Diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） is a common chronic complication of diabetes， categorized as consumptive thirst in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and it subsequently gives rise to chest impediment. DCM is characterized by a complex pathogenesis and exhibits long-term progression with poor prognosis in clinical practice. Astragali Radix， as a medicinal material with edible value， possesses diverse active components including saponins， polysaccharides， and flavonoids. It has the effects of tonifying Qi， elevating Yang， promoting fluid production， nourishing blood， expressing toxin， and expelling pus. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Astragali Radix and its active components exert therapeutic effects in various aspects such as inhibition of inflammation， alleviation of stress injury， regulation of programmed cell death， modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism， inhibition of myocardial fibrosis， and regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites， treating DCM in a multi-component， multi-target， and multi-pathway manner. The compatibility of Astragali Radix exerts both synergistic and antagonistic effects. The compound preparations and extracts of Astragali Radix are widely used in clinical practice， and the development of novel nano and gel materials and extracellular vesicles helps to improve the oral bioavailability， providing more possibilities for the clinical application of Astragali Radix in DCM， though its potential for clinical translation requires ongoing exploration. This review summarizes the TCM theoretical basis of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， and integrates modern pharmacological research results to delve into the effects and mechanisms of the herb combinations， compound preparations， extracts， and new composite materials of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and new drug development of Astragali Radix for DCM.

The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before ¹³¹I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.

Qingzao Jiufeitang is a famous classical formula for treating lung injury caused by warm and dryness， included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas（The First Batch）. By systematically organizing ancient and modern literature on this formula， this study analyzed and verified the origin， medicinal composition， original plants and processing， dosage and decoction method， efficacy and application of this formula. According to the research， Qingzao Jiufeitang was first recorded in Yimen Falyu in the Qing dynasty， and its creation was mainly inspired by the Ming dynasty physician MIAO Xiyong's idea of the moisturizing drugs with sweet flavour and cold nature. Based on the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China（hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia） and the textual research results of modern scholars on traditional Chinese herbal medicines， the botanical sources and processing methods of the herbs in this formula are basically clarified. Among them， Mori Folium， Gypsum Fibrosum， Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， Sesami Semen Nigrum， Asini Corii Colla， Ophiopogonis Radix and Eriobotryae Folium are consistent with the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The primary source of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis， family Leguminosae， while the primary source of Armeniacae Semen Amarum is the dried mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca， family Rosaceae. It is recommended to use Gypsum Ustum， stir-fried Sesami Semen Nigrum， stir-fried Armeniacae Semen Amarum， Asini Corii Colla bead， and honey-fried Eriobotryae Folium， and the rest of the raw products. According to the conversion of ancient and modern doses， the recommended dosages are 11.19 g for Mori Folium， 9.33 g for Gypsum Fibrosum， 3.73 g for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， 2.61 g for Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， 3.73 g for Sesami Semen Nigrum， 4.48 g for Ophiopogonis Radix， 2.61 g for Armeniacae Semen Amarum， 3.73 g for Eriobotryae Folium. The decoction method is to add 300 mL of water， decoct it down to 180 mL， remove the residue， and then add 2.98 g of Asini Corii Colla into the decoction. Take it warm after meals， two to three times a day. Qingzao Jiufeitang has the effects of clearing dryness and moistening the lungs， nourishing Yin and invigorating Qi. In ancient times， it was mainly used to treat stagnation and depression of various Qi， as well as paralysis， asthma and vomiting. In modern clinical practice， it is mostly used to treat diseases in respiratory system， otolaryngology， skin system and digestive system caused by warm-dry impairing lung， deficiency of both Qi and Yin. The above research results can provide a reference for the later development of Qingzao Jiufeitang.

BACKGROUND: While emotional distress, encompassing anxiety and depression, has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, its impact across various clinical departments and general hospitals has been less explored. Previous studies with limited sample sizes have examined the effectiveness of specific treatments (e.g., antidepressants) rather than a systemic management strategy for outcome improvement in non-psychiatric inpatients. To enhance the understanding of the importance of addressing mental health care needs among non-psychiatric patients in general hospitals, this study retrospectively investigated the impacts of emotional distress and the effects of early detection and management of depression and anxiety on hospital length of stay (LOS) and rate of long LOS (LLOS, i.e., LOS >30 days) in a large sample of non-psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 487,871 inpatients from 20 non-psychiatric departments of a general hospital. They were divided, according to whether they underwent a novel strategy to manage emotional distress which deployed the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) for brief screening with grading psychological services (BS-GPS), into BS-GPS ( n = 178,883) and non-BS-GPS ( n = 308,988) cohorts. The LOS and rate of LLOS between the BS-GPS and non-BS-GPS cohorts and between subcohorts with and without clinically significant anxiety and/or depression (CSAD, i.e., HEI score ≥11 on admission to the hospital) in the BS-GPS cohort were compared using univariable analyses, multilevel analyses, and/or propensity score-matched analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The detection rate of CSAD in the BS-GPS cohort varied from 2.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49%-2.81%) to 20.50% (95% CI: 19.43%-21.62%) across the 20 departments, with a average rate of 5.36%. Significant differences were observed in both the LOS and LLOS rates between the subcohorts with CSAD (12.7 days, 535/9590) and without CSAD (9.5 days, 3800/169,293) and between the BS-GPS (9.6 days, 4335/178,883) and non-BS-GPS (10.8 days, 11,483/308,988) cohorts. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounders using propensity score-matched comparisons. A multilevel analysis indicated that BS-GPS was negatively associated with both LOS and LLOS after controlling for sociodemographics and the departments of patient discharge and remained negatively associated with LLOS after controlling additionally for the year of patient discharge. CONCLUSION Emotional distress significantly prolonged the LOS and increased the LLOS of non-psychiatric inpatients across most departments and general hospitals. These impacts were moderated by the implementation of BS-GPS. Thus, BS-GPS has the potential as an effective, resource-saving strategy for enhancing mental health care and optimizing medical resources in general hospitals.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Psychological Distress ; Inpatients/psychology* ; Aged ; Anxiety/diagnosis* ; Depression/diagnosis*

Objective To investigate the short-term efficacy of arthroscopic total internal suture combined with platelet-rich plasma(PRP)in the treatment of lateral meniscal popliteal hiatus area injuries.Methods Forty-eight patients diagnosed with lateral meniscal popliteal hiatus area injuries in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected and divided into Fast-Fix total internal suture group(FF group,n=23)and Fast-Fix total internal suture combined with PRP group(PRP group,n=25)according to treatment methods.The positive rate of McMurray test at 6 and 12 months after surgery,the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)of pain,the International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)scores,the Lysholm Knee Function Scores,and the Knee Society Scores(KSS)were compared between the two groups.Results No adverse events such as vascular and nerve injury,fever and infection occurred in both groups.There was no significant difference between the two groups in the positive rates of McMurray test at 6 and 12 months(χ2=0.880,P=0.348;Fisher's exact test,P=0.479).In the PRP group,25 cases were followed up for11-14 months,with an average of(12.2±0.8)months;in the FF group,23 cases were followed up for11-14 months,with an average of(12.8±0.8)months.The VAS scores at 6 months and 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery in both groups(all P=0.000).The VAS scores of the PRP group at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than those of the FF group(P<0.05).Both groups showed significant improvements in IKDC,Lysholm,and KSS scores at 6 and 12 months after surgery compared to preoperative levels(all P=0.000).The IKDC,Lysholm,and KSS scores of the PRP group at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly higher than those of the FF group(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared to Fast-Fix total internal suture alone,PRP joint cavity adjuvant therapy based on Fast-Fix total internal suture surgery could reduce the postoperative pain of patients,and promote the functional recovery of the knee joint,which is more recommended in clinical practice.

Objective To explore the mechanism of the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)/thioredoxin-1(Trx-1)pathway in regulating the polarization of retinal microglia in rats after retinal ischemia-reperfusion(RIR)in rats,and to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of retinal ischemia reperfusion injury(RIRI).Methods For-ty-two healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a Sham group,a RIRI group and a TXNIP siRNA group.The right eye of the rats was experimented.For RIRI and TXNIP siRNA groups,RIRI models were established using the anterior chamber high intraocular pressure method.Rats in the TXNIP siRNA group were given the intravitreal injection of TXNIP siRNA 3 d before modeling.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to analyze retinal histopathologic changes of rats in all groups 24 h after modeling.Immunohistochemical staining of brain-specific homeobox/POU domain proteins 3A(Brn-3a)was made to count the number of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs).The dynamical changes in the number of TXNIP+cells 6 h,24 h,72 h and 7 d after modelling were analyzed through immunohistochemical staining in the RIRI group.The retinal microglia polarization and changes in the expression of TXNIP and Trx-1 proteins in each group were de-tected by double immunofluorescence staining and Western blot 24 h after modeling.Results HE staining results showed that 24 h after modelling,the retinal cells were disordered and the inner retinal layer was thickened and swelled in RIRI and TXNIP siRNA groups,compared with those in the Sham group(all P＜0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results of Brn-3a showed that 24 h after modeling,the number of Brn-3a+cells in RIRI and TXNIP siRNA groups significantly decreased,compared with that in the Sham group(both P＜0.05).The number of Brn-3a+cells in the TXNIP siRNA group was signifi-cantly higher than that in the RIRI group(P＜0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results of TXNIP at different time points after modeling showed that the expression of TXNIP+proteins started to increase 6 h after modeling.The TXNIP+protein level reached a peak at 24 h and then decreased gradually.Western blot results revealed that 24 h after modeling,RIRI and TXNIP siRNA groups had significantly higher TXNIP levels and significantly lower Trx-1 levels than the Sham group(all P＜0.05).Compared with those in the RIRI group,the expression of TXNIP proteins was significantly lower and the expression of Trx-1 proteins was significantly higher in the TXNIP siRNA group(both P＜0.05).Double immunofluores-cence staining showed that 24 h after modeling,Iba1+/CD206+cells were significantly more and Iba1+/CD16+cells were significantly less in the TXNIP siRNA group than those in the RIRI group(both P＜0.05).RIRI and TXNIP siRNA groups had significantly more Ibal+/TXNIP+cells and significantly less Iba1+/Trx-1+cells than the Sham group(both P＜0.05).The number of Iba1+/TXNIP+cells was significantly lower and the number of Iba1+/Trx-1+cells was significantly higher in the TXNIP siRNA group than those in the RIRI group(both P＜0.05).Conclusion RIR activates the TXNIP/Trx-1 path-way to induce the activation of retinal microglia and regulate the polarization of microglia,thereby resulting in RIRI in rats.

Objective:To report the follow-up status of patients participating phase Ⅲ clinical trial (ZGDD3) of Donafenib tosilate (abbreviated as Donafenib) in the treatment of progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC), and to explore its efficacy, safety and prognostic factors.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial, and the clinicopathological data and follow-up results of 29 patients (16 males, 13 females, age 40-68 years) who participated in the clinical trial ZGDD3 between August 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into Donafenib group and placebo group using the central dynamic randomization method with the ratio of 2∶1. Adverse reactions (AE) during the trial were observed. Independent-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve (log-rank test) and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:There were 22 patients in Donafenib group and 7 patients in placebo group. There were no significant differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups ( t values: -0.68, Z values: from -1.47 to -0.56, all P>0.05). The follow-up was 32.07(21.07, 49.85) months. During the trial, drug-related AEs occurred in all patients in Donafenib group, mostly was grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, no grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ AEs were found. The median PFS was significantly longer in Donafenib group than that in placebo group (13.23 vs 4.03 months; χ2=9.68, P=0.002), and the median OS was 55.00 and 24.30 months respectively ( χ2=2.07, P=0.150). Metastasis to less common sites was the independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio ( HR)=6.789, 95% CI: 1.272-36.246, P=0.025). Conclusions:Donafenib shows good clinical application in the treatment of RAIR-DTC, demonstrating good safety and efficacy. Metastasis to less common sites is closely related to OS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of melatonin(Mel)on inflammatory damage in the retina of rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)and the molecular mechanisms.Methods:Healthy neonatal SD rats were di-vided into the sham group(Sham),the model group(OIR),and the melatonin treatment group(OIR+Mel).The OIR model was induced by alternating 50%/10%oxygen concentration exposure for 14 d.The OIR+Mel group was in-jected intraperitoneally with 10 mg-kg-1 melatonin.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the morpho-logical changes in the retinal tissue;immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of retinal cleaved-caspase-1 and IL-1β proteins;and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of cGAS-STING-NL-RP3 signaling molecules and gasdermin(GSDMD)in the microglia of the retina.Results:HE staining results showed that compared with the Sham group,the retinal cells in the OIR group were disorganized and the thickness of the inner retina was significantly thinner,and the retinal cells in the OIR+Mel group were more neatly arranged compared with those in the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group decreased signifi-cantly compared with that of the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group de-creased significantly compared with that in the OIR group(P<0.05);The number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in-creased significantly in the OIR group compared with the Sham group,whereas the number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in the OIR+Mel group was significantly less than that in the OIR group,but still more than that in the Sham group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Mel inhibits the pyroptosis of retinal microglia,thus attenuates retinal inflammatory injury in OIR rats,and its mechanism may be related to the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system and head and neck region,mainly including papillary thyroid cancer(PTC),follicular thyroid cancer(FTC),medullary thyroid cancer(MTC)and anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Over the past few decades,the global incidence of thyroid cancer has risen rapidly,nearly doubling in some developed countries.Geographically,thyroid cancer incidence is higher in economically developed regions.Although the fastest increase in incidence has been observed in high-income countries,certain middle-income countries have also reported significant growth.Demographically,the incidence rate is notably higher in women than in men.In China,the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased significantly in recent years,while the mortality rate has remained stable at a low level.Urban areas report higher incidence rates than rural areas,and eastern coastal regions have higher rates compared to central and western regions.The etiology of thyroid cancer is multifaceted,with major risk factors including genetic predisposition,radiation exposure,iodine intake levels,endocrine disruptions,environmental and lifestyle factors.Among these,radiation exposure(particularly ionizing radiation during childhood)is a recognized critical risk factor.In addition,both insufficient and excessive iodine intake can disrupt thyroid function,thereby increasing disease risk.Genetic factors,such as familial clustering and gene(BRAF,RET/PTC,etc.)mutations,have been widely studied,while environmental pollution and modern lifestyles may also contribute to disease onset.Therefore,it is beneficial to conduct early screening for people with a family history of thyroid cancer,reduce unnecessary medical radiation exposure and conduct intervention on lifestyle-related risk factors such as obesity to prevent and control thyroid cancer.Most patients with thyroid cancer have a favorable prognosis.The main factors influencing the prognosis include pathological typing(PTC has a relatively better prognosis,while MTC and ATC have poorer prognoses),clinical staging(patients at TNM stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ have better prognoses,while those at stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ have worse ones),physiological factors(the overall prognosis of females is superior to that of males),genetic factors and environmental factors.Understanding the epidemiological trends and identifying factors influencing the onset and prognosis of thyroid cancer are essential for its prevention,treatment and health management.Future research should focus on identifying high-risk populations and developing targeted interventions to prevent and control thyroid cancer,reduce its disease burden,improve quality of life for patients,and lower healthcare costs.

Background and purpose:As one of the first-line treatment methods for differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC),131I treatment is an important therapeutic approach for most patients with medium-high recurrence risk DTC after total or near-total thyroidectomy.Risk stratification and real-time dynamic assessment before 131I treatment after surgery are important steps in deciding on 131I treatment,enabling individualized treatment.This retrospective study aimed to explore the role of diagnostic whole body scan(DxWBS)in the decision-making of treatment for DTC after surgery and before 131I therapy.Methods:DTC patients who underwent pre-ablation evaluation were included.Patients were divided into low,medium and high sTg groups based on their pre-131I treatment stimulated thyroglobulin(sTg)levels(＜1 ng/mL,1 ng/mL≤sTg＜10 ng/mL,sTg≥10 ng/mL).The concordance rates of DxWBS and post treatment whole body scan(RxWBS)in each patient of the whole cohort were compared.The lesion detection rate between DxWBS and RxWBS in different sTg level groups was also explored.The"thyroid stunning effect"by DxWBS was evaluated by RxWBS.Through these analyses,the role of DxWBS in 131I treatment decision-making and its predicting treatment objectives were assessed.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Peking Union Medical College,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(ethics number:JS-2151).Results:A total of 91 patients were included.The low,medium and high sTg groups accounted for 15.4%(14/91),34.1%(31/91)and 50.5%(46/91)of the patients,respectively.Comparison of DxWBS and RxWBS results in the same patients in each sTg group showed no evidence of a stunning effect on 131I treatment.The overall concordance rate between DxWBS and RxWBS was 89.0%(81/91);In different sTg level groups was 100.0%(14/14),90.3%(28/31),84.8%(39/46)respectively.Taking sTg levels into consideration,DxWBS accurately predicted the need for total thyroidectomy,with a 100%(20/20)agreement with RxWBS.Among the 71 patients who received adjuvant therapy and/or remnant ablation due to suspected elevated Tg or high recurrence risk stratification or the iodine-avid metastatic lesions identified by DxWBS,87.5%(63/71)showed only residual thyroid tissue by DxWBS;Through the purpose verification by RxWBS and single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)/CT,only 12.7%(9/71)of cases were verified as adjuvant or tumoricidal treatment due to iodine-avid cervical lymph node and/or lung metastasis identified by RxWBS,87.3%(62/71)were residual thyroid ablation.In the medium and high sTg group,the overall detection rate of functional cervical lymph node metastasis by DxWBS and RxWBS was 5.5%(5/91).For the detection of functional lung metastases,the overall detection rate of DxWBS was slightly lower than that of RxWBS(3.3%vs 5.5%).This indicates that DxWBS can be used to accurately pre-judge the purposes of 131I treatment,particularly for thyroid ablation and adjuvant therapy.Conclusion:DxWBS did not induce"thyroid stunning"effect.Integrating DxWBS as a theranostic tool into the real-time decision-making and evaluation system of 131I treatment,as well as with sTg and other biochemical indicators,may help to bridge the limitations of static evaluations based on pathology and clinical data,and provides a clear understanding and more precise objectives of 131I treatment.