ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qidan Tangshen Granules （芪丹糖肾颗粒， QTG） in the treatment of early diabetic kidney disease （DKD） with qi deficiency， blood stasis， and kidney deficiency syndrome， and to explore its mechanism. MethodsA double-blind， double-simulated method was used to enroll 200 patients with early DKD and qi deficiency， blood stasis， and kidney deficiency syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the treatment group （100 cases） and the control group （100 cases）. The treatment group received QTG plus a valsartan capsule simulant， while the control group received valsartan capsules plus a QTG simulant， both for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio （UACR）. Secondary outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR）， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， 2-hour postprandial blood glucose （PBG）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores （including individual symptom scores for fatigue， dull complexion， soreness and weakness of the waist and knees， headache and chest pain， irritability， spontaneous sweating， thirst and polydipsia， polyphagia， polyuria， numbness of the limbs， and the total TCM syndrome score）. Oxidative stress markers including serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine （8-OHDG）， 3-nitrotyrosine （3-NT）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） were also assessed. Clinical efficacy and TCM syndrome efficacy were evaluated after treatment， and routine blood tests， urinalysis， and liver function tests were conducted and adverse reaction during the tria was recorded to assess safety. ResultsA total of 191 patients completed the study （95 in the treatment group and 96 in the control group）. The treatment group showed significant reductions in UACR， FBG， PBG， and HbA1c levels after treatment （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The single TCM symptom scores except for polyphagia and total TCM syndrome scores significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group had signi-ficantly lower UACR， FBG， PBG levels， and total TCM syndrome scores， sinlge symptoms scores except for polyphagia and limb numbness （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Among 40 randomly selected patients （21 cases in the treatment group and 19 cases in the control group） for oxidative stress analysis， there were no significant differences in SOD， 3-NT， and 8-OHDG levels before and after treatment within or between groups （P＞0.05）. The overall effective rate in the treatment group was 64.2% （61/95） and 39.6% （38/96） in the control group， while the TCM syndrome efficacy rates were 80.0% （76/95） and 24.0% （23/96）， respectively， with the treatment group showing superior efficacy （P＜0.01）. No significant differences were observed in routine blood tests， urinalysis， or liver function indices before and after treatment in either group （P＞0.05）. The incidence of adverse reactions was 8.4% （8/95） in the treatment group and 9.4% （9/96） in the control group， with no statistically significant difference （P＞0.05）. ConclusionQTG can effectively reduce UACR and blood glucose levels， alleviate clinical symptoms， and improve clinical efficacy in patients with early DKD with qi deficiency， blood stasis， and kidney deficiency syndrome. The treatment is well-tolerated and safe， with no significant impact on oxidative stress markers.

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of gastrogin on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/transient receptor potential anchor protein 1 (TRPA1) signaling pathway in rats with neuropathic pain.Methods:Thirty-six SPF-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 200-230 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation+ normal saline group (SHAM group), neuropathic pain+ normal saline group (NP group), and neuropathic pain+ gastrogin group (GAS group). Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constrictive injury to sciatic nerve under 2% isoflurane anaesthesia. The sciatic nerve was only exposed but not ligated in SHAM group. Gastrogin 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after developing the model in GAS group, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in SHAM and NP groups. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before developing the model (T 0) and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days after developing the model (T 1-6). The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed following the measurement of pain thresholds at T 4 and T 6. The lumbar segment (L 4-6) of the spinal cord was removed for determination of TRPA1 mRNA expression (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), expression of TRPA1, AMPK and p-AMPK (by Western blot), expression of TRPA1 (by immunofluorescence staining) and expression of tumor necrosis-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1beta(IL-1β) and c-fos (by immunohistochemistry). Results:Compared with SHAM group, MWT and TWL were significantly decreased at T 1-6, the expression of TRPA1 mRNA, TRPA1, TNF-α, IL-1β and c-fos was up-regulated, the expression of p-AMPK was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in AMPK expression in NP group ( P>0.05). Compared with NP group, MWT at T 3-6 and TWL at T 2-6 were significantly increased, the expression of TRPA1 mRNA, TRPA1, TNF-α, IL-1β and c-fos was down-regulated, and p-AMPK expression was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in AMPK expression in GAS group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which gastrogin reduces neuropathic pain may be related to modulating the expression of the AMPK/TRPA1 signaling pathway in rats.

ObjectiveTo explore the protective mechanism of paeoniflorin on mice with ulcerative colitis （UC） through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） autophagy pathway. MethodUC mouse model was established by allowing mice freely drink 4% DSS， and 56 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into model group， AMPK inhibitor group （20 mg·kg^-1）， paeoniflorin （50 mg·kg^-1） + inhibitor （20 mg·kg^-1） group， and high dose （50 mg·kg^-1）， medium dose （25 mg·kg^-1）， and low dose （12.5 mg·kg^-1） paeoniflorin groups. After seven days of drug intervention， the protective effect of paeoniflorin on mice with UC was determined by comparing the body weight， disease activity index （DAI） changes， and Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining results. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the serum of mice in each group， and immunofluorescence was utilized to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） content in the colon， AMPK， mTOR proteins， and their phosphorylated proteins including p-AMPK and p-mTOR in the colon tissue were detected by Western blot， and the mRNA expression levels of AMPK， mTOR， Beclin1， LC3， and p62 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed a decrease in body mass， an increase in DAI score， and severe pathological damage to the colon. The levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6 increased in serum （P<0.01）， while the protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK were down-regulated in colon tissue， and those of p-mTOR/mTOR were up-regulated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPK and LC3 were down-regulated， while the mRNA expression levels of mTOR and p62 were up-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group and the paeoniflorin + inhibitor group， the mice treated with paeoniflorin showed an increase in body mass， a decrease in DAI score， a reduction in pathological damage to colon tissue， and a reduction in the levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum （P<0.05）. The protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK in colon tissue were up-regulated， while the protein levels of p-mTOR/mTOR were down-regulated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPK， Beclin1， and LC3 were up-regulated， while the mRNA expression of mTOR and p62 were down-regulated （P<0.01）. The colon tissue of the inhibitor group was severely damaged， and the trend of various indicators was completely opposite to that of the high dose paeoniflorin group. ConclusionPaeoniflorin can enhance autophagy and reduce inflammatory damage in mice with UC by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and thus play a protective role.

Objective:To investigate the effects of sleep disorders (SD) on the radiation injury of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow (BM).Methods:Totolly 56 C57BL/6J male mice aged 6-8 weeks were enrolled in this study. They were subjected to whole body irradiation of 60Co γ-rays with doses of 5.0 and 7.5 Gy. A SD model was established using a SD device. According to the random number table method, the mice were divided into seven groups: the control group (Con group), the SD group, the mere radiation group (IR group), the group of post-irradiation SD (IR+ SD group), the group of post-irradiation SD treated with phosphate buffer solution (IR+ SD+ PBS group), the group of post-irradiation SD treated with GSK2795039 (IR+ SD+ GSK group), and the group of post-irradiation SD treated with N-acetylcysteine (IR+ SD+ NAC group), with in eight mice each group. The changes in the peripheral blood of the mice after 5.0 Gy irradiation were detected using the collected tail venous blood, and the survival rates of the mice after 7.5 Gy irradiation were observed. The changes in the density and count of bone marrow cells were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The number of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (LSK cells), as well as their apoptosis level and changes in cell cycle, were detected using flow cytometry. Furthermore, indicators of LSK, such as reactive oxygen species(ROS) and mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (mtROS), were analyzed. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+ /NADPH) and glutathione (GSSG/GSH) were detected using an enzyme microplate reader in order to observe the oxidative stress level of LSK. Furthermore, flow cytometry was employed to sort the LSK cells from the mice, and flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinnase-1(Caspase-1), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors such as NOX1-4, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Results:Compared to the IR group, the IR+ SD group exhibited significantly slower recovery of white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT) ( t = 4.39, 6.37, P < 0.05), the bone marrow cell count decreasing from (2.14 ± 0.38) × 10 7 to (3.59 ± 0.29) × 10 7 ( t = 8.55, P < 0.05), significantly decreased proportion of G 0-phase LSK cells, significantly increased proportion of apoptotic cells ( t = 7.53, 8.21, P < 0.05), and significantly increased DCFH-DA, MitoSOX, and NADP+ /NADPH ( t = 22.99, 29.47, 3.77, P<0.05). In the case of IR, SD further promoted the activation of NOX2 and led to increases in the mRNA expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α ( t = 6.95, 6.01, 8.39, 4.91, 5.56, P < 0.05). Inhibition of NOX2-ROS could prevent the SD-induced aggravation of post-irradiation hematopoietic injury. This significantly reduced the apoptotic rate of LSK cells and the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately accelerating the hematopoietic recovery of LSK cells ( t = 9.24, 3.92, P < 0.05). Conclusions:SD can aggravate the IR-induced injury of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow, primarily by activating the NOX2-ROS-Caspase-1 axis. This will increase the levels of intracellular inflammatory factors and ROS, promote cell apoptosis, and ultimately inhibit the hematopoietic recovery of bone marrow.

Objective:To evaluate the role of Sigma-1 receptor (Sigma-1R) in pentazoxine-induced reduction of oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration (OGD/R) injury in SH-SY5Y cells and the relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).Methods:The well-growing SH-SY5Y cells were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), OGD/R group (group O), OGD/R+ pentazoxin group (group OP) and OGD/R+ pintazoxin+ BD1047 group (group OPB). The cells in group C were normally cultured. In O group, OP group and OPB group, the culture medium was replaced with EBSS medium, and then the cells were cultured in an incubator of 5% CO 2-95% N 2 at 37 ℃ for 4 h, then replaced with DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum for restoration of O 2-glucose supply for 18 h, and in addition pentazoxin (final concentration 10 μmmol/L) was added during restoration in OP group, and pentazoxin (final concentration 10 μmmol/L) and Sigma-1R blocker BD1047 (final concentration 20 μmol/L) were added during restoration in OPB group. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry at the end of restoration, and the expression of Sigma-1R, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (p-IRE1), spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s), and activated caspase-3 (c-cas-3) was detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with group C, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, and the expression of CHOP and p-IRE1 was up-regulated in O group, OP group and OPB group, the expression of XBP1s and c-cas-3 was significantly up-regulated in O group and OPB group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of Sigma-1R, XBP1s and c-cas-3 in OP group ( P>0.05). Compared with O group, the apoptosis rate was significantly decreased, the expression of Sigma-1R was up-regulated, and the expression of CHOP, p-IRE1, XBP1s and c-cas-3 was down-regulated in OP group ( P<0.05). Compared with OP group, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, the expression of Sigma-1R was down-regulated, and the expression of CHOP, p-IRE1, XBP1s and c-cas-3 was up-regulated in OPB group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Sigma-1R is involved in pentazoxine-induced reduction of OGD/R injury in SH-SY5Y cells, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Helminth infections may trigger host innate and adaptive immune responses. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are an important factor involved in type 2 immune responses, and produce a large number of T helper 2 cell (Th2) cytokines following stimulation by interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which play a critical role in parasite clearance and tissue repair. Following helminth infections, autocrine factors, mast cells, enteric nervous system and Th2 cells have been recently found to be involved in regulation of ILC2. Unraveling the role of ILC2 in immune response against helminth infections is of great value for basic research and drug development. This review summarizes the research progress on ILC2 and its role in helminth infections.

【Objective】 To explore the rational management of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in laparoscopic high ligation of processus vaginalis. 【Methods】 A total of 300 children with unilateral oblique inguinal hernia/hydrocele who received laparoscopic high ligation of processus vaginalis in Baoding Children’s Hospital during Jun.2018 and Jun.2022 were selected and divided into two groups by random number table method, with 150 in either group. In the control group, 53 cases of CPPV were found intraoperatively, which were treated simultaneously. In the study group, 58 cases of CPPV were detected, among which 11 met the indications of high ligation and received simultaneous surgical treatment. The incidence of recurrence was compared between the two groups. 【Results】 After 1 year of follow-up, the recurrence rate was 8.62% in the study group and 1.88% in the control group (P>0.05). The detection rate of CPPV was 23.02% in children with unilateral inguinal hernia, significantly lower than that in children with unilateral hydrocele (49.07%, P<0.001). The detection rate of CPPV was 42.71% in children with left patent processus vaginalis and 32.95% in children with right patent processus vaginalis (P=0.19). The detection rate of CPPV was 62.93% in the age group of 1-2 years, significantly higher than that in other age groups (P<0.001). 【Conclusion】 The incidence of CPPV conversion into oblique inguinal hernia or hydrocele is low. Only children who meet the indications can be treated at the same time during surgery.

In February 2022, the world′s first gallbladder reporting and data system (GB-RADS) for the assessment of gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography was published in the form of an international expert consensus. The GB-RADS system classifies gallbladder wall thickening into six levels (GB-RADS 0?5), with gradually increasing risk of malignancy. It is mainly based on the following features: symmetry and extent (focal versus circumferential) of involvement, layered appearance, intramural features (including intramural cysts and echogenic foci), and interface with the liver. The proposed system is important for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder diseases. The authors interpret the consensus, introduce the evaluation points and classification standards, and suggest the future applications and research directions.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of 3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" screw technique in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse.Methods:From January 2016 to January 2021, 41 patients (22 males and 19 females) with tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse were treated with 3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" screw technique and followed up. The age was 47.4±11.5 years (range, 22-69 years). According to Schatzker fracture type, 18 cases were type IV, 14 cases were type V and 9 cases were type VI. All fractures were closed, and 12 of them were complicated with lateral meniscus injury, but none of them were complicated with nerve and vascular injury. The time from injury to operation was 7.2±3.4 d (range, 4-17 d). All patients underwent 3D CT scanning and digital modeling before operation. According to the modeling results, a 1∶1 solid size fracture model was made by 3D printing, and the osteotomy guide plate and the "Jail" screw preset guide plate were designed. During the operation, the tibial lateral condyle osteotomy was performed with customized osteotomy guide plate. After reduction, the fixation of the fracture was performed with the preset guide plate using "Jail" screw. Postoperative fracture reduction was evaluated according to Rasmussen score, and knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score.Results:All the 41 patients were followed up for 15.2±5.8 months (range, 6-26 months). Immediate postoperative radiographs showed good fracture reduction, and the average healing time was 14.1±1.2 weeks (range, 12-17 weeks). One year after operation, the Rasmussen score of knee joint was 17.4±1.6 points (range, 13-19 points), of which 31 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent/good rate of 95% (39/41). HSS scores was 87.3±5.6 points (range, 68-95 points), including 30 excellent cases, 10 good cases and 1 fair case, with an excellent/good rate of 98% (40/41). The range of motion of knee joint was 126.8°±3.8°. At the last follow-up, no serious complications such as common peroneal nerve injury, popliteal vascular injury, postoperative infection, or internal fixation failure occurred.Conclusion:3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" nail placement technique is an effective method for tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse, and the postoperative treatment results are satisfactory. The use of customized osteotomy guide plate is more accurate and less damaging. The use of "Jail" screw preset guide plate can ensure more accurate screw placement.