Quality control is a key link in the modernization process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Studies have shown that the effects of active components in TCM depend on not only their chemical composition but also their suitable physical forms and states. The physical phase structures, such as micelles, vesicles, gels, and nanoparticles, can improve the solubility, delivery efficiency, and targeting precision of active components. These structures significantly enhance the pharmacological activity while reducing the toxicity and side effects, demonstrating functional activity surpassing that of active components and highlighting the key effects of "structures" on "functions" of active components. Taking the physical phase structure as a breakthrough point, this paper outlines the common types of TCM physical phase structures. Furthermore, this paper explores how to realize the quality upgrading of TCM through the precise regulation of physical phase structures based on the current applications and potential of TCM physical phase structures in processing to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity, compounding and decocting processes, drug delivery systems, and quality control, aiming to provide novel insights for the future quality control of TCM.
Quality Control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Drug Delivery Systems

Periodontitis is a common oral disease characterized by progressive alveolar bone resorption and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been used in the treatment of various immune-inflammatory diseases due to its excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Here, we investigated for the first time the therapeutic effect of DMF on periodontitis. In vivo studies showed that DMF significantly inhibited periodontal destruction, enhanced mitophagy, and decreased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. In vitro studies showed that DMF inhibited macrophage polarization toward M1 macrophages and promoted polarization toward M2 macrophages, with improved mitochondrial function, inhibited oxidative stress, and increased mitophagy in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, DMF increased intracellular mitochondrial Tu translation elongation factor (TUFM) levels to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, promoted mitophagy, and modulated macrophage polarization, whereas TUFM knockdown decreased the protective effect of DMF. Finally, mechanistic studies showed that DMF increased intracellular TUFM levels by protecting TUFM from degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation pathway. Our results demonstrate for the first time that DMF protects mitochondrial function and inhibits oxidative stress through TUFM-mediated mitophagy in macrophages, resulting in a shift in the balance of macrophage polarization, thereby attenuating periodontitis. Importantly, this study provides new insights into the prevention of periodontitis.
Dimethyl Fumarate/pharmacology* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Animals ; Mice ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Periodontitis/prevention & control* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Mitochondria/drug effects*

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement(ViV-TMVR)in patients with bioprosthetic valve degeneration who are at high surgical risk.Methods This study is a multi-center,retrospective cohort analysis of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transseptal ViV-TMVR using the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve(THV).The primary endpoints include technical success and procedural success,both defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium(MVARC)criteria,as well as mortality and functional change assessed based on New York Heart Association(NYHA)classification at 30-days and six months post-procedure.Clinical follow-up assessments are conducted at 30-days and six months.Results From February 2021 to October 2022,a total of 20 patients with symptoms of bioprosthetic valve degeneration were enrolled across nine sites in China.The patients had a mean age of(73.5±5.5)years,with 85.0％being females and 70.0％classified as NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ.The study achieved a 100.0％technical success rate and a 90.0％procedural success rate finally.All patients remained alive during the 30-day follow-up period.However,six months post-intervention,two patients(10.0％)were re-hospitalized due to heart failure,and sadly,one of them(5.0％)died.None of the patients reported any adverse events related to ViV-TMVR during the follow-up period.Notably,there was a significant improvement in NYHA class compared to baseline(P=0.0004)at six-month follow-ups.Conclusions The transseptal ViV-TMVR technique proved to be highly successful and was associated with significant improvement in NYHA class function.These findings strongly suggest that it serves as a safe and efficient treatment alternative for high-risk patients suffering from bioprosthetic valve degeneration.

Objective:To study the feasibility and safety of left semiprone position in 3D laparoscopic liver resection for tumor in segment Ⅶ.Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with liver tumors treated at Jinhua Central Hospita from January 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected, including 40 males and 20 females, aged (51.5±4.5) years. Perioperative data on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of ambulation, postoperative time to flatulate, duration of hospital stay, pathological type, complications (bile leakage, pleural effusion, etc.) were analyzed. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted through telephone reviews, outpatient visits.Results:Of 57 patients (95.0%) successfully underwent the surgery, while three cases (5.0%) were converted to open surgery due to excessive intraoperative bleeding. The operative time was (210.5±20.5) min. The intraoperative blood loss was (220.5±50.5) ml. The postoperative time of ambulation was (1.5±0.5) d, and the postoperative time to flatulate was (2.0±0.8) d. The postoperative hospital stay was (7.2±1.5) d. Bile leakage occurred in four cases (6.7%) after surgery, which was managed by conservative treatment, and pleural effusion occurred in eight cases (13.3%), which recovered after puncture and drainage. Postoperative pathology included 40 cases (66.7%) of hepatocellular carcinoma, three cases (5.0%) of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, five cases (8.3%) of liver metastases, seven cases (11.7%) of hepatic hemangioma, two case (3.3%) of angiomyolipoma, and three case (5.0%) of focal hepatic nodular hyperplasia. No tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up (median 26 months; range 18-40 months).Conclusion:The application of left semiprone position in 3D laparoscopic liver resection for tumor in segment Ⅶ is safe and feasible.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Objective:To construct an integrated management model for early screening and diagnosis of PCa based on the In-novative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework(ICCC)and the 1+1 contract-based tiered diagnosis and treatment system(TDTS)in China.Methods:Based on the 1+1 contract-based TDTS platform,we conducted PCa screening for the male residents aged 60 years and above during health check-ups in Pujin Community Health Center from January 1,2023 to December 31,2023.For those with abnormal total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)≥4 μg/L,we promptly referred them to higher-level hospitals for further diagno-sis and treatment via the two-way referral green channel platform and information sharing service using the 1+1 contract model.We further analyzed the relevant data on screening and diagnosis.Results:A total of 4 080 males aged 71.39±5.059 years received PCa screening from January to December 2023.PSA screening was performed in 43.96％of the male residents,revealing 654 cases of PSA abnormality,with a PSA positivity rate of 16.03％,which was higher than that found in the previous large-scale PCa screenings in other regions of China.Among the males with PSA abnormality,292(44.65％)expressed their willingness for medical referral,while the others did not seek further medical attention for reasons of being asymptomatic,low awareness of the disease,no accompany for medical visits,and concerns about further costs of diagnosis and treatment.Prostate biopsy was recommended to 154 cases after further examinations,which was accepted by 92(59.74％).Fifty-eight cases were diagnosed with Pa,and thedetection rate reached 63.04％.Conclusion:The integrated management model for PSA examination-based early screening and diagnosis of PCa using the 1+1 contract-based TDTS platform is plays a significant role in enhancing peoples awareness and knowledge of PCa and improving the early detection rate of the malignancy.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement(ViV-TMVR)in patients with bioprosthetic valve degeneration who are at high surgical risk.Methods This study is a multi-center,retrospective cohort analysis of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transseptal ViV-TMVR using the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve(THV).The primary endpoints include technical success and procedural success,both defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium(MVARC)criteria,as well as mortality and functional change assessed based on New York Heart Association(NYHA)classification at 30-days and six months post-procedure.Clinical follow-up assessments are conducted at 30-days and six months.Results From February 2021 to October 2022,a total of 20 patients with symptoms of bioprosthetic valve degeneration were enrolled across nine sites in China.The patients had a mean age of(73.5±5.5)years,with 85.0％being females and 70.0％classified as NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ.The study achieved a 100.0％technical success rate and a 90.0％procedural success rate finally.All patients remained alive during the 30-day follow-up period.However,six months post-intervention,two patients(10.0％)were re-hospitalized due to heart failure,and sadly,one of them(5.0％)died.None of the patients reported any adverse events related to ViV-TMVR during the follow-up period.Notably,there was a significant improvement in NYHA class compared to baseline(P=0.0004)at six-month follow-ups.Conclusions The transseptal ViV-TMVR technique proved to be highly successful and was associated with significant improvement in NYHA class function.These findings strongly suggest that it serves as a safe and efficient treatment alternative for high-risk patients suffering from bioprosthetic valve degeneration.

Objective:To study the feasibility and safety of left semiprone position in 3D laparoscopic liver resection for tumor in segment Ⅶ.Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with liver tumors treated at Jinhua Central Hospita from January 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected, including 40 males and 20 females, aged (51.5±4.5) years. Perioperative data on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of ambulation, postoperative time to flatulate, duration of hospital stay, pathological type, complications (bile leakage, pleural effusion, etc.) were analyzed. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted through telephone reviews, outpatient visits.Results:Of 57 patients (95.0%) successfully underwent the surgery, while three cases (5.0%) were converted to open surgery due to excessive intraoperative bleeding. The operative time was (210.5±20.5) min. The intraoperative blood loss was (220.5±50.5) ml. The postoperative time of ambulation was (1.5±0.5) d, and the postoperative time to flatulate was (2.0±0.8) d. The postoperative hospital stay was (7.2±1.5) d. Bile leakage occurred in four cases (6.7%) after surgery, which was managed by conservative treatment, and pleural effusion occurred in eight cases (13.3%), which recovered after puncture and drainage. Postoperative pathology included 40 cases (66.7%) of hepatocellular carcinoma, three cases (5.0%) of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, five cases (8.3%) of liver metastases, seven cases (11.7%) of hepatic hemangioma, two case (3.3%) of angiomyolipoma, and three case (5.0%) of focal hepatic nodular hyperplasia. No tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up (median 26 months; range 18-40 months).Conclusion:The application of left semiprone position in 3D laparoscopic liver resection for tumor in segment Ⅶ is safe and feasible.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.