Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among adults in China， and its common complications include digestive system abnormalities， cognitive impairment， depression， stroke-associated pneumonia， and hemiplegia. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating post-stroke complications. Xinglou Chengqitang （XLCQT） is a representative prescription of alleviating the disease in the upper part by treating the lower part. It has definite therapeutic effect and high safety. Clinically， XLCQT is often used to treat stroke and its complications. However， the quantity and quality of clinical trials of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications need to be improved. Additionally， since the basic research is weak， the material basis and multi-target mechanism for the efficacy of this prescription are unknown. This article reviews XLCQT in terms of the pharmacodynamic basis， medicinal properties， safety evaluation， and progress in clinical research and mechanisms in treating post-stroke complications. This article summarizes 22 key active ingredients of XLCQT in treating acute stroke complicated with syndrome of phlegm heat and fu-organ excess. Among these key active ingredients， resveratrol， kaempferol， luteolin， chrysoeriol， apigenin， （+）-catechin， and adenosine have good pharmacokinetic properties and high bioavailability. The mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications are complex， including inflammatory response， brain-gut axis， hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis， intestinal flora， neurotrophic factors， autophagy， oxidative stress， and free radical damage. This review helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XLCQT against post-stroke complications and the development of drugs.

AIM: To evaluate the postoperative clinical efficacy of non-diffractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens(EDOF IOL)in patients with highly myopic cataract(HMC).METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients diagnosed with HMC at the hospital from January 2022 to December 2024. Patients were divided into an observation group [undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS)combined with non-diffractive EDOF IOL implantation] and a control group(undergoing FLACS combined with aspheric monofocal IOL implantation)according to the type of implanted IOL. Postoperative visual acuity(LogMAR), visual quality, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: A total of 33 patients(47 eyes)were finally included in this study, including 10 patients(17 eyes)in the observation group and 23 patients(30 eyes)in the control group. The observation group had a median age of 59.0(52.8, 63.8)y, with 8 males(13 eyes)and 2 females(4 eyes). The control group had a median age of 56.0(53.5, 60.0)y, with 13 males(17 eyes)and 10 females(13 eyes). At 3 mo postoperatively, the best-corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA)was 0.10(0.08, 0.12)in the observation group and 0.20(0.10, 0.40)in the control group(P=0.586). However, the best-corrected intermediate visual acuity(BCIVA)[0.10(0.10, 0.10)vs 0.50(0.40, 0.90), P=0.032] and best-corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA)[0.20(0.18, 0.20)vs 0.60(0.45, 1.45), P=0.044] in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group. The defocus curve showed that the uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)in the observation group was relatively stable within the range of -2.00 to +1.00 D, which was superior to that in the control group. Postoperative questionnaires showed that the spectacle independence rate(76%)and overall satisfaction(88%)in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(10% and 60%, respectively).CONCLUSION: Non-diffractive EDOF IOL significantly improves intermediate and near visual acuity, reduces spectacle dependence, and maintains distance visual acuity by extending the depth of focus, providing better postoperative visual quality and life satisfaction for HMC patients.

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Shared Decision-Making （SDM） is a crucial concept in modern medicine， emphasizing the joint participation of doctors and patients in the medical decision-making process. However， the authoritative position of doctors and the passive role of patients in traditional medical models often overlook the personal wishes and needs of patients， leading to tense doctor-patient relationships and medical disputes. By listening to and understanding their stories， narrative medicine helps doctors gain a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ situations and balances medical advice with patient needs in the decision-making process. Through systematic literature analysis and theoretical exploration， this paper investigated the application effects and mechanisms of narrative medicine in different medical contexts， as well as analyzed its specific role in the process of SDM. The aim is to explore the value of narrative medicine in bridging differences in SDM， revealing its role in promoting doctor-patient communication， enhancing decision-making participation， and improving medical outcomes. Researches had found that narrative medicine enhanced doctors’ “narrative ability”， promoted emotional communication and trust between doctors and patients， reduced conflicts and misunderstandings in decision-making， and improved patients’ sense of participation and trust， thus playing an important role in SDM. Therefore， by enhancing doctor-patient communication and understanding， promoting SDM and treatment selection between doctors and patients， personalized care and treatment optimization， advocating for doctor-patient co-construction， improving consultation efficiency， restoring the patient’s subject position， and other methods， it can bridge doctor-patient differences， promote communication and enhance decision-making participation， and improve medical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The paper introduces Professor LIU Xing's clinical experience and characteristics of integrative acupuncture and medication in treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). It is believed that the essential pathogenesis of PTN is pathogenic wind, and qi and blood obstruction results from invasion of pathogenic wind. Hence, dispelling wind is the key principle of treatment. Palpation is done at first in the neck, face and buccal mucosal region to detect the masses in treatment. Acupotomy is operated at the masses distributed at Shangguan (GB3), Xiaguan (ST7) and the white line of buccal mucosa, so as to release masses. Additionally, five-wind points (Fengfu [GV16], bilateral Fengchi [GB20], Yifeng [TE17], Bingfeng [SI12] and Fengmen [BL12]), three-nape points (bilateral Naokong [GB19], Tianzhu [BL10] and Jianjing [GB21]) and three-governor-vessel points (Baihui [GV20], Zhiyang [GV9] and Yintang [GV24⁺]) are selected to dispel wind and stop pain. Besides, herbal decoction (wu feng tang) and blood-letting at ear apex are administered in combination. The integration of acupuncture and medication obtains a holistic effect on PTN by dispelling wind pathogen, and promoting qi and blood circulation.
Humans ; Trigeminal Neuralgia/drug therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel arthroscopic technique of modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge in repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears and evaluate the early effectiveness. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2024, 26 patients with medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears who underwent arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge repair and met the selective criteria were included. There were 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 61.4 years (range, 43-74 years). Five patients had a significant history of trauma, while the remaining 21 patients had no apparent cause. The time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 3-25 months (mean, 7.9 months). The effectiveness was evaluated during follow-up, including the scores of University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), visual analogue scale (VAS), the range of forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and patient's satisfaction. Either MRI or ultrasound examination were used to evaluate structural integrity of the tendon. RESULTS: The operation time was 65-110 minutes (mean, 81.8 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-43 months (mean, 23.0 months). At 3 and 12 months after operation, the shoulder range of flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and the scores of VAS, UCLA, and ASES significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The improvement was further observed at 12 months compared to 3 months ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, 13 patients were very satisfied with the effectiveness, 11 patients were satisfied, 1 was relatively satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. During follow-up, 15 patients underwent imaging examination and imaging reexamination showed that the re-tear rate of tendon was 6.6%(1/15). The remaining 11 patients refused imaging examination. Complications included partial anchor withdrawal in 1 case, shoulder stiffness in 5 cases, and mild pain in shoulder joint in 2 cases in physical activity or heavy physical activity. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge technique is a novel surgical technique that uses double-loaded suture anchors as medial- and lateral-row anchors. In repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears, 6 sets of double-pulley suture-bridges can be created from one medial-row anchor; knotless medial-row can reduce re-tear rate of the tendon; good early effectiveness is obtained.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgery* ; Aged ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Anchors ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Patient Satisfaction

Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×10⁴ copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×10³ copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×10² copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days). CONCLUSION In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans ; Hematologic Neoplasms/virology* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Virus Activation ; Lymphocyte Subsets/virology* ; Flow Cytometry ; Killer Cells, Natural/virology* ; Male ; Female ; B-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Viral Load ; Adult ; T-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Middle Aged