Both cathartic colon （CC） and cathartic-dependent constipation （CDC） are caused by the abuse of stimulant laxatives， while their concepts are not completely the same.Starting from the disease name of CC， this article traced the origin and evolution of the concept of CC， summarizes and compared the similarities and differences between CC， CDC， and slow transit constipation （STC）， and called for strict differentiation among the three.Furthermore， this article explored the specific contents of Western medicine clinical subtypes and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome differentiation of CDC and delved into the TCM pathogenesis of CDC according to both literature and clinical practice.The relationship between clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes was established， and the syndrome characteristics of CDC of different clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes were summarized.The recommended prescriptions for corresponding syndromes were listed.A systematic CDC diagnosis and treatment approach of "clinical subtypes-syndrome differentiation-syndrome characteristics-recommended prescriptions" was thus formed.Additionally， the paper provides an overview of current research on CDC in both Western medicine and TCM contexts， identifies future research directions， and suggests research pathways for refining and advancing CDC studies.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription （YYHP） in the treatment of cathartic colon （CC） and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs）， and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria， 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules， while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily， one sachet each time， half an hour after breakfast and dinner， with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score， Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life （PAC-QOL） score， and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8^th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate， as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree， were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group （95.83%） was higher than that in the control group （78.72%） （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total scores for primary constipation symptoms， PAC-QOL， and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups （P<0.05）， with more significant reductions in the observation group （P<0.05）. The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups （P<0.05）. In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation"， "anal heaviness， incomplete evacuation， and bloating sensation"， "abdominal distension"， and "defecation frequency"， the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group （P<0.05）. Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups （P<0.05）， with more significant reductions in the observation group （P<0.05）. After treatment， acetic acid， propionic acid， butyric acid， and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly （P<0.05）. The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group， and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms， PAC-QOL， and TCM syndromes， as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use， disease duration， and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients， improve quality of life， and ameliorate TCM syndromes， with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal， and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.

ObjectiveTo evaluate and analyze the syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis in a rhein-induced cathartic colon （CC） rat model. MethodsTwenty-four rats were divided into a normal group and a model group （CC group）. The rats were administered equal volumes of physiological saline or 2% rhein suspension by gavage to establish the model over three cycles （approximately 118 days）. The first cycle lasted 46 days， with a dosage of 12 mL·kg^-1·d^-1， administered every other day. The second cycle lasted 37 days， with a dosage of 12 mL·kg^-1·d^-1， administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. The third cycle lasted 35 days， with a dosage of 16 mL·kg^-1·d^-1， also administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. Each cycle ended when 80% of the rats no longer exhibited loose stools. Body mass， 24 h food intake， coat condition， and coat red （R）， green （G）， and blue （B） values were recorded. The open field test （OFT） was used to measure the total distance traveled to evaluate Qi deficiency. The body mass coefficient and 24 h water intake were recorded to assess Yin deficiency. The sucrose preference test （SPT） was used to determine the sucrose preference rate （SPR）， and the average speed in OFT was measured to evaluate depressive status （liver depression and Qi stagnation）. Tongue images and their R， G， and B values were recorded. Whole blood viscosity （WBV） and plasma viscosity （PV） were measured using an automatic hemorheological analyzer to evaluate blood stasis. A carbon ink propulsion test was performed to determine the intestinal transit rate （ITR） for disease model evaluation. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the colon. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 （TRPA1） and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 （TPH1） in colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPA1 and TPH1. ResultsIn terms of syndrome indicators， compared with the normal group， the body mass of the CC group decreased （P<0.05）， while 24 h food intake increased （P<0.01）. The coats of the CC group appeared withered， disheveled， and dull， and the R， G， and B values of the coat decreased （P<0.01）. The total distance traveled in OFT decreased （P<0.01）. The body mass coefficient decreased （P<0.01）， while 24 h water intake increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The SPR decreased （P<0.01）， and the average speed in OFT slowed （P<0.01）. The tongue appeared dark red， and the R， G， and B values of tongue images decreased （P<0.01）. WBV and PV increased （P<0.01）. Regarding disease indicators， compared with the normal group， the ITR decreased in the CC group （P<0.01）. Pathologically， HE staining showed necrosis and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells， disruption of mucosal continuity， and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria in the CC group. Semi-quantitative analysis showed increased HAI scores （P<0.05） and increased inflammatory cell counts and area proportion （P<0.05）. In terms of molecular biological indicators， compared with the normal group， the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TPH1 in colon tissue decreased in the CC group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe rhein-induced CC rat model conforms to the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

AIM:To investigate the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2(ASPP2)on the development of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)in a rabbit model.METHODS:A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were selected, and the right eyes of all rabbits were inflicted with a scleral penetrating wound of approximately 6 mm. Then rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with lentivirus-ASPP2, while the control group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with negative control lentivirus. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after PVR modeling, a handheld tonometer was used to measure the intraocular pressure. Moreover, fundus photography and ocular ultrasound examination were performed to detect the retinal proliferation. At 4 wk after modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological retinal changes, and Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions of ASPP2 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)marker Vimentin in the rabbit retinas.RESULTS:At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after modeling, there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure within the experimental and control group of rabbit eyes, either before or after PVR modeling, the success rate of PVR modeling in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and the retinal proliferation and structural disorder was less severe in the experimental group. At 4 wk after modeling, the retinal protein expression level of ASPP2 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(t=3.193, P=0.033), while the Vimentin protein expression level was significantly lower in the experimental group(t=-3.599, P=0.023).CONCLUSION:ASPP2 may be involved in regulating the process of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial cells, thereby delaying the development and progression of traumatic PVR in rabbit eyes.

Based on the theory of diseased collaterals and the progression pattern of diabetic kidney disease （DKD）， this paper proposes a staged treatment system based on the "three states of kidney collaterals" including collateral distention， collateral bi （痹） and collateral accumulation. In the collateral distention stage， the primary pathogenesis is heat damaging the kidney collaterals and collateral vessel dilation， corresponding to the early state of DKD characterized by hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria； the clearing method is suggested， and Shenling Jiangtang Formula （参苓降糖方） can be used to promote the remission of proteinuria by ameliorating insulin resistance and regulating intestinal microecology. In the collateral bi stage， the core pathogenesis lies in the binding of phlegm and stasis， and the formation of concretions and conglomerations in the kidney collaterals， corresponding to massive proteinuria and the decline of renal function， for which the unblocking method should be taken， using Jinchan Yishen Tongluo Formula （金蝉益肾通络方） and Qingre Xiaozheng Formula （清热消癥方） to alleviate renal pathological damage by regulating the autophagy-lysosome pathway and repairing mitochondrial energy metabolism. The collateral accumulation stage is characterized by the internal retention of turbid toxins and accumulations of concretions in the kidney collaterals， corresponding to renal fibrosis and end-stage renal disease （ESRD）； the dispersion method is suggested， and Yiqi Tongluo Xiezhuo Formula （益气通络泄浊方） and Shenyan Fangshuai Fluid （肾炎防衰液） can be used to inhibit extracellular matrix accumulation and delay the progressive loss of renal function. Collateral deficiency runs through the entire course of the disease and is closely related to cellular senescence and the imbalance of the ubiquitin-proteasome/autophagy system. The concept of the "three states of kidney collaterals" integrates the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis with modern pathological staging， forming a whole-course intervention system of "staging-syndrome differentiation-target-formula"， thereby providing novel insights for prevention and treatment of DKD using integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the individualized treatment of a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus complicated with organizing pneumonia （OP） in a non-immunocompromised patient. METHODS For a middle-aged， non-immunocompromised patient with a one-year disease course， whose imaging findings showed the coexistence of diffuse microabscesses and OP caused by S. constellatus pulmonary abscess， the clinical pharmacist， based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics characteristics， assisted the physician in optimizing the previously ineffective anti-infective regimen to Ceftriaxone sodium for injection combined with Metronidazole and sodium chloride injection， so as to enhance coverage of mixed anaerobes and lesion penetration. After the patient’s hemoptysis ceased， the clinical pharmacist recommended timely initiation of low-dose Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection to manage OP. Upon discharge， sequential oral therapy with Linezolid tablets， Metronidazole tablets， Methylprednisolone tablets and Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets was prescribed. RESULTS After implementation of the individualized treatment regimen， the patient’s hemoptysis resolved， pulmonary lesions significantly regressed， and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. At the three-month follow-up， the patient remained stable. CONCLUSIONS For chronic persistent pulmonary infection complicated with OP in a non-immunocompromised host， clinical pharmacists assist clinicians in optimizing anti-infective regimens and recommend the timely initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy after infection control， thereby contributing to favorable clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment of such complex cases requires comprehensive consideration of pathogen coverage， pathological barriers， and the timing of anti-inflammatory intervention.

Purpose: In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis. Methods: Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed. Results: Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus. Conclusion Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.

Influenza has high morbidity worldwide, affecting people of all ages, with the greatest impact on children and the elderly. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective means to reduce the burden of influenza. However, due to the antigenic drift and shift of influenza viruses, the protection rate of the current seasonal influenza vaccines is not ideal, and the protection they provide against potential influenza pandemics is very limited. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a universal influenza vaccine that has cross-immune protection against different subtypes of influenza virus. This article discusses several key factors of universal influenza vaccines and the current research progress, and prospects the future development trend of universal influenza vaccines.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced "Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion (PAD) class" model in electrocardiogram (ECG) internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine and to improve the ECG interpretation and clinical competency of interns.Methods:A total of 200 clinical undergraduate interns enrolled from September 2022 to August 2024 were divided into a control group (traditional teaching, n=100) and an experimental group (enhanced "PAD class" model, n=100). The enhanced "PAD class" model adopted a "focused lecture, structured internalization, and case-driven discussion" approach, incorporating artificial intelligence-assisted real-time feedback and targeted task design. Post-internship evaluations compared the scores of foundational skills (ECG interpretation accuracy and standardized ECG operation), clinical competencies (clinical decision-making, critical value recognition, and diagnostic reasoning), comprehensive evaluation, and assessment of teaching effectiveness. SPSS 26.0 was used for the chi-square test and t-test. Results:The experimental group demonstrated significantly superior performance in foundational skills [e.g., ECG interpretation accuracy: (97.63±1.35) vs. (90.54±4.08)], clinical competencies [e.g., clinical decision-making: (93.45±3.18) vs. (82.17±5.62)], and comprehensive evaluation [(97.96±1.06) vs. (90.94±3.49)] (all P<0.05). In teaching effectiveness evaluation, satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group across all seven metrics such as stimulated learning interest and clinical thinking ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The enhanced "PAD class "model, through artificial intelligence empowerment and case-driven discussions, can significantly improve ECG teaching outcomes and clinical decision-making skills, demonstrating its potential for broader application in internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine.

Objective:To predict the monthly incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Hebei Province by using the generalized additive model (GAM).Methods:The incidence data of HFRS in Hebei from 2006 to 2020 were collected, and the correlation coefficients between meteorological factors and the monthly incidence of HFRS in Hebei were analyzed by Spearman's correlation, and the meteorological factors were lagged by 0-6 orders, and those with the largest absolute values of the correlation coefficients were screened to be included in the multifactorial GAM to evaluate the effects of meteorological factors.Results:The monthly incidence of HFRS had the strongest correlation with monthly mean air temperature at lag order 2, monthly mean wind speed at lag order 0, monthly mean sunshine at lag order 4, monthly mean precipitation at lag order 2 and monthly mean humidity at lag order 1, which were diagnosed by the variance inflation factor and included in the multifactorial GAM, and the results showed significant differences among the factors (all P<0.001), and they showed non-linear relationships with the monthly incidence of HFRS. Mean monthly temperature was an important factor influencing HFRS incidence. Mean monthly air temperature, mean monthly sunshine and mean monthly wind speed were negatively associated with HFRS incidence, whereas mean monthly precipitation and mean monthly humidity were positively associated with HFRS incidence. Conclusions:There was a complex non-linear relationship between meteorological factors and the incidence of HFRS. GAM incorporated with lagged meteorological factors can be used to predict the incidence of HFRS in Hebei.