCs (CD133, CD44, ALDH1, Oct4, and Nanog), PCNA, p-GSK3β, β-catenin, and Wnt (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and GSK3β (P<0.01). Conclusion Neogambogic can inhibit the stem cell properties of colorectal cells via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As a result, neogambogic acid may be an attractive agent against colorectal cancer.

Ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the mucosal layer of the rectum and colon. Its pathogenesis is complex and remains incompletely understood. Endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） plays a critical role in cellular responses to external stress and the maintenance of homeostasis， and its abnormal activation is closely associated with the development of various inflammatory diseases， particularly in the pathological process of UC. ERS maintains cellular homeostasis by activating the unfolded protein response （UPR）. However， when ERS is prolonged or excessive， UPR fails to alleviate the stress， leading to epithelial cell death and aggravating the progression of UC. Modulating ERS may serve as a key target for the prevention and treatment of UC， and it is one of the current research hotspots. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has shown significant efficacy in regulating ERS， offering unique therapeutic advantages through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. Recent studies have confirmed that TCM can alleviate ERS， inhibit apoptosis， regulate autophagy， reduce inflammatory responses， and maintain intestinal barrier function to prevent and treat UC. This review summarized the relationship between ERS and UC and discussed the intervention of TCM in regulating ERS for the treatment of UC， aiming to provide new insights and approaches for the treatment of UC with TCM.