ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome elements in different risk populations of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. MethodsClinical data of 675 type 2 diabetes patients were retrospectively collected. Lasso-multivariate Logistic regression was used to construct a clinical prediction nomogram model. Based on this， 441 non-heart failure patients were divided into a low-risk group （325 cases） and a high-risk group （116 cases） according to the median risk score of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. TCM diagnostic information （four diagnostic methods） was collected for both groups， and factor analysis was applied to summarize the distribution of TCM syndrome elements in different risk populations. ResultsLasso-multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified age， disease duration， coronary heart disease， old myocardial infarction， arrhythmia， absolute neutrophil count， activated partial thromboplastin time， and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as independent risk factors for heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. These were used as final predictive factors to construct the nomogram model. Model validation results showed that the area under the curve （AUC） of the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve for the modeling group and validation group were 0.934 and 0.935， respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test （modeling group P = 0.996， validation group P = 0.121） indicated good model discrimination. Decision curve analysis showed that the curves for All and None crossed in the upper right corner， indicating high clinical utility. The low-risk and high-risk groups each obtained 14 common factors. Preliminary analysis revealed that the main disease elements in the low-risk group were qi deficiency （175 cases， 53.85%）， dampness （118 cases， 36.31%）， and heat （118 cases， 36.31%）， with the primary locations in the spleen （125 cases， 38.46%） and lungs （99 cases， 30.46%）. In the high-risk group， the main disease elements were yang deficiency （73 cases， 62.93%）， blood stasis （68 cases， 58.62%）， and heat （49 cases， 42.24%）， with the primary locations in the kidney （84 cases， 72.41%） and heart （70 cases， 60.34%）. ConclusionThe overall disease characteristics in different risk populations of type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure are a combination of deficiency and excess， with deficiency being predominant. Deficiency and heat are present throughout. The low-risk population mainly shows qi deficiency with dampness and heat， related to the spleen and lungs. The high-risk population shows yang deficiency with blood stasis and heat， related to the kidneys and heart.

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are pivotal for tooth development and periodontal tissue health and play an important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their multidirectional differentiation potential and self-renewal ability. The cellular microenvironment regulates the fate of stem cells and can be modified using various optimization techniques. These methods can influence the cellular microenvironment, activate disparate signaling pathways, and induce different biological effects. "Epigenetic regulation" refers to the process of influencing gene expression and regulating cell fate without altering DNA sequences, such as histone methylation. Histone methylation modifications regulate pivotal transcription factors governing DMSCs differentiation into osteo-/odontogenic lineages. The most important sites of histone methylation in tooth organization were found to be H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27. Histone methylation affects gene expression and regulates stem cell differentiation by maintaining a delicate balance between major trimethylation sites, generating distinct chromatin structures associated with specific downstream transcriptional states. Several crucial signaling pathways associated with osteogenic differentiation are susceptible to modulation via histone methylation modifications. A deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing histone methylation modifications in osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and immune-inflammatory responses of DMSCs will facilitate further investigation of the epigenetic regulation of histone methylation in DMSC-mediated tissue regeneration and inflammation. Here is a concise overview of the pivotal functions of epigenetic histone methylation at H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27 in the regulation of osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and renewal of DMSCs in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory microenvironments. This review summarizes the current research on these processes in the context of tissue regeneration and therapeutic interventions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology* ; Humans ; Osteogenesis/genetics* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation/physiology* ; Methylation ; Odontogenesis/genetics* ; Epigenesis, Genetic

ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of Huoxue Jiedu Formulas （活血解毒方药， HJF） as an adjunctive treatement for patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome during the vulnerable period after acute myocardial infarction （AMI） percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） surgery， and to explore its potential mechanism from the perspective of serum neutrophil extracellular traps （NETs）. MethodsA total of 129 patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome within 6 months after PCI for AMI were enrolled and divided into a treatment group （65 cases） and a control group （64 cases） based on patients' willingness to take Chinese herbal medicine. The control group received standard western medical therapy alone， while the treatment group additionally received HJF， one dose daily. Both groups were treated for four weeks. Before and after treatment， TCM syndrome scores were assessed. Seattle angina questionnaire （SAQ） was used to record angina stability and frequency scores， while the short form-36 health survey （SF-36） was employed to assess quality of life across eight dimensions， including physical functioning， role-physical， bodily pain， general health， vitality， social functioning， role-emotional， and mental health. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index （PSQI） was used to evaluate sleep quality， and the patient health questionnaire-15 （PHQ-15） was used to assess psychosomatic symptoms； Duke activity status index （DASI） was used to measure daily physical activity. Serum levels of neutrophil extracellular traps （NET） markers including myeloperoxidase-DNA （MPO-DNA）， neutrophil elastase-DNA （NE-DNA）， and citrullinated histone H3 （CitH3） were measured in 20 patients from the treatment group. ResultsAfter treatment， TCM syndrome score， PSQI score and PHQ-15 score in both groups significantly decreased， while DASI score， angina stability and frequency scores， and all eight dimensions of the SF-36 scale significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores and significantly higher DASI， angina stability and frequency scores （P＜0.05）， as well as higher scores in the SF-36 dimensions of physical functioning， role-physical， social functioning， bodily pain， and vitality （P＜0.05）. After treatment， serum levels of MPO-DNA， CitH3， and NE-DNA in the treatment group were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. ConclusionHJF combined with conventional therapy can significantly improve angina symptoms， TCM syndrome scores， and psychosomatic conditions in patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome during the vulnerable period after AMI. It also enhances quality of life， sleep quality， and daily physical activity. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of serum NETs level.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with subretinal or intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods:A retrospective case control study. From June 2022 to March 2024, 32 eyes of 32 patients with refractory DME diagnosed at The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University were included in the study. There were 17 male cases with 17 eyes and 15 female cases with 15 eyes. Age was (57.44±8.99) years old; The duration of diabetes was (12.72±6.11) years. All patients had received regular treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs or corticosteroid drugs for at least 5 times, and had undergone focal retinal laser photocoagulation or panretinal laser photocoagulation, the central macular thickness (CMT) persisted or decreased by less than 50 μm. All affected eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, optical coherence tomography (OCT), microperimetry, and laboratory glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing. BCVA was measured using a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. CMT was measured using an OCT device. Microperimetry was performed using an MP-3 microperimeter, recording the mean sensitivity (MS) of the retina within a 12° range of the fovea. The affected eyes were treated with 23G PPV combined with internal limiting membrane peeling and either macular subretinal or intravitreal injection of Conbercept, and were divided into subretinal injection group and the intravitreal injection group, each consisting of 16 cases and 16 eyes. The same equipment and methods as before surgery were used for related examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. Changes in BCVA, CMT, and MS were observed and compared, as well as the number of additional anti-VEGF treatments required within 6 months after surgery. Intergroup comparisons were made using independent samples t tests, and repeated measures data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results:The age ( t=-0.271), gender composition ( χ2=0.001), duration of diabetes ( Z=-0.868), HbA1c ( t=-0.789), intraocular pressure ( t=1.689), logMAR BCVA ( t=1.393), CMT ( t=-0.613), MS ( Z=-0.132), and the number of anti-VEGF injections ( t=-0.752) between the subretinal injection group and the intravitreal injection group showed no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). The within-subject effects comparison of BCVA, CMT, and MS at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery compared to pre-surgery for all affected eyes showed statistically significant differences ( F=8.060, 125.722, 39.054; P<0.05). The overall comparison of logMAR BCVA between the subretinal and intravitreal injection groups post-surgery showed no statistically significant difference ( F=0.662, P=0.422), however, comparisons of CMT ( F=4.540) and MS ( F=6.066) showed statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery, comparisons of logMAR BCVA between the two groups showed no statistically significant differences ( t=-0.123, 0.239, 1.087; P>0.05), comparisons of CMT showed statistically significant differences ( t=-3.474, -4.832, -2.482; P<0.05), comparisons of MS showed statistically significant differences at 1 and 3 months ( t=-2.940, -2.545; P<0.05), but not at 6 months ( t=-1.527, P>0.05). At 6 months post-surgery, the number of additional intravitreal anti-VEGF injections required in the subretinal and intravitreal injection groups showed a statistically significant difference ( Z=-2.033, P=0.042). During the follow-up period and at the final follow-up, no complications such as injection site bleeding, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, or retinal pigment epithelial tear or atrophy occurred in all affected eyes. Conclusion:Compared with intravitreal injection, subretinal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of refractory DME has more advantages in reducing macular edema and improving visual function in the macular area, and also reduces the number of postoperative anti-VEGF drug treatments.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with subretinal or intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods:A retrospective case control study. From June 2022 to March 2024, 32 eyes of 32 patients with refractory DME diagnosed at The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University were included in the study. There were 17 male cases with 17 eyes and 15 female cases with 15 eyes. Age was (57.44±8.99) years old; The duration of diabetes was (12.72±6.11) years. All patients had received regular treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs or corticosteroid drugs for at least 5 times, and had undergone focal retinal laser photocoagulation or panretinal laser photocoagulation, the central macular thickness (CMT) persisted or decreased by less than 50 μm. All affected eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, optical coherence tomography (OCT), microperimetry, and laboratory glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing. BCVA was measured using a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. CMT was measured using an OCT device. Microperimetry was performed using an MP-3 microperimeter, recording the mean sensitivity (MS) of the retina within a 12° range of the fovea. The affected eyes were treated with 23G PPV combined with internal limiting membrane peeling and either macular subretinal or intravitreal injection of Conbercept, and were divided into subretinal injection group and the intravitreal injection group, each consisting of 16 cases and 16 eyes. The same equipment and methods as before surgery were used for related examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. Changes in BCVA, CMT, and MS were observed and compared, as well as the number of additional anti-VEGF treatments required within 6 months after surgery. Intergroup comparisons were made using independent samples t tests, and repeated measures data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results:The age ( t=-0.271), gender composition ( χ2=0.001), duration of diabetes ( Z=-0.868), HbA1c ( t=-0.789), intraocular pressure ( t=1.689), logMAR BCVA ( t=1.393), CMT ( t=-0.613), MS ( Z=-0.132), and the number of anti-VEGF injections ( t=-0.752) between the subretinal injection group and the intravitreal injection group showed no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). The within-subject effects comparison of BCVA, CMT, and MS at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery compared to pre-surgery for all affected eyes showed statistically significant differences ( F=8.060, 125.722, 39.054; P<0.05). The overall comparison of logMAR BCVA between the subretinal and intravitreal injection groups post-surgery showed no statistically significant difference ( F=0.662, P=0.422), however, comparisons of CMT ( F=4.540) and MS ( F=6.066) showed statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery, comparisons of logMAR BCVA between the two groups showed no statistically significant differences ( t=-0.123, 0.239, 1.087; P>0.05), comparisons of CMT showed statistically significant differences ( t=-3.474, -4.832, -2.482; P<0.05), comparisons of MS showed statistically significant differences at 1 and 3 months ( t=-2.940, -2.545; P<0.05), but not at 6 months ( t=-1.527, P>0.05). At 6 months post-surgery, the number of additional intravitreal anti-VEGF injections required in the subretinal and intravitreal injection groups showed a statistically significant difference ( Z=-2.033, P=0.042). During the follow-up period and at the final follow-up, no complications such as injection site bleeding, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, or retinal pigment epithelial tear or atrophy occurred in all affected eyes. Conclusion:Compared with intravitreal injection, subretinal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of refractory DME has more advantages in reducing macular edema and improving visual function in the macular area, and also reduces the number of postoperative anti-VEGF drug treatments.

Insulin resistance has been regarded as a hallmark of diabetes heart disease (DHD). Numerous studies have shown that insulin resistance can affect blood circulation and myocardium, which indirectly cause cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling, participating in the pathogenesis of DHD. Meanwhile, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia associated with insulin resistance can directly impair the metabolism and function of the heart. Targeting insulin resistance is a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of DHD. Currently, the role of insulin resistance in the pathogenic development of DHD is still under active research, as the pathological roles involved are complex and not yet fully understood, and the related therapeutic approaches are not well developed. In this review, we describe insulin resistance and add recent advances in the major pathological and physiological changes and underlying mechanisms by which insulin resistance leads to myocardial remodeling and dysfunction in the diabetic heart, including exosomal dysfunction, ferroptosis, and epigenetic factors. In addition, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches to improve insulin resistance and accelerate the development of cardiovascular protection drugs.

Objective:To compare the postoperative recurrence rates between Thulium laser en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) and traditional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 1 439 patients with NMIBC who underwent either Thulium laser ERBT or TURBT in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2010 and March 2024. Among them, 201 patients received Thulium laser ERBT, while 1 238 patients underwent TURBT. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed in a 1∶1 ratio to eliminate selection bias due to non-random assignment, ensuring the comparability of clinical baseline data such as gender, age, pathological diagnosis, T stage, tumor grade, tumor size, and tumor number between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate recurrence-free survival curves for the matched groups, and the log-rank test was conducted to compare differences between the groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors affecting postoperative recurrence.Results:After PSM matching, 193 patients were included in each group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender ( P=0.317), age ( P=0.207), pathological type ( P=0.756), T stage ( P=0.402), tumor grade ( P=0.965), tumor size ( P=0.821), or number of tumors ( P=0.421). The median follow-up time was 16.2(8.0, 33.9) months. Excluding patients with non-urothelial tumors such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, there were 180 cases in the Thulium laser ERBT group and 184 cases in the TURBT group. Survival analysis showed that the postoperative recurrence rate of urothelial carcinoma patients in the Thulium laser ERBT group was lower than that in the TURBT group [20.0%(36/180) vs. 38.6%(71/184), P<0.001]. Stratified survival analysis indicated that in patients with tumor diameters ≤30 mm [22.3%(29/130) vs. 33.6%(45/134), P=0.017] or >30 mm [14.0%(7/50) vs. 52.0%(26/50), P=0.002], the Thulium laser ERBT group had lower postoperative recurrence rate compared to the TURBT group.Among patients with single tumor, the recurrence rate in the Thulium laser ERBT group was lower than in the TURBT group[10.5%(11/105) vs. 31.5%(35/111), P<0.001]. However, among patients with multiple tumors, there was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates between the Thulium laser ERBT group and the TURBT group [35.7%(25/70) vs. 47.9%(34/71), P=0.061]. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that Thulium laser ERBT treatment was an independent protective factor against postoperative recurrence in NMIBC patients ( HR=0.44, 95% CI 0.30-0.66, P<0.001). Patients with adenocarcinoma ( HR=5.85, 95% CI 2.07-16.51, P<0.001), squamous cell carcinoma ( HR=2.98, 95% CI 1.04-8.55, P=0.042), or other types of tumors ( HR=2.98, 95% CI 1.14-7.75, P=0.026) had higher risks of recurrence. High-grade tumor patients faced increased risks of postoperative recurrence ( HR=1.84, 95% CI 1.21-2.79, P=0.004). Additionally, tumors >30 mm had increased risks of postoperative recurrence compared to those ≤30 mm ( HR=2.00, 95% CI1.31-3.05, P=0.001). Patients with single tumor had significantly reduced risks of postoperative recurrence compared to those with multiple tumors ( HR=0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.73, P<0.001). Conclusions:Regardless of tumor diameter (≤30 mm or >30 mm), Thulium laser ERBT significantly reduces the postoperative recurrence rate in patients with urothelial carcinoma compared to TURBT, with the advantage being more pronounced in patients with single bladder tumor. Additionally, patients with high-grade tumors, tumor diameters >30 mm, or multiple bladder tumors have higher risk of postoperative recurrence.

Guided by the concept of "blood-pulse-heart-spirit"， it is believed that stable angina combined with insomnia is caused by disturbance of blood vessels， which leads to loss of nourishment for the heart body and heart spirit， so the core treatment principle is to regulate the blood vessels and calm the mind. At the beginning of the disease， it shows as the liver fails to govern the free flow of qi， and disorders qi and blood； during the progress of the disease， it shows as spleen deficiency and phlegm stagnation， phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the vessels； the central mechanism of the disease shows as disturbance of blood vessels and insufficient heart yin. For the pattern of liver depression and blood stasis， pattern of phlegm and blood stasis blocking the vessels， and pattern of heart yin deficiency， it is recommended to treat by Wuzang Shenning Formula （五脏神宁方） to dredge the liver and regulate the vessels， Banxia Houpo Decoction （半夏厚朴汤） plus Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction （瓜蒌薤白半夏汤） to dissolve phlegm and regulate the vessels， and Yunpi Tiaoxin Decoction （运脾调心汤） to nourish the yin and regulate the vessels. Throughout the treatment， pattern differentiation and treatment is accompanied by the method of calming the mind with heavy sedatives and nourishing the blood to calm the mind， so as to achieve the purpose of regulating mind and heart together and treating the body and spirit at the same time.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is the most common type of pulmonary aspergillosis. This paper reported a patient with pulmonary aspergillosis secondary to obstructive pulmonary disease and other underlying diseases. The clinical manifestations included wheezing, cough, fever and wheezing rale in the lungs. Diagnosis was ultimately confirmed through pathogens targeted next generation sequencing and pathological examination of respiratory coughs. Following comprehensive treatment that included antifungal therapy, the patient was cured and discharged with a good prognosis.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is the most common type of pulmonary aspergillosis. This paper reported a patient with pulmonary aspergillosis secondary to obstructive pulmonary disease and other underlying diseases. The clinical manifestations included wheezing, cough, fever and wheezing rale in the lungs. Diagnosis was ultimately confirmed through pathogens targeted next generation sequencing and pathological examination of respiratory coughs. Following comprehensive treatment that included antifungal therapy, the patient was cured and discharged with a good prognosis.