ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension （HPH） by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal， hypoxia， and low-， medium- and high-dose （5.85， 11.7， 23.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Feixin decoction groups， with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group， the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of （10.0±0.5）% for 8 h per day， 28 days， and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment， echocardiographic parameters ［pulmonary artery acceleration time （PAT）， pulmonary artery ejection time （PET）， right ventricular anterior wall thickness （RVAWd）， and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion （TAPSE）］ were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by the right heart catheterization method， and the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI） was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） with NLRP3， N-terminal gasdermin D （N-GSDMD）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ， NF-κB， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， N-GSDMD， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18（IL-18）， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.01）， decreased right heart function （P<0.01）， increased pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.01）， increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group， Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI， improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). METHODS: The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values ( t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores ( t=10.851, P<0.001; t=-19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. CONCLUSION The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Suture Anchors ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Chronic Disease ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.Methods:Clinical data of AECOPD patients over 65 years old who were diagnosed in the Respiratory and Emergency Departments of the Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to September 2023 were collected. AECOPD patients were divided into a COVID-19 group ( n=29) and a non COVID-19 group ( n=31). The platelet count, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO 2), D-dimer (D-D), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared between two groups of patients upon admission Confusion, Uremia, Respiratory, BP, Age 65 Years (CURB-65) was used to compare length of hospital stay, AECOPD grading, and mortality endpoint days. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in platelet count, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR between the COVID-19 group and the non COVID-19 group (all P>0.05). The proportion of males, CRP, PCO 2, D-D, IL-6, and CURB-65 scores in the COVID-19 group were higher than those in the non COVID-19 group, while PCT and PO 2 were lower than those in the non COVID-19 group, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). The proportion of AECOPD grade Ⅲ in the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that in the non COVID-19 group, and the progression rate of the disease was higher in the COVID-19 group (37.9% vs 22.6%, P<0.05). COVID-19 was an independent influencing factor for the progression of AECOPD. Conclusions:Patients over 65 years old with AECOPD infected with COVID-19 have a more pronounced inflammatory response, and CRP, IL-6, and CURB-65 scores can be used as indicators to evaluate the degree of inflammation. AECOPD infected with COVID-19 are more prone to coagulation disorders, hypoxemia, more severe illness, and easier progression, suggesting that COVID-19 infection is an independent influencing factor for the progression of AECOPD.

Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to right heart failure and death.In recent years,the incidence of PH has been increasing year by year and there is a lack of effective treatment.TCM can play an important synergistic role in the treatment of PH.Pulmonary vascular remodeling is a core pathological feature of PH,which is closely related to the physiological structure and pathological changes of the collaterals.Based on the collateral disease theory,this article described the key pathogenesis of PH in TCM and Western medicine,including the lesions of the pulmonary and cardiovascular complexes and pulmonary vascular remodeling,analyzed the physiology of the"collateral-vessel"in PH,sorting out the pathological correlation,and explored TCM targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling in the identification and treatment of PH,so as to provide a new way of thinking for the clinical treatment of PH.

Objective:To evaluate modified extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) applied in the revision of Vancouver B2/B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 35 patients with Vancouver B2/B3 PFF who had been treated at Joint Disease Department Ⅱ, Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2012 to November 2020. There were 10 males and 15 females with an age of (74.3±7.8) years. The time from their primary replacement to revision was (120.3±28.6) months. By the Vancouver classification, 26 cases were type B2 and 9 ones type B3. The modified ETO was used in the revision surgery for all patients. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using Harris hip score, imaging evaluation was performed using the Beals and Tower criteria at the last follow-up, and complications were recorded.Results:The operation time for this cohort was (148±32) min and intraoperative bleeding (800±150) mL. All patients were followed up for (45.2±15.3) months. The Harris score increased significantly from preoperative (21.3±11.2) points to (86.2±5.2) points at the last follow-up ( P < 0.001). By the Beals and Tower evaluation, 9 cases were rated as excellent, 24 cases as good, and 2 as poor. All the fractures and sites of trochanteric osteotomy got healed after (4.4±2.8) months except for 1 case of nonunion. Prosthesis subsidence occurred in 3 cases, in 2 of which the subsidence stopped 6 months later and in only 1 of which revision was needed due to the subsidence. Upward block displacement of the greater trochanteric fracture occurred in 2 cases, but did not exceed 1 cm. One case of postoperative dislocation responded to manual reduction. Conclusion:In the revision of Vancouver B2/B3 PFF, the modified ETO can improve fracture healing, and reduce postoperative dislocations and complications, leading to satisfactory clinical efficacy.

Objective:To explore the surgical treatment of lateral condylar fracture of the humerus combined with lateral dislocation of the elbow in adults.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 8 patients who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital for lateral condylar fracture of the humerus combined with lateral dislocation of the elbow from June 2020 to June 2023. There were 3 males and 5 females, with an age of (50.1±12.3) years. All the lateral condylar fractures of the humerus combined with lateral dislocations were treated by open reduction and internal fixation after swelling subsided. Flexion and extension of the elbow and rotation of the forearm were recorded at the last follow-up. Mayo elbow function score (MEPS) was used to evaluate the functional recovery of the elbow.Results:Elbow dislocation was corrected in 2 patients after rectification, but the elbow subluxation still existed because the displacement of the humeral lateral condyle was not reduced. The elbow dislocation still existed in 6 patients because it was difficult to maintain the correction of the dislocation after manual reduction. Follow-ups were conducted for 12.0 (12.0, 18.8) months. At the last follow-up, the flexion-extension was 85.6°±20.3°, rotation 133.1°±24.0°, and MEPS (91.9±8.0) points. The joint stability was significantly improved in the 8 patients compared with that before operation. Obvious pain was reported in none of the patients, and their joint limitation was acceptable.Conclusions:In adults, lateral condylar fracture of the humerus combined with lateral dislocation of the elbow is rare in clinic. Surgical treatment of the condition can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes, but elbow dysfunction and limited rotation of the forearm may occur in the affected limb.

Objective:To analyze the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of arsenic trioxide (ATO) combined with a modified N7 induction regimen in the treatment of children with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter phase Ⅱ clinical study. Sixty-seven high-risk NB children from eight units of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Wuhan Children′s Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Guangdong Provincial Agricultural Reclamation Center Hospital were enrolled from January 2019 to August 2023 and were treated with ATO combined with a modified N7 induction regimen. The efficacy and adverse effects at the end of induction chemotherapy were assessed and analyzed, and the differences in the clinical characteristics were further compared between the treatment-responsive and treatment-unresponsive groups by using the Fisher′s exact test.Results:Among 67 high-risk NB children, there were 40 males (60%) and 27 females (40%), with the age of disease onset of 3.5 (2.6, 4.8) years. Primary NB sites were mostly in retroperitoneum (including adrenal gland) (56/67, 84%) and the common metastases sites at initial diagnosis were distant lymph node in 25 cases (37%),bone in 48 cases (72%),bone marrow in 56 cases (84%) and intracalvarium in 3 cases (4%). MYCN gene amplification were detected in 28 cases (42%). At the end of induction, 33 cases (49%) achieved complete remission, 29 cases (43%) achieved partial remission, 1 case (1%) with stable disease, and 4 cases (6%) were assessed as progressive disease (PD). The objective remission rate was 93% (62/67) and the disease control rate was 94% (63/67). The percentage of central system metastases at the initial diagnosis was higher in the treatment-unresponsive group than in the treatment-responsive group (2/5 vs. 2% (1/62), P=0.013), whereas the difference in MYCN gene amplification was not statistically significant between two groups (3/5 vs.40% (25/62), P=0.786). Grade Ⅲ or higher adverse reactions during the induction chemotherapy period were myelosuppression occurred in 60 cases (90%), gastrointestinal symptoms occurred in 33 cases (49%), infections occurred in 20 cases (30%), hepatotoxicity occurred in 4 cases (6%), and cardiovascular toxicity occurred in 1 case (2%). There were no chemotherapy-related deaths. Conclusion:ATO combined with N7-modified induction regimen had a superiority in efficacy and safety, which deserved further promotion in clinical practice.

Essential oils (EOs) are natural, volatile substances derived from aromatic plants. They exhibit multiple pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, with broad application prospects in health care, food, and agriculture. However, the instability of volatile components, which are susceptible to deterioration under light, heat, and oxygen exposure, as well as limited water solubility, have significantly impeded the development and application of EOs. Porous nanoclays are natural clay minerals with a layered structure. They possess unique structural characteristics such as large pore size, regular distribution, and tunable particle size, which are extensively utilized in drug delivery, adsorption separation, reaction catalysis, and other fields. Natural-derived porous nanoclays have garnered considerable attention for the encapsulation and delivery of EOs. This review comprehensively summarizes the structure, types, and properties of natural-derived porous nanoclays, focusing on the structural characteristics of porous nanoclays such as montmorillonite, palygorskite, halloysite, kaolinite, vermiculite, and natural zeolite. It also examines research advances in their delivery of EOs and explores engineering strategies to enhance the delivery of EOs by natural-derived porous nanoclays. Finally, various applications of natural-derived porous nanoclays for EOs in antibacterial, food preservation, repellent, and insecticide aspects are presented, providing a reference for the development and application of EOs.
Humans ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Oils, Volatile/administration & dosage* ; Porosity ; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System/chemistry*

Objective:To report the first case of sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome caused by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in Puyang city, and to study the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of S, M, L fragments of the SFTSV isolate.Methods:The epidemiological characteristics of this case was analyzed with epidemiological methods. SFTSV was isolated from the patient′s serum sample. Nucleic acid of SFTSV was extracted and detected by fluorescent RT-PCR. A multiplex PCR method was constructed to amplify the nucleic acid sequence of the virus. whole-genome sequencing was performed on the next-generation sequencing platform. MEGA11 and DNAStar was used for homology analysis and a phylogenetic tree was constructed.Results:Epidemiological investigation showed that the patient and his close contacts had no history of travel or tick bite within 14 d, but had a history of fieldwork. The patient′s serum sample was positive for SFTSV nucleic acid. Genetic analysis showed that the S, M, L gene fragments of the first SFTSV isolate in Puyang belonged to genotype E. This isolate shared 94.8%-99.6%, 94.0%-99.8% and 95.7%-99.7% nucleotide sequence homology with the representative strains acquired from GeneBank in S, M, L gene fragments, respectively.Conclusions:This case was the first case of SFTSV-caused severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Puyang. The SFTSV isolate shared a close homology with domestic isolates, but its genotype was significantly different from the SFTSV strains isolated in Henan in recent years, indicating that it might an imported case from other places in Henan Province or Hubei Province. Disease monitoring and professional training for medical personnel should be strengthened and more attention should be paid to the evolution and mutation of SFTSV.