Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless， given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM， the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design， evaluation， and platform construction， compares domestic and international research landscapes， and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established， and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies， leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover， standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated， so as to provide references for the design， implementation， and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Qiangxin decoction in the treatment of chronic heart failure （CHF） by regulating the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB alpha/nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit （IκBα/NF-κB p65） signaling pathway-mediated M1 macrophage polarization. METHODS In animal experiments， mice were used as research subjects， and the CHF model was established via coronary artery ligation. Model mice were treated with Qiangxin decoction （21.69 g/kg） for 28 days. After intervention， pathological morphological changes of myocardial tissues and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed. Serum levels of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6）， myocardial injury marker troponin I3 （TNNI3）， and macrophage-related markers F4/80 and cluster of differentiation 80 （CD80） were detected. In cell experiments， monocyte-macrophage leukemia RAW264.7 cells were induced to undergo M1 polarization by 10 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide combined with 10 ng/mL interferon-γ， followed by 48 h intervention with 10% drug-containing serum of Qiangxin decoction. After intervention， the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p50 was observed. The positive rate of CD80 in cells was measured. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， TNF-α， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX2）， C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 isoform 2 （CCR7-2）， as well as the expression levels of proteins related to the IκBα/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS Animal experimental results showed that Qiangxin decoction alleviated myocardial fibrosis in mice， and significantly reduced the cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate， serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6， as well as the protein expression of TNNI3， F4/80 and CD80 in myocardial tissues （P＜0.05）. Cell experimental results indicated that Qiangxin decoction significantly suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p50 （P＜0.05）. It significantly decreased the CD80 positive rate， mRNA levels of IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， TNF-α， iNOS， COX2 and CCR7-2， total and nuclear expression of NF-κB p65， total， nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65， total expression of phosphorylated IκBα （P＜0.05）. Meanwhile， it significantly elevated the total expression of IκBα and cytoplasmic expression of NF-κB p65 （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can inhibit the activity of the IκBα/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway， reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors， thereby restraining M1 macrophage polarization， mitigating myocardial fibrosis， and ultimately exerting therapeutic effects against CHF.

Objective The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence patterns and epidemiological characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the Minhang and Jinshan districts of Shanghai, and provide evidence-based information for optimizing prevention and control measures. Methods We collected information from epidemic reports and epidemiological investigation forms for cases of parasitic and vector-borne diseases from 2005 to 2024 in Shanghai's Minhang and Jinshan districts. Descriptive epidemiological method were adopted to conduct a comparative analysis of incidence trends, epidemic characteristics, and infection sources. Results A total of 229 cases in 7 categories were reported between 2005 and 2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.36/100 000. The average annual incidence rate in Minhang District was significantly higher than that in Jinshan District. The most prevalent diseases were malaria and dengue fever, followed by Japanese encephalitis. Monthly case reports were available, predominantly from June to October, with a peak in July-August. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two districts in case distribution during June-October (P＜0.001), whereas no significant difference was found for July-August (P=0.331). The majority of cases were young men (111/229,48.47%), aged 20-39 years. Migrant workers/farmers constituted the largest occupational group (55/229, 24.02%). Registered residents of other provinces and cities (147/229,64.19%), and the main source of infection was overseas importation (112/229,48.91%). There were no statistically significant differences in gender and household-registration composition between the two districts (P＞0.05). Significant differences existed in age, occupation, and source of infection (P＜0.05). The imported diseases were malaria and dengue fever, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the primary source locations. Malaria was the predominant disease imported from other provinces and cities, with cases having been imported from abroad since 2012. Local infections were mainly Japanese encephalitis, followed by malaria (with the last local case reported in 2010). Cases between 2005 and 2009 were predominantly imported from other provinces and cities. The proportion of cases imported from abroad increased sharply after 2010, particularly in Minhang District. Local infections sometimes arise in Jinshan District, with Japanese encephalitis serving as the primary type. Conclusions Incidence rates of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts have generally remained low. To further reduce this disease burden, it will be necessary to strengthen joint measures for prevention and control, eliminate the environmental risk factors of vector organisms, enhance monitoring and precise control of the environment and inbound personnel to prevent the occurrence and transmission of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.

CD47 is an immune checkpoint widely regarded as a 'don't eat me' signal. CD47-based anti-cancer therapy has received considerable attention, with a significant number of clinical trials conducted. While anti-cancer therapies based on CD47 remain a focal point of interest among researchers, it is noteworthy that an increasing number of studies have found that CD47-based therapy ameliorated the pathological status of non-cancer diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent progress in comprehending the role of CD47-based therapy in non-cancer diseases, including diseases of the circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, and so on. Furthermore, we sought to delineate the promising mechanisms of CD47-based therapy in treating non-cancer diseases. Our findings suggest that CD47-based agents may exert their effect by regulating phagocytosis, regulating T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, and regulating the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Additionally, we put forward the orientation of further research to bring to light the potential of CD47 and its binding partners as a target in non-cancer diseases.

Pyroptosis is an identified programmed cell death that has been highly linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics. However, the crucial proteins for modulating dynamic ER membrane curvature change that trigger pyroptosis are currently not well understood. In this study, a biotin-labeled chemical probe of potent pyroptosis inducer α-mangostin (α-MG) was synthesized. Through protein microarray analysis, reticulon-4 (RTN4/Nogo), a crucial regulator of ER membrane curvature, was identified as a target of α-MG. We observed that chemically induced proteasome degradation of RTN4 by α-MG through recruiting E3 ligase UBR5 significantly enhances the pyroptosis phenotype in cancer cells. Interestingly, the downregulation of RTN4 expression significantly facilitated a dynamic remodeling of ER membrane curvature through a transition from tubules to sheets, consequently leading to rapid fusion of the ER with the cell plasma membrane. In particular, the ER-to-plasma membrane fusion process is supported by the observed translocation of several crucial ER markers to the "bubble" structures of pyroptotic cells. Furthermore, α-MG-induced RTN4 knockdown leads to pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-dependent conventional caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavages for pyroptosis progression. In vivo, we observed that chemical or genetic RTN4 knockdown significantly inhibited cancer cells growth, which further exhibited an antitumor immune response with anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1). In translational research, RTN4 high expression was closely correlated with the tumor metastasis and death of patients. Taken together, RTN4 plays a fundamental role in inducing pyroptosis through the modulation of ER membrane curvature remodeling, thus representing a prospective druggable target for anticancer immunotherapy.
Pyroptosis/immunology* ; Humans ; Endoplasmic Reticulum/immunology* ; Animals ; Nogo Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Xanthones/pharmacology* ; Neoplasms/pathology* ; Mice, Nude

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mechanistic of organochlorine-associated changes in lung function. METHODS: This study investigated 76 healthy older adults in Jinan, Shandong Province, over a five-month period. Personal exposure to organochlorines was quantified using wearable passive samplers, while inflammatory factors and thyroid hormones were analyzed from blood samples. Participants' lung function was evaluated. After stratifying participants according to their thyroid hormone levels, we analyzed the differential effects of organochlorine exposure on lung function and inflammatory factors across the low and high thyroid hormone groups. Mediation analysis was further conducted to elucidate the relationships among organochlorine exposures, inflammatory factors, and lung function. RESULTS: Bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE), was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC, -2.05%, 95% CI: -3.11% to -0.97%), and associated with changes in inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-13 in the low thyroid hormone group. The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of IL-2 (15.63%, 95% CI: 0.91% to 44.64%) and IL-13 (13.94%, 95% CI: 0.52% to 41.07%) in the association between BCIE exposure and FVC. CONCLUSION Lung function and inflammatory factors exhibited an increased sensitivity to organochlorine exposure at lower thyroid hormone levels, with inflammatory factors potentially mediating the adverse effects of organochlorines on lung function.
Environmental Exposure ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism* ; China ; Ethyl Ethers/metabolism* ; Environmental Monitoring ; Thyroid Hormones/blood* ; Lung/physiology* ; Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollutants/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged

With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns, with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students, so as to provide reference for student mental health promotion. Methods: From September to November 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 7 954 college students aged 18-22 years from 9 universities in Shanghai, Hubei, and Jiangxi. Assessments were conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate physical activity, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the impact of sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns on depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity among college students. Results: The detection rates for depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms were 25.67%, 35.39%, and 23.15%, respectively. Factors such as gender, grade, household registration, parental education level, annual family income, family structure, and dietary habits were all associated with the detection rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ2=4.41-118.39, P<0.05). Physical activity patterns, sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleepwake characteristics were also associated with the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ2=9.66-627.70, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 had the highest risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (OR=1.93, 1.85, 1.88, P<0.05). Compared to regular physical activity patterns, insufficient physical activity patterns were associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms (all OR=1.18, P<0.05). Further stratified analysis results showed that the risk of depression, anxiety and their comorbidity increased in college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 h, went to bed before midnight and slept less than 7 h, or went to bed before midnight and slept more than 7 h but did not have sufficient physical activity (P<0.05). Conclusions Sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns significantly affect depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students. Universities should strengthen sleep management and implement flexible physical activity interventions to help students establish healthy lifestyles.

Objective:To investigate the dynamic changes of serum long non-coding ribonucleic acid antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (LncRNA ANRIL), long non-coding ribonucleic acid maternally expressed gene 3 (LncRNA MEG3) and inflammatory factors [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)] in patients with acute ischemic stroke and their correlation with neurological impairment.Methods:This prospective study included fifty-two patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology were included, and the neurological impairments of the patients were scored using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on the first day of the onset of the disease, and serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1β) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the first, second and seventh day of the onset of the disease. The correlation between serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factor levels and neurological impairment at each time point was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results:Among 52 patients, mild group had 22 cases (NIHSS score <5 scores), and moderate-to-severe group had 30 cases (NIHSS score ≥5 scores). In acute ischemic stroke patients with moderate-to-severe group, the expression level of LncRNA MEG3 was higher than in the mild group, but the intergroup difference did not reach statistical significance ( P>0.05). LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3, IFN-γ, IL-18 and IL-1β peaked at the same time point in acute ischemic stroke patients, all within second day of the onset of the disease. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum LncRNA MEG3 level on the first day of the onset of the disease was significantly positively correlated with NIHSS score ( P = 0.006), and serum LncRNA ANRIL level on seventh day was significantly positively correlated with NIHSS score ( P = 0.049). Conclusions:Serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factors (IL-18, IL-1β and IFN-γ) are highly expressed in patients with acute ischemic stroke, peaking on the second day of onset. LncRNA MEG3 levels on the first day of onset and LncRNA ANRIL levels on the seventh day of onset are helpful in determining the degree of neurological impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

In recent years, the reform of the registration, evaluation, and approval system for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been promoted at the national level, with establishment of an evaluation evidence system for TCM registration that combines TCM theory, human use experience, and clinical trials(known as the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system). This system, which aligns with the characteristics of TCM clinical practice and the laws of TCM research and development, recognizes the unique value of human use experience in medicine and returns to the essence of medicine as an applied science, thus receiving widespread recognition from both academia and industry. However, it meanwhile poses new and higher challenges. This article delves into the value and challenges faced by the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system from three perspectives: registration management, medical institutions, and the TCM industry. Furthermore, it discusses how the China Association of Chinese Medicine, leveraging its academic platform advantages and leading roles, has made exploratory and practical efforts to facilitate the research and development of new TCM drugs and the implementation of the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; China ; Drug Development