ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis （RA） patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome treated with Bushen Zhiwang Decoction （补肾治尪汤， BZD） based on metabolomics. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted， enrol-ling 60 RA patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. All patients were treated with BZD and conventional-dose oral conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs （csDMARDs） for 12 months. Clinical data were collected， and the change in disease activity score in 28 joints （DAS28） after treatment compared with baseline （△DAS28） was used as the primary outcome and grouping criterion. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment to analyze plasma metabolites. Differential analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator （LASSO） regression were used to preliminarily screen differential metabolites， followed by machine learning algorithms to further identify a core metabolite combination. Based on the expression levels of the core metabolite combination， a novel metabolite index， namely the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score （Met-IRS）， was calculated using standar-dized metabolite values， and its clinical applicability was evaluated. A clinical prediction model was constructed by integrating clinical characteristics and Met-IRS， and the model performance was assessed. ResultsAmong the 60 patients， those with △DAS28 ≥ 0.27 were assigned to the high inflammatory remission group， while those with △DAS28 ＜ 0.27 were assigned to the low inflammatory remission group， with 30 cases in each group. Compared to the low inflammatory remission group， the high inflammatory remission group showed a higher frequency of methotrexate use and a lower positive rate of rheumatoid factor （RF） （P＜0.05）. Seven core metabolites were identified as the optimal combination， including mangiferic acid， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 40∶6， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 18∶0， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 36∶1， glucosylceramide， lysophosphatidylcholine 22∶5， and pregnanetriol ketone. The calculated Met-IRS comprehensively reflected the characteristics of differential metabolites and demonstrated clinical applicability. Met-IRS was significantly higher in the high inflammatory remission group than in the low inflammatory remission group， and was positively correlated with high inflammatory remission outcomes （P＜0.05）. Based on the variables Met-IRS， methotrexate use， leflunomide use， and RF positivity， a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission in RA treatment （Cj-RTRM） was constructed. Model performance evaluation demonstrated that the model had good clinical predictive ability， with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC） of 0.880， sensitivity 0.967， specificity 0.700 and Youden's index 0.667. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model Cj-RTRM constructed based on the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score Met-IRS can effectively predict clinical inflammatory remission outcomes in RA patients treated with BZD and accurately identify the advantageous population for this treatment. This model provides guiding evidence for dynamic inflammation monitoring， targeted management， and identification of populations with advantages in traditional Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveTo study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of rheumatoid arthritis （RA） in the patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome. MethodsThe RA patients treated in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rheumatology of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2022 to June 2024 were selected. The demographic information， clinical data， laboratory test results， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom information were collected for syndrome differentiation， on the basis of which the characteristics and influencing factors of cold dampness obstruction syndrome were analyzed. ResultsA total of 258 RA patients were selected in this study， including 88 （34.1%） patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome， 53 （20.5%） patients with dampness and heat obstruction syndrome， 31 （12.0%） patients with wind dampness obstruction syndrome， 29 （11.2%） patients with liver-kidney deficiency syndrome， 19 （7.4%） patients with Qi-blood deficiency syndrome， 14 （5.4%） patients with phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome， 15 （5.8%） patients with stasis obstructing collateral syndrome and 9 （3.5%） patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome. The patients were assigned into two groups of cold dampness obstruction syndrome and other syndromes. The group of cold dampness obstruction syndrome had lower joint fever， 28-tender joint count （TJC28）， and 28-joint disease activity score （DAS28）-C-reactive protein （CRP） and higher central sensitization， cold feeling of joints， fear of wind and cold， cold limbs， and abdominal distention than the group of other syndromes （P<0.05）. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that central sensitization （OR 5.749， 95%CI 2.116-15.616， P<0.001） and DAS28-CRP （OR 0.600， 95% CI 0.418-0.862， P=0.006） were the independent factors influencing cold dampness obstruction syndrome in RA. ConclusionCold dampness obstruction syndrome is a common syndrome in RA patients. It is associated with central sensitization， cold feeling of joints， abdominal distension and may be a clinical syndrome associated with central sensitization.

The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

OBJECTIVE: Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species. METHODS: A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market. RESULTS: The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label "Larger flower, Hongjingtian" was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as "Smaller flower, Hongjingtian" were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata. CONCLUSION ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.

ObjectiveTo analyze the trend and influencing factors of low birth weight (LBW) among newborns in Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022, so as to provide references for the development of intervention measures reducing the rate of LBW. MethodsBirth surveillance data of Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022 were collected and organized, and the annual percentage change (APC) of LBW was calculated by using Joinpoint 5.0.2 software for trend change analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of LBW. ResultsThe overall incidence of LBW was 3.71% in Chongming District, Shanghai from 2008 to 2022. Joinpoint trend analysis showed that the incidence of LBW in Chongming District had an upward trend (APC=5.49%, 95%CI: 3.31%‒7.72%, P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth, multiple births, female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors for LBW in Chongming District. Among the term infants, female infants, birth defects, and first pregnancy were risk factors for LBW (P<0.05). Female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, advanced maternal age (≥35 years), and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors in singleton neonates. ConclusionThe incidence of LBW among newborns is on the rise in Chongming District of Shanghai. Therefore, high risk groups need to be identified, and prenatal check-ups and pregnancy care should be strengthened to reduce the risk of neonatal LBW.

The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has become an increasingly serious public health issue, characterized by high incidence and high disability rates. It often coexists with other mental health problems and physical diseases, with a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. In clinical practice, MDD is considered a heterogeneous disease. The complexity of the pathological mechanisms and the variability in treatment responses lead to a lack of clear therapeutic targets, which complicates the treatment process. In recent years, with advancements in neuroscience, the crucial role of microglia in the pathogenesis of MDD has been revealed. As the main immune cells in the brain, microglia are not only involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation but also play important roles in neurogenesis and neuronal regulation in MDD. This article mainly discusses the role of microglia in the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for microglia as a potential target for the treatment of MDD.

Objective To explore the application low of stimulation parameters of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)and transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)for post-stroke movement disorders based on data mining.Methods The relevant clinical research literature was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed and Web of Science from January 2000 to May 2023.A database was set up after quality assessment.Frequency analysis,association rules and complex network analysis were used to explore the application law of core acupoints and electrical stimulation parameters.Results A total of 79 articles were included and 128 groups of data were contained.For TEAS,the core acupoints included Waiguan(TE5),Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Hegu(LI4),Neiguan(PC6),Yanglingquan(GB34),etc.,while the most commonly used acupoint combinations of upper limb and lower limb were Shousanli(LI10)-Waiguan(TE5)and Yanglingquan(GB34)-Zusanli(ST36).Among the electrical stimulation parameters of TEAS,the frequencies used vary widely,and 100 Hz was most commonly used,while 2 Hz TEAS was also mainly used for stimulating acupoints located on upper limbs in the treatment of flaccid paralysis.The application of other electrical stimulation parameters was relatively consistent.The bidirectional symmetrical square-wave with 200-250 μs pulse-width was used in majority of studies.The stimulus intensity was mostly determined by patient tolerance.For tDCS,stimulation electrodes were often positioned on the projection of the primary M1,and the safe stimulus intensity was mostly set as 1 to 2 mA.Conclusion In the treatment of post-stroke movement disorders,appropriate acupoints and electrical stimulation parameters of TEAS should be determined on the muscle strength and muscle tension of stroke patients at different stages after stroke,particularly the selection of electric stimulating frequency.