ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets， and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution（TOPSIS）， in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers， and taking the detection results as variables， SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis（CA）， principal component analysis（PCA）， and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） to identify key components affecting the quality. Then， TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation， the method was found to be stable and reliable， and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin， puerarin， 3′-methoxy puerarin， daidzein， coptisine hydrochloride， epiberberine， jatrorrhizine hydrochloride， berberine hydrochloride， palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35， 24.88-42.32， 4.20-9.36， 4.33-7.60， 2.52-6.44， 0.93-4.10， 0.58-3.05， 10.68-22.92， 0.82-4.82， 11.73-60.16 mg·g^-1， respectively. Among them， puerarin， berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories， PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%， and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection（VIP） values>1.0， namely baicalin， 3′-hydroxy puerarin， coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride， which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index（C_i） values of different manufacturers were different. Among them， the C_i of manufacturer B was ranked higher， indicating potentially superior quality， while the C_i of manufacturer A was ranked lower， suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets， and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good， while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis， it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin， 3′-hydroxy puerarin， coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.

Histopathological examination is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of metabolic associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD）； however， due to its invasiveness， high risks， and low feasibility， application of noninvasive indicators in the staging and classification of MAFLD has become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the efficacy of dynamic changes in various noninvasive markers in reflecting histological changes and clinical outcome events in MAFLD patients， in order to provide theoretical support for dynamic monitoring and individualized management of the disease.

Objective: To investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among freshmen in junior and senior high schools in Lanzhou, so as to provide scientific basis for improving the tuberculosis prevention and control strategy in schools. Methods: The screening results of 74 516 freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou during 2023 and 2024 were collected. The Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression model were applied to analyze LTBI level, strongly positive risk for tuberculin skin test (TST) and related factors of the freshmen. Results: During 2023 and 2024, the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou was 93.45%, of which the positive rate for TST was 5.71%, the infection rate for LTBI was 3.80%, and the strongly positive rate for TST was 1.24%. There were statistically significant differences in the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in different years, grades, regions, school types and districts ( χ 2=5.34, 2 463.88, 3 516.13, 132.34, 4 436.56, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that senior high schools ( OR =1.62, 2.18) and urban areas ( OR =2.08, 3.07 ) were all related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST among freshmen; schools located in Xigu District, Honggu District, Yongdeng County, Yuzhong County, and Lanzhou New Area ( OR =3.57, 5.67, 9.12, 3.70, 3.64) were related factors of strong positivity for TST among freshmen (all P <0.05). Conclusions The LTBI level among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou is relatively low. Grades and regions are related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST.

Objective: To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points. Methods: This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3. Results: In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.

Objective To explore the functional impact of A-to-I editing in the seed region of miR-411 during post-myocardial infarction (MI) fibrosis and elucidate its therapeutic potential. Methods Integrating GEO database with myocardial RNA-seq data from MI mouse models, we identified dynamic A-to-I RNA editing in small noncoding RNAs across MI progression (1 day to 8 weeks post-MI). Four miRNAs exhibited differential editing rates between MI and controls, with miR-411 showing progressive editing enhancement at seed region position 4 (P＜0.01). This editing event was validated in both murine MI models and human heart failure specimens. Results The A-to-I editing ratio change of the 4th nucleotide in the seed region of miR-411 mainly occurs in cardiac fibroblasts rather than cardiomyocytes, and the editing at this site depends on ADAR2 rather than ADAR1. Edited miR-411 (ED-miR-411) diverged from wild-type miR-411 (WT-miR-411) in suppressing collagen-related pathways (extracellular matrix [ECM]-receptor interaction, collagen-containing ECM, ECM organization; P＜0.01) in cardiac fibroblasts. Mechanistically, dual-luciferase assays confirmed ED-miR-411 directly targeted the 3′UTR and suppressed expression of type Ⅱ transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor (TGFBR2) and CD44, which were key drivers of TGF-β-mediated fibroblast activation. ED-miR-411 overexpression blunted TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis and myofibroblast proliferation (P＜0.05). In vivo, intramyocardial delivery of ED-miR-411 mimics at 1 week post-MI reduced fibrosis by 40% and improved ejection fraction by 15% (P＜0.01 vs controls), whereas WT-miR-411 showed no therapeutic effect. Conclusions A-to-I editing of miR-411 emerges as an endogenous anti-fibrotic mechanism by repressing TGFBR2 and CD44, thereby disrupting TGF-β signaling and ECM dysregulation. Our findings highlight ED-miR-411 as a novel RNA-based therapeutic candidate to mitigate post-infarction cardiac remodeling.

Gastric ulcer （GU） is a high-incidence digestive system disease characterized pathologically by disruption of gastric mucosal integrity， with clinical features including a prolonged course and periodic recurrence. Modern medicine attributes its pathogenesis to the dynamic imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors，while traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） posits its development as closely linked to spleen deficiency. Current therapies combining acid suppressants and antibiotics face challenges such as high recurrence rates，poor mucosal healing，and adverse drug reactions. Long-term use may induce metabolic disturbances like hypergastrinemia and reduced intestinal microbiota diversity. Therefore，exploring safer and longer-lasting therapeutic strategies has become a critical focus. TCM has extensive clinical experience and unique advantages in GU prevention and treatment. Studies demonstrate that the classic formula Shenling Baizhu San exhibits therapeutic properties of "invigorating spleen and tonifying Qi to restore physiological balance and eliminating dampness and regulating middle energizer to unblock Qi movement"， enabling a holistic approach targeting both symptoms and root causes in GU with spleen deficiency as the core pathology by suppressing aggressive factors and strengthening defensive factors. Experimental research reveals its mechanisms involve enhancing the physicochemical barrier of the mucus layer，repairing epithelial barriers and microcirculation，modulating gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility，and regulating microecological barriers and mucosal immunity. Clinical evidence confirms its synergistic effects in promoting ulcer healing，improving Helicobacter pylori eradication rates，and reducing recurrence risks. This review examined the etiology and pathogenesis of GU and systematically evaluated Shenling Baizhu San from three perspectives-clinical application，pharmacological effects， and experimental research-to provide insights for optimizing integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine protocols and expanding its clinical applications.

Objective: To investigate the status of latent tuberculosis infection（LTBI）among freshmen in middle schools and their willingness of preventive treatment in Yunyan District of Guiyang, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in schools. Methods: The tuberculin skin test (TST) and X-ray scans were used to screen the TB infection of 13 915 freshmen in middle schools in Yunyan District of Guiyang in 2023, and a questionnaire survey on the willingness of accepting tuberculosis preventive treatment was conducted to LTBI patients. The χ 2 test and Fisher exact probability was conducted for the comparison of the rates among the groups. Results: Among the freshmen screened, the detection rate of LTBI was 3.29%. There were statistically significant difference in LTBI rates among freshmen of different genders (boys:2.87%, girls:3.81%), age groups (12-15 years old:3.31%, 16-17 years old:3.92%, 18-20 years old:1.91%), and school stages (junior high school:3.52%, ordinary high school:5.96%, vocational high school:2.29%)（ χ 2=9.59, 13.08, 54.30, P ＜0.01). A total of 356 LTBI freshmen completed questionnaire survey,and 299(83.99%) were willing to accept tuberculosis preventive treatment, but the actual number of LIBI freshman who underwent preventive treatment was zero. Those LTBI who had received Bacille Calmette Guérin(BCG) vaccine(86.97%) was higher in the reporting rates of being willing to accept preventive treatment than that of LTBI who had not received BCG vaccine( 75.79 %),the differences were statistically significant( χ 2=6.48， P <0.05). The main reasons for refusing preventive treatment was worry about adverse drug reactions(80.70%), social acceptance and the support of social institutions were needed most(85.96%). Conclusions The LTBI rate among freshmen in Yunyan District of GuiYang is higher. Although the freshmen with LTBI have a higher willingness to accept preventive treatment, however, no one has undergone preventive treatment. Corresponding measures need to be taken for improving the preventive treatment rate of LIBI freshmen.

BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury is a serious neurological disease that often results in severe neurological impairment. Oxidative stress is an important link in the pathological process after spinal cord injury,leading to neuronal cell death and loss of function. In recent years,natural products have shown potential application values in the treatment of oxidative stress after spinal cord injury due to their wide range of sources,diverse structures and rich biological activities. OBJECTIVE:To discuss the therapeutic effects of some natural products on oxidative stress after spinal cord injury and the related mechanisms,in order to provide new ideas and directions for antioxidant therapy of spinal cord injury. METHODS:"Spinal cord injury,oxidative stress,anti-oxidation,natural products,natural compounds,polyphenols" were used as the English and Chinese keywords in PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane,VIP,CBM,WanFang,and CNKI databases to search relevant articles published from database inception to May 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed,and 97 relevant articles were selected by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Natural products such as polyphenols can directly scavenge oxidative free radicals by the phenol hydroxyl group in their structure,and alleviate oxidative stress after spinal cord injury. Some natural products can enhance the activity of relevant antioxidant enzymes in vivo and reduce oxidative stress by regulating certain signal transduction pathways. Some natural products can reduce oxidative stress after spinal cord injury by enhancing autophagy. The use of natural products to regulate oxidative stress may become an effective tool for the future clinical treatment of spinal cord injury.

Objective:To investigate the impacts of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (VD) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on intestinal flora in animals with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and their possible mechanisms. Methods:A methionine- choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced rat model of MAFLD was created. Forty 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) group, MCD group, VD group, LP group, and VD-LP group, with 8 rats in each group. The intervention groups (VD group, LP group, and VD-LP group) were gastrically fed with VD peanut oil solution (6 ng/100 g daily), Lactobacillus plantarum solution (2×10 9CFU/100 g daily), and a combination of these two solutions, respectively. MCS group, MCD group, and LP group were given the same volume of peanut oil on a daily basis. Fecal samples from rats were collected at week 4 and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for fecal flora structure. Portal vein blood samples were collected to detect liver biochemistry and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Pathological changes in liver and terminal ileum tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results:Compared with the MCS group, the MCD group exhibited massive steatosis and lipid infiltration in liver tissues, markedly thinned ileum mucosa, severely damaged villi structure, excessive necrotic and shedding of epithelial cells, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Compared with the histopathological changes in the MCD group, the steatosis and lipid infiltration of liver tissue, the damage to the ileal mucosa structure and epithelial cells, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were alleviated in the VD group, LP group, and VD-LP group. Compared with MCS group, the MCD group had significantly higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (158.50±14.03 U/L vs. 20.38±7.39 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (43.88±11.36 U/L vs. 25.75±5.90 U/L), total bile acid (TBA) (140.60±11.77 μmol/L vs. 19.96±4.31 μmol/L), and LPS (16.57±1.19 pg/ml vs. 7.43±0.95 pg/ml) (All P<0.001),which confirmed the successful establishment of rat models of MAFLD. Serum ALT, AST, TBA, and LPS levels in all the three intervention groups were significantly lower than those in MCD group, and the most significant reductions in ALT (51.38±9.05 U/L vs. 158.50±14.03 U/L), AST (55.88±12.19 U/L vs. 143.88±11.36 U/L), TBA (21.00±8.17 μmol/L vs. 140.60±11.77 μmol/L), and LPS (9.72±0.71 pg/ml vs. 16.57±1.19 pg/ml) were seen in the VD-LP group. The microbiota in the MCD group predominantly featured Muribaculaceae, while the MCS group and other intervention groups primarily harbored Lactobacillus. Firmicutes and Lactobacillus were significantly decreased in the MCD group ,while Bacteroidete, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides, and Enterococcus increased significantly. The opposite was true for each intervention group. There were significant differences in Lactobacillus between MCD group and the other four groups. Conclusion:VD and LP can remarkably improve lipid deposition in MAFLD by regulating intestinal flora.

Preterm birth (PTB), predominantly induced by intraamniotic inflammation, stands as the foremost contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Fetal inflammatory response syndrome, stemming from the activation of the innate immune system, signifies the occurrence of funisitis or chorionic vasculitis. Maternal-fetal complications associated with infection-related PTB encompass maternal sepsis, fetal demise, neonatal sepsis, neonatal neurological impairment, and chronic lung disease. The inflammatory cascade is initiated when Toll-like receptors present on immune cells within the fetal membranes and the female reproductive tract encounter pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from infectious agents. Subsequently, the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells facilitates the transcription of cytokines. The accumulation of neutrophils compromises the tissue integrity of the fetal membranes, leading to membrane rupture via the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Elevated prostaglandin levels prompt uterine contractions and cervical remodeling, resulting in progressive cervical effacement and dilation, ultimately culminating in fetal delivery. The diagnosis of PTB should encompass three pivotal criteria: gestational age, uterine activity, and the consequences of that uterine activity. The diagnosis of chorioamnionitis is established through a combination of clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, identification of infectious microorganisms, and placental pathology. Fetal monitoring involves antenatal ultrasonography and non-stress testing. The management of infection-related PTB involves controlling and treating the infection, timing delivery to coincide with optimal fetal lung maturity, and optimizing outcomes for both the mother and neonate. Current preventive strategies for PTB primarily focus on inhibiting myometrial contractions that arise from the inflammatory cascade initiating PTB. An understanding of these pathways serves as the cornerstone for the development of therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing PTB.