The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry is a crucial part of China's pharmaceutical sector and plays a strategic role in ensuring public health and promoting economic and social development. In response to the practical demand for high-quality development of the TCM industry, this paper focused on the bottlenecks encountered during the digital and intelligent transformation of TCM production systems. Specifically, it explored technical strategies and methodologies for constructing the best TCM production mode. An innovative artificial intelligence(AI)-centered technical architecture for TCM production was proposed, focusing on key aspects of production management including process modeling, state evaluation, and decision optimization. Furthermore, a series of critical technologies were developed to realize the best TCM production mode. Finally, a novel AI-driven TCM production mode characterized by a closed-loop system of "measurement-modeling-decision-execution" was presented through engineering case studies. This study is expected to provide a technological pathway for developing new quality productive forces within the TCM industry.
Artificial Intelligence ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder characterized by fibrous plaque formation in the penile tissue that leads to curvature and complications in advanced stages. In this study, we aimed to compare four injectable induction agents for the establishment of a robust rat model of PD: transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), fibrin, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) combined with TGF-β1, and polidocanol (POL) combined with TGF-β1. The results showed that injection of TGF-β1 or fibrin into the tunica albuginea induced pathological endpoints without causing penile curvature. The STS + TGF-β1 combination resulted in both histological and morphological alterations, but with a high incidence of localized necrosis that led to animal death. The POL + TGF-β1 combination produced pathological changes and curvature comparable to STS + TGF-β1 and led to fewer complications. In conclusion, fibrin, STS + TGF-β1, and POL + TGF-β1 all induced PD with a certain degree of penile curvature and histological fibrosis in rats. The POL + TGF-β1 combination offered comparatively greater safety and clinical relevance and may have the greatest potential for PD research using model rats.
Animals ; Male ; Penile Induration/drug therapy* ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fibrin ; Penis/drug effects* ; Polidocanol/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Polyethylene Glycols/administration & dosage* ; Injections

The circadian clock is an important internal time regulatory system for a range of physiological and behavioral rhythms within living organisms. Testosterone, as one of the most critical sex hormones, is essential for the development of the reproductive system, maintenance of reproductive function, and the overall health of males. The secretion of testosterone in mammals is characterized by distinct circadian rhythms and is closely associated with the regulation of circadian clock genes. Here we review the central and peripheral regulatory mechanisms underlying the influence of circadian clock genes upon testosterone synthesis. We also examined the specific effects of these genes on the occurrence, development, and treatment of common male diseases, including late-onset hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer.
Testosterone/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Circadian Clocks/genetics* ; Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology* ; Hypogonadism/metabolism* ; Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/metabolism* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Men's Health

Objective To explore the predictive factors of recurrence of chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM)after otoendoscopic surgery,and construct a risk quantified nomogram model.Methods The clinical data of 485 patients with CSOM who underwent otoendoscopic surgery in our hospital from February 2021 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group according to the recurrence situation during the follow-up period.The clinical data of patients between the two groups were compared,and the predictive factors of postoperative recurrence were analyzed by Cox regression method.A risk quantified nomogram model was constructed based on these predictive factors.The predictive efficiency of the model was verified by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the calibration degree of the model was verified by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit analysis,and the clinical net benefit of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis(DCA)method.Results Follow-up ranged from 6 to 39 months,with a median of 21(11,32)months,the postoperative recurrence rate was 14.64%(71/485).Combined with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections(HR=3.019,95%CI:1.609 to 5.664),combined with chronic rhinosinusitis(HR=2.428,95%CI:1.529 to 3.856),combined with adenoid hypertrophy(HR=2.214,95%CI:1.381 to 3.551),middle ear risk index(MERI)score(HR=2.863,95%CI:1.445 to 5.675),the seven-item eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire(ETDQ-7)score(HR=2.679,95%CI:1.505 to 4.765)and inadequate drainage of the surgical cavity(HR=2.373,95%CI:1.503 to 3.746)were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence(P<0.05).A risk quantified nomogram model of recurrence after otoendoscopic surgery in CSOM patients was constructed based on the predictive factors of Cox regression analysis,among them the risk value ranges of patients who combined with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections,combined with chronic rhinosinusitis,combined with adenoid hypertrophy,MERI score,ETDQ-7 score,and inadequate drainage of the surgical cavity were 0 to 65 points,0 to 56 points,0 to 52 points,0 to 76 points,0 to 64 points,and 0 to 76 points,respectively.The area under the curve of ROC,sensitivity and specificity of the model for predicting postoperative recurrence were 0.928(95%CI:0.875 to 0.948),85.92%and 88.89%,respectively.There was no significant difference between the predicted probability of postoperative recurrence and the actual probability(P>0.05).The threshold probability of postoperative recurrence predicted by the model in the range of 4%to 92%could obtain clinical net benefit.Conclusion The predictive factors of recurrence after otoendoscopic surgery in CSOM patients include combined with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections,combined with chronic rhinosinusitis,combined with adenoid hypertrophy,MERI score,ETDQ-7 score and inadequate drainage of the surgical cavity,the risk quantified nomogram model based on these factors is highly effective in predicting postoperative recurrence.

Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of autophagy induced by House dust mites(HDM)on airway epithelial tight junction through β-catenin-Snail signaling pathway.Methods Human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBE)were stimulated with HDM at different time points(0,3,6,12,24,48 h)and different concen-trations(0,40,100,200 μg/mL)to screen the appropriate stimulation concentration and stimulation time.16HBE cells were treated with oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetylcysteine(NAC),autophagy inhibitor 3-methylad-enine(3-MA),HDM,and their combinations.Cells were transfected with mCherry-EGFP-LC3B,Beclin-1-siRNA,and ATG14-siRNA lentivirus and then stimulated with NAC and HDM.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related protein LC3B,tight junction-related proteins Occludin,and ZO-1 in airway epithelial cells.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by using DCFH-DA in each group.The protein expression levels of Occludin,ZO-1,LC3B,Beclin-1,ATG5,ATG14,P62,Snail,β-catenin and p-β-catenin were detected by Western blot method.Results Immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group,200 μg/mL HDM stimulation induced cellular autophagy,increased the expression level of LC3B protein,and promoted the level of ROS,all with statistical significances(all P<0.05).Compared with the HDM group,the HDM+3-MA,HDM+ATG14-si,and HDM+Beclin-1-si groupsall showed significantincreases in the expression levels of tight junction-related proteins Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).The HDM+NAC group demonstrated significant decreases both in the level of ROS andin the expression level of LC3B protein.Western blot results revealed that compared with HDM,3-MA and autophagy protein low-expression beads(Beclin-1-si,ATG14-si)attenuated HDM-induced cellular autophagy(P<0.05),inhibited HDM-induced upregulation of Snail and p-β-catenin expression,and improved HDM-induced decreases in Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the HDM group,the NAC+HDM group exhibited significant decreases both in the conversion of LC3BⅠ to LC3BⅡ(P<0.001)in the protein levels of Snail,p-β-catenin,Beclin-1 and ATG14(P<0.01),but significant increases in the protein levels of Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).Conclusion HDM affects the tight connections between airway epithelial cells by inducing autophagy,which may be attributed to the β-catenin-Snail signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the effect of Xiongcan Yishen Formula on ferroptosis in testicular tissue of male rats with late-onset hypogonadism(LOH).Methods A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 months were randomly divided into model group,low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups and propionate testosterone group,with 12 rats in each group.An additional 6 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were set as the normal group.Except for the normal group,the rats were intraperitoneally injected with Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 20 mg/(kg·d)for 5 consecutive days to establish the LOH model,while the normal group received an equal volume of physiological saline for 5 days.The normal group and model group were given equal volumes of distilled water by gavage,while the low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups were administered concentrated decoction at doses of 10.4 g and 41.6 g/kg/d respectively,and the propionate testosterone group received intramuscular injections of 5.21 mg/kg/d propionate testosterone,all for 28 consecutive days.ELISA was used to detect serum testosterone levels in rats,HE staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the gross morphology of testicular tissue and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related genes and proteins in testicular tissue.Results The LOH model rats exhibited pathological changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules,structural disorder,and reduced spermatocytes in the lumen,as well as ultrastructural changes in Leydig cells including altered nuclear morphology,increased mitochondrial density,and reduced cristae.After intervention with Xiongcan Yishen Formula and propionate testosterone,the pathological changes in testis and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells were improved.Compared with the normal group,serum testosterone levels in the model group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),the expression of ROS,ACSL4 mRNA and protein in testicular tissue was significantly increased,while the expression of FTH1,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA and protein was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,ser-um testosterone levels in the low-dose and high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula groups and the propionate testosterone group were significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the expression of ROS,ACSL4 mRNA and protein was significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the high-dose Xiongcan Yishen Formula group showed significantly increased expression of FTH1,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA and protein(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ferroptosis in testicular tissue is increased in LOH rats,and Xiongcan Yishen For-mula can elevate serum testosterone levels and improve pathological changes and ultrastructure in testicular tissue of LOH rats,possibly related to the inhibition of ferroptosis in testicular tissue of LOH rats.

Osteoporotic distal radius fracture (ODRF), a common fragility fracture in elderly patients, poses a significant threat to patients′ life and health due to its high incidence and disability rate. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have accumulated extensive clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of ODRF. However, there is currently a lack of specific guideline on how to effectively integrate the strengths of the two medical systems. To standardize the collaborative diagnosis and treatment of ODRF using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the Clinical Practice Guideline Working Group for the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fracture through integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine was established in September 2024, led by the Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese medicine (Kunming Hospital of Chinese Medicine) with the participation of many medical institutions across China. Protocol for the guideline was then formulated to detail each key aspect in the development of the guideline and explain the related procedures, aiming to ensure a standardized, orderly and transparent development.

Objective:To explore the risk factors for malnutrition after a traumatic brain injury and to construct a model which usefully predicts that risk.Methods:This was a retrospective study of 374 patients with a craniocerebral injury for whom the relevant clinical data were available. Based on their nutritional status, they were stratified into a malnutrition group ( n=220) and a control group ( n=154). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were evaluated seeking to identify the independent risk factors associated with malnutrition, and a prediction model was constructed based on the results. The model′s discrimination ability and accuracy were assessed using a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results:A total of 220 patients (58.8%) developed malnutrition. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for malnutrition were: age ≥60 years, pulmonary infection, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, a GCS score ≤8, or a Barthel index ≤40. In the ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve quantifying the model′s ability to predict malnutrition was 0.924 (95% CI: 0.896, 0.951), with a sensitivity of 0.868 and a specificity of 0.857, indicating its good prediction performance. Conclusions:Age ≥60 years, pulmonary infection, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, a GCS score ≤8 or a Barthel index ≤40 are independent predictors of malnutrition after a traumatic brain injury. The prediction model constructed based on those risk factors has demonstrated useful predictive power for malnutrition.