Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica（CMM）. Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design， process optimization， and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms， with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion， tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years， this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties， offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM， analyzes its advantages， disadvantages， and challenges in this domain， and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies， while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.

ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis （CGA） in both traditional Chinese and western medicine， this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models， providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure， Wanfang， VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database （VIP）， and PubMed， all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines， the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes， and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction， high-protein diet induction （poultry lack urate oxidase）， and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature， the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted， and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%， respectively. Among them， the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection， achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA， they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore， in the future， it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria， providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Background Environmental metal exposure is closely associated with the onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly. Effectively identifying hazardous metal exposure and assessing their interaction effects have significant public health implications. Objective To explore the relationship between urinary single metal and metal mixture exposure and MCI in elderly compound residents. Methods This study included 391 elderly individuals aged 60 and above from residential compounds in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), thallium (Tl), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cognitive function in the elderly was assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between single metal exposure level and MCI. LASSO regression and multi-metal logistic regression models were used to identify key metal ions associated with MCI. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was employed to analyze the relationship between key metal ion mixtures and MCI, as well as the interactions between metals. Age, gender, education level, occupation, and body mass index were adjusted as covariates. Results A total of 78 among the 391 elderly individuals surveyed (19.94%) were diagnosed with MCI (MCI group), and the other 313 individuals were controls. The levels of Se, Cd, Mn, and As in the urine of the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the single-metal model, after adjusting for covariates and using the first quartile (Q₁) of each metal concentration as the reference, the OR for MCI in the elderly in the Q₄ group of Se was 2.190 (95%CI: 1.017, 4.716); for Cd, the OR was 2.345 (95%CI: 1.041, 5.283) in the Q₃ group and 2.371 (95%CI: 1.043, 5.393) in the Q₄ group; for Mn, the OR was 2.355 (95%CI: 1.038, 5.344) in the Q₂ group; for As, the OR was 3.377 (95%CI: 1.442, 7.908) in the Q₃ group and 2.886 (95%CI: 1.227, 6.788) in the Q₄ group; for Sb, the OR was 2.779 (95%CI: 1.234, 6.257) in the Q₂ group. When urinary metal concentrations were ln-transformed and included as continuous variables in the single-metal model, Cd concentration was positively correlated with MCI (OR=1.377; 95%CI: 1.008, 1.882; P=0.044). Cd, Se, Mg, Ca, Mn, As, Cr, Co, Tl, and Sb were selected by the LASSO regression model and included in the multi-metal model. In the multi-metal model, compared with Q₁, the OR for MCI in the elderly was 0.395 (95%CI: 0.164, 0.953) in the Q₂ group of Co and 0.390(95%CI: 0.167，0.911) in the Q₃ group of Co; for Mn, the OR in the Q₂ group was 2.636 (95%CI: 1.053, 6.596); for Sb, the OR in the Q₂ group was 2.640 (95%CI: 1.047, 6.658). As continuous variables, Mg (OR=0.472; 95%CI: 0.248, 0.899; P=0.022) and Co (OR=0.857; 95%CI: 0.737, 0.996; P=0.044) concentrations were negatively correlated with MCI. The BKMR mixture analysis suggested that Mg and Co exhibited a synergistic negative correlation with MCI, while Mn and Sb exhibited a synergistic positive correlation with MCI. Mg and Co attenuated the positive correlation of Mn and Sb with MCI, whereas Mn weakened the protective effects of Mg and Co. Conclusion Elevated levels of Se, Cd, As, Mn, and Sb in urine may increase the risk of MCI in the elderly, while Mg and Co have protective effects. Potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions may be found among Mn, Sb, Mg, and Co, which should not be overlooked in terms of their impact on the cognitive function of the elderly.

BackgroundDementia seriously affects the quality of life and lifespan of elderly people， with Alzheimer's disease （AD） being the most common type of dementia. Previous studies have suggested that gout may reduce the risk of developing AD， but the causal relationship between the two still requires further research. ObjectiveTo investigate the potential causal relationship between gout and AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization （MR） analysis， so as to provide references for the prevention and treatment of AD. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies （GWAS） extracted in 2024 were analyzed， using pooled data on gout （6 810 cases in the case group and 477 788 cases in the control group） published by UK Biobank in 2021 as the exposure variable， and data on AD （3 899 cases in the case group and 214 893 cases in the control group） published by FinnGen in the same year as the outcome variable. The inverse-variance weighted， MR-Egger regression， weighted median estimation， simple model and weighted model were used to analyze the potential causal relationship between gout and AD. Pleiotropic effects were assessed using MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity assessment was conducted using Cochran's Q test. The leave-one-out analysis was carried out for sensitivity analysis. And a funnel plot was drawn to detect potential publication bias. ResultsThe inverse-variance weighted analysis demonstrated a negative causal relationship between gout and AD （OR=0.004， 95% CI： 0~0.700， P<0.05）. The plot resembled a symmetrical inversed funnel， indicating the absence of publication bias. No heterogeneity was detected by Cochran's Q test. The MR-Egger regression indicated no significant horizontal pleiotropy. Concerning the reverse directions， no significant associations between AD and gout were noted. ConclusionThere is a negative causal relationship between gout and AD， with gout potentially reducing the risk of developing AD. ［Funded by The Third Batch of Social Welfare and Basic Research Projects （Medical and Health） of Zhongshan City in 2022 （number， 2022B3017）］

Objective: To summarize strategies for improving childhood hypertension, so as to provide evidencebased recommendations for poliymaking and practice childhood hypertension management in China. Methods: From March to April 2024, child health stakeholders from five districts in Hangzhou were selected using a combination of stratified and convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using a groundedtheory approach. During the indepth interview phase, six policymakers were interviewed. Focus group discussions were conducted with school administrators, healthcare providers, and parents, comprising a total of 62 participants. Results: Through threelevel coding, 116 initial categories were identified(e.g., "trend of younger age" "difficulty in behavior change"), 35 main categories (e.g., "higher incidence compared to the past" "caused by comprehensive influencing factors"), and 12 core categories (e.g., "epidemic status" "influencing factors"). Finally, the cognitive status, problem analysis, and management strategies of children hypertension were constructed. Conclusion Effective prevention and control of childhood hypertension requires coordinated efforts among governments, schools, families, and society to establish a comprehensive management system, with dynamic monitoring and evaluation to optimize policy implementation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Lichong Xiaozheng Granules (LCXZ) sensitize ovarian cancer to cisplatin (DDP) treatment. METHODS: LC-MS analysis was used to identify the blood components of LCXZ after its administration in mice via gavage. In a BALB/c mouse model bearing subcutaneous ovarian cancer xenografts, the effects of daily gavage of distilled water (control group), intraperitoneal injection of DDP (5 mg/kg) once a week, or both DDP injection and daily LCXZK gavage (15 g/kg) on tumor growth were evaluated. Histopathological changes in the xenografts and kidneys were assessed with HE staining. RNA-seq was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes followed by KEGG pathway analysis. The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis-related were examined with transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 218 blood-borne components of LCXZ were detected by LC-MS. In the tumor-bearing mice, treatments with DDP and DDP combined with LCXZ redcued the tumor volume by 60.3% and 72.6% compared with that in the control group, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly upregulated ANT3 expression in both the two treatment groups. Molecular docking indicated that the main active components of LCXZ were capable of binding to adenine nucleotide translocator 3 (ANT3) with binding energies below -6 kcal/mol. Transmission electron microscopy showed obvious mitochondrial swelling and outer-membrane damage in the tumor cells in DDP-treated mice, and these changes were more pronounced in the combined treatment group. The expression levels of BAX, ANT3, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were increased, whereas BCL-2 expression was decreased significantly in the tumor cells in both the DDP and DDP+LCXZ groups. CONCLUSIONS LCXZ enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin against ovarian cancer xenografts in mice by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating apoptotic signaling pathways via upregulating ANT3.
Animals ; Female ; Cisplatin/pharmacology* ; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice ; Rats ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Lichong Xiaozheng Granules(LCXZ)sensitize ovarian cancer to cisplatin(DDP)treatment.Methods LC-MS analysis was used to identify the blood components of LCXZ after its administration in mice via gavage.In a BALB/c mouse model bearing subcutaneous ovarian cancer xenografts,the effects of daily gavage of distilled water(control group),intraperitoneal injection of DDP(5 mg/kg)once a week,or both DDP injection and daily LCXZK gavage(15 g/kg)on tumor growth were evaluated.Histopathological changes in the xenografts and kidneys were assessed with HE staining.RNA-seq was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes followed by KEGG pathway analysis.The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis-related were examined with transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting.Results A total of 218 blood-borne components of LCXZ were detected by LC-MS.In the tumor-bearing mice,treatments with DDP and DDP combined with LCXZ redcued the tumor volume by 60.3%and 72.6%compared with that in the control group,respectively.Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly upregulated ANT3 expression in both the two treatment groups.Molecular docking indicated that the main active components of LCXZ were capable of binding to adenine nucleotide translocator 3(ANT3)with binding energies below-6 kcal/mol.Transmission electron microscopy showed obvious mitochondrial swelling and outer-membrane damage in the tumor cells in DDP-treated mice,and these changes were more pronounced in the combined treatment group.The expression levels of BAX,ANT3,cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were increased,whereas BCL-2 expression was decreased significantly in the tumor cells in both the DDP and DDP+LCXZ groups.Conclusion LCXZ enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin against ovarian cancer xenografts in mice by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating apoptotic signaling pathways via upregulating ANT3.