Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） compounds. In recent years， the introduction of mathematical methods， data mining techniques， and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables， including the proportions of different herbs， the specific extraction parts of each ingredient， and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context， it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues， such as the optimization of source material selection， dosage optimization of compatible herbs， and multi-objective optimization indicators， were discussed. Furthermore， the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process， so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.

Objective:To investigate the effect of β-elemene on mitochondrial structure and function of the A549 cells of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),and to elucidate the mechanism of β-elemene in the treatment of NSCLC.Methods:The A549 cells at logarithmic growth stage were divided into blank control group(0 mng·L-1 β-elemene),low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups(10,25 and 50 mg·L-1),and solvent control group(0.5％ethanol in equal volume).After treatment for 24 h,the cell activities in various groups were detected by MTT assay;the morphology changes of mitochondria in the cells in various groups was observed by transmission electron microscope;the levels of adenosine 5′-triphosphate(ATP)in the cells in various groups were detected by colorimetry;the mitochondrial membrane potential of the A549 cells in various groups were detected by JC-1 flow cytometry;mitochondrial membrane permeability transfer hole assay was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane permeabilities of the cells in various groups.Results:The MTT results showed that compared with blank control group,the cell activities in low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups were decreased gradually(P＜0.05),while the cell activity in solvent control group had no significant change,and the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).The transmission electron microscope results showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondria of A549 cells in low,medium and high doses ofβ-elemene groups showed swelling,vacuolation,disordered arrangement and dissolution,while the mitochondrial morphology of the A549 cells in solvent control group had no significant changes.The colorimetric method results showed that compared with blank control group,the ATP levels in the A549 cells in low,medium and high dose β-elemene groups were gradually decreased(P＜0.05),while the ATP level in the A549 cells in solvent control group had no significant change,and the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).The JC-1 flow cytometry method results showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondrial membrane potential of the A549 cells in low,medium and high doses ofβ-elemene groups were decreased,and the percentages of the cells in Q2-4 region were increased(P＜0.05);the percentage of the A549 cells in the Q2-4 region in solvent control group had no significant change.The results of mitochondrial membrane permeability transfer hole experiment showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondrial membrane permeabilities of the A549 cells in low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups were increased,and the percentages of the cells in M4 region were increased(P＜0.05);the mitochondrial membrane permeability of the A549 cells and the percentage of the M4 cells in solvent control group had no significant changes,and the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion:β-elemene can inhibit the proliferation of the A549 cells,and the mechanism may be that the mitochondrial structure of A549 cells is damaged by reducing the level of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential,changing the mitochondrial morphology and increasing the mitochondrial membrane permeability.

Objective:To analyze the real-world practices of resecting sessile colorectal polyps of varying long diameters using cold forcep polypectomy (CFP), cold snare polypectomy (CSP), or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).Methods:A total of 12 290 nonpedunculated colorectal polyps of long diameter ≤19 mm (from 10 295 patients) were retrospectively enrolled from January 2022 to December 2023. Polypectomy was conducted by 30 endoscopists. The polyps were categorized into three groups based on long diameter: 1-5 mm, >5-10 mm and >10-19 mm, and the differences of polypectomy methods were compared in three groups. The usage of hemostatic clips in CSP among >5-10 mm polyps and the changes in resection methods between 2022 and 2023 were analyzed.Results:CFP (6 769 polyps, 81.7%) was the predominant method for resecting 1-5 mm sessile polyps (8 289 polyps). For sessile polyps sized >5-10 mm (2 455 polyps), CSP was used most (1 372, 55.9%), although its utilization varied significantly among physicians with the median usage rate of 52.9% (40.3%, 60.0%). EMR (1 349 poolyps, 87.3%) was the main method for >10-19 mm sessile polyps. The usage rate of CSP in sessile polypectomy for polyps >5-10 mm significantly increased from 45.7% (503/1 101) in 2022 to 64.2% (869/1 354) in 2023. The overall frequency of using clip in CSP for >5-10 mm sessile polyps was 40.1% (550/1 372), demonstrating notable variability among different endoscopists with median usage rate of 48.3% (29.8%, 67.9%).Conclusion:Varied resection methods are observed among endoscopists for sessile polyps measuring ≤19 mm. CFP is primarily utilized for polyps of 1-5 mm, while CSP is favored for polyps >5-10 mm, with an increasing annual usage rate. EMR is the main approach for the polyps >10-19 mm. Additionally, notable variations in the use of metal clips during CSP are observed among different physicians.

Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) is a crucial therapeutic target for various neuroendocrine and oncological disorders. Current SSTR1-targeted treatments, including the first-generation somatostatin analog lanreotide (Lan) and the second-generation analog pasireotide (Pas), show promise but encounter challenges related to selectivity and efficacy. This study presents high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of SSTR1 complexed with Lan or Pas, revealing the distinct mechanisms of ligand-binding and activation. These structures illustrate unique conformational changes in the SSTR1 orthosteric pocket induced by each ligand, which are critical for receptor activation and ligand selectivity. Combined with the biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulations, our results provide a comparative analysis of binding characteristics within the SSTR family, highlighting subtle differences in SSTR1 activation by Lan and Pas. These insights pave the way for designing next-generation therapies with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects through improved receptor subtype selectivity.

OBJECTIVES: To fabricate an injectable composite microsphere hydrogel reinforced with silk fibroin/hyaluronic acid microspheres, achieving synergistic enhance-ment of mechanical robustness and biofunctionality. METHODS: Methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) and thiolated silk fibroin (TSF) were synthesized. Monodisperse microspheres generated via microfluidics were UV-cured (420 nm) through thiol-ene click reaction. These microspheres were embedded in a TSF/HAMA matrix to form photo-cured composites. The grafting rate of TSF and HAMA was characterized by H1-NMR; particle size distribution of microsphere hydrogels in soybean oil was observed by optical microscopy; gel point of composite microsphere hydrogels was determined by advanced extensional rheometer; microscopic morphology of microsphere hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy; elemental distribution of microsphere hydrogels was detected by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy; tunability of composite microsphere hydrogels was observed by inverted confocal microscopy; mechanical properties of composite microsphere hydrogels were tested by compression testing; swelling ratio, degradation rate and water retention rate of composite microsphere hydrogels were measured by gravimetric method. Cytotoxicity of the composite microsphere hydrogels was determined by Calcein-AM/propidium iodide dual staining and CCK-8 assay; cell migration capability was observed by scratch assay. RESULTS: The grafting rates of HAMA and TSF was 48.03% and 17.99%, respectively. Microsphere hydrogels with particle sizes of (43.3±1.2), (78.1±3.0), and (130.8±1.9) μm were prepared. The gel time of the composite microsphere hydrogels was 48-115s. The laser confocal imaging confirmed dynamic regulation characteristics of the composite microsphere hydrogels. The compressive strength of the composite microsphere hydrogels reached 22.7 kPa and maintained structural integrity at 40% strain after 20 compression cycles. The composite microsphere hydrogels exhibited differential deswelling behaviors in simulated physiological environments, and reducing microsphere particle size could significantly enhance its stability under moist conditions. The degradation rate of the composite microsphere hydrogels was (49.1±0.9)% after 200 h, and water retention rate was maintained at 40%-60% after 96 h. Biocompatibility assays confirmed >95% cell viability and unimpaired cell migration abilities. CONCLUSIONS The TSF/HAMA composite microsphere hydrogel developed in this study has characteristics of rapid fabrication, adjustable mechanical properties, enhanced environmental stability and excellent biocom-patibility, thus providing a new material solution for tissue repair and regenerative medicine.
Fibroins/chemistry* ; Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Microspheres ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry* ; Humans

Objective:To analyze the real-world practices of resecting sessile colorectal polyps of varying long diameters using cold forcep polypectomy (CFP), cold snare polypectomy (CSP), or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).Methods:A total of 12 290 nonpedunculated colorectal polyps of long diameter ≤19 mm (from 10 295 patients) were retrospectively enrolled from January 2022 to December 2023. Polypectomy was conducted by 30 endoscopists. The polyps were categorized into three groups based on long diameter: 1-5 mm, >5-10 mm and >10-19 mm, and the differences of polypectomy methods were compared in three groups. The usage of hemostatic clips in CSP among >5-10 mm polyps and the changes in resection methods between 2022 and 2023 were analyzed.Results:CFP (6 769 polyps, 81.7%) was the predominant method for resecting 1-5 mm sessile polyps (8 289 polyps). For sessile polyps sized >5-10 mm (2 455 polyps), CSP was used most (1 372, 55.9%), although its utilization varied significantly among physicians with the median usage rate of 52.9% (40.3%, 60.0%). EMR (1 349 poolyps, 87.3%) was the main method for >10-19 mm sessile polyps. The usage rate of CSP in sessile polypectomy for polyps >5-10 mm significantly increased from 45.7% (503/1 101) in 2022 to 64.2% (869/1 354) in 2023. The overall frequency of using clip in CSP for >5-10 mm sessile polyps was 40.1% (550/1 372), demonstrating notable variability among different endoscopists with median usage rate of 48.3% (29.8%, 67.9%).Conclusion:Varied resection methods are observed among endoscopists for sessile polyps measuring ≤19 mm. CFP is primarily utilized for polyps of 1-5 mm, while CSP is favored for polyps >5-10 mm, with an increasing annual usage rate. EMR is the main approach for the polyps >10-19 mm. Additionally, notable variations in the use of metal clips during CSP are observed among different physicians.

To explore the application value of endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis and treatment ofpatients with pancreatic cancer combined with obstructive jaundice.

Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) patients.Methods:Clinical features of 22 patients diagnosed as PPL admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The median age was 56.4±13.3 years. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 1.0 (1.0, 3.0) months. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (15/22), weight loss (14/22) and jaundice (10/22). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in 15/20 (75%) patients. Only 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CA199 levels and 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CEA levels. The maximum tumor diameter was 5.0 (3.8, 6.9) cm. Contrast-enhanced CT mostly showed low enhancement lesions. Major pancreatic duct dilatation were rare on CT scan (4/20). Fifteen patients were confirmed by pancreatic pathology, of which 8 were obtained by surgery, 4 were obtained by CT or ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, and 3 were obtained by EUS-FNA. The main pathological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (14/22). 19 patients received chemotherapy, and 6 patients died with a median follow-up of 5.0 (1.5, 35.5) months.Conclusions:PPL is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. Elevated LDH levels, normal tumor markers, and non-dilatation of main pancreatic duct are important diagnostic clues. It is important to obtain pathology by EUS-FNA and other methods for definite diagnosis.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of red light and daylight photodynamic therapy in the treatment of facial common acne.Methods:From March 2019 to November 2019, 52 patients with facial common acne who received 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in the Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were enrolled, including 34 males and 18 females, aged 18-35 years, with an average age of 23.2 years. A 5% concentration of 5-aminolevulinic acid was applied to the entire face, with the right side of the face being exposed to red light for 20 minutes and the left side to daylight for 2 hours. The treatment was administered once a week for a total of 4 sessions. After the treatment, the acne remission, adverse reactions, and patient satisfaction on both sides of the face were compared.Results:Compared with before treatment, the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions on both sides of the face in the enrolled patients decreased, and there was no significant difference in the clearance rate of skin lesions between the two sides [53.7% (28/52) vs 59.1% (31/52), χ 2=0.89, P>0.05]. The overall effective rate on the red light side was 88.5% (46/52), and 82.7% (43/52) on the daylight side, with no significant difference between the two (χ 2=0.38, P>0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, mild erythema was common, and it was less on the daylight side than on the red light side [34.6% (18/52) vs 19.2% (10/52), χ 2=5.98, P<0.05]. During the treatment period, the pain score on the daylight side decreased compared to the red light side [(7.6±2.3) vs (4.1±1.3), t=13.10, P<0.001]. Overall satisfaction with the daylight side was reported in 49 cases (94.2%), and with the red light side in 37 cases (71.2%), with the daylight side being higher than the red light side, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=9.60, P<0.05). Conclusion:Daylight photodynamic therapy is as effective as red light photodynamic therapy for common acne, but it produces fewer adverse reactions and higher patient satisfaction.

[Objective]To explore the content of four Zhuyou formulas in Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips of Han Dynasty tombs in Laoguanshan,and to identify the development process of Zhuyou and its contribution to the development of traditional Chinese medicine.[Methods]Using the literature search method and the double evidence method,the four Zhuyou formulas were connected with the works of similar times and modern literature,and the content was explained.Combined with the cultural background of the times,the treatment content was analyzed in depth.[Results]Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips is relatively mature medical data in the Qin and Han Dynasties,including four Zhuyou formulas,involving three diseases.These prescriptions depend on the theory of gods and ghosts in content and form,but at the same time,they also show the embryonic form of the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine and the mainstream treatment concept of later generations.There are not only the use of drugs,Zhuyou,numerology,Daoyin for treatment,but also some modern psychological and surgical treatment methods.[Conclusion]Under the background of the times,Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips was a medical literature with relatively complete content and standardized writing at that time.The four Zhuyou formulas present the characteristics of ignorance and awakening,which is also the epitome of the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine.It is a leap from the practice of ignorance to the dawn of systematic theory.