It is proposed that the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is centered on deficiency， dampness， and blood stasis， which interact with and evolve into one another during the onset and progression of the disease. The development of RA is closely associated with insufficiency of healthy qi and the interbinding of dampness and blood stasis. Accordingly， treatment emphasizes an integrated approach that combines tonifying deficiency， eliminating dampness， and resolving blood stasis， and is implemented in three main stages. In the initial stage， therapy focuses on supporting healthy qi， dispelling dampness， and relieving impediment， with modified Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction （黄芪桂枝五物汤） combined with Yiyiren Decoction （薏苡仁汤）. In the active stage， treatment aims to eliminate dampness， resolve blood stasis， and unblock the collaterals， using modified Wutou Decoction （乌头汤） or Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction （桂枝芍药知母汤）. In the remission stage， therapy emphasizes strengthening the spleen and reple-nishing qi to prevent recurrence， with modified Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散） combined with Guipi Decoction （归脾汤）.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of filiform-heated needle combined with Qingbu Huacuo Decoction in the treatment of acne of damp-heat due to spleen deficiency syndrome.Methods Seventy patients with acne of damp-heat due to spleen deficiency syndrome admitted to the seventh clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from May 2023 to March 2024 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group according to random number table method,with 35 patients in each group.Health education was given to the patients in both groups.The control group was given oral administration of Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets combined with filiform-heated needle for treatment,and the observation group was treated with filiform-heated needle combined with Qingbu Huacuo Decoction orally,the course of treatment for the two groups covered six weeks.After six weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in Global Acne Grading System(GAGS)score and Quality of Life-Acne(Qol-Acne)score,as well as the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores before and after treatment were observed.The changes of skin barrier function indicators such as trans epidermal water loss(TEWL)content,skin moisture content,and sebum content before and after treatment were compared between the two groups of patients.Moreover,the safety of the two groups and the occurrence of adverse reactions were evaluated.Results(1)After treatment,the GAGS scores of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the Qol-Acne scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the three aspects of self-perception,emotional functioning,and self-assessment,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05),and the observation group was slightly superior to the control group in improving social functioning,but the difference being not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)After treatment,the content of TEWL,skin moisture,and sebum of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(5)The total effective rate was 94.29%(33/35)in the observation group and 74.29%(26/35)in the control group.The clinical efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(6)Comparison of the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups,the difference being not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Filiform-heated needle combined with Qingbu Huacuo Decoction in the treatment of acne of damp-heat due to spleen deficiency syndrome can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients,thus improving their quality of life,with good safety.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)sequential therapy in treating patients with psoriasis vulgaris in Shenzhen,and to explore the syndrome differentiation and treatment for the patients with psoriasis vulgaris in Shenzhen region.Methods From January 2019 to February 2024,70 cases of psoriasis vulgaris admitted to Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group)were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the observation group(39 cases)and the control group(31 cases)according to the treatment plans.In the control group,only topical application of Calcipotriol Ointment was given throughout the treatment,while in the observation group the patients were treated with TCM sequential therapy according to the illness stage on the basis of treatment for the control group,i.e.,internal administration of modified Shuiniujiao Huanglian Decoction was given in the acute stage and modified Sijunzi Shuiniujiao Decoction was given in the remission stage.Both groups were treated for 3 months.Before and after the treatment,the changes of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)scores,Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI)scores and TCM syndrome scores in the two groups were observed.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and drug safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 3 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 89.74%(35/39),and that of the control group was 74.19%(23/31).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the PASI scores for evaluating the severity of skin lesions in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the DLQI scores for evaluating the quality of life in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the scores of TCM syndromes such as erythema,itching,vexation and dry mouth in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(5)During the treatment period,no obvious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups of patients,with high safety.Conclusion On the basis of conventional western medicine treatment,application of TCM sequential therapy exerts certain clinical efficacy in treating patients with psoriasis vulgaris in Shenzhen region,and the combined therapy is effective on controlling the patients'illness conditions,significantly alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life of the patients.

Objective To investigate the microbiota composition and diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of autogeny in Cx. pipiens pallens. Methods Autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples were collected at 25 ℃, and the hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The microbiota abundance and diversity were evaluated using the alpha diversity index, and the difference in the microbiota structure was examined using the beta diversity index. The microbiota with significant differences in the abundance between autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples was identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Results The microbiota in autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples belonged to 18 phyla, 28 classes, 70 orders, 113 families, and 170 genera, and the dominant phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and so on. At the genus level, Wolbachia was a common dominant genus, and the relative abundance was (77.6 ± 11.3)% in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples and (47.5 ± 8.5)% in anautogenous mosquito samples, while Faecalibaculum (0.4% ± 0.1%), Dubosiella (0.5% ± 0.0%) and Massilia (0.5% ± 0.1%) were specific species in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples. Alpha diversity analysis showed that higher Chao1 index and ACE index in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples (both P values > 0.05), and lower Shannon index (P > 0.05) and Simpson index (P < 0.05) in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples. LEfSe analysis showed a total of 48 significantly different taxa between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion There is a significant difference in the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens.

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Chuanxiong （Rhizoma Chuanxiong） & Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae） herbal pair in treating migraines based on AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/transient receptor potential A1 channel （TRPA1） pathway. MethodsForty-eight healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into control group， model group， and Chuanxiong Tianma medication group， with 16 rats in each group. The control group and model group were given 10 ml/kg of normal saline by gavage， while the Chuanxiong Tianma medication group was given 0.675 g/kg of Chuanxiong Tianma herbal pair by gavage， once daily for 8 consecutive days in both groups. Migraime model was performed before the last administration， with subcutaneous injection of 10 ml/kg of normal saline in the control group， and subcutaneous injection of 10 ml/kg of nitroglycerin in the model group and Chuanxiong Tianma medication group. The Von Frey filament was used to measure the periorbital mechanical pain threshold of rats. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） in rat serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The nitric oxide （NO） assay kit was used to determine the NO level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. RT-PCR was usedto detect the mRNA expression levels of immediate-early genes in the trigeminal ganglion of rats （c-Fos）， CGRP， transient receptor potential V1 channel （TRPV1）， AMPK alpha subunit （PRKAA）， and TRPA1. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the trigeminal cervical complex （TCC） and the protein expression levels of phosphorylated AMPK （pAMPK） and TRPA1 in the trigeminal ganglion. ResultsCompared to those in the control group， the mechanical stimulation threshold and pAMPK protein expression in the model group decreased， while the levels of CGRP and NO in serum， c-Fos， CGRP， TRPV1 and TRPA1 mRNA levels in the trigeminal ganglion， TRPA1 protein expression， and the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the TCC significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared to those in the model group， the mechanical stimulation threshold and pAMPK protein expression in the Chuanxiong Tianma medication group significantly increased， while the levels of CGRP and NO in serum， c-Fos， CGRP， TRPV1 and TRPA1 mRNA levels in the trigeminal ganglion， TRPA1 protein expression， and the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the TCC significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. ConclusionChuanxiong Tianma herbal pair may improve migraine symptoms by regulating the AMPK/TRPA1 pathway in the trigeminal ganglion and increasing the mechanical pain threshold.

Objective To explore the research status and trends in the field of post-stroke foot drop. Methods The literature on post-stroke foot drop was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database from inception to January,2024.The data were analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Results A total of 490 articles were included.The annul articles were published more and more year by year since 1992,peaking in 2020.The main institutions were located in USA.The literature focused on the fields of medicine,healthcare and clinical studies.There were as many as 230 papers on rehabilitation.The most frequency key-words were rehabilitation,hemiplegic gait,electrical stimulation,foot drop,and stroke,and so on.Keyword co-occurrence analysis showed ten major clusters as motor rehabilitation,neurorehabilitation technology,gait analy-sis,functional recovery technology,and assessment of rehabilitation treatment effects,and so on. Conclusion Researches on the rehabilitation of post-stroke foot drop are moving towards the integration of technology and therapeutic methods,emphasizing the assessment of motor function and evidence of treatment effects,and exploring personalized rehabilitation plans.

Objective:To analyze the distribution and drug resistance of pathogens of bacterial bloodstream infection in patients with hematological diseases in the Department of Hematology of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and to provide etiological data for clinical empirical anti-infection treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general clinical information, pathogenic bacteria and drug susceptibility test results of patients with hematological diseases diagnosed with bacterial bloodstream infection by menstrual blood culture in our center from January 2016 to December 2022.Results:Patients included 498 inpatients, with a total of 639 bacterial strains. Among the patients, 86.9% patients had malignancies, and 76.7% had agranulocytosis. Symptoms of concurrent infections, including those of the respiratory tract, oral mucosa, skin and soft tissues, and abdominal sources were observed in 68.3% patients. Gram-negative bacteria (G -) accounted for 79.0% of the isolated bacteria, and gram-positive bacteria (G +) accounted for 21.0%. The top five isolated pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.5%), Escherichia coli (20.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0%), Enterococcus faecium (5.5%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilum (5.0%). Escherichia coli exhibited a decreasing trend of resistance to quinolones, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited increasing rates of resistance to quinolones and cephalosporins between 2016 and 2018, but the rated decreased after 2019. The resistance rate to carbapenems exhibited by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was approximately 20%. Carbapenem-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were first detected in 2017, with a peak resistance rate of 35.7%, detected in 2019. A 60.0% resistance rate to methicillin was observed in methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS), and one case of linezolid-resistant MRCNS was detected. Conclusions:Pathogenic bacteria of bacterial bloodstream infections were widely distributed in our center, and precautions are warranted against carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Several mitochondrial dysfunctions in obesity and diabetes include impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, reduced mitochondrial DNA, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ flux, and mitochondrial dynamics disorders. Mitophagy, specialized autophagy, is responsible for clearing dysfunctional mitochondria in physiological and pathological conditions. As a paradox, inhibition and activation of mitophagy have been observed in obesity and diabetes-related heart disorders, with both exerting bidirectional effects. Suppressed mitophagy is beneficial to mitochondrial homeostasis, also known as benign mitophagy. On the contrary, in most cases, excessive mitophagy is harmful to dysfunctional mitochondria elimination and thus is defined as detrimental mitophagy. In obesity and diabetes, two classical pathways appear to regulate mitophagy, including PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent mitophagy and receptors/adapters-dependent mitophagy. After the pharmacologic interventions of mitophagy, mitochondrial morphology and function have been restored, and cell viability has been further improved. Herein, we summarize the mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy alterations in obesity and diabetes, as well as the underlying upstream mechanisms, in order to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the obesity and diabetes-related heart disorders.

Scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (SCARB2) is linked to Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. Deficiency in the SCARB2 gene causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), a rare group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterized by myoclonus. We found that Scarb2 deficiency in mice leads to age-dependent dietary lipid malabsorption, accompanied with vitamin E deficiency. Our investigation revealed that Scarb2 deficiency is associated with gut dysbiosis and an altered bile acid pool, leading to hyperactivation of FXR in intestine. Hyperactivation of FXR impairs epithelium renewal and lipid absorption. Patients with SCARB2 mutations have a severe reduction in their vitamin E levels and cannot absorb dietary vitamin E. Finally, inhibiting FXR or supplementing vitamin E ameliorates the neuromotor impairment and neuropathy in Scarb2 knockout mice. These data indicate that gastrointestinal dysfunction is associated with SCARB2 deficiency-related neurodegeneration, and SCARB2-associated neurodegeneration can be improved by addressing the nutrition deficits and gastrointestinal issues.
Animals ; Mice ; Dysbiosis/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Humans ; Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Receptors, Scavenger/genetics* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Myoclonic Epilepsies, Progressive/genetics* ; Vitamin E Deficiency/complications* ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Male ; Lipid Metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology*

Nucleoside drugs play an essential role in treating major diseases such as tumor and viral infections, and have been widely applied in clinics. However, the effectiveness and application of nucleoside drugs are significantly limited by their intrinsic properties such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and inability to enter the cells. Nanocarriers can improve the physiological properties of nucleoside drugs by improving drug delivery efficiency and availability, maintaining drug efficacy and system stability, adjusting the binding ability of the carrier and drug molecules, as well as modifying specific molecules to achieve active targeting. Starting from the design strategy of nucleoside drug nanodelivery systems, the design and therapeutic effect of these nanomedicines are described in this review, and the future development directions of nucleoside/nucleotide-loaded nanomedicines are also discussed.
Nanomedicine ; Nucleosides/chemistry* ; Nucleotides ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug Carriers