ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effects and safety of Shuhe Granules （舒和颗粒） in patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA） comorbid with insomnia. MethodsA single-arm prospective exploratory design was adopted. Thirty RA patients comorbid with insomnia and diagnosed with the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome of kidney-heart deficiency and qi-blood disharmony were enrolled. On the basis of maintaining their original RA treatment regimens， all patients received oral Shuhe Granules， one dose per day， for 12 consecutive weeks. The outcomes were assessed before treatment and at weeks 4， 8， and 12 after treatment. Sleep and related psychosomatic function were evaluated using the insomnia severity index （ISI）， Pittsburgh sleep quality index （PSQI）， fatigue severity scale （FSS）， patient health questionnaire-9 （PHQ-9）， generalized anxiety disorder-7 （GAD-7）， and Montreal cognitive assessment （MoCA） scores. RA-related assessments included the 28-joint disease activity score based on C-reactive protein （DAS28-CRP）， pain visual analog scale （VAS）， tender joint count （TJC28）， swollen joint count （SJC28）， morning stiffness duration， and health assessment questionnaire （HAQ） score. Laboratory parameters included erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， serum C-reactive protein （CRP）， anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody （anti-CCP）， and rheumatoid factor （RF） levels. A literature-based historical control group was established through literature retrieval and meta-analysis. The ISI， PSQI， DAS28-CRP， and pain VAS scores were compared between the treatment group in the present study and the historical control group. Safety assessments were also performed. ResultsCompared with baseline before treatment， ISI and PSQI scores decreased at weeks 4， 8， and 12， while MoCA scores increased at weeks 4， 8， and 12. FSS scores decreased at weeks 4 and 12. At weeks 8 and 12， GAD-7 scores， DAS28-CRP scores， duration of morning stiffness， TJC28， and SJC28 were reduced. At week 12， PHQ-9， pain VAS， and HAQ scores significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. FSS and DAS28-CRP scores at week 12 were lower than those at week 4， and CRP levels at week 8 were lower than those at week 4 （P＜0.05）. Compared with the historical control group， the treatment group showed superior improvement in ISI and PSQI scores （P＜0.001）； however， no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in DAS28-CRP or pain VAS scores （P＞0.05）. No serious adverse events occurred during the study， and the 4 reported mild adverse events were all considered unrelated to the study medication. ConclusionShuhe Granules significantly improve sleep quality， fatigue， emotional status， cognitive function， RA-related symptoms， and joint function in patients with RA comorbid insomnia， with good safety and tolerability.

Objective: To investigate the association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and periodontitis and to provide new epidemiologic evidence on the factors affecting periodontitis. Methods: Data on MHR, periodontitis, and other covariates were selected from the NHANES(National Health and Nutrition Examination) database for 3 cycles of subjects in 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014, and a total of 8 456 study subjects were included. The study participants were grouped according to the prevalence of periodontitis (presence or absence), and three regression models (unadjusted covariates, partially adjusted covariates, and fully adjusted covariates) were constructed to analyze the relationship between MHR and periodontitis by using a weighted logistic regression method with stepwise adjustment for confounders. MHR was divided into four groups from Q1 to Q4 according to quartiles from small to large for weighted trend analysis, and the nonlinear relationship between MHR (continuous) and periodontitis was analyzed using a restricted cubic spline with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results: All three logistic regression models showed a positive association between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 2.92, 95%CI: 2.14-3.99, P<0.001 (not adjusted); OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.39-2.78, P<0.001 (partially adjusted); OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.10-2.39, P = 0.017 (fully adjusted)). Trend analysis showed a significantly higher risk of developing periodontitis in the Q4 group compared with the Q1 group in both single (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.58-2.33, P<0.001) and multifactorial analyses (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03-1.64, P = 0.029). Restricted cubic spline results did not support a nonlinear relationship between MHR and periodontitis (P for nonlinear>0.05), subgroup analysis showed no significant interaction between the covariates and MHR (P>0.05), and sensitivity analysis also showed a positive correlation between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.31-2.14, P<0.001). Conclusion MHR is positively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.

The patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion are frequently complicated by idiopathic condylar resorption(ICR),which may lead to temporomandibular joint(TMJ)dysfunction and dentofacial deformities.This article reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a 24-year-old female patient with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion accompanied by ICR.The patient's chief complaints were anterior open bite and TMJ pain,and was diagnosed with ICR through clinical examination and imaging.After stabilizing condylar resorption with occlusal splint therapy,combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment was performed.The 42-month follow-up revealed:well-aligned dentition with complete closure of diastemas,significant improvement of protrusive facial profile(ANB angle reduced by 4.2°),complete resolution of TMJ pain and clicking,and establishment of stable Class Ⅰ occlusion.Three-dimensional CT demonstrated satisfactory condylar bone remodeling and normalized joint space.Through multidisciplinary treatment,both occlusal function and facial aesthetics were significantly improved.This case demonstrates that orthodontic-orthognathic treatment should be performed after condylar stabilization in ICR patients,and occlusal splint therapy serves as an effective preoperative intervention.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion is characterized by maxillary protrusion,mandibular retrognathia,or a combination of both,and often accompanied by vertical dimensional discrepancies;treatment is complex,and combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery is needed for the adult patients.Clear aligner therapy has gradually been applied in complex orthodontic cases.However,limited cases have been reported domestically and internationally regarding the application of clear aligner therapy combined with orthognathic surgery.This article presented a case of a patient with skeletal class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion treated with the combined therapy and analyzed the clinical efficacy of the treatment appraoch to provide reference for the clinical practice.Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth 18,28,38,and 48,as well as orthodontic teeth 15,25,34,and 44,was performed in stages before orthodontic treatment.Clear aligner therapy was used for preoperative orthodontics.In sagittal plane,a super-complete class Ⅱ canine and molar relationship and a 13-14 mm overjet of the anterior teeth were established.The maxillary and mandibular arch morphology was matched horizontally.The orthognathic surgery included maxillary LeFort Ⅰ osteotomy,bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy(BSSRO)and chinplasty.Fine occlusal adjustment was conducted after operation.After treatment,the skeletal relationship between upper and lower jaw was corrected to normal;subspinale-nasion-supramental angle(ANB)was improved from 12.3° to 4.7°;the patient established the class Ⅰ canine and molar relationship,with normal overjet and overbite;root parallelism was good and there was no obvious root resorption;the facial soft tissue profile was significantly improved,and nasion-subnasale-pogonion angle(N-Sn-Pg)was improved from 143.9° to 162.8°.The curative effect was stable 1 year after operation.Clear aligner therapy can efficiently complete combined orthodontic and orthodontic surgery in the complex cases.Compared with the fixed appliance,it is more beneficial to the patients'need for beauty and the maintenance of periodontal health.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum chitosinase 3-like protein 1(CHI3L1)and Syndecan-1(SDC1)levels and bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their predictive efficacy on osteoporosis.Methods A total of 412 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to this hospital from May 2019 to May 2023 were included in this study,and were divided into normal bone mass group(n=151),reduced bone mass group(n=138)and osteoporosis group(n=123)according to the iffer-ences in bone mineral density.Serum CHI3L1 and SDC1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay,and serum levels of type 1 collagen cross-linked carboxyl terminal peptide(CTX),25-hydroxyvita-min D[25-(OH)D],osteocalcin(OC),and type 1 procollagen N-terminal propeptide(P1NP)were deter-mined by automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay.Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between serum CHI3L1,SDC1 and bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Re-ceiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of serum CHI3L1 and SDC1 on osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Results There were significant differences in diabetes course,fasting blood glucose,HbA1c and HDL-C a-mong normal bone mass group,decreased bone mass group and osteoporosis group(P＜0.05).The levels of serum CHI3L1,25-(OH)D,P1NP and osteocalcin in osteoporosis group were lower than those in osteopenia group,and those in osteopenia group were lower than those in normal bone mass group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Serum SDC1 and CTX levels in osteoporosis group were higher than those in osteopenia group,and those in osteopenia group were higher than those in normal bone mass group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Serum CHI3L1 was positively correlated with 25-(OH)D,P1NP and OC(P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with CTX(P＜0.05).Serum SDC1 was negatively correlated with 25-(OH)D,P1NP,OC(P＜0.05),and positively correlated with CTX(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum CHI3L1,SDC1 and their combination predicted osteoporosis in elderly pa-tients with type 2 diabetes were 0.851,0.772 and 0.904,respectively.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that long duration of diabetes,increased HbA1c,high expression of OC,CHI3L1＞4.16 ng/mL,SDC1≥50.94 ng/mL were all influential factors for osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes(P＜0.05).Conclusion Low expression of CHI3L1 and high expression of SDC1 in serum are associated with ab-normal bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.These two indexes are expected to be used as biological markers to predict osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective To explore the syndrome differentiation rules of the Yin Dan and Yang Dan method,and summarize Professor Yang Zhimin's valuable experience in the treatment of insomnia.Methods The case data of 11390 insomnia patients treated by Professor Yang Zhimin was retrospectively analyzed,and the distribution of symptoms,signs,pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation rules of insomnia patients was examined based on latent structure analysis.Result A total of 44 symptoms and signs can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients,showing the characteristics of both excess and deficiency,cold and heat.A total of 36 hidden categories(symptom clusters and pathogenesis)was composed.Symptoms and signs such as fear of wind and cold can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi,symptoms and signs such as pale eyelid can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve,and established diagnostic criteria for insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi and heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve.Conclusion Based on the Yang Dan and Yin Dan method to distinguish and treat insomnia from the perspective of disharmony between Ying and Wei,it is in line with the basic understanding of the pathogenesis of insomnia in the classics of traditional Chinese medicine.The pattern differentiation rules obtained through the latent structure analysis method are helpful to summarize valuable clinical experience and provide a certain reference and basis for clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the effects of hip replacement on human β-defensin 3 (HBd-3) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) levels in older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 110 older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures who received treatment at Xi'an Labor Union Hospital from March 2021 to December 2023. Based on the different treatment methods, patients were assigned to either the hip replacement group ( n = 55, hip replacement) or the control group ( n = 55, intramedullary nail fixation). The operation time, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time were recorded for both groups. The levels of malondialdehyde, aldosterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, HBd-3, AEA, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were measured before and 3 days after surgery. Behaviors were evaluated using the 6-point behavioral rating scale before and 14 days after surgery. Hip function was evaluated using the Mayo hip function score before and 3 months after surgery. Complications were recorded for both groups. Results:The operation time in the hip replacement group was significantly longer than that in the control group [(75.58 ± 7.19) minutes vs. (60.03 ± 5.75) minutes, t = -12.53, P < 0.001]. However, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time in the hip replacement group were (8.35 ± 1.63) days, (13.18 ± 2.32) days, and (6.19 ± 1.51) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(16.28 ± 2.02) days, (15.65 ± 3.15) days, (42.21 ± 6.67) days, t = 22.68, 4.68, 39.06, all P < 0.001]. The levels of malondialdehyde and aldosterone in the hip replacement group were (14.89 ± 3.06) U/L and (37.80 ± 3.80) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(16.73 ± 3.42) U/L, (40.85 ± 4.24) ng/L, t = 2.97, 3.97, both P < 0.05]. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and HBd-3 in the hip replacement group were (18.85 ± 3.25) ng/L and (0.93 ± 0.15), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(24.40 ± 4.43) ng/L, (1.22 ± 0.30), t = 7.49, 6.41, both P < 0.001]. The level of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(73.81 ± 12.26) ng/L vs. (89.39 ± 14.43) ng/L, t = 6.40, P < 0.001]. The level of anandamide in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(112.65 ± 18.35) ng/L vs. (95.28 ± 14.07) ng/L, t = -5.57, P < 0.001]. The 6-point behavioral rating scale score in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.05 ± 0.32) vs. (2.28 ± 0.67), t = 12.29, P < 0.05]. The Mayo hip function score for patients in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(85.12 ± 4.33) vs. (79.38 ± 4.12), t = 7.12, P < 0.001]. The incidence of complications in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [1.82% (1/55) vs. 14.55% (8/55), χ2 = 4.36, P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Hip replacement therapy for older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures can shorten hospital stays, promote the reduction of postoperative stress responses and inflammation, downregulate HBd-3 and AEA levels, facilitate early functional rehabilitation, improve hip function, reduce complications, and enhance prognosis.

Objective To explore the syndrome differentiation rules of the Yin Dan and Yang Dan method,and summarize Professor Yang Zhimin's valuable experience in the treatment of insomnia.Methods The case data of 11390 insomnia patients treated by Professor Yang Zhimin was retrospectively analyzed,and the distribution of symptoms,signs,pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation rules of insomnia patients was examined based on latent structure analysis.Result A total of 44 symptoms and signs can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients,showing the characteristics of both excess and deficiency,cold and heat.A total of 36 hidden categories(symptom clusters and pathogenesis)was composed.Symptoms and signs such as fear of wind and cold can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi,symptoms and signs such as pale eyelid can explain the overall situation of insomnia patients with heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve,and established diagnostic criteria for insomnia patients with cold syndrome due to weakness of Wei Qi and heat syndrome due to weakness of Ying Xve.Conclusion Based on the Yang Dan and Yin Dan method to distinguish and treat insomnia from the perspective of disharmony between Ying and Wei,it is in line with the basic understanding of the pathogenesis of insomnia in the classics of traditional Chinese medicine.The pattern differentiation rules obtained through the latent structure analysis method are helpful to summarize valuable clinical experience and provide a certain reference and basis for clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the effects of hip replacement on human β-defensin 3 (HBd-3) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) levels in older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 110 older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures who received treatment at Xi'an Labor Union Hospital from March 2021 to December 2023. Based on the different treatment methods, patients were assigned to either the hip replacement group ( n = 55, hip replacement) or the control group ( n = 55, intramedullary nail fixation). The operation time, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time were recorded for both groups. The levels of malondialdehyde, aldosterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, HBd-3, AEA, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were measured before and 3 days after surgery. Behaviors were evaluated using the 6-point behavioral rating scale before and 14 days after surgery. Hip function was evaluated using the Mayo hip function score before and 3 months after surgery. Complications were recorded for both groups. Results:The operation time in the hip replacement group was significantly longer than that in the control group [(75.58 ± 7.19) minutes vs. (60.03 ± 5.75) minutes, t = -12.53, P < 0.001]. However, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time in the hip replacement group were (8.35 ± 1.63) days, (13.18 ± 2.32) days, and (6.19 ± 1.51) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(16.28 ± 2.02) days, (15.65 ± 3.15) days, (42.21 ± 6.67) days, t = 22.68, 4.68, 39.06, all P < 0.001]. The levels of malondialdehyde and aldosterone in the hip replacement group were (14.89 ± 3.06) U/L and (37.80 ± 3.80) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(16.73 ± 3.42) U/L, (40.85 ± 4.24) ng/L, t = 2.97, 3.97, both P < 0.05]. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and HBd-3 in the hip replacement group were (18.85 ± 3.25) ng/L and (0.93 ± 0.15), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(24.40 ± 4.43) ng/L, (1.22 ± 0.30), t = 7.49, 6.41, both P < 0.001]. The level of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(73.81 ± 12.26) ng/L vs. (89.39 ± 14.43) ng/L, t = 6.40, P < 0.001]. The level of anandamide in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(112.65 ± 18.35) ng/L vs. (95.28 ± 14.07) ng/L, t = -5.57, P < 0.001]. The 6-point behavioral rating scale score in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.05 ± 0.32) vs. (2.28 ± 0.67), t = 12.29, P < 0.05]. The Mayo hip function score for patients in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(85.12 ± 4.33) vs. (79.38 ± 4.12), t = 7.12, P < 0.001]. The incidence of complications in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [1.82% (1/55) vs. 14.55% (8/55), χ2 = 4.36, P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Hip replacement therapy for older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures can shorten hospital stays, promote the reduction of postoperative stress responses and inflammation, downregulate HBd-3 and AEA levels, facilitate early functional rehabilitation, improve hip function, reduce complications, and enhance prognosis.