ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xinfeng capsules combined with chronic disease management of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） on rapid disease control and short-term prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. MethodsA total of 80 RA patients hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to March 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group （40 cases） and a control group （40 cases）. The control group was treated with conventional methotrexate combined with standard chronic disease management， while the observation group was additionally treated with Xinfeng Capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management. The treatment course lasted 24 weeks. The outcomes were compared between two groups， including disease activity ［28-joint disease activity score （DAS28）， clinical disease activity index （CDAI）， simplified disease activity index （SDAI）］， visual analogue scale （VAS） for pain， TCM syndrome score， tender joint count （TJC）， swollen joint count （SJC）， morning stiffness duration， Health Assessment Questionnaire （HAQ）， Self-Rating Anxiety Scale （SAS）， Self-Rating Depression Scale （SDS）， American College of Rheumatology （ACR） 20%， 50% and 70% response rates （ACR20/50/70）， erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， rheumatoid factor （RF）， anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody （CCP-Ab）， interleukin （IL）-6， IL-1β， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and serum immunoglobulin G （IgG）. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Scale （CDSMS） was used to evaluate patients’ self-management ability， self-care ability， and nursing satisfaction. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks to assess prognosis， and COX regression analysis was performed to determine the impact on short-term prognosis. ResultsAfter treatment， TJC， SJC， morning stiffness duration， DAS28， CDAI， SDAI， VAS， TCM syndrome score， ESR， hs-CRP， RF， CCP-Ab， IL-6， IL-1β， TNF-α， IgG， HAQ， SAS， SDS， chronic disease self-management behavior， self-efficacy， and self-care ability all improved significantly in both groups compared with baseline （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the observation group showed more significant improvements in TJC， SJC， morning stiffness duration， DAS28， CDAI， SDAI， VAS， TCM syndrome score， ESR， IL-1β， IgG， HAQ， SAS， SDS， self-care ability， chronic disease self-management behavior， and self-efficacy （P<0.05 or P<0.01）. The ACR70 response rate and nursing satisfaction were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.01）. COX regression analysis showed that Xinfeng capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management reduced the risk of poor short-term prognosis in RA patients. ConclusionXinfeng capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management facilitates rapid disease control in RA patients， effectively improves short-term prognosis， and plays an important role in the treatment of the disease.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and control measures of dengue fever in Zhongshan City in 2024, so as to provide insights into optimization of dengue fever control strategies in the city. Methods Data pertaining to dengue fever cases in Zhongshan City in 2024 were collected from the Infectious Disease Reporting System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the epidemiological characteristics of the cases were analyzed using a descriptive statistical method. The density of Aedes albopictus mosquito was monitored across all 23 townships (subdistricts) using Breteau index (BI) and mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) at midmonth each month from March to December 2024. In addition, the climatic characteristics, case reporting patterns, and corresponding control measures were analyzed during different phases of dengue fever epidemics in Zhongshan in 2024. Furthermore, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay was employed to serotype the dengue virus among local dengue fever cases with unknown sources of infections. The dengue virus envelope (E) gene was sequenced using Sanger sequencing among dengue fever cases without apparent epidemiological links. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method to infer major transmission chains during the dengue fever epi demics. Results A total of 952 dengue fever cases were reported in Zhongshan City in 2024, including 879 local cases, 57 domestically imported cases from other regions, and 16 overseas imported cases, representing the largest outbreak in nearly two decades. The first local dengue fever case was reported on July 5, and the last one was detected on December 19, with all townships and subdistricts affected. Mosquito monitoring data indicated that both MOI and BI rose rapidly from March to May, and then remained at high levels with fluctuations, and began to decline in October. The dengue fever epidemic was categorized into five distinct phases in Zhongshan, including non-epidemic, pre-epidemic, early-epidemic, peak, and receding stages. During the pre-epidemic and early-epidemic phases, key measures included enhancing sensitivity of case detection, implementing isolation and treatment of hospitalized cases, and carrying out standardized vector control measures in affected communities. In the peak phase, the strategy shifted towards targeted mosquito control in key communities and clinical rescue and treatment emphasized on “preventing severe cases and deaths”. Among 481 local cases with unknown sources of infections, RT-qPCR assay revealed that 68.8% (331/481) were infected with dengue virus type I and 31.2% (150/481) with type II among local dengue fever cases in Zhongshan City in 2024. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major transmission chains: one originating from imported cases within Guangdong Province around Zhongshan City, and another from cases imported from Malaysia. Late detection of local dengue fever cases contributed to widespread community outbreaks. Conclusions The 2024 dengue fever epidemic in Zhongshan City was of considerable scale, which was primarily driven by imported cases from overseas and surrounding regions, leading to local community outbreaks. The epidemic began in early July, increased rapidly during August and September, peaked in October, and subsequently declined, with a trend consistent with the average pattern observed in previous high-incidence years. By implementing differentiated control measures tailored to each phase of the epidemic, the local transmission of dengue fever was successfully contained in Zhongshan City in 2024.

Objective To explore the potential mechanism of Erzhi Wan in the treatment of multiple myeloma(MM)based on network pharmacology,molecular docking and cell experimental verification.Methods Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen the key indicators of drugs-diseases-targets-pathways.MM line RPMI-8226 cells were cultured and given Erzhi Wan intervention.Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)staining.Transwell assay was used to determine cell invasion ability.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expressions of protein kinase B(Akt),cyclin D1(CCND1),glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β)and c-Myc.Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of Akt,phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt),CCND1,c-Myc,GSK-3β and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β(p-GSK-3β).Results Fourteen effective components of Erzhi Wan were obtained.There were 142 targets involved in the treatment of MM by Erzhi Wan.The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that the key targets may be mainly concentrated in cancer pathways,lipids and atherosclerosis.Molecular docking results showed that luteolin and quercetin had good binding activity and stability with GSK-3β.Further cell experimental verification showed that compared with the blank group,the apoptosis rate of cells in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Erzhi Wan was significantly increased,the number of cell invasion was decreased,the mRNA and protein levels of GSK-3β were significantly increased,and the mRNA and protein levels of CCND1,Akt and c-Myc were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner,among them,the differences in the medium-and high-dose groups being statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Erzhi Wan on MM may be achieved by promoting the expression of GSK-3β and inhibiting the Akt/GSK-3β/CCND1/c-Myc signaling pathway through key active components such as luteolin and quercetin.

Objective:To explore the key factors affecting plasma clot retraction and optimize the experimental method of plasma clot retraction,in order to study the regulation of platelet function and evaluate the modulatory effects of drugs on plasma clot retraction.Methods:The effects of different concentrations of thrombin,Ca2+and platelets on plasma clot retraction were studied,and the detection system of plasma clot retraction was optimized.The availability of the detection system was then validated by analyzing the regulatory effects of multiple signaling pathway inhibitors on plasma clot retraction.Results:Through the optimization study of multiple factors,platelet rich plasma(PRP)containing 0.5 mmol/L Ca2+and 40 × 109/L platelets was treated with 0.2 U/ml thrombin to perform plasma clot retraction analysis.After treatment with thrombin for 15 min,plasma clot retracted significantly.After treatment with thrombin for 30 min,the percentage of plasma clot retraction was more than 50％.The regulatory effects of multiple signaling pathway inhibitors on plasma clot retraction were studied in this detection system.PKC inhibitor Go 6983 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on plasma clot retraction,while PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 slightly suppressed plasma clot retraction.Conclusion:PRP containing 0.5 mmol/L Ca2+and 40 × 109/L platelets can be induced with 0.2 U/ml thrombin to conduct plasma clot retraction analysis,which can be used to study the regulation of platelet function and evaluate the modulatory effects of drugs on plasma clot retraction.

AIM:To investigate the effects of sodium hydrosulfide(NaHS)on hexokinase 2(HK2)-nucleo-tide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)-gasdermin D(GSDMD)pathway and pyroptosis in-duced by lung ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)in rats.METHODS:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups:control group,control+NaHS group,I/R group,low-dose NaHS+I/R(L+I/R)group,medium-dose NaHS+I/R(M+I/R)group,and high-dose NaHS+I/R(H+I/R)group,with 6 rats in each group.The NaHS was administered via intraperi-toneal injection at 1.5 mL,30 min before modeling.The left lung tissues were collected 30 min after ischemia and 1 h af-ter reperfusion,and the wet/dry weight ratio and total lung water content were recorded.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to examine lung tissue morphological changes.The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),myeloperoxidase(MPO)and lactate in lung tissues were measured with test kits.ELISA was employed to determine the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18.The expression of glycolysis-and pyroptosis-related indicators was analyzed by Western blot,qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the rats in NaHS group showed no signifi-cant differences in all laboratory tests(P>0.05).The rats in I/R group exhibited significant lung injury,oxidative stress,increased lactate level,and up-regulated glycolysis and pyroptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with I/R group,the indicators in L+I/R group showed a downward trend(P<0.01)or no difference(P>0.05),while those in M+I/R group dis-played a significant reduction(P<0.05 or P<0.01).However,the indexes in H+I/R group exhibited no significant dif-ferences in these tests(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:A moderate dose(56 μmol·L-1·kg-1)of NaHS mitigated the oc-currence of pyroptosis by inhibiting the HK2-NLRP3-GSDMD pathway,thus contributing to the attenuation of lung I/R in-jury in rats.

AIM To study endophytic fungi from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.and the enzyme inhibitory activities of their secondary metabolites.METHODS Six different media were used to isolate and purify endophytic fungi from S.baicalensis by tissue homogenate method.The activities of secondary metabolites were evaluated by targeting different enzymes.The highly active strains were identified by molecular biology combined with morphology,and the highly active chemical components were tracked and separated by modern chromatographic separation technology.RESULTS Sixty-four endophytic fungal strains were isolated from S.baicalensis,and one hundred and twenty-eight secondary metabolites were obtained by fermentation.The samples with certain inhibitory activities against adenosine deaminase(ADA),β-lactamase and tyrosinase(TYR)accounted for 14.06%,3.91%and 18.75%,respectively.Strain HTS-23-2 showed high TYR inhibitory activity,and 99%homology with Aspergillus flavus by molecular identification.One compound was isolated from the fermentation samples and identified as kojic acid.CONCLUSION S.baicalensis harbors a rich diversity of endophytic fungi,which serve as a valuable resource for active substances.

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics and the use of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） therapy in cancer patients with COVID-19， and to provide reference for making TCM prevention and treatment strategies and determining diagnosis and treatment priorities for patients with malignant tumors in the COVID-19 epidemic. MethodsThe medical records of 225 malignant tumor cases with COVID-19 who were admitted to 7 national research centers from January 1st to 20th， 2023 were retrospectively collected， and the main symptoms and duration after infection， nucleic acid negative conversion time， use of TCM therapy， and changes in adverse reactions after resuming anti-tumor treatment were analyzed. ResultsA total of 222 malignant tumor patients with COVID-19 were included in the analysis， involving 205 mild cases and 17 moderate cases. The top four most frequently reported clinical symptoms were fever （165 cases）， expectoration or dry cough （99 cases）， decreased appetite （95 cases） and fatigue （85 cases）， of which 40 expectoration or dry cough cases ， 37 fatigue cases and 29 decreased appetite cases lasted for more than 14 days. One hundred and five patients with nucleic acid detection report had a median negative conversion time of 14 days. The nucleic acid negative conversion time was significantly longer in patients with lung cancer compared to those with digestive system malignant tumors， and in those with myelosuppression than those without （P＜0.01）. During the infection period， 47.30% （105/222） of the patients used Chinese patent medicine， and 21.17% （47/222） were treated with herbal decoctions. The use of TCM in patients during the prevention and rehabilitation period， was 1.80%（4/222） and 7.21%（16/222）， respectively. Fifty-five patients resumed anti-tumor treatment after nucleic acid negative conversion， and received TCM simultaneously. Observed adverse reactions， including gastrointestinal reactions， bone marrow suppression， and neurotoxicity， were all grade 1 to 2， and no new adverse events occurred during follow-up. ConclusionCertain malignant tumor patients with COVID-19 had prolonged symptoms and nucleic acid negative conversion time Rational use of TCM can help to promote the rehabilitation of the patients and ensure the smooth process of anti-tumor treatment after infection.

【Objective】 To investigate the association between genetic variations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) gene and BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 A total of 514 subjects from 124 families were recruited in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, in 2004, resulting in the establishment of a "salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort" . The subjects followed a dietary regimen which involved a normal diet for 3 days, a low-salt diet for 7 days, a high-salt diet for 7 days, and a high-salt potassium-supplemented diet for 7 days. BP measurement was conducted at different intervention periods, and peripheral blood samples were collected. Additionally, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GLP-1R gene were genotyped using the MassARRAY detection platform. 【Results】 The GLP-1R gene SNP rs9462472 exhibited a significant association with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure response to high-salt intervention. Similarly, SNP rs2268637 showed a significant association with systolic BP response to high-salt intervention. Furthermore, SNP rs2268637 was significantly associated with systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. 【Conclusion】 Our findings indicate a significant association of genetic variations in the GLP-1R gene with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. This suggests that the GLP-1R gene plays a role in the regulation of BP salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) plays a neuroprotective role in AD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MKP-1 on AD have not been extensively studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby repressing mRNA translation. Here, we reported that the microRNA-429-3p (miR-429-3p) was significantly increased in the brain of APP23/PS45 AD model mice and N2A^APP AD model cells. We further found that miR-429-3p could downregulate MKP-1 expression by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3' UTR). Inhibition of miR-429-3p by its antagomir (A-miR-429) restored the expression of MKP-1 to a control level and consequently reduced the amyloidogenic processing of APP and Aβ accumulation. More importantly, intranasal administration of A-miR-429 successfully ameliorated the deficits of hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice by suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-mediated GluA1 hyperphosphorylation at Ser831 site, thereby increasing the surface expression of GluA1-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Together, these results demonstrate that inhibiting miR-429-3p to upregulate MKP-1 effectively improves cognitive and synaptic functions in AD model mice, suggesting that miR-429/MKP-1 pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for AD treatment.

AIM:To observe how total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)affects the migra-tion and invasion of human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A.METHODS:The MH7A cells were divided into control group(without any treatment),low-,medium-and high-dose(6.25,12.5 and 25 mg/L,respectively)PHSTF groups,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)group,and 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)+high-dose(25 mg/L)PHSTF group.The viability of the MH7A cells was determined by CCK-8 assay,while the migration and inva-sion were assessed by scratch and Transwell assays.The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT and p-AKT were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cell via-bility in PHSTF treatment groups was reduced(P<0.05),the cell wound healing area was significantly decreased(P<0.01),migratory and invasive cells in the lower chamber were significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the protein expres-sion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with high-dose PHSTF group,the addition of PI3K/AKT pathway agonist 740Y-P significantly increased the migration and invasion ability of MH7A cells(P<0.01)and elevated the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT(P<0.01)under the treatment with PHSTF.CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan could inhibit the migration and invasion of MH7A cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.