To systematically review randomized controlled trials （RCTs） of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） intervention in ulcerative colitis （UC）， and analyze the characteristics of these studies and their outcome indicators， thereby providing references for the design of future RCTs of TCM intervention in UC and offering evidence supporting the clinical application of TCM in UC. A computerized search was conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang Data， VIP， SinoMed， PubMed， Cochrane Library， EMbase， and Web of Science databases for RCTs of TCM intervention in UC published from January 2021 to August 2024. The risk of bias was assessed， and outcome indicators were qualitatively analyzed. A total of 555 RCTs were included， with a sample size of 44 853 participants. The largest sample size was 218 cases， and the smallest was 28 cases， with most studies focusing on 60-100 participants. Of the 386 RCTs that explicitly reported TCM syndrome types， the top three were large intestine dampness-heat syndrome （31.05%）， spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome （12.47%）， and spleen deficiency with dampness syndrome （9.17%）. The interventions， ranked by frequency of use， included internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations （64.5%）， Chinese medicine compounds/preparations with retained enema （18.2%）， internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations + external TCM treatment （5.95%）， and external TCM treatment alone （4.86%）. The treatment duration was mainly 4-8 weeks （64.86%）， with 61 studies （10.99%） reporting follow-up time. A total of 157 outcome indicators were used， with a frequency of 3 460 occurrences， classified into six domains： TCM syndromes and symptoms （346 occurrences， 10%）， symptoms/signs （541 occurrences， 15.64%）， physical and chemical examinations （2 119 occurrences， 61.24%）， quality of life （107 occurrences， 3.09%）， long-term prognosis （61 occurrences， 1.76%）， and safety events （284 occurrences， 8.21%）. The analysis reveals several limitations in the outcome indicators of TCM intervention in UC， including the lack of a basis for sample size calculation， non-standardized TCM syndrome classification， absence of trial design and registration， inadequate blinding and allocation concealment， adherence issues with interventions， imbalanced selection of surrogate and endpoint indicators， inconsistency in the timing of outcome measurements， design issues that require standardization， and ethical and safety concerns. It is recommended that future studies actively construct a set of core indicators for UC that include standardized TCM syndrome classification， clear efficacy evaluation indicators， key endpoint indicators， and reasonable measurement time points. Long-term prognostic impacts， comprehensive assessments of patients' quality of life， and consideration of economic benefits should be emphasized， providing a basis for the clinical practice of TCM in the treatment of UC.

To systematically review randomized controlled trials （RCTs） of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） intervention in ulcerative colitis （UC）， and analyze the characteristics of these studies and their outcome indicators， thereby providing references for the design of future RCTs of TCM intervention in UC and offering evidence supporting the clinical application of TCM in UC. A computerized search was conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang Data， VIP， SinoMed， PubMed， Cochrane Library， EMbase， and Web of Science databases for RCTs of TCM intervention in UC published from January 2021 to August 2024. The risk of bias was assessed， and outcome indicators were qualitatively analyzed. A total of 555 RCTs were included， with a sample size of 44 853 participants. The largest sample size was 218 cases， and the smallest was 28 cases， with most studies focusing on 60-100 participants. Of the 386 RCTs that explicitly reported TCM syndrome types， the top three were large intestine dampness-heat syndrome （31.05%）， spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome （12.47%）， and spleen deficiency with dampness syndrome （9.17%）. The interventions， ranked by frequency of use， included internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations （64.5%）， Chinese medicine compounds/preparations with retained enema （18.2%）， internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations + external TCM treatment （5.95%）， and external TCM treatment alone （4.86%）. The treatment duration was mainly 4-8 weeks （64.86%）， with 61 studies （10.99%） reporting follow-up time. A total of 157 outcome indicators were used， with a frequency of 3 460 occurrences， classified into six domains： TCM syndromes and symptoms （346 occurrences， 10%）， symptoms/signs （541 occurrences， 15.64%）， physical and chemical examinations （2 119 occurrences， 61.24%）， quality of life （107 occurrences， 3.09%）， long-term prognosis （61 occurrences， 1.76%）， and safety events （284 occurrences， 8.21%）. The analysis reveals several limitations in the outcome indicators of TCM intervention in UC， including the lack of a basis for sample size calculation， non-standardized TCM syndrome classification， absence of trial design and registration， inadequate blinding and allocation concealment， adherence issues with interventions， imbalanced selection of surrogate and endpoint indicators， inconsistency in the timing of outcome measurements， design issues that require standardization， and ethical and safety concerns. It is recommended that future studies actively construct a set of core indicators for UC that include standardized TCM syndrome classification， clear efficacy evaluation indicators， key endpoint indicators， and reasonable measurement time points. Long-term prognostic impacts， comprehensive assessments of patients' quality of life， and consideration of economic benefits should be emphasized， providing a basis for the clinical practice of TCM in the treatment of UC.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease involving multiple cells and cellular components， characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing， shortness of breath， chest tightness， and coughing， significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway， as a crucial hub in intracellular signaling， is widely involved in the regulation of cell growth， proliferation， survival， metabolism， and a series of pathophysiological processes. Its regulatory role in the pathological progression of asthma is particularly significant， specifically in promoting airway inflammation， mediating epithelial mesenchymal transition， accelerating airway remodeling， regulating cell autophagy， inducing mucus hypersecretion， and influencing immune response balance. This study analyzed potential molecular targets of the PI3K/Akt pathway， including activators such as cysteine proteinase inhibitor 1（CST1）， found in inflammatory zone 1（FIZZ1） and free fatty acid receptor 1（FFAR1）， and inhibitors such as human β-defensin-3（hBD-3）， disintegrins， metalloproteinase 33（ADAM33） and interleukin-27（IL-27）， and initially revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） in asthma intervention. Based on this， the authors systematically summarized the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM monomers， compounds， and external treatments for asthma by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through literature review and analysis， aiming at establishing a robust foundation for the wide application and advanced development of TCM in asthma treatment， offering innovative insights for clinical research and drug development of asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease involving multiple cells and cellular components， characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing， shortness of breath， chest tightness， and coughing， significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway， as a crucial hub in intracellular signaling， is widely involved in the regulation of cell growth， proliferation， survival， metabolism， and a series of pathophysiological processes. Its regulatory role in the pathological progression of asthma is particularly significant， specifically in promoting airway inflammation， mediating epithelial mesenchymal transition， accelerating airway remodeling， regulating cell autophagy， inducing mucus hypersecretion， and influencing immune response balance. This study analyzed potential molecular targets of the PI3K/Akt pathway， including activators such as cysteine proteinase inhibitor 1（CST1）， found in inflammatory zone 1（FIZZ1） and free fatty acid receptor 1（FFAR1）， and inhibitors such as human β-defensin-3（hBD-3）， disintegrins， metalloproteinase 33（ADAM33） and interleukin-27（IL-27）， and initially revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） in asthma intervention. Based on this， the authors systematically summarized the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM monomers， compounds， and external treatments for asthma by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through literature review and analysis， aiming at establishing a robust foundation for the wide application and advanced development of TCM in asthma treatment， offering innovative insights for clinical research and drug development of asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XT^TM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Muscle, Skeletal/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cell Proliferation

Hypotension is a leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. The available literature evidences that vascular factors are associated with dementia and that hypotension alters cerebral perfusion flow and can aggravate the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the discovery of biomarkers and the recent progress made in neurovascular biology, epidemiology, and brain imaging, some key issues remain largely unresolved: the potential mechanisms underlying the neural deterioration observed in AD, the effect of cerebrovascular alterations on cognitive deficits, and the positive effects of hypotension treatment on cognition. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to unravel the potential association between hypotension and cognitive dysfunction and reveal the potential benefits of hypotension treatment for AD patients. Here, we review the current epidemiological, pathobiological, and treatment-related literature on neurovascular changes and hypotension-related cognitive dysfunction and highlight the unsettled but imminent issues that warrant future research endeavors.
Humans ; Hypotension/complications* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology* ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology* ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

BACKGROUND: Meningeal metastasis (MM) is a form of malignant metastasis where tumor cells spread from the primary site to the pia mater, dura mater, arachnoid, subarachnoid space, and other cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor types with MM. MM not only signifies that the lung cancer has progressed to an advanced stage but also leads to a range of severe clinical symptoms due to meningeal involvement. Currently, the risk factors associated with the development of MM are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for MM in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent non-surgical interventions, in order to identify LUAD patients at high risk for MM. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with LUAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to July 2024. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation methods, and risk factors were identified through LASSO, univariate, and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients with LUAD were included in this study and divided into two groups: 87 patients with MM and 83 patients without MM. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age at diagnosis (P=0.004), presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R gene mutation (P=0.008), and concurrent liver metastasis at baseline (P=0.004) were independent risk factors for developing MM in LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. Conversely, higher baseline globulin levels (P=0.039) and the presence of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutation (P=0.040) were associated with a reduced risk of MM development. CONCLUSIONS Age at diagnosis, EGFR L858R mutation status, ALK gene mutation status, concurrent liver metastasis, globulin levels at baseline were significantly associated with the risk of developing MM in patients with LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. For patients diagnosed at a younger age, carrying the EGFR L858R mutation, or presenting with baseline liver metastasis, early implementation of tertiary prevention strategies for MM is crucial. Regular monitoring of MM status should be conducted in these high-risk groups.
Humans ; Male ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Adult

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.019.].

Objective:To investigate the nutritional risk, incidence of malnutrition, and intake of three major energy-supplying nutrients, analyze changes in their body composition and the possible influencing factors in patients with stomach neoplasms during perioperative period in order to provide a theoretical basis for the nutritional management of patients with stomach neoplasms during perioperative period.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 105 patients who underwent gastric cancer radical surgery in the Gastrointestinal Department of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University from June 2021 to May 2023 were taken as the research subjects using fixed-point continuous sampling method. They were recruited for screening and assessment using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Nutrients intake during the perioperative period were investigated using the 24-h recall method and dietary diary method, etc. Body compositions were measured using the bioelectrical resistance method.Results:Among the 105 patients, there were 78 males and 27 females, with an average age of (61.5 ± 10.3) years. About 83.8% (88/105) gastric cancer patients were at nutritional risk and 82.9% (87/105) were malnourished. The preoperative and postoperative energy intake were (1 646.1 ± 321.5) and (1 317.2 ± 365.8) kcal (1 kcal=4.184 kJ), respectively, which were significantly lower than the target amount of (1 896.7 ± 262.9) kcal, the difference was statistically significant ( t=6.23, 8.29, both P<0.05).The preoperative body mass, muscle mass, skeletal muscle, fat mass, and skeletal muscle index were (51.5 ± 9.6), (40.8 ± 6.0), (23.6 ± 4.0), (8.3 ± 4.9) kg, and 6.7 ± 0.8 respectively, while the postoperative values were (50.0 ± 9.1), (39.8 ± 6.0), (22.8 ± 3.6), (7.8 ± 5.2) kg, and 6.5 ± 0.8 respectively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups ( t values were 2.89-10.61, all P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the operation time ( OR=3.984, 95% CI 1.433-11.080, P<0.05) and energy satisfaction ( OR=0.053, 95% CI 0.005-0.610, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors for the degree of skeletal muscle loss. Conclusions:During perioperative period, the gastric cancer patients had poor nutritional status with insufficient nutrient intake and accelerated loss of body muscle and fat. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a comprehensive nutritional evaluation for patients with stomach neoplasms during perioperative period in time and take steps to promote recovery by providing individualized nutritional therapy.

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of resistin(RETN)gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in middle and high altitude areas.Methods A total of 400 patients with T2DM in Qinghai area were recruited and divided into simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=200)and T2DM combined with MAFLD group(T2DM+ MAFLD,n=200)according to liver ultrasonography.Healthy individuals confirmed by physical examination were selected as the normal control group(NC,n=180).Plasma resistin levels were measured by ELISA.The polymorphism of RETN-420C/G and +299G/A genes were detected by PCR sequencing.Results By comparing the polymorphism of RETN-420C/G gene in each group,it was found that the frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group were higher than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05),while the frequencies of C/C genotype and C allele frequency were lower than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The risk of MAFLD increased by 1.571,2.126 and 1.537 times respectively in T2DM patients with C/G,G/G genotype and G allele.Logistic regression analysis showed that G/G genotype was a risk factor for MAFLD in T2DM patients.By comparing the polymorphism of RETN+299G/A gene in each group,it was found that A allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group was higher than that in NC group and T2DM group,while G allele frequency was lower than that in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The allele A increased the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients by 1.432 times compared to allele G.Conclusion RETN gene-420C/G locus G/G genotype increases the risk of T2DM combined with MAFLD in middle and high altitudeareas.