BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea （OSA） represents a prevalent sleep disordered breathing condition characterized by complex pathophysiology. The arousal threshold （ArTH）， a core non-anatomical contributor to OSA pathogenesis， is intimately tied to the disease severity and clinical phenotypes. To date， research regarding factors associated with ArTH has yielded inconsistent findings， and ArTH profiles and disparities across populations with different genetic backgrounds are not fully elucidated. ObjectiveTo explore the differences of ArTH in OSA patients with different genetic backgrounds and analyze the key factors affecting ArTH， thereby providing evidence for understanding OSA pathophysiology and formulating targeted treatment regimens. MethodsA total of 285 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for OSA， as defined by the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea， were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All participants underwent overnight polysomnography （PSG） at the Sleep Medicine Center of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center from December 2022 to May 2024. Based on the study design， the cohort was stratified into two distinct genetic background subgroups （group A and group B）. Demographic and clinical characteristics， the Epworth Sleepiness Scale （ESS） score， and overnight PSG data were collected. The apnea hypopnea index （AHI）， the lowest pulse oxygen saturation （LSpO₂）， and fraction of hypopneas （F_Hypopneas） were utilized as surrogate indicators to estimate ArTH in OSA patients. The influencing factors of low ArTH were tested by binary Logistic regression analysis. ResultsAmong the 285 OSA patients， there were 227 cases （79.65%） in group A and 58 cases （20.35%） in group B. Comparisons between the two genetic background subgroups revealed no statistically significant differences in the proportion of low ArTH， ESS score， PSG parameters， and the three markers for low ArTH （AHI<30 events/h， LSpO₂>82.5%， F_Hypopneas>58.3%） （P>0.05）. Binary Logistic regression analysis identified sex （OR=2.421， 95% CI： 1.070–5.478）， BMI （OR=0.847， 95% CI： 0.770–0.932）， N1 sleep duration （OR=0.974， 95% CI： 0.963–0.985）， and hypertension （OR=0.348， 95% CI： 0.143–0.848） as independent factors associated with low ArTH in the total cohort. Stratified analysis by genetic backgrounds revealed that sex（OR=3.799， 95% CI： 1.389–10.392）， BMI（OR=0.819， 95% CI：0.723–0.929）， and N1 sleep duration（OR=0.973， 95% CI： 0.961–0.986） were independent factors of low ArTH in group A. In contrast， only N1 sleep duration （OR=0.951， 95% CI： 0.911–0.993） remained a significant factor in group B. ConclusionArthur may have conservative characteristics in patients with OSA with different genetic backgrounds， but the pathophysiological mechanism of OSA may have population heterogeneity. ［Funded by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Natural Science Fundation Project （number， 2024QN08050）； Intra-institutional Scientific Research Project of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center （number， 2022QNWN0010）］

The occurrence and progression of diseases constitute a complex dynamic process, and cross-sectional data from a single time point are insufficient to fully characterize their evolutionary patterns. In contrast, longitudinal time-series data can capture the dynamic evolution of diseases over time, which is key to achieving precise disease prediction. In recent years, breakthroughs in deep learning have driven significant progress in intelligent predictive models based on longitudinal time-series data. However, challenges inherent to such data-including irregular sampling, high missing rates, and heterogeneity-also impose specific requirements on model design. This paper provides a systematic review of research advances in intelligent models for disease prediction based on time-series data. We conduct an in-depth analysis from three perspectives: data processing and representation, representative model architectures, and time-series modeling strategies, aiming to provide a reference for building more efficient and robust longitudinal disease prediction models.

ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 （MAP-2）， alpha-tubulin （α-tubulin）， and synaptophysin （SYP） are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein （α-Syn） and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease （PD）， analyzed their correlation， and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine， and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score， TCM syndrome score， and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment， the TCM syndrome score， UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% （19/30）， and that of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）. The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group （Z=-2.03， P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group， were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.

Tangye Jingfa Tu is an important content in the ancient book Fuxingjue from Dunhuang， implying the fundamental principles of formula compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Our research group has delved into nearly 200 formulas （both classical and contemporary formulas） recorded in the Fangjixue under the theoretical framework of the deficiency or excess syndrome of five Zang-organs together with the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors. We have initially elucidated the essential principles of the correspondence between formulas and syndromes， revealing the deep-level logic of medicinal material selection and compatibility， thus enriching the understanding about the core characteristics and essence of the diseases and syndromes targeted by formulas. The lunar year of 2024 is Jia Chen year. The formula recorded in Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun for treating the epidemic diseases characterized by excessive earth， prevalent dampness and wetness， and invasion of pathogenic factors into the kidney water in Jia Chen year is Fuzi Shanzhuyutang. Therefore， elucidating the compatibility principle of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang is of great significance for clinical prescription and medication modification in Jia Chen year. According to the Tangye Jingfa Tu theory on the deficiency or excess of syndrome of five Zang-organs and the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors， this article dissects Fuzi Shanzhuyutang regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of the main indications， as well as the five-element properties and efficacy characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials constituting this formula. It explains the compatibility principles of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang and puts forward suggestions for modifying the formula to address different indications， providing a reference for guiding clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xiaoxuming Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy in the treatment of patients with ischemic stroke in the recovery period.Methods:A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted. A total of the 118 patients with wind phlegm obstructing collaterlas syndrome during the recovery period of ischemic stroke in our hospital from September 2023 to July 2024 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 59 patients in each group. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the TCM group was treated with modified Xiaoxuming Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 months and followed up for 1 month. TCM syndrome scoring was performed before and after treatment, Barthel Index was used to evaluate daily living ability, and carotid artery ultrasound detector was used to evaluate the stability of carotid vascular plaques. Inter group comparisons were performed using t test, χ2 test, or repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). Results:RM-ANOVA showed that the time effect and inter group effect of TCM syndrome integration in the TCM group were significantly different from those in the control group ( Ftime=55.56, Ptime<0.001); Fbetween=18.94, Pbetween<0.001); there was no statistical significance in the interaction effect compared to the control group ( Finteraction=0.24, Pinteraction=0.866); the time effect, inter group effect, and interaction effect of Barthel Index in the TCM group were significantly different from those in the control group ( Ftime=44.57, Ptime<0.001); Fbetween=18.94, Pbetween<0.001; Finteraction=7.45, Pinteraction<0.001). The number of patients with unstable plaques in the TCM group after 3 months of treatment was lower than that in the control group ( χ2=4.52, P=0.033). Conclusion:The combination of modified Xiaoxuming Decoction and conventional Western medicine therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and daily living ability of patients in the recovery period of ischemic stroke, improve the stability of cervical vascular plaques, and the clinical efficacy becomes more significant over time.

Aromatic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has played an important role against epidemics and viruses, and volatile components are the main components that exert the pharmacological effects of aromatic TCM. By screening the related monomer components in aromatic TCM against epidemic and viruses and analyzing and endowing TCM with medicinal properties based on its clinical application and pharmacological research according to the theoretical thinking of TCM, the key technical issues of compatibility of TCM monomer components were solved from a theoretical perspective, providing new ideas and methods for screening raw materials and formulas for the development of new TCM drugs. Based on the conditions of antiviral activity, clinical application foundation, definite therapeutic effect, and high safety, a gradient screening of aromatic TCM was carried out. Firstly, 30 aromatic TCM were screened from anti-epidemic literature and clinical trial formulas, and seven volatile monomers were further screened from them. Then, four monomer components with significant effects, namely patchouli alcohol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eucalyptol were screened. By adopting the "four-step method for a systematic study of TCM properties", the four monomer components were endowed with medicinal properties, and compatibility and combination studies were conducted to explore the theoretical basis of monomer formulas and form monomer formulas guided by TCM theory. The screening results of volatile monomers in aromatic TCM against viral pneumonia included patchouli alcohol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eucalyptol. The medicinal properties and compatibility theory of volatile monomer components in TCM were explored. Patchouli alcohol was the main herb, with a cool and pungent nature. It entered the lung meridian to dispel evil Qi and has the effects of aromatization, detoxification, and epidemic prevention. Carvacrol was a minister drug with a cool and pungent taste. It had the effects of aromatizing, moistening, and dissolving the exterior, as well as strengthening the spleen and stomach. p-Cymene was an adjunctive medicine with a mild and pungent nature. It entered the lungs and kidneys and had the effects of aromatic purification, cough relief, and asthma relief. Eucalyptol was also an adjunctive medicine with a pungent and warm taste. It had the functions of aromatic purification, cough relief, phlegm reduction, and pain relief. The combination of the four medicines had the effects of aromatizing, moistening, detoxifying, and epidemic prevention, as well as relieving cough and asthma and strengthening the spleen and stomach. They were used to treat viral pneumonia caused by upper respiratory tract viral infections, with symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, wheezing, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting. This study has laid a literature and theoretical foundation for further drug efficacy verification experiments, compatibility efficacy experiments, and subsequent product development and clinical applications, and it serves as an innovative practice that combines literature research, theoretical research, experimental research, and clinical practice to develop new products.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Pneumonia, Viral/virology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Volatile Organic Compounds/pharmacology* ; Animals

The antidepressant activity and molecular mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil were investigated. The Yueju Wan volatile oil was extracted by using supercritical CO_2. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) combined with network pharmacology identified 28 chemical constituents in Yueju Wan volatile oil, primarily terpenes and lactones. A total of 123 overlapping targets were associated with depression, including core targets of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and caspase-3(CASP3). These targets were mainly involved in the prolactin, advanced glycation end products/receptor(AGE/RAGE), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. A reserpine-induced depression mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil. The effects of Yueju Wan volatile oil on depression-like behavior in mice were evaluated by analyzing body mass, body temperature index, tail suspension immobility time, forced swimming immobility time, and sucrose preference. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining revealed neuronal protection of Yueju Wan volatile oil in the brain of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Western blot were employed to detect the protein expression of AGEs, IL-1β, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), nuclear factor κB(NF-κB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF). Behavioral evaluation showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could effectively control the decline of body mass and body temperature of depressed mice, reduce tail suspension and swimming immobility time, and enhance their preference for sucrose. Histopathological examination showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could alleviate the neuronal damage in CA1 and dentate gyrus(DG) of the hippocampus of mice. ELISA and Western blot results showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could significantly increase the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and BDNF and significantly decrease the protein expression levels of AGEs, IL-1β, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and NF-κB in the hippocampus of mice. Furthermore, the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were significantly decreased at medium and high doses. These findings suggest that the aromatherapy of Yueju Wan volatile oil can significantly improve reserpine-induced depression-like behavior in mice, which may be related to reducing the expression of neuronal membrane protein AGEs, reducing the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, inhibiting NF-κB entry into the nucleus, and alleviating the release of pro-inflammatory factors and nerve injury.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents/chemistry* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/immunology* ; Oils, Volatile/chemistry* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Depression/metabolism* ; Glycation End Products, Advanced/immunology* ; Humans

In the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" has a long history and plays a crucial role in bridging the past and the future. With the continuous growth of public health needs and the ongoing transformation of the registration management of TCM, its position in the research and development of new drugs has become increasingly significant. As one of the important sources of new drug innovation, the new TCM for "preventive treatment of diseases" represents a new thinking proposed based on the current routine registration and research and development. The research and development of TCM for "preventive treatment of diseases" mainly cover four stages: prevention(before the onset of disease), early intervention(when the disease is about to occur), interruption and reversal(when the disease has already occurred), and prevention of recurrence after recovery(after the disease). This study aims to comprehensively analyze the positioning, key points, and difficulties in the research and development of TCM for "preventive treatment of diseases" and explore effective paths to promote the innovative development of TCM through relevant cases. The research and development of new TCM for "preventive treatment of disease" require researchers to seize the opportunities for innovation before the start of the research and development, accurately grasp the key issues at different stages, and pay attention to the full lifecycle evaluation of the drugs. Meanwhile, in the design of the research plan, the optimal effectiveness evaluation indicators should be explored; key and difficult areas such as chronic diseases and rare diseases should be taken seriously, and the limitations of new drug development only based on the diagnosed diseases should be broken, so as to cater to more patients. In addition, through relevant representative cases in China and abroad, the unique advantages of TCM for "preventive treatment of diseases" should be fully leveraged. By learning from the past, all aspects of key points in the evaluation of new drug research and development should be strengthened. Finally, this study proposed that TCM for "preventive treatment of diseases" can employ novel methods and advanced technologies such as new biomarkers and innovative clinical design protocols, as well as new perspectives on disease research and health management. This can provide new paths for the innovation of TCM and public health management.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Pharmacy Research

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) channel technique combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar intervertebral space/vertebral body infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lumbar infection from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients were divided into the OLIF channel group and the traditional open surgery group according to the surgical methods. There were 16 cases in the OLIF channel group, including 9 males and 7 females, with an average age of (68.5±12.1) years old;there were 7 cases in the traditional open surgery group, including 4 males and 3 females, with an average age of (75.0±3.2) years old. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, visual analogue scale(VAS), activities of daily living (ADL) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, and the intervertebral fusion status on the last follow-up CT were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the open surgery group, the OLIF channel group had shorter operation time (209.87±31.5) min vs. (246.0±42.7) min, less intraoperative blood loss (225.625±91.1) ml vs. (364.2±74.8) ml, and shorter incision length (6.1±1.2) vs. (14.0±1.4) cm, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, the lumbar VAS in the OLIF group were (6.3±0.6), (2.8±0.7), (1.1±0.5), and those in the traditional open surgery group were (6.4±0.6), (3.4±0.5), (1.2±0.3);the ADL scores in the OLIF group were (45.0±4.5), (60.3±4.3), (94.1±4.2), and those in the open group were (46.4±5.6), (60.7±4.5), (92.9±4.9); the ODI scores in the OLIF group were (86.3±2.9)%, (69.5±4.1)%, (23.0±3.2)%, and those in the open group were (87.3±3.8)%, (69.8±4.2)%, (23.8±3.6)%, all of which showed significant improvement(P<0.05). Three months after the operation, CRP, PCT, and ESR were significantly lower than those before the operation, and CRP and PCT returned to normal, while ESR was still slightly elevated in some patients. The last follow-up CT showed that continuous trabecular bone formation was observed between the upper and lower endplates of the surgical segments in all patients, and the fusion time was (8.7±4.5) months. CONCLUSION The OLIF channel technique combined with posterior internal fixation is a minimally invasive and effective treatment method, which can effectively control infection, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients. Compared with traditional open surgery, it has the advantages of minimally invasive, shorter operation time, and less intraoperative blood loss.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/microbiology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Pedicle Screws ; Infections/surgery*