Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with in vitro experiment verification, we explored the mechanism of action of Porana racemosa Roxb. (PRA) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and provided a modern pharmacological basis for the treatment of RA by PRA. The potential target of chemical components in the analyzed moth rattan was predicted by Swiss Target Prediction database; OMIM, GeneCards, TTD and Disgenet databases were used to search the disease targets of RA; the protein interaction (PPI) network and medicine-composition-target network were constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape software; GO (gene ontology) functional enrichment and KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis were carried out using DAVID database, and molecular docking software was used to dock the potentially active ingredients of PRA and core targets; finally, MH7A cells were selected for cell viability, scratch healing and mRNA expression level analysis of key genes to explore the effects of PRA and their potentially active ingredients on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MH7A cells. In this study, a total of 628 potentially active ingredient targets, 1 890 RA targets and 235 intersection targets were identified. It was screened that the potentially active ingredients of RA treatment by PRA were ethylcaffeate, N-p-coumaroyltyramine, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester and so on, and the core targets involved tumor necrosis factor (TNF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and so on. 1 200 GO entries and 166 KEGG pathway entries were obtained from the enrichment analysis; molecular docking results showed that N-p-coumaroyltyramine and ethylcaffeate had good binding activity with TNF, MMP9, cysteine-aspartate protease 3 (CASP3), PTGS2, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins. In vitro experiments showed that PRA, ethylcaffeate and N-p-coumaroyltyramine could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of MH7A cells, up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related gene CASP3 mRNA, and down-regulate the expression of MMP9, PTGS2 and BCL2 mRNA, and it can also down-regulate the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) mRNA and PI3K and p-AKT proteins. This study preliminarily revealed that the treatment of RA by PRA may be related to proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[Objective] To analyze the effects of different factors and red blood cell transfusion thresholds on the efficacy of neonatal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, in order to provide more references for neonatal transfusions to better achieve rational and effective blood use. [Methods] A retrospective collection of data from 282 neonates who received RBC transfusions at our hospital from 2022 to 2023 was conducted, including birth weight, gestational age, number of blood transfusions, length of hospital stay, assisted ventilation during RBC transfusion, and laboratory test results before and after transfusion. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis to comprehensively analyze the impact of different factors on the efficacy of RBC transfusion in neonates. [Results] The results showed that the gestational age and weight of newborns at birth were negatively correlated with their length of hospital stay and the number of RBC transfusions during hospitalization. Newborns with younger gestational age and lower weight had longer hospital stays and more RBC transfusions during hospitalization. After administering RBCs according to the standard of 15 mL/kg, there was a statistically significant difference in the efficacy of RBC transfusion at different transfusion thresholds. In non-critical situations, RBC transfusions were ineffective when the pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) level was >120 g/L. When the pre-transfusion Hb level was ≤70 g/L, RBC transfusions achieved higher efficacy in both critical and non-critical situations. [Conclusion] In critical situations, the group with pre-transfusion Hb values ≤ 70 g/L has the best RBC transfusion effect, while in non-critical situations, the group with pre-transfusion Hb levels between 81 and 90 g/L has the best RBC transfusion effect. Overall, the efficacy of RBC transfusion in non-critical situations is higher than that in critical situations.

This paper aimed to explore the intestinal toxicity of Euphoriae Ebracteolata Radix(EER) before and after being processed with Mongolian medicine Hezi Decoction(HZD) and the toxicity-reducing mechanism of this processing method. The intestinal toxicity in rats treated with unprocessed EER and HZD-processed EER extracts via 95% ethanol was compared. The comparison was based on several indicators, including fecal volume, serum diamine oxidase(DAO) and D-lactate(D-LA) levels, the water content of various intestinal segments and their contents, and inflammatory factor levels in intestinal segments. Tandem mass tag(TMT) quantitative proteomics technology was employed to analyze the key proteins associated with changes in intestinal toxicity between unprocessed EER and HZD-processed EER. The results indicated that compared with the blank group, unprocessed EER significantly increased the fecal volume, serum DAO and D-LA levels, water content of the ileal segment and its contents, as well as the release levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β) in the ileal segment of rats(P<0.05), indicating that EER can cause diarrhea, increase intestinal permeability, and induce intestinal inflammation. Compared with those in the unprocessed EER group, all indicators in the HZD-processed EER group were significantly reduced(P<0.05). The TMT quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that a total of 6 487 proteins were identified in the rat ileum tissue. Compared to the blank group, 182 proteins exhibited significant changes in the unprocessed EER group, while 907 proteins in the HZD-processed EER group showed significant changes. The intersection of the differential proteins between the two groups identified 38 common proteins. Among them, the protein levels of intestinal barrier tight junction protein claudin3, squalene monooxidase(Sqle), clusterin, Na~+/H~+ exchange regulatory cofactor NHE-RF3(Pdzk1), and Y+L amino acid transporter 1(Slc7a7) exhibited significant changes before and after processing, and these changes were closely related to intestinal barrier function. Compared with the blank group, the expression of claudin3, Pdzk1, and Slc7a7 in the raw product group was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05),while the expression of Sqle and clusterin was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).Compared with the raw product group, the expression of claudin3, Pdzk1, and Slc7a7 in the processed product group of HZD was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05), while the expression of Sqle and clusterin was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05). Western blot was used to detect the expression level of claudin 3 in the ileum of rats in each group. The results show that compared to that in the blank group, the expression level of claudin 3 in the unprocessed EER group was significantly reduced(P<0.01); compared to that in the unprocessed EER group, the expression level of claudin 3 in the HZD-processed EER group was significantly increased(P<0.01). This finding aligned with the proteomic outcomes, indicating that claudin 3 protein levels could serve as a crucial indicator for intestinal damage caused by EER. In summary, HZD-processed EER can reduce EER's intestinal toxicity, and the primary mechanism for its alleviation of intestinal barrier damage is the regulation of the intestinal barrier tight junction protein claudin 3 and other intestinal-related proteins.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Proteomics ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

Following the core outcome set standards for development(COS-STAD), this study aims to construct core outcome set(COS) for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of simple obesity. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the randomized controlled trial(RCT) and systematic review(SR) about TCM treatment of simple obesity that were published in Chinese and English databases to collect reported outcomes. Additional outcomes were obtained through semi-structured interviews with patients and open-ended questionnaire surveys for clinicians. All the collected outcomes were then merged and organized as an initial outcome pool, and then a preliminary list of outcomes was formed after discussion by the working group. Subsequently, two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted with clinicians, methodology experts, and patients to score the importance of outcomes in the list. Finally, a consensus meeting was held to establish the COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. A total of 221 RCTs and 12 SRs were included, and after integration of supplementary outcomes, an initial outcome pool of 141 outcomes were formed. Following discussions in the steering advisory group meeting, a preliminary list of 33 outcomes was finalized, encompassing 9 domains. Through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, the final COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity was determined to include 8 outcomes: TCM symptom scores, body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, visceral fat index, body fat rate, quality of life, and safety, which were classified into 4 domains: TCM-related outcomes, anthropometric measurements, quality of life, and safety. This study has preliminarily established a COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. It helps reduce the heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in similar clinical studies, thereby improving the comparability of research results and the feasibility of meta-analysis and providing higher-level evidence support for clinical practice.
Humans ; Obesity/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

Depression, a mental health disorder, has emerged as one of the significant challenges in the global public health domain. Investigating the pathogenesis of depression and accurately assessing the symptomatic changes are fundamental to formulating effective clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Utilizing non-invasive brain imaging technologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and scalp electroencephalography, existing studies have confirmed that the onset of depression is closely associated with abnormal neural activities and altered functional connectivity in multiple brain regions. Magnetoencephalography, unaffected by tissue conductivity and skull thickness, boasts high spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, offering unique advantages and significant value in revealing the abnormal brain mechanisms and neural characteristics of depression. This review, starting from the rhythmic characteristics, nonlinear dynamic features, and connectivity characteristics of magnetoencephalography in depression patients, revisits the research progress on magnetoencephalography features related to depression, discusses current issues and future development trends, and provides insights for the study of pathophysiological mechanisms, as well as for clinical diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Humans ; Magnetoencephalography/methods* ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Depression/diagnosis* ; Electroencephalography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Blood biochemical indicators are an important basis for the diagnosis and treatment by doctors. The performance of related instruments, the qualification of operators, the storage method and time of blood samples and other factors will affect the accuracy of test results. However, it is difficult to meet the clinical needs of rapid detection and early screening of diseases with currently available methods. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a new diagnostic technology with the characteristics of instant, portability, accuracy and efficiency. Microfluidic chips can provide an ideal experimental reaction platform for POCT. This paper summarizes the existing detection methods for common biochemical indicators such as blood glucose, lactic acid, uric acid, dopamine and cholesterol, and focuses on the application status of POCT based on microfluidic technology in blood biochemistry. It also summarizes the advantages and challenges of existing methods and prospects for development. The purpose of this paper is to provide relevant basis for breaking through the technical barriers of microfluidic and POCT product development in China.
Humans ; Point-of-Care Testing ; Lactic Acid/blood* ; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods* ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; Point-of-Care Systems ; Blood Chemical Analysis/instrumentation* ; Uric Acid/blood* ; Cholesterol/blood* ; Dopamine/blood* ; Microfluidics/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of correcting post-traumatic equinovarus deformity using Ilizarov external fixation technique combined with limited osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 29 patients with post-traumatic equinovarus deformity treated between July 2018 and March 2023. The cohort included 18 males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 57 years (mean, 24.3 years). All patients exhibited ankylosed ankle joints with equinovarus deformity. During surgery, external fixators were installed according to Ilizarov pinning principles, and minimally invasive osteotomy was performed at the ankle joint. Concurrently, soft tissue release was achieved via minimally invasive Achilles tendon lengthening. Postoperatively, multiplanar deformity correction was accomplished through gradual adjustment of the external fixator. The fixator was removed after bony union at the osteotomy site, followed by bracing. The surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, fixator wear time, and complications were recorded. Postoperative outcomes included assessment of deformity correction and bony union at the osteotomy site. Functional improvement and pain relief were evaluated using pre- and post-operative scores from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: All 29 patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months). The mean surgical duration was 85.6 minutes, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 110 mL. Full deformity correction was achieved within 26-80 days (mean, 40.7 days) through progressive fixator adjustments. At correction completion, all ankles restored to a neutral or 5°-10° dorsiflexed position with plantigrade foot function. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 3 patients (10.3%), resolved with local wound care, enhanced nursing, and oral antibiotics. No deep or systemic infections was observed. One patient sustained a calcaneal half-pin fracture due to a fall during fixator wear, but no bone fragment displacement occurred. No vascular or neurological complication was reported. Complete bony union was achieved at all osteotomy sites without nonunion. At last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from preoperative 42.7±8.7 to postoperative 65.7±9.3, and the VAS score decreased from preoperative 4.5±1.3 to postoperative 2.5±1.1, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Functional outcomes were rated as excellent in 14 cases, good in 13 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 93.1%. CONCLUSION The progressive correction strategy combining Ilizarov external fixation technique with limited foot osteotomy effectively corrects post-traumatic equinovarus deformity while preserving soft tissue integrity. This method is associated with minimal, largely controllable complications and achieves alignment stability and fusion outcomes comparable to traditional open surgery, making it an effective treatment for complex foot and ankle deformities.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Ilizarov Technique ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; External Fixators ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Clubfoot/etiology* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*

Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; RNA Interference ; Testis/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Mice, Knockout ; Histone Demethylases

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Meiosis/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/genetics* ; Adult ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Alleles ; Infertility, Male/genetics*