Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis. Methods: Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. Results: A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.

[Objective] : To systematically evaluate the overall efficacy of external application of traditional Chinese medicine (EA-TCM) in combination with oral three-step analgesic ladder therapy for patients suffering from cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). [Methods] : We conducted a literature search of randomized controlled trials on the combination of EA-TCM and three-step analgesic ladder therapy for CIBP across ten databases and two registration systems. It included four Chinese databases [Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) ], six English databases (Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey), and two registration systems (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov). The timeframe for the literature search extended from the inception of each database to December 31, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (v5.4.1), and the outcome indicators (pain relief rate, analgesic duration, quality of life, pain intensity, breakthrough pain frequency, and adverse reactions) were graded using GRADE profiler (v3.6). [Results] : According to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 43 studies was deemed eligible, involving 3 142 participants with CIBP. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with oral three-step analgesic ladder therapy alone, the combined therapy of EA-TCM and three-step analgesic ladder has a significant improvement in pain relief rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24 to 1.41, P < 0.000 01], analgesic duration [mean difference (MD) = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.69, P < 0.000 01], and quality of life (MD = 5.66, 95% CI: 4.88 to 6.44, P < 0.000 01). Furthermore, the combined therapy significantly reduced pain intensity (MD = – 1.00, 95% CI: – 1.19 to – 0.80, P < 0.000 01), breakthrough pain frequency (MD = – 0.43, 95% CI: – 0.51 to – 0.36, P < 0.000 01), and adverse reactions (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.68, P < 0.000 01) in CIBP patients. Based on the GRADE assessment, the level of evidence varied from low to moderate. [Conclusion] EA-TCM combined with the three-step analgesic ladder therapy can effectively alleviate pain symptoms in patients with CIBP and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the EA-TCM can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse reactions associated with three-step analgesic therapy.

As a new type of production factor that can empower the development of new quality productivity, the data element is an important engine to promote the high quality development of the industry. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing is the most basic work of TCM clinical pharmacy, and its quality directly affects the clinical efficacy of TCM. The integration of data elements and TCM dispensing can stimulate the innovation and vitality of the TCM dispensing industry and promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the industry. A large-scale, detailed, and systematic study on TCM dispensing was conducted. The innovative practice path of data fusion construction in the whole process of TCM dispensing was investigated by integrating the digital resources "nine full activities" of TCM dispensing, creating the digital dictionary of "TCM clinical information data elements", and exploring innovative applications of TCM dispensing driven by data and technology, so as to promote the standardized, digital, and intelligent development of TCM dispensing in medical health services. The research content of this project was successfully selected as the second batch of "Data element×" typical cases of National Data Administration in 2024, which is the only selected case in the field of TCM.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans

This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*

The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology* ; Flowers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry* ; Chalcones/pharmacology* ; Animals

Delirium is a common cause and complication of hospitalization in the elderly and is associated with higher risk of future dementia and progression of existing dementia, of which 70% is Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD and delirium, which are known to be aggravated by one another, represent significant societal challenges, especially in light of the absence of effective treatments. The intricate biological mechanisms have led to numerous clinical trial setbacks and likely contribute to the limited efficacy of existing therapeutics. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising avenue for overcoming these hurdles by deploying algorithms to uncover hidden patterns across diverse data types. This review explores the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing drug discovery for AD and delirium from target identification to the development of small molecule and protein-based therapies. Recent advances in deep learning, particularly in accurate protein structure prediction, are facilitating novel approaches to drug design and expediting the discovery pipeline for biological and small molecule therapeutics. This review concludes with an appraisal of current achievements and limitations, and touches on prospects for the use of AI in advancing drug discovery in AD and delirium, emphasizing its transformative potential in addressing these two and possibly other neurodegenerative conditions.

A 32-year-old female patient experienced a foreign body sensation in her esophagus on the evening of September 22, 2024, after consuming undercooked grass carp at a restaurant in Wuhan. Esophagoscopy conducted at the hospital revealed no abnormalities. Three days later, she had a stabbing pain in the pharynx. On October 8, upon self-examination, she noticed a red brown worm exhibiting stretching and contracting movements attached near the uvula in her pharynx and then went to the hospital. During the removal of the worm, the doctor observed the ulcers on the mucous membrane. Serological antibody tests for seven common human parasitic worms, including Schistosoma japonicum, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, cysticercus of Taenia solium, sparganum, hydatid cyst, and Trichinella spiralis, were all negative. The isolated worm was reddish brown, measuring 4 mm in length and 2 mm in width. Staining with hydrochloric carmine dye revealed a morphology consistent with Clinostomum complanatum (Rud., 1819), characterized by an oral sucker at the anterior end, a pharynx connecting to intestinal branches, and two intestinal branches extending to the posterior end of the body with small sub-branches. The ventral sucker, larger than the oral sucker, was located at the front 1/4 of the body. A pair of testes were arranged longitudinally in the mid-posterior part, with an ovary located between the two testes and a uterus located above the upper testis. A comprehensive search of 188 databases comprising more than 460 million full-text articles through the library of Huazhong University of Science and Technology confirmed the first reported case of Clinostomum complanatum infection in humans in China.

The paper explores the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and its diagnosis and treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion based on "body-qi-mind trinity life view". It is believed that CFS refers to the comorbidity of body, qi and mind. In the disease, spleen deficiency in transportation and transformation is the root, resulting in malnutrition of muscles; liver qi stagnation is the pivot, causing dysfunction of three jiao; and disharmony between heart and kidney is crucial, leading to dysfunction of mind. The strategy of treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion is proposed, "relieving general pain of the body as the top priority, regulating qi is the pivot, and housing the mind is the foundation". For relieving general pain of the body, acupuncture is applied to Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Zusanli (ST36) that is the essential prescription to relieve muscular pain. For regulating qi, Waiguan (TE5) and Gongsun (SP4) are selected to promote the pivot of shaoyang and regulate qi movement of three jiao. For housing the mind, acupuncture is delivered at Shenmen (HT7) and moxibustion is applied to Yongquan (KI1), Gaohuang (BL43) and Baihui (GV20) to harmonize the heart and kidney and tranquilize the mind. This intervention mode, i.e. harmonizing among body, qi and mind, and promoting the circulation of qi and blood, is conductive to restoring the body, qi and mind. It provides a new idea to clinical diagnosis and treatment of CFS with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Qi ; Acupuncture Points ; Male ; Female

The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction is closely related to its decocting methods. A correct understanding of the scientific connotations of decocting methods in TCM is of great significance for guiding the application of decoctions and the development of modern TCM preparations based on decoctions. The decocting process is not only a hot water extraction process of chemical components but also accompanied by complex chemical and physical changes, forming a complex multiphase system and significantly affecting the absorption and therapeutic effect of TCM. This article reviews the research progress in scientific connotations of decocting methods in TCM from the perspectives of chemical composition changes, phase state differences,absorption behavior changes, and pharmacological and toxicological changes caused by decocting. This review is expected to provide implications for studying decocting methods and their scientific interpretation, boost the innovation and development of TCM decoctions,and promote the design and development of modern TCM preparations.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Animals