ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Qishao capsules on renal injury in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease （DKD），and explore its mechanism of protecting the kidney by inhibiting podocyte apoptosis. Methodsdb/m mice （7 mice） were used as the normal group，and db/db mice （35 mice） were randomly divided into a model group，a dapagliflozin group （0.001 g·kg^-1·d^-1），and low-，medium-，and high-dose groups of Qishao capsules （0.341 3，0.682 5，and 1.365 g·kg^-1·d^-1，respectively）. Drug intervention lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After sampling，the serum renal function indicators ［creatinine（SCr），and urea nitrogen（BUN）］，fasting blood glucose （FBG），24 h urinary protein quantification （24 h-UTP）， and other indicators of the mice were measured. The pathological tissue morphology of the kidney was observed by periodic acid-silver methenamine （PASM） and Masson's trichrome （Masson） staining. Immunohistochemical detection of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease （Caspase）-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） was performed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，Caspase-3， and other molecules. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick End labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to observe apoptosis in renal tissue. Immunofluorescence staining of Wilms tumor suppressor gene-1 （WT-1） was used to observe podocyte injury. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to detect Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression in the kidneys of experimental mice. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software GraphPad Prism 10. ResultsCompared with the normal group，the model group showed significantly increased 24 h-UTP，SCr，BUN，and FBG （P<0.01）. Additionally， PASM staining of renal tissue showed increased glycogen deposition，glomerular hypertrophy，and thickening of the basement membrane. Masson staining showed collagen fiber proliferation in renal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy showed thickening of the renal tissue basement membrane and fusion or loss of foot processes in the model group. The immunohistochemical results showed that Caspase-3 in the kidneys of the mice in the model group significantly increased （P<0.01），while the Bcl-2 protein expression level decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The number of TUNEL positive cells in renal tissue significantly increased （P<0.01）. The positive expression of WT-1 in podocytes was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed significant upregulation of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，and Caspase-3 protein expression in renal tissue （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 in the kidneys increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the Qishao capsules groups can significantly reduce the levels of 24 h-UTP，SCr，BUN，and FBG （P<0.01）. The pathological damage of renal tissue and podocyte injury were improved to some extent. Immunohistochemistry in the kidney showed a significant decrease in Caspase-3 （P<0.01） and a significant increase in Bcl-2 protein expression level （P<0.01）. Additionally， there were a significant decrease in the number of TUNEL positive cells in renal tissue （P<0.01），a significant increase in WT-1 positive expression in podocytes （P<0.01），marked downregulation of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，and Caspase-3 protein expression in renal tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01），and a significant decrease in Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression levels （P<0.01）. ConclusionQishao capsules can inhibit podocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of Caspase-8，Caspase-7， and Caspase-3，thereby improving the diabetic renal injury in db/db mice.

Objective: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese patent medicines and classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were systematically reviewed from both Chinese and English journals published in 2023. A preliminary summary and evaluation were conducted on the generation and translation of clinical evidence for these treatments. This analysis aims to inform future research on clinical efficacy evaluation and guide the rational application of evidence. Methods: RCTs of Chinese patent medicines and classic traditional Chinese prescriptions published in 2023 were comprehensively retrieved from the Artificial Intelligence Clinical Evidence Database for Chinese Patent Medicine (AICED-CPM), with supplementary searches conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The study characteristics and methodological quality of these RCTs were systematically analyzed and evaluated. Results: A total of 1 443 RCTs of Chinese patent medicines were included, comprising 1 399 Chinese articles and 44 English articles. Additionally, 334 RCTs of classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were found, with 331 published in Chinese and 3 in English. 196 567 participants were included, covering 585 types of Chinese patent medicines (487 oral, 61 injectable, and 37 topical) and 179 classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. The involved studies encompassed 22 types of diseases, with research primarily focusing on diseases of the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the genitourinary system. The sample sizes ranged from 18 to 3 777 participants, and most studies were conducted at a single center. Methodologically, the implementation of allocation concealment and blinding remained insufficiently emphasized. Conclusion Overall, compared with 2022, both the number of RCT publications and their methodological quality have improved in 2023, with heightened attention to research on diseases of the genitourinary system. However, quality control and standardized management in the design and implementation processes still require enhancement to produce more high-quality clinical evidence and accelerate the translation and application of this evidence.

ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of modified Shengjiangsan in alleviating endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress and reducing urinary protein in the rat model of diabetic nephropathy （DN）. MethodSeventy-five SD rats were randomized into normal， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose （4.37， 8.73， 17.46 g·kg^-1， respectively） modified Shengjiangsan， and irbesartan （0.014 g·kg^-1） groups， with 10 rats in each group. Rats were administrated with corresponding doses of medications or distilled water by gavage， once a day， for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last administration， the levels of glucose （GLU） in the blood， 24-hour urinary protein （24 h-UTP）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） in the renal tissue were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining， periodic acid-Schiff staining， and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe the pathological changes in rat kidneys. Immunohistochemistry was employed to measure the expression levels of nephrin， podocin， glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）， C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）， and activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4） in the kidneys of rats. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of silent information regulator 1 （Sirt1）， phosphorylated （p）-protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）， and p-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha （eIF2α） in rat kidneys. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling caused pathological damage to the kidneys， elevated the levels of GLU and 24 h-UTP （P<0.05）， up-regulated the protein levels of GRP78， CHOP， ATF4， p-PERK， and p-eIF2α （P<0.05）， and down-regulated the protein level of Sirt1 （P<0.05） in rat kidneys. Compared with the model group， modified Shengjiangsan and irbesartan lowered the GLU and 24 h-UTP levels （P<0.05）， alleviated the pathological damage in the renal tissue， down-regulated the protein levels of GRP78， CHOP， ATF4， p-PERK， and p-eIF2α （P<0.05）， and up-regulated the protein level of Sirt1 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Shengjiangsan up-regulates Sirt1 expression and inhibits phosphorylation of proteins in the PERK/eIF2α pathway to reduce ER stress and oxidative stress in the renal tissue， thus alleviating the pathological damage in the renal tissue and reducing urinary protein in DN rats.

Objective Traditional Chinese medicine tongue diagnosis plays an important role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases,but the current research results are not applicable to the evaluation of clinical efficacy.This study conducted a hierarchical quantitative study on tongue color based on hyperspectral data of tongue images,making it suitable for clinical efficacy evaluation.Methods Establish inclusion and exclusion criteria,obtain tongue images of different spectral wavelengths within the visible light range of 400-1000 nm,and use traditional Chinese medicine clinical experts to distinguish between red tongue and yellow coating in four different color levels(mild,moderate,severe,and severe).Finally,establish a quantitative prediction model for the grade of red tongue and yellow coating based on machine learning models.Results There were significant differences in hyperspectral curve characteristics between red tongue and yellow coating with different color levels,which could be used as the basis for grade quantification.With the help of principal component analysis+random forest model,85.79%and 88.34%of the red tongue and yellow coating with different color levels could be predicted.Conclusion The use of hyperspectral image data features and machine learning models for predicting different color levels of tongue color has achieved good accuracy.

Objective:To introduce the application of highly selective arterial indocyanine green angiography (hereinafter referred to as highly selective arterial angiography) in the design of anterolateral thigh free flap.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From November 2023 to April 2024, 29 patients with wounds in extremities which were repaired by anterolateral thigh free flaps designed under the assistance of highly selective arterial angiography and met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery and Department of Wound Repair Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 26 males and 3 females, aged 16 to 71 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 27.0 cm×16.0 cm. During the surgery, highly selective arterial angiography was used to assist in flap design. The fluorescence development range of the source arteries or perforators of flaps was observed. The blood supply range of the source arteries or perforators of flaps was determined based on the fluorescence development of the skin, and the excision position of the flap was adjusted. The flap incision area ranged from 9.0 cm×6.0 cm to 29.0 cm×16.0 cm. During the surgery, the number of highly selective arterial angiography, the type of source artery of perforators for puncture, and changes in the excision position of flaps were observed and recorded. After surgery, the blood supply and survival of flaps, the healing of wounds and the survival of skin grafts in the flap donor sites, and the angiography-related complications were observed.Results:All the 32 flaps of 29 patients were successfully excised. The highly selective arterial angiography was performed 37 times, including 13 cases of puncture of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 6 cases of puncture of the descending branch, 8 cases of double puncture of the oblique and descending branches, and 2 cases of puncture of arteries from other branches. During the surgery, the excision position of 28 flaps did not change, the excision position of 3 flaps moved towards proximal extremity of the thigh, and the excision position of 1 flap moved towards distal extremity of the thigh. All the flaps survived successfully after the surgery, and there was no partial necrosis of the flaps at the proximal or distal ends. The wounds in the flap donor sites healed, and all skin grafts survived. No angiography-related complications occurred.Conclusions:Highly selective arterial angiography can be used to determine the blood supply range of the source artery and perforators of the anterolateral thigh free flaps during the surgery. It can evaluate the blood supply of flaps more intuitively and objectively. Its application in assisting flap design can avoid partial flap necrosis caused by unreasonable preoperative design to a certain extent, and it is safe and reliable.

Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of the perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and to report the clinical effect of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in repairing the wounds of the extremities.Methods:The clinical data of the patients with anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from December 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. High frequency color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the large perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. With reference to the location of the perforators, according to the size and shape of the defect in the recipient area, the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch was designed and dissected to repair the wound. During the operation, the distance between the emitting point of the main oblique branch, the skin entry point of the perforators and the anterior superior iliac spine was measured with a steel ruler, the diameter of the perforators was measured with a microscale, and the number of perforators was counted. The survival and complications of the flap were observed and followed up after operation. In the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect: 90 to 100 points is excellent, 75 to 89 points is good, 60 to 74 points is average, and less than 60 points is poor.Results:A total of 84 patients were included, including 62 males and 22 females, aged from 14 to 82 years (mean 46.9 years), including 32 cases of hand wounds, 6 cases of forearm wounds, 3 cases of upper arm wounds, 10 cases of calves and 33 cases of foot and ankle wounds. The wound area was 6 cm × 4 cm-20 cm × 45 cm. A total of 88 flaps were removed in 84 patients (skin flaps on both thighs were removed in 4 patients). The size of the skin flap of 88 thighs was 7 cm × 5 cm-37 cm × 11 cm, of which 85 sides of 82 cases survived completely. One case of diabetes had complete necrosis 1 month after operation, and 1 case of 34 cm had necrosis of the distal end of 3 cm × 3 cm skin flap. Necrotic skin flaps were repaired with skin grafting. Four patients developed arterial crisis within 24 hours after operation, and those flaps survived after surgical exploration. All donor areas healed. During the follow-up of 6 to 9 months, the shape of the recipient area was normal in all patients, and there was no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis. The color and texture of all flaps were good. The sensation returned to S1-S2 after operation. The skin flap comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect. The patients’ score ranged from 73 to 94 points, with an average of 88.1 points. Including 33 excellent cases, 46 good cases and 5 average cases, the excellent and good rate was 94.0%(79/84). A total of 215 perforators were marked with 88 flaps before operation, and 208 perforators were found during the operation(the diameter of the perforators was 0.4-1.5 mm), of which 130 were sent out by oblique branches. There were perforators of the oblique branch in all flaps, with an average of 1.5 on each side, including 84(64.6%) septocutaneous perforators and 46(35.4%) musculocutaneous perforators. Most of the oblique branches originate from the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which runs in the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and the intermediate femoris muscle. It is divided into deep branches and superficial branches at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. The skin perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is mostly sent out from the superficial branch, and there are 118 perforators located at the midpoint and proximal end of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, accounting for 90.8% (118/130), reaching a peak at 0.4 (there are 37 perforators).Conclusion:The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is relatively constant, and most of the perforators are located near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, and the proportion of septocutaneous perforator is high. The distribution of perforator is regular, the blood supply is reliable, the application mode is flexible, and the donor site position is more concealed while the blood supply of the flap is secured.

Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of the perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and to report the clinical effect of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in repairing the wounds of the extremities.Methods:The clinical data of the patients with anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from December 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. High frequency color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the large perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. With reference to the location of the perforators, according to the size and shape of the defect in the recipient area, the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch was designed and dissected to repair the wound. During the operation, the distance between the emitting point of the main oblique branch, the skin entry point of the perforators and the anterior superior iliac spine was measured with a steel ruler, the diameter of the perforators was measured with a microscale, and the number of perforators was counted. The survival and complications of the flap were observed and followed up after operation. In the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect: 90 to 100 points is excellent, 75 to 89 points is good, 60 to 74 points is average, and less than 60 points is poor.Results:A total of 84 patients were included, including 62 males and 22 females, aged from 14 to 82 years (mean 46.9 years), including 32 cases of hand wounds, 6 cases of forearm wounds, 3 cases of upper arm wounds, 10 cases of calves and 33 cases of foot and ankle wounds. The wound area was 6 cm × 4 cm-20 cm × 45 cm. A total of 88 flaps were removed in 84 patients (skin flaps on both thighs were removed in 4 patients). The size of the skin flap of 88 thighs was 7 cm × 5 cm-37 cm × 11 cm, of which 85 sides of 82 cases survived completely. One case of diabetes had complete necrosis 1 month after operation, and 1 case of 34 cm had necrosis of the distal end of 3 cm × 3 cm skin flap. Necrotic skin flaps were repaired with skin grafting. Four patients developed arterial crisis within 24 hours after operation, and those flaps survived after surgical exploration. All donor areas healed. During the follow-up of 6 to 9 months, the shape of the recipient area was normal in all patients, and there was no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis. The color and texture of all flaps were good. The sensation returned to S1-S2 after operation. The skin flap comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect. The patients’ score ranged from 73 to 94 points, with an average of 88.1 points. Including 33 excellent cases, 46 good cases and 5 average cases, the excellent and good rate was 94.0%(79/84). A total of 215 perforators were marked with 88 flaps before operation, and 208 perforators were found during the operation(the diameter of the perforators was 0.4-1.5 mm), of which 130 were sent out by oblique branches. There were perforators of the oblique branch in all flaps, with an average of 1.5 on each side, including 84(64.6%) septocutaneous perforators and 46(35.4%) musculocutaneous perforators. Most of the oblique branches originate from the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which runs in the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and the intermediate femoris muscle. It is divided into deep branches and superficial branches at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. The skin perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is mostly sent out from the superficial branch, and there are 118 perforators located at the midpoint and proximal end of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, accounting for 90.8% (118/130), reaching a peak at 0.4 (there are 37 perforators).Conclusion:The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is relatively constant, and most of the perforators are located near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, and the proportion of septocutaneous perforator is high. The distribution of perforator is regular, the blood supply is reliable, the application mode is flexible, and the donor site position is more concealed while the blood supply of the flap is secured.

This paper explores the interpretation of Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） by tracing its name's origin， exa-mining the original texts of herbs in the decoction within Jingyue's Complete Works（《景岳全书》）， exploring the debate on the sovereign drug of Danggui （Angelica sinensis ［Oliv.］ Diels） and Roucongrong （Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma）， and analyzing the historical discussions on the efficacy of the decoction. It is believed that the original meaning of the name Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） refers to its strategy for treating “deficiency constipation”， which can be described as “increasing water to navigating the boat”. Danggui （Angelica sinensis ［Oliv.］ Diels） is considered the sovereign herb for nourishing blood and moistening dryness， while Roucongrong （Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma） serves as the minister herb for moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It is concluded by the author that Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） does not primarily focus on warming the kidneys and assisting yang， but rather emphasizes nourishing blood， moistening dryness， and promoting bowel movements. Its main indication is constipation due to deficiency of yin and blood， which is supported by evidence from antiquarian materials.

As the smallest combination unit of Chinese medicinals， herbal pairs serve as the bridge between medicinals and formulas， whose combination theory reflects the basic characteristics of Chinese medicinals combination and the core essence of prescription composition. Simultaneously， as a key combination of medicinals in clinical treatment of diseases， syndromes， and symptoms， herbal pairs are the main form of clinical medication in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） as well as the characteristic advantage of treating diseases. This article summarized that “mutual complement of medicinals of same or antagonism flavor and nature” theory is the theoretical origin， and efficacy-enhancement and toxicity-attenuation is the core purpose of the combination of herbal pairs. The property theory of Chinese medicinals and the thought of differentiation and treatment are the main basis of the combination of herbal pairs， and pertinence and flexibility are the key points in clinical application. All mentioned above are expected to provide theoretical guidance for the clinical use and modern research of herbal pairs.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.