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

Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is the dried bulb of perennial herbaceous plants in the Fritillaria genus(Liliaceae family) and is a representative traditional Chinese medicinal material with distinctive regional characteristics. Clinically, it is widely used in the treatment of dry cough, bronchial asthma, and other respiratory diseases, possessing significant medicinal and economic value and being highly esteemed in TCM. Currently, Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus primarily relies on wild harvesting. However, due to excessive collection, its wild resources have drastically declined, and all source species have been classified as category Ⅱ in the List of National Key Protected Wild Plants, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance in the market. To mitigate this issue, large-scale cultivation through the domestication of wild Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus has become an inevitable trend. However, its strict environmental requirements, low propagation efficiency, high seedling mortality, and immature cultivation techniques have severely hindered industrialization. This study investigates the domestication process of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, focusing on seed propagation, seedling cultivation, and medicinal material production. It also reviews the species and distribution of wild resources, their endangered status, market supply-demand dynamics, and the historical and current development of domestication. The findings indicate that enhancing propagation efficiency, optimizing cultivation models, and distinguishing between seed propagation and medicinal material production are key measures to accelerate the industrialization of domesticated Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus. This research aims to promote the industrialization of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus domestication and provide a reference model for the conservation and sustainable utilization of rare and endangered medicinal plant resources.
Fritillaria/chemistry* ; Endangered Species ; Plants, Medicinal/growth & development* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/economics* ; China

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of portal and tail vein transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) against cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with starvation-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSC activation markers were identified using immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. BMSCs were injected into the liver tissues of bile duct ligation (BDL) mice via the tail and portal veins. Histomorphology, liver function, inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of key proteins were all determined in the liver tissues. RESULTS: BMSCs inhibited HSC activation by reducing α-SMA and collagen I expression. Compared to tail vein injection, DIL-labeled BMSCs injected through the portal vein maintained a high homing rate in the liver. Moreover, BMSCs transplanted through the portal vein resulted in greater improvement in liver color, hardness, and gallbladder size than did those transplanted through the tail vein. Furthermore, BMSCs injected by portal vein, but not tail vein, markedly ameliorated liver function, reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and decreased α-SMA + hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and collagen fiber formation. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of BMSCs on cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice via portal vein transplantation was superior to that of tail vein transplantation. This comparative study provides reference information for further BMSC studies focused on clinical cholestatic liver diseases.
Animals ; Mice ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology* ; Male ; Cholestasis/therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of mediastinal lymph nodes CT image features in pulmonary sarcoidosis.Methods The imageologic data of the patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis(pulmonary sarcoidosis group)and lung cancer complicating mediastinal lymph node metastasis(lung cancer group)con-firmed by EBUS-TBNA in this hospital from June 2015 to November 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The chest plain scan CT and enhanced scan CT were performed in all cases,and the imaging characteristics were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.The diagnostic value of CT imaging characteristics in pulmonary sar-coidosis was analyzed.Results The proportion of female patients in the lung sarcoidosis group was signifi-cantly higher than that in the lung cancer group,while the age was smaller than that in the lung cancer group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The number of mediastinal lymph nodes,location,short diameter and CT enhancement value in the pulmonary sarcoidosis group had statistical difference(P＜0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of lymph node short diameter reciprocal,CT enhancement value and position in detection alone were 0.586,0.785 and 0.505 respectively,and AUC of the three combined reciprocal was the highest(0.789).Conclusion The lymph node short diameter,CT enhancement value and po-sition have certain value in clinical diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis and the 3-indicator combination could increase the diagnostic efficiency of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, and doxorubicin) in children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 24 children with newly diagnosed, locally advanced hepatoblastoma who received the dose-intensified C5VD regimen at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 13 were male and 11 were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.7 months (range: 3.5-79.4 months). All patients achieved complete macroscopic resection of hepatic lesions without liver transplantation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased significantly after two chemotherapy cycles. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months (range: 15.8-50.7 months), all patients maintained continuous complete remission, with 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates of 100%. Across 144 chemotherapy cycles, the incidence rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and infections were 97%, 77%, and 71%, respectively; no treatment-related deaths occurred. Notably, 5 patients (21%) developed Brock grade ≥3 hearing loss, of whom 1 required a hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS The dose-intensified C5VD regimen demonstrates significant efficacy with an overall favorable safety profile in the treatment of newly diagnosed, locally advanced pediatric hepatoblastoma. Grade 3-4 myelosuppression and infection are the predominant toxicities. However, high‑dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains a concern, highlighting the need for improved otoprotective strategies.
Humans ; Hepatoblastoma/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Child, Preschool ; Prospective Studies ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Child ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; Vincristine/adverse effects* ; Fluorouracil/adverse effects*

BACKGROUND:Human periodontal stem cells have a certain inhibitory effect on the pro-inflammatory function of M1-type macrophages,and it is not clear whether icariin,which has anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological activities,can enhance the inhibitory effect of human periodontal stem cells on M1-type macrophages. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of icariin on M1 macrophages after pretreatment of human periodontal stem cells. METHODS:Primary human periodontal stem cells were isolated,cultured and characterized.THP-1 was induced and M1-type macrophages were identified by immunofluorescence staining and PCR.Human periodontal stem cells were cultured with α-MEM complete medium containing concentrations of 10-7,10-6,10-5,and 10-4 mol/L icariin,and the cytotoxicity of Icariin on human periodontal stem cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay at 1,3,5,and 7 days,respectively.α-MEM complete medium,untreated α-MEM conditioned medium for human periodontal stem cells and α-MEM conditioned medium for human periodontal stem cells pretreated with icariin for 24 hours were conditioned with RPMI-1640 complete medium in a 1:1 ratio for M1-type macrophages in the control,untreated,and pretreated groups,and 24 hours later,the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages was detected by RT-PCR.The protein expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages was detected by ELISA.The expression of surface markers and nuclear factor-κB pathway-related proteins in M1/M2 macrophages was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results showed that 10-7,10-6,10-5,10-4 mol/L icariin was not cytotoxic to the human periodontal stem cells,and from day 5 onwards,all the concentrations increased the cell viability,and promoted the cell proliferation.10-4 mol/L icariin was selected for follow-up experiment.(2)RT-PCR and ELISA results showed that compared with the control group,the untreated group and the pretreated group both decreased the expression and secretion of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α of M1-type macrophages(P<0.05),and the pretreated group was lower than the untreated group(P<0.05).(3)Western blot assay results showed that compared with the untreated group,the expression of CD86 was significantly lower in the pretreated group(P<0.05);compared with the control group,the expression of CD206,a surface marker of M2-type macrophages,was elevated in both the untreated and pretreated groups(P<0.01),and it was significantly higher in the pretreated group than in the untreated group(P<0.01).In M1-type macrophages after 24 hours of conditioned culture,compared with the control group,the expression of nuclear factor-κB/P65 was decreased in the untreated group and the pretreated group(P<0.01),and the expression of p-IκBα was decreased only in the pretreated group(P<0.01);the expression of both nuclear factor-κB/P65 and p-IκBα was significantly reduced in the pretreated group compared with the untreated group(P<0.05),while the difference of IκBα in the three groups was not statistically significant.(4)These results indicated that icariin enhanced the inhibitory effect of human periodontal stem cells on M1-type macrophages,and this effect may be related to the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway of macrophages.

AIM: To observe the influence of different intraocular lens implantation methods on visual quality in patients with cataract.METHODS: Retrospective study. Totally 85 patients(113 eyes)with cataract who received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in the hospital June 2020 to December 2023 were selected. According to the different implanted lenses, they were divided into monofocal group(42 cases, 55 eyes)and bifocal group(43 cases, 58 eyes). The uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UIVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA), best corrected intermediate visual acuity(BCIVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), contrast sensitivity(CS), objective visual quality, National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)scores and complications were compared between both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS:At 3 mo after surgery, the UNVA(LogMAR)of the bifocal group was significantly better than that of the monofocal group(0.24±0.06 vs 0.53±0.13, P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in UIVA, UDVA, BCNVA, BCIVA and BCDVA between the two groups(all P>0.05). The 18 c/d spatial frequency scotopic CS in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that in the monofocal group(0.84±0.17 vs 0.92±0.22, P<0.05), while the CS in other frequency was not statistically significant(all P>0.05); the objective scatter index(OSI)was higher in the bifocal group than that in the monofocal group(P<0.05), while OV 20% and OV 9% were lower than those in monofocal group(all P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in modulation transfer function cut off(MTFcut off), Strehl ratio(SR)and OV 100% between the two groups(all P>0.05). The scores of overall visual acuity and near visual activity in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery were higher than those in the monofocal group(all P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in the scores of dimensions of overall health, distance visual activity, peripheral visual acuity, color vision, dependence degree, social function, social role and mental health between the two groups(all P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with bifocal intraocular lens implantation can provide more ideal near visual acuity and visual-related quality of life for patients with cataract, but its objective visual quality is worse, The two types of intraocular lenses have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is still necessary to choose the appropriate intraocular lens according to the actual needs of patients.

AIM: To observe the influence of different intraocular lens implantation methods on visual quality in patients with cataract.METHODS: Retrospective study. Totally 85 patients(113 eyes)with cataract who received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in the hospital June 2020 to December 2023 were selected. According to the different implanted lenses, they were divided into monofocal group(42 cases, 55 eyes)and bifocal group(43 cases, 58 eyes). The uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UIVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA), best corrected intermediate visual acuity(BCIVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), contrast sensitivity(CS), objective visual quality, National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)scores and complications were compared between both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS:At 3 mo after surgery, the UNVA(LogMAR)of the bifocal group was significantly better than that of the monofocal group(0.24±0.06 vs 0.53±0.13, P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in UIVA, UDVA, BCNVA, BCIVA and BCDVA between the two groups(all P>0.05). The 18 c/d spatial frequency scotopic CS in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that in the monofocal group(0.84±0.17 vs 0.92±0.22, P<0.05), while the CS in other frequency was not statistically significant(all P>0.05); the objective scatter index(OSI)was higher in the bifocal group than that in the monofocal group(P<0.05), while OV 20% and OV 9% were lower than those in monofocal group(all P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in modulation transfer function cut off(MTFcut off), Strehl ratio(SR)and OV 100% between the two groups(all P>0.05). The scores of overall visual acuity and near visual activity in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery were higher than those in the monofocal group(all P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in the scores of dimensions of overall health, distance visual activity, peripheral visual acuity, color vision, dependence degree, social function, social role and mental health between the two groups(all P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with bifocal intraocular lens implantation can provide more ideal near visual acuity and visual-related quality of life for patients with cataract, but its objective visual quality is worse, The two types of intraocular lenses have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is still necessary to choose the appropriate intraocular lens according to the actual needs of patients.

BACKGROUND:Multiple studies and observations have indicated a close relationship between inflammation,metabolites,and osteoporosis.However,it is still unclear whether there is a genetic causal effect between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis and whether metabolites play a mediating role in this process.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationships between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis using Mendelian randomization method as well as the mediating effect of plasma metabolites in this process.METHODS:Summary data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used,with osteoporosis data sourced from the Fengenn database,and GWAS data on inflammation-related proteins and plasma metabolites obtained from published studies.The inverse-variance weighted method was primarily used to assess the exposure-outcome relationships.Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses were used to explore the causal relationships between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis,and two-step Mendelian randomization was used to discover potential mediating metabolites.Sensitivity analyses were then performed to further validate the robustness of the results.Cochran's Q test was used to assess heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using the MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO methods.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The initial bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis identified five inflammation-related proteins that showed a positive causal relationship with osteoporosis and no reverse causal relationship.Artemin(odds ratio[OR]=0.895,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.819-0.979,P=0.015)was negatively associated with osteoporosis,whereas chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 1(OR=1.100,95%CI:1.002-1.209,P=0.046),chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11(OR=1.150,95%CI:1.043-1.268,P=0.005),interleukin 17C(OR=1.087,95%CI:1.004-1.176,P=0.040),and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis(OR=1.108,95%CI:1.002-1.226,P=0.046)were positively associated with osteoporosis.Sensitivity analyses indicated no heterogeneity or pleiotropy in these causal effects.Subsequently,we conducted a two-step Mendelian randomization to discover potential mediating metabolites.This study showed that 1-palmitoyl-gpc(16:0)increased the negative effect of Artemin on osteoporosis.5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol monosulfate increased the risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 1 and chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11.The ratio of α-ketoglutarate to succinate led to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11 and interleukin-17C.Spermidine and the ratio of proline to trans-4-hydroxyproline contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11.12,13-DiHOME contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by interleukin-17C.The sulfate level of piperine metabolite C16H19NO3(3)and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis.In conclusion,the above data indicate that some inflammation-related proteins can influence the risk of osteoporosis,both positively and negatively,and some of these effects are mediated by plasma metabolites.This provides new insights for future investigations into the occurrence and development mechanisms of osteoporosis.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of integrating virtual simulation technology with case-based learning(CBL)in the teaching of clinical blood transfusion testing technology.Methods From January to June 2024,99 undergraduate students majoring in medical laboratory science at our university were selected and divided into an observation group(50 students)and a control group(49 students)based on their classes.The control group followed a traditional theoretical teaching model,while the observation group employed virtual simulation technology combined with CBL.Results The study compared as-sessment scores for theory learning,practical skills,case analysis,and comprehensive quality,teaching effects such as coordina-tion and cooperation abilities,self-efficacy measured by the GSES scale,and teaching satisfaction between the two groups.The results indicated that the observation group had significantly higher scores in all assessment categories,teaching effect abilities,and total GSES scores compared to the control group(P＜0.05).The total teaching satisfaction rate in the observation group reached 100%,significantly higher than the 80% in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The integration of virtual simu-lation technology with CBL innovates the teaching model for clinical blood transfusion testing courses,effectively enhancing students'professional skills and comprehensive quality,boosting self-efficacy,and achieving high student satisfaction,demon-strating significant potential for broader application.