This article systematically reviews the current research status as well as diagnosis and treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD）. Studies demonstrate that TCM， based on the "disease-syndrome combination" approach， exhibits multi-target advantages in alleviating symptoms of various GERD subtypes， promoting mucosal repair， regulating emotions， and facilitating the reduction of western medication. To address clinical challenges such as symptom overlap and limited therapeutic efficacy， strategies have been proposed including "treating different diseases with the same method" and integrated regulation based on viscera correlation. Future efforts should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of compound prescriptions， promoting TCM drug development under the "three-combination" evaluation framework that integrates TCM theory， human experience and clinical trial evidence， and optimizing integrated traditional and western medicine models to enhance GERD management.

ObjectiveTo establish a reliable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse model based on a self-developed multichannel automatic control system for long-term continuous cigarette smoke exposure in small animals using a novel continuous cigarette smoke exposure method, and to conduct phenotypic evaluation and analysis, thereby providing an animal experimental basis for investigating COPD pathogenesis and prevention strategies. MethodsTwenty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were randomly and equally divided into a control group and a model group. The model group (n=10) underwent 6 h of continuous cigarette smoke exposure daily (6 cigarettes per day for 12 consecutive weeks), while the control group (n=10) received no intervention. Body weight was monitored biweekly. Post-exposure, in vivo micro-CT imaging was performed. After euthanasia, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified by ELISA. Lung tissues underwent H&E and Masson's trichrome staining to observe changes in lung morphology and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the mean linear intercept (MLI) was calculated, thereby comprehensively evaluating the clinical features of COPD in the mouse model. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly reduced body weight (P<0.01) from the fourth week. Compared with the control group, IL-6 level in the serum and BALF of the model group increased by 27.2% and 140.0%, respectively (P<0.01). TNF-α level in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the model group increased by 16.7% (P<0.01) and 19.3% (P<0.05), respectively. Histopathological examination revealed alveolar wall thinning, septal rupture, emphysematous bullae formation, reduced alveolar count, bronchial wall thickening with lumen narrowing, and inflammatory cell infiltration. MLI was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Masson's staining confirmed collagen deposition and bronchial remodeling. Micro-CT demonstrated localized high-density shadows exhibiting typical features of chronic bronchitis. Conclusion The self-developed device enables long-term continuous smoke exposure, and the successfully established COPD mouse model exhibits pathological features highly consistent with clinical manifestations, offering an efficient and reliable tool for COPD research.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis （AS）based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control， the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability， apoptosis rate， and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured， along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. Apolipoprotei n E-deficient （ApoE －/－ ） mice （AS model mice） fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group， atorvastatin group （2.6 mg/kg）， and low-， medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction （90， 180， 360 mg/kg）， respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group， with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically， once daily， for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta （assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root） and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue， as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， arginase-1 （Arg-1）， AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， phosphorylated AMPK （p-AMPK）， and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPAR-γ） in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that， at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL， the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability （ P ＜0.05）. The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10， 50， and 100 μg/mL， along with atorvastatin， significantly reduced apoptosis rates， CD86 fluorescence intensity， and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells， while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity （ P ＜0.05）. Animal experiment results showed that， compared with the model group， all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum， along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages， CD86 expression， and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated （ P ＜0.05）. Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization， increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages， thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect of enamel that is characterized primarily by abnormal enamel mineralization affecting the first permanent molars and permanent incisors. Due to insufficient mineralization, teeth affected by MIH are prone to post-eruptive breakdown and caries, potentially leading to sequelae such as tooth sensitivity and occlusal problems. The diagnosis of MIH is primarily based on relevant perinatal and infantile medical history, the characteristic distribution of affected teeth, and the morphological features of the enamel defects. Based on the extent and severity of the enamel defect, MIH is classified as mild or severe. Diagnosis and treatment strategies emphasize early screening, diagnosis, and intervention, prioritizing prevention, providing symptomatic care, and implementing regular recall assessments. Mild MIH predominantly manifests as demineralized enamel opacities or discoloration, typically without significant enamel breakdown. Treatment focuses on caries prevention and aesthetic restoration, employing techniques such as remineralization, micro-abrasion, resin infiltration, bleaching, fluoride application, and fissure sealants. Severe MIH typically presents with extensive enamel opacities accompanied by substantial enamel breakdown and may be complicated by caries and tooth sensitivity. Management primarily involves restoring the structural defects or, for teeth that cannot be preserved, extraction followed by orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive management often requires a multimodal approach integrating various therapeutic modalities to restore both the function and aesthetics of the affected teeth and overall dentition. This article provides a review of advancements in diagnosis and the treatment strategies for MIH, offering a reference for clinical practice.

Objective To determine the molecular mechanism of Yuchang granule (YCG) against ulcerative colitis （UC） by network pharmacology-based approach combined with molecular docking. Methods TCMSP and HIT database were utilized to search the active components and potential targets of YCG. The effective targets of UC were obtained by GeneCards, CTD, and DisGeNET databases. Venn Diagram was exploited to receive common targets of YCG and UC. Network maps of the TCM of YCG-active component-common targets were constructed by the Cytoscape software to gain key active components. Protein-protein interaction （PPI） of common targets was constructed by the STRING database obtaining core common targets. The mechanism and therapeutic effects of YCG on UC were explored via gene ontology （GO） and the biological pathway （KEGG） enrichment analyses. Molecular docking technology was carried out to verify the combination of core active components with key common targets. Results 98 active components and 237 potential targets were sieved from YCG, and 1061 effective targets were screened from UC. 94 common targets of YCG and UC were regarded as potential therapeutic targets. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that quercetin, luteolin, β-quebrachol, stigmasterol, and kaempferol may be the potential candidate agents. Tumor necrosis factor （TNF）, serine/threonine-protein kinase （AKT1）, tumor protein p53 （TP53）, interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-1β could become potential therapeutic targets. KEGG showed pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway might play an important role in YCG against UC. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin combined well with TNF, AKT1, and TP53. And stigmasterol did well with AKT1. Conclusion This study comprehensively illustrated the potential candidate agents, potential therapeutic targets, and pathways of YCG against UC. It also illustrated that YCG could act on multiple targets through multi-pathway treating UC.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis （UC） through the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR） axis. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into normal group （normal saline）， model group （normal saline）， microbiota depletion-model group （normal saline）， microbiota depletion-Huangqin decoction group （9.1 g/kg， by crude drug， similarly hereinafter）， Huangqin decoction group and mesalazine group （positive control group， 0.4 g/kg）， with 6 mice in each group. Microbiota depletion was achieved by providing free access to a mixed antibiotics for 10 days. The UC model was induced by administering 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 days. After successful modeling， each treatment group received corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically once daily for 10 days. After the final administration， body weight change ratio， disease activity index （DAI） score， and colon length were evaluated； colon pathological changes were observed； serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-10， IL-22， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured； the expressions of Occludin， zonula occluden-1 （ZO-1）， and AhR in colon tissue were detected； fecal samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to analyze targeted tryptophan metabolomics. RESULTS Compared with the model group， Huangqin decoction group showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon tissue and restoration of the intestinal mucosal structure. Body weight change ratio， colon length， serum content of IL-10， the expressions of Occludin， ZO-1 and AhR in colon tissue and the contents of tryptophan metabolites indole-3-propionic acid （IPA）， N -acetylserotonin （NAS） and indole-3-acetic acid （IAA） were all significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）； DAI score， serum levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-22 and the content of tryptophan metabolite indole-3-ethanol were significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）； gut microbiota structure was improved， with increased relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus ， and decreased relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella . However， after antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion， although Huangqin decoction significantly increased the content of NAS in the feces of mice， the expression of AhR protein in colon tissue did not increase concurrently. CONCLUSIONS Huangqin decoction can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of IPA and IAA， thereby activating AhR. This suggests that an intact gut microbiota is an important prerequisite for Huangqin decoction to exert its AhR-regulating effects.

Objective: To analyze the school tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and preventive treatment in Hefei from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide reference for TB prevention and control in schools. Methods: Data were collected on all school based TB outbreaks occurring during 2022-2024 in Hefei, defined as ≥2 epidemiologically linked TB cases within the same school during a single semester. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test. Results: Close contacts exhibited significantly higher TB incidence (2.88%) and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) rates (13.80%) in the school TB outbreaks, compared to non close contacts (0.12% and 2.63%, respectively). Among close contacts, secondary school students showed lower TB incidence (0.48%) and LTBI prevalence (3.42%) than both primary school or younger children (0.68%, 6.95%) and college students ( 0.78% , 6.50%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=360.91, 6.37; 791.71, 102.03, all P <0.05). The proportion of LTBI individuals recommended for preventive therapy was higher in primary school or younger groups (98.59%) than in secondary (95.25%) or college students (86.34%) ( χ 2=25.86, P <0.01). However, among those recommended, close contacts had higher uptake (85.82%) and completion rates (87.25%) of preventive therapy than non close contacts (69.63% and 70.57%); similarly, secondary school students demonstrated higher uptake (91.21%) and completion rates (86.45%) compared to primary school or younger (88.57%, 83.87%) and college students (57.28%, 64.08%) ( χ 2=30.52, 26.72; 125.17, 38.84, all P <0.01). Subsequent TB incidence among LTBI close contacts (13.30%) and among those who did not complete preventive therapy (22.73%) were significantly higher than among non close contacts (2.80%, 2.41%), respectively ( χ 2=32.19, 13.87, both P <0.05). Conclusions In school TB outbreaks, close contacts face higher LTBI prevalence and subsequent TB risk than non close contacts. College students show notably low adherence to preventive therapy. It is necessary to take targeted measures to improve the compliance of preventive measures among students.

ObjectiveThe biosynthesis of heterophyllin B （HB）， a cyclopeptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla， is regulated by various abiotic stresses. Elucidating the transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying HB biosynthesis is of great guiding significance for the directional improvement of P. heterophylla varieties and the enhancement of HB content. MethodsBased on transcriptome data from different tissues of P. heterophylla， transcription factors （TFs） specifically upregulated and highly expressed in the phloem of tuberous roots were screened through a combination of Mfuzz time-series clustering， transcription factor family prediction， and correlation analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to analyze expression patterns of candidate TFs under abscisic acid （ABA） induction， and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify their regulatory effects on HB precursor genes. ResultsContent determination showed that HB accumulated at the highest in the phloem of P. heterophylla tuberous roots （34 μg·g^-1 fresh weight）. Transcriptome analysis identified 15 868 up-regulated differentially expressed genes （DEGs）， among which 4 375 were specifically up-regulated in the phloem. From these， 25 TFs highly expressed in the phloem were screened. Correlation analysis revealed that the expression level of WRKY70 was significantly positively correlated with HB content， the expression of precursor genes prePhHB， and PhPOP1. Additionally， WRKY70 expression was significantly upregulated under ABA induction. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that WRKY70 specifically activated the transcriptional activity of the prePhHB promoter （Pro-prePhHB）. ConclusionHB is mainly accumulated in the phloem of P. heterophylla tuberous roots. WRKY70 positively regulates HB biosynthesis by directly activating the promoter activity of prePhHB. This study clarifies the key role of WRKY70 in the regulation of HB biosynthesis and provides an important theoretical basis for the in-depth analysis of the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying HB biosynthesis.

Objective: To compare the Reveos automated blood processing system with the current method, and to evaluate the feasibility and validity of using the Reveos system for blood component preparation. Methods: Forty units of 400 mL whole blood samples were divided into two groups: 2C group (for two-component preparation) and 3C group (for three-component preparation). Each group was further divided into a Reveos subgroup and a control subgroup. Blood components were prepared using the Reveos system and the current centrifugation method respectively. The 2C group yielded suspended red blood cells and plasma, while the 3C group yielded suspended red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Key quality indicators for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets were measured before and after separation. Inter-group differences were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The trend of changes in the main performance indicators of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets before and after separation was generally consistent between the Reveos group and the control group, with no significant differences for most performance indicators. The Reveos system outperformed the current method in several aspects: in the 3C group, the hematocrit (Hct) was significantly higher in the Reveos group than in the control group [(62.82%±1.64%) vs (53.62%±3.04)%, P<0.001]; the white blood cell count in red blood cell suspensions was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.37±1.42)×10 /L vs (8.42±2.30)×10 /L, P<0.001]; plasma yield was 27.5% higher than that in the control group [(183.90±17.37) mL vs (144.28±20.53) mL, P<0.001]; and the platelet activation rate was significantly lower than that in the control group [(21.97±14.25)% vs (34.73±11.92)%, P=0.044]. Conclusion: The Reveos system demonstrates good consistency with the current method in preparing blood components, and outperforms the current method in terms of leukocyte reduction and red blood cell concentration.

Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity， and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity， this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） herbs that strengthen the spleen， regulate qi， and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation， promoting water-damp metabolism， and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness， internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity， this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.