1.In situ tumor cell engineering reverses immune escape to enhance immunotherapy effect.
Shujun LIU ; Shijun YUAN ; Meichen LIU ; Jinhu LIU ; Shunli FU ; Tong GAO ; Shuang LIANG ; Xinyan HUANG ; Xinke ZHANG ; Yongjun LIU ; Zipeng ZHANG ; Na ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):627-641
The underlying cause of low response rates to existing immunotherapies is that tumor cells dominate tumor immune escape through surface antigen deficiency and inducing tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). Here, we proposed an in situ tumor cell engineering strategy to disrupt tumor immune escape at the root by restoring tumor cell MHC-I/tumor-specific antigen complex (MHC-I/TSA) expression to promote T-cell recognition and by silencing tumor cell CD55 to increase the ICOSL+ B-cell proportion and reverse the TIME. A doxorubicin (DOX) and dual-gene plasmid (MAC pDNA, encoding both MHC-I/ASMTNMELM and CD55-shRNA) coloaded drug delivery system (LCPN@ACD) with tumor targeting and charge/size dual-conversion properties was prepared. LCPN@ACD-induced ICD promoted DC maturation and enhanced T-cell activation and infiltration. LCPN@ACD enabled effective expression of MHC-I/TSA on tumor cells, increasing the ability of tumor cell recognition and killing. LCPN@ACD downregulated tumor cell CD55 expression, increased the proportion of ICOSL+ B cells and CTLs, and reversed the TIME, thus greatly improving the efficacy of αPD-1 and CAR-T therapies. The application of this in situ tumor cell engineering strategy eliminated the source of tumor immune escape, providing new ideas for solving the challenges of clinical immunotherapy.
2.Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment through sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway.
Wenqin YANG ; Wen WEN ; Hao CHEN ; Haijun ZHANG ; Yun LU ; Ping WANG ; Shijun XU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):77-89
The activation of the sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid (ZFXN) ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, the underlying mechanism, particularly whether it involves protecting mitochondria and inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, remains unclear. This study employed an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model using SH-SY5Y cells and induced PSCI in rats through modified bilateral carotid artery ligation (2VO). The effects of ZFXN on learning and memory, neuroprotective activity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Results indicated that ZFXN significantly increased the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)/Bcl2-associated X (Bax) ratio, reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling (TUNEL)+ cells, and markedly improved cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal function in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, ZFXN exhibited potent antioxidant activity, evidenced by decreased ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels. ZFXN also demonstrated considerable enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Tom20 fluorescence intensity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge (EC) levels, and mitochondrial complex I and III activity, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial damage. Additionally, ZFXN significantly increased SIRT1 activity and elevated SIRT1, nuclear Nrf2, and HO-1 levels. Notably, these effects were substantially counteracted when SIRT1 was suppressed by the inhibitor EX-527 in vitro. In conclusion, ZFXN alleviates PSCI by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and preventing mitochondrial damage.
Sirtuin 1/genetics*
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Animals
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
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Cognitive Dysfunction/genetics*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Humans
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
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Stroke/complications*
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
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Neuroprotective Agents
3.Facilitating microglial phagocytosis by which Jiawei Xionggui Decoction alleviates cognitive impairment via TREM2-mediated energy metabolic reprogramming.
Wen WEN ; Jie CHEN ; Junbao XIANG ; Shiqi ZHANG ; Jingru LIU ; Jie WANG ; Ping WANG ; Shijun XU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):909-919
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)-mediated microglial phagocytosis is an energy-intensive process that plays a crucial role in amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Energy metabolic reprogramming (EMR) in microglia induced by TREM2 presents therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment in AD. Jiawei Xionggui Decoction (JWXG) has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing energy supply, protecting microglia, and mitigating cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice. However, the mechanism by which JWXG enhances Aβ phagocytosis through TREM2-mediated EMR in microglia remains unclear. This study investigates how JWXG facilitates microglial phagocytosis and alleviates cognitive deficits in AD through TREM2-mediated EMR. Microglial phagocytosis was evaluated through immunofluorescence staining in vitro and in vivo. The EMR level of microglia was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The TREM2/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blotting in BV2 cells. TREM2-/- BV2 cells were utilized for reverse validation experiments. The Aβ burden, neuropathological features, and cognitive ability in APP/PS1 mice were evaluated using ELISA kits, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the Morris water maze (MWM) test. JWXG enhanced both the phagocytosis of EMR disorder-BV2 cells (EMRD-BV2) and increased EMR levels. Notably, these effects were significantly reversed in TREM2-/- BV2 cells. JWXG elevated TREM2 expression, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and microglial phagocytosis in APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, JWXG reduced Aβ-burden, neuropathological lesions, and cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice. In conclusion, JWXG promoted TREM2-induced EMR and enhanced microglial phagocytosis, thereby reducing Aβ deposition, improving neuropathological lesions, and alleviating cognitive deficits.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Microglia/drug effects*
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Phagocytosis
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Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy*
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Metabolic Reprogramming
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Animals
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Mice
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Cell Line
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Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism*
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Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*
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Energy Metabolism
4.Association analysis between forkhead box E1 gene and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Han Chinese population.
Sixuan JIA ; Sidi ZHANG ; Yue YOU ; Jialin SUN ; Shijun DUAN ; Bing SHI ; Zhonglin JIA
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(1):28-36
OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci near the haplotype region hg19 chr9:100560865-100660865 of the forkhead box E1 (FOXE1) gene and the occurrence of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in western Han Chinese population.
METHODS:
In the first stage, our study recruited 159 NSCL/P patients and performed targeted region sequencing to screen SNPs loci near the haplotype region of the FOXE1 gene associated with NSCL/P. In the second stage, we selected 21 common SNPs and re-enrolled 1 000 non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO) patients, 1 000 non-syndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO) patients, and 1 000 normal controls to verify the association. PLINK software was used to perform Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test. Association analysis for common variants, gene burden analysis for rare mutations, and function prediction of SNPs with non-synonymous mutations were performed using Mutation Taster and other software programs.
RESULTS:
In the first stage, 126 variants, including 76 single nucleotide variants and 50 insertion-deletions were identified. All the included SNPs confirmed to HWE, and the results of gene burden analysis and prediction of functional harmfulness for rare variants were not statistically significant. Association analysis showed that rs13292899 of the FOXE1 gene was significantly associated with NSCL/P (P=1.85E-27) and was also correlated with NSCLO (P=6.41E-23) and non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate (NSCLP) (P=2.36E-15) subtypes. In the validation phase, rs79268293 (P=0.013, P=0.022), rs10983951 (P=0.009 2, P=0.007 6), rs117227387 (P=0.009 2, P=0.007 6), rs3758250 (P=0.009 2, P=0.007 6), and rs116899397 (P=0.009 2, P=0.007 6) were significantly associated with NSCLO and NSCPO; rs13292899 (P=0.008 5), rs74606599 (P=0.008 3), rs143226042 (P=0.008 3), and rs117236550 (P=0.01) were associated with the occurrence of NSCLO; and rs12343182 (P=0.008 7), rs10119760 (P=0.012), rs10113907 (P=0.012), and rs13299924 (P=0.012) were associated with the occurrence of NSCPO.
CONCLUSIONS
This study found a new susceptible SNP rs13292899 of the FOXE1 gene that is closely associated with NSCL/P and NSCLO subtype and 13 other SNPs associated with NSCLO or NSCPO.
Female
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Humans
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Male
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China
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Cleft Lip/genetics*
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Cleft Palate/genetics*
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Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics*
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Haplotypes
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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East Asian People/genetics*
5.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
6.Two cases of microsatellite stable locally advanced gastric cancer achieving pathological complete response by laparoscopic total gastrectomy after immunotherapy combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Yuan FANG ; Chao HAN ; Shijun XIANG ; Renchao ZHANG ; Gang CEN ; Qingguo WANG ; Lin YUAN ; Yan XING ; Zhengjun QIU ; Chen HUANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(4):268-273
Objective:To evaluate immunotherapy combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical total gastrectomy in microsatellite stable locally advanced gastric cancer in two cases.Methods:Two male patients with clinical stage cT3N 1M0 and microsatellite-stable locally advanced gastric cancer were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with PD-1 inhibitor (Nivolumab) combined with SOX (Oxaliplatin+S-1) for 4 cycles before surgery. Standard laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy with D 2 lymphadenectomy was performed on Feb 2023 and Oct 2023 respectively after the neoadjuvant treatment. Pathological tumor regression grade(TRG) was observed to assess the degree of tumor regression, and follow-up was conducted to monitor tumor markers and abdominal enhanced CT to detect recurrence. Results:Two patients achieved pathological complete response(TRG0). They were followed up until May 2024 and no recurrence was observed.Conclusion:Preoperative combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy may provide survival benefit for microsatellite stable locally advanced gastric cancer patients.
7.Analysis of Thalassemia Gene Screening and Diagnosis Results in the Dehong Population
Peng LI ; Wei YI ; Jie ZHANG ; Yangjia ZHANG ; Shijun GE
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(11):74-80
Objective To study the carrier rate and mutation spectrum of thalassemia genes in the population in Dehong Prefecture,Yunnan Province,thereby providing a scientific basis for developing precise thalassemia prevention and control strategies in this region.Methods A total of 6946 samples were screened and diagnosed for α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia using genetic screening and diagnostic techniques.The carrier status of thalassemia genes in the population was statistically analyzed.Results Among the 6946 samples,1880 tested positive for thalassemia genes,yielding a positive rate of 27.07%(1880/6946).This study detected 1174 α-thalassemia positive samples,with a positive rate of 16.90%(1174/6946).Among the mutation types,-α3.7/αα was identified as the predominant genotype.There were 493 β-thalassemia positive samples,with a positive rate of 7.10%(493/6946).Among the mutation types,CD26 was the most predominant mutation type.The differences in carrier rates between α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was statistically significant(P<0.01).Additionally,213 samples were positive for both α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia(compound carriers),with a positive rate of 3.07%(213/6946).There were also 207 intermediate thalassemia positive samples,with a positive rate of 2.98%(207/6946).Among these,the-α3.7/--SEA genotype was the most predominant.Conclusion Dehong region is a high-prevalence area for thalassemia carriers,with a relatively high positive rate for thalassemia.The most common gene mutation type was-α3.7/αα and CD26.
8.Gastric-soleal turndown flap and knotless anchor bridging fixation via a modified incision for chronic Achilles tendon rupture of Myerson type Ⅲ
Lin SHANG ; Zhiqiang LYU ; Litao CHU ; Shijun ZHAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Xinlei LIU ; Fuqiang MA ; Xiangyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(7):629-633
Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of gastric-soleal turndown flap and knotless anchor bridging fixation via a modified incision in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture of Myerson type Ⅲ.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of the 18 patients who had been treated at Department of Minimally Invasive Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from February 2020 to July 2023 for chronic Achilles tendon rupture of Myerson type Ⅲ by means of gastric-soleal turndown flap and knotless anchor bridging fixation via a modified incision. There were 15 males and 3 females, with an age of (37.2±6.8) years. All patients suffered from unilateral injury, involving 13 left sides and 5 right sides. Their body mass index was (22.6±2.5) kg/m 2. The operation time, blood loss, incision length, wound healing and complications were documented. The ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at the last follow-up were compared between the affected side and the healthy side. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) before operation were compared with those at the last follow-up. Results:All the 18 patients were followed up for (18.0±5.5) months. Their operation time was (69.1±5.2) minutes, blood loss (71.6±9.2) mL, incision at the broken end of the Achilles tendon (12.4±2.6) cm and incision at the proximal end (2.5±0.4) cm. At the last follow-up, the ankle dorsiflexion was 12.7°±1.9° and the ankle plantar flexion 35.2°±2.0° at the affected side, showing no significant difference from those at the healthy side (13.0°±2.1° and 34.7°±1.8°) ( P>0.05). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was (89.4±3.4) points and the ATRS (85.3±3.2) points for the affected side at the last follow-up, showing significant improvements compared with the preoperative values [(54.2±4.2) points and (51.1±4.6) points] ( P<0.05). All the incisions healed at one stage after operation, with no such complications as incision infection or re-rupture of the Achilles tendon. One patient experienced mild pain at the anchor insertion site, but the pain disappeared 6 months after operation without any treatment. One patient had the symptoms of sural nerve injury which responded to 3 months of oral neurotrophic medication. Conclusion:In the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture of Myerson type Ⅲ, gastric-soleal turndown flap and knotless anchor bridging fixation via a modified incision can result in limited invasion, a low incidence of complications, and definite effectiveness.
9.A new classification system applied to irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures: a multi-center efficacy analysis
Wei ZHANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Shijun ZHAO ; Peng XIAO ; Zhi ZHU ; Wei CHEN ; Zhennan ZHANG ; Xiang LI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(11):926-934
Objective:To explore the efficacy of a new classification system proposed by us applied to the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of the 225 patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture who had been treated between January 2023 and November 2024 at Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital (78 cases), The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (61 cases), Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (28 cases), Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (34 cases), and Puyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (24 cases). There were 86 males and 139 females, with an age of (74.8±7.9) years. Satisfactory reduction had failed in all patients even after 3 attempts at closed reduction. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the new classification system proposed by our research team in our previous study was used to guide the treatment. The observation group of 116 cases were treated through an extended incision at the head of the intramedullary nail for reduction and fixation under the guidance of the new classification system while the control group of 109 cases were treated by reduction and fixation through a direct anterolateral incision. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up, and incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (12.6±2.5) months after operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time [(39.5±9.7) minutes, (106.6±54.8) mL, and (3.1±0.7) months] in the observation group were significantly less than those in the control group [(70.2±11.1) minutes, (322.8±55.5) mL, and (4.5±0.7) months] ( P<0.05). The Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up in the observation group [(90.3±3.4) points and (93.7±3.2) points] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(75.1±3.8) points and (78.7±3.6) points] ( P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.0% (7/116), significantly lower than that in the control group [14.7% (16/109)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures, compared with the conventional anterolateral approach for intramedullary nailing, the extended intramedullary head nail approach guided by our new classification system can reduce operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and incidence of postoperative complications, and improve postoperative hip joint function.
10.Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Representation Preparation GROUP
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):47-54
Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to arthralgia syndrome in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, and cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome are core syndromes and main syndrome differentiation types of this disease. Fine therapeutic effects have been obtained in the long-term clinical practice of many famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioners following the syndrome differentiation and treatment based on the guiding principles of cold and heat. To adapt to the clinical diagnosis practice of combining disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation, and to better carry out basic research on integrated Chinese and Western medicine and preclinical study on new traditional Chinese medicines, Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-Heat Obstruction Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) were compiled by our research group, in cooperation with the renowned experts in research fields including traditional Chinese medicine, clinical medicine, zoology and evidence-based medicine, which provide a meaningful reference for scientific research, teaching and clinical applications. The compilation process of the Guidelines was guided by the theory of disease and syndrome integration and the principles of "evidence takes the main place, consensus plays an auxiliary role, and experience serves as the reference". Based on the comprehensive evaluation of pathogenesis homology, behavioral phenotypic consistency, and drug treatment predictability compared between animal models and human diseases, by the nominal group method, "recommendations" were formed for recommendations supported by evidence, and "consensus recommendations" were formed for recommendations not supported by evidence. Guidelines were formed involving content such as animal types, arthritis modeling methods, external stimulation conditions, and modeling assessment indicators during the establishment of the animal models of rheumatoid arthritis with cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome. The Guidelines are applicable for the disease and syndrome research on rheumatoid arthritis, investigation of therapeutic mechanisms, and development of new traditional Chinese medicine. The Guidelines also provide a reference for the establishment of guidelines on other types of diseases and syndromes combined with animal models to further promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine research and its integration with international academic development.

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