Objective To investigate the potential mechanisms by which the natural herbal monomer scutellarin alleviates ischemic stroke(IS)using network pharmacology and in vivo experimental validation.Methods Potential targets of scutellarin were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper,and standardized via UniProt.IS-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were obtained from the GSE22255 dataset in the GEO database,with screening criteria of|log10FC|≥1 and P＜0.05.Venny 2.1.0 analysis was used to identify overlapping targets.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using STRING and visualized in cytoscape.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were performed.Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina 1.5.6 to assess the binding affinity between scutellarin and hub targets.Middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)mouse model was established and divided into sham,MCAO,and MCAO+scutellarin groups.Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of hub genes and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt pathway components in the ischemic cortex.Results A total of 325 scutellarin targets and 2168 IS-related DEGs were identified,with 29 overlapping targets.GO analysis yielded 51 biological processes,5 cellular components,and 8 molecular functions.KEGG enrichment highlighted PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways.PPI analysis identified Caspase-3,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha(PPARA),and interleukin-2(IL-2)as key hub proteins.Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities between scutellarin and these proteins.Real-time PCR result confirmed that scutellarin modulated the expression of hub genes and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusion In the MCAO mouse model,scutellarin exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating targets such as CASP3,EGFR,PTGS2,PPARA,and IL-2,and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,exhibiting multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics.

Objective To explore the clinical effect of 3D-printed interbody fusion cage applied in anterior cervical decompression and bone graft fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods A total of 100 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior cervical fusion surgery in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects,they were randomly divided into the 3D group and the control group according to the random number table method,with 50 cases in each group.Patients in the 3D group were implanted with a 3D-printed interbody fusion cage which was made of microporous metal materials,while patients in the control group were implanted with intervertebral fusion cage which was made of polyetheretherketone material.The surgery-related indicators,cervical imaging parameters,cervical spinal cord function,cervical axial function and surgical complications of patients between the two groups were compared.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time,intraoperative blood loss or length of hospital stay of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The height of the cervical fusion segments and the Cobb angle of the fusion segments of patients in both groups at each time point after the operation were significantly increased compared with those before the operation(P<0.05).The height of the cervical fusion segments and the Cobb angle of the fusion segments of patients 1 month,3 months,and 6 months after the operation in the 3D group were all greater than those in the control group(P>0.05).The subjective symptom score and the total score of the Japanese orthopaedic association(JOA)of patients 6 months after the operation in the 3D group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The cervical axial function of patients 6 months after the operation in the 3D group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of surgical complications in the 3D group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of 3D-printed interbody fusion cage during the anterior cervical decompression and bone graft fusion for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients,achieve better cervical axial function,and have fewer complications.

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Sini Decoction (SNT) is a traditional formula recognized for its efficacy in warming the spleen and stomach and dispersing cold. However, elucidating the mechanism of action of SNT remains challenging due to its complex multiple components. This study utilized a synergistic approach combining two-dimensional fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) with label-free quantitative proteomics techniques to identify the direct and indirect protein targets of SNT in myocardial infarction. The analysis identified 590 proteins, with 30 proteins showing significant upregulation and 51 proteins showing downregulation when comparing the SNT group with the model group. Through the integration of 2D-DIGE DARTS with proteomics data and pharmacological assessments, the findings indicate that protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) may serve as a potential protein target through which SNT provides protective effects on myocardial cells during myocardial infarction.
Myocardial Infarction/genetics* ; Proteomics/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Animals ; Protein Disulfide-Isomerases/genetics* ; Male ; Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis/methods* ; Humans ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional

Objective: This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively. Methods: The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model. Results: Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group. Conclusion This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.

Syringa pinnatifolia, belonging to the family Oleaceae, is a species endemic to China. It is predominantly distributed in the Helan Mountains region of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia of China. The peeled roots, stems, and thick branches have been used as a distinctive Mongolian medicinal material known as "Shan-chen-xiang", which has effects such as suppressing "khii", clearing heat, and relieving pain and is employed for the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and joint pain. Over the past five years, significant increase was achieved in research on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. There were a total of 130 new constituents reported, covering sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Its effects of anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, sedation, and analgesia were revealed, and the mechanisms of agarwood formation were also investigated. To better understand its medical value and potential of clinical application, this review updates the research progress in recent five years focusing on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. pinnatifolia, providing reference for subsequent research on active ingredient and support for its innovative application in modern medicine system.
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Syringa/chemistry*

Bawei Chenxiang Powder(BCP), first documented in the Tibetan medical work Four Medical Classics, has been widely applied in clinical practices in Tibetan and Mongolian medicines since its development. It has the effect of clearing the heart heat, calming the mind, and inducing resuscitation. On the basis of BCP, multiple types of formulae have been developed, such as Bawei Yiheyi Chenxiang Powder, Bawei Rang Chenxiang Powder, and Bawei Pingchuan Chenxiang Powder, which are widely used for treating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Current pharmacological research has revealed the pharmacological effects of BCP and its related formulae against myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, renal ischemia, and anti-hypoxia. BCP and its related formulae introduced more treatment options for related clinical diseases and provided insights for fully comprehending the essence and pharmacological components of the formulae. This paper systematically reviewed the clinical and pharmacological research on BCP and its related formulae, analyzing the formulation principles and potential key flavors and active ingredients. This lays a fundamental scientific basis for the clinical use, quality evaluation, and subsequent development and application of BCP and its related formulae, providing references for studying traditional Chinese medicine formulae in a thorough and systematic manner.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Humans ; Powders/chemistry* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

The medicinal materials of Bawei Chenxiang Pills(BCPs) were extracted via three methods: reflux extraction by water, reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, and extraction by pure water following reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, yielding three extracts of ST, CT, and CST. The efficacy of ST(760 mg·kg~(-1)), CT(620 mg·kg~(-1)), and CST(1 040 mg·kg~(-1)) were evaluated by acute myocardial ischemia(AMI) and p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia in mice, respectively. Western blot was further utilized to investigate their hypnosis mechanisms. The main chemical components of different extracts were identified by the UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS technique. The results showed that CT and CST significantly increased the ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) of myocardial infarction mice, reduced left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole(LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole(LVIDs). In contrast, ST did not exhibit significant effects on these parameters. In the insomnia model, CT significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration, whereas ST only prolonged sleep duration without shortening sleep latency. CST showed no significant effects on either sleep latency or sleep duration. Additionally, both CT and ST upregulated glutamic acid decarboxylase 67(GAD67) protein expression in brain tissue. A total of 15 main chemical components were identified from CT, including 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone. Six chemical components including chebulidic acid were identified from ST. The results suggested that chromones and terpenes were potential anti-myocardial ischemia drugs of BCPs, and tannin and phenolic acids were potential hypnosis drugs. This study enriches the pharmacological and chemical research of BCPs, providing a basis and reference for their secondary development, quality standard improvement, and clinical application.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Mice ; Male ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy* ; Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy*

Periodontitis is a globally prevalent inflammatory oral disease, affecting approximately 50% of the population worldwide and imposing a substantial burden on patients′ health and quality of life. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing disease progression; however, conventional diagnostic approaches often rely on subjective clinical assessments, which only primarily evaluate the cumulative state of the disease, thus limiting their ability to achieve precise early detection. In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics has demonstrated significant promise, particularly through the integration of multimodal data to enable more comprehensive information capture and analysis. Multimodal data fusion, which combines diverse inputs such as imaging, clinical parameters, and biomarkers, offers transformative potential for AI-powered periodontitis diagnostics. This innovative approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional methods, significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predictive capabilities. This manuscript reviews the primary diagnostic techniques for periodontitis, explores recent advances in AI applications within this domain, and emphasizes the potential of multimodal data in facilitating precision diagnosis. Furthermore, it provides new insights and supports for personalized treatment strategies.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of vancomycin for preventing infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA between February 2024 and May 2024 at nine hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative infection prophylaxis involved either IORA (0.5 g vancomycin administered via intraosseous regional infusion before incision) or intravenous infusion (1 g vancomycin via peripheral vein). The IORA group included 15 males and 47 females with a median age of 66.5 years (range, 60.0-70.0 years), while the intravenous group included 14 males and 48 females with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 61.8-70.3 years) years. Intraoperative samples were collected including fat and synovium tissues after incision, before prosthesis placement, and after tourniquet release; distal femoral cancellous bone during femoral osteotomy; proximal tibial cancellous bone during tibial osteotomy; proximal intercondylar cancellous bone before prosthesis placement; and peripheral blood from non-infused arms at surgery initiation and after tourniquet release. Vancomycin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vital sign changes were recorded from admission to 5~10 minutes post-IORA (IORA group) or post-incision (intravenous group). Follow-ups were conducted on postoperative day 1 and 3, and at 1 and 3 months, to document complications including IORA-related adverse events, periprosthetic joint infections, surgical site infections, red man syndrome, acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis and so on.Results:Vancomycin concentrations in bone, fat, and synovial tissue samples were significantly higher in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05), while vancomycin concentrations in blood samples were significantly lower in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05). Only 7.3%(41/558) of tissue samples in the IORA group had vancomycin concentrations below 2.0 μg/g (the minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus), compared to 59.3%(331/558) in the intravenous group (χ 2=11.285, P<0.001). In the intravenous group, 16.9%(21/124) of blood samples had vancomycin concentrations exceeding 15.0 mg/L (the threshold associated with a significantly increased risk of nephrotoxicity), while all concentrations in the IORA group were below this threshold, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=22.943, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in vital signs changes before and after vancomycin administration between the two groups. Two patients in the intravenous group experienced incision exudate, while no other related complications occurred in either group. Conclusions:Compared to the traditional intravenous infusion of 1 g vancomycin, intraosseous injection of a low dose (0.5 g) of vancomycin achieves higher local tissue concentrations in the knee joint with a lower incidence of adverse reactions and is safe for infection prophylaxis. Despite guidelines not recommending the routine use of vancomycin for preventing infection after primary TKA, intraosseous injection of 0.5 g vancomycin may be considered intraoperatively for primary TKA in the following scenarios: patients in medical institutions with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, patients with potential preoperative MRSA colonization, or patients with cephalosporin allergy.