Objective:To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rougan Tongluo Decoction on ischemic stroke induced motor disorder rats based on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/Gasdermin D(GSDMD)/Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1(Caspase-1)pathway.Methods:Establishing a rat model of ischemic stroke with motor disorders using the modified suture method.The rats were randomly divided into model control group,Rougan Tongluo Decoction low,medium and high dose groups and butylphthalide soft capsule group,with 10 rats in each group,Another 10 rats were selected as sham surgery group.After 28 days of administration,the neurological function of rats in each group was evaluated by the Zea-Longa scoring method;The forelimb grasping force of rats in each group was detected by grip tester;The coordination ability of rats was evaluated by rat-mouse rotarod instrument;The expression of NLRP3,GSDMD,Caspase-1 protein and Interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:The NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD protein and IL-1β expression Zea-Longa score in the cerebral cortex of the model control group were significantly higher than those in sham surgery group,the forelimb grasping force was lower than that in sham surgery group,and the latency period for turning the baton was shorter than that in sham surgery group(P＜0.05).The Zeba-Longa score,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD protein and IL-1 β expression in the cerebral cortex the butylphthalide soft capsule group,low dose,medium dose,high dose Rougan Tongluo decoction group were lower than those in model control group,the forelimb grasping force was higher than that in model control group,and the latency period for turning the baton was longer than that in model control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Rougan Tongluo Decoction may alleviate inflammatory response by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to improve neurological function and motor ability in ischemic stroke induced motor disorder rats.

Objective:To explore the differences between the Phoenix sepsis scoring system including Phoenix sepsis score (PSS) and Phoenix-8 organ dysfunction score (hereinafter referred to as Phoenix-8) and the commonly used pediatric sepsis scores in evaluating clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of pediatric patients with severe sepsis diagnosed under traditional standards, namely the diagnostic criteria from the 2005 International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From December 2020 to March 2023, 202 pediatric patients with severe sepsis meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Based on the sepsis diagnostic criteria outlined in the International Consensus Criteria for Pediatric Sepsis and Septic Shock (2024), the pediatric patients were categorized into a sepsis group and a non-sepsis group. Sepsis group was further subdivided into a death subgroup and a survival subgroup based on the outcomes. The age, hospitalization costs, disease outcome indicators (e.g., mortality rate and incidence of septic shock), major organ (e.g., heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys) damage and their correlations, as well as PSS, Phoenix-8 and commonly used pediatric sepsis scores (e.g., pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA), pediatric risk of mortality score Ⅲ (PRISM Ⅲ), pediatric logistic organ dysfunction-2 score (PELOD-2), pediatric multiple organ dysfunction score (P-MODS), pediatric critical illness score (PCIS), and pediatric early warning score (PEWS)) were collected and compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and precision-recall curve were plotted to evaluate the predictive ability of PSS, Phoenix-8, and commonly used pediatric sepsis scores for mortality risk in pediatric patients with severe sepsis under traditional standards. Predictive performance was quantified using the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). Univariate logistic regression analysis was employed to quantify the odds ratios of PSS and Phoenix-8 for predicting mortality risk. Patients with severe sepsis under traditional standards were further stratified into subgroups based on complications and comorbidities, including central nervous system (CNS) diseases, multiple infections, cardiovascular system diseases, shock, and malignancies. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to assess calibration of PSS and Phoenix-8, and the DeLong test was used to compare whether there were statistically significant differences in the AUROC of PSS and Phoenix-8 for predicting mortality risk among different subgroups of pediatric patients. Results:Compared with those in non-sepsis group, pediatric patients in sepsis group were significantly older ( Z=-2.92, P<0.05) with higher incidences of septic shock and mortality, hospitalization costs, PRISM Ⅲ, PEWS, pSOFA, PELOD-2, PSS, and Phoenix-8 (with χ2 values of 21.28 and 13.64, respectively, Z values of -1.99, -5.33, -5.10, -8.55, -6.91, -10.98, and -9.93, respectively, P<0.05), and lower PCIS ( Z=-3.34, P<0.05). Compared with those in survival subgroup, hospitalization costs, PSS, Phoenix-8, PRISM Ⅲ, PEWS, pSOFA, PELOD-2, and P-MODS of pediatric patients in death subgroup was significantly higher (with Z values of -2.50, -3.50, -2.47, -5.11, -3.84, -2.94, -3.61, and -3.04, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with those in survival subgroup, the incidences of lung damage and liver damage of pediatric patients in death subgroup were also significantly higher (with χ2 values of 6.20 and 10.94, respectively, P<0.05), and 64.7% (97/150) of patients exhibited two or more concurrent organ damage. For predicting mortality risk in pediatric patients with severe sepsis under traditional standards, the AUROC values for PRISM Ⅲ, PCIS, PEWS, pSOFA, PELOD-2, P-MODS, PSS, and Phoenix-8 were approximately 0.70, with optimal cutoff values of 17.5, 91.0, 5.5, 4.5, 2.5, 4.5, 3.5, and 4.5, respectively; PELOD-2 demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.83); while PRISM Ⅲ, PSS, and Phoenix-8 showed high specificity (>0.80). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that for every 1-point increase in the PSS within 24 hours of pediatric intensive care unit admission, the relative risk of mortality increased by 63.7% (with odds ratio of 1.64, 95% confidence interval of 1.34-1.99, P<0.05). Similarly, for every 1-point increase in the Phoenix-8, the relative risk of mortality increased by 37.5% (with odds ratio of 1.38, 95% confidence interval of 1.18-1.60, P<0.05). The AUROC values (around 0.80) of PSS and Phoenix-8 for predicting mortality risk in pediatric patients with severe sepsis combined with CNS diseases, multiple infections, and cardiovascular system diseases were relatively high. In contrast, the AUROC values (0.60-0.80) for predicting mortality risk in pediatric patients with severe sepsis combined with shock or malignant tumors were moderate. All models passed the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test ( P>0.05). The DeLong test indicated no statistically significant differences in predictive ability between PSS and Phoenix-8 across subgroups of pediatric patients ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PSS and Phoenix-8 exhibited higher specificity than most of the commonly used pediatric sepsis scores in predicting mortality risk under traditional standards. Both scores performed much better in predicting the mortality risk in pediatric patients with severe sepsis combined with CNS diseases, multiple infections, and cardiovascular system diseases.

Objective To establish a scientific and feasible Chinese medicine(CM)comprehensive control and prevention program for elderly hypertension with early renal damage(EH-ERD)patients through high-level evidence-based medicine(EBM)evidence.Methods On the basis of literature research and evidence evaluation,we construct a database of specific prescriptions and implementation methods of CM comprehensive control and prevention program with EH-ERD.40 senior titled-experts were consulted in two rounds of questionnaires based on Delphi methods.We selected,evaluated,and revised specific CM comprehensive control and prevention program of EH-ERD through the analysis of multiple factors,such as expert's positive activity coefficient,authority coefficient,degree of opinion concentration and degree of coordination.Results In view of the CM appropriate intervention techniques with high-grade evidence(level Ⅰ and Ⅱ)and recommendation(level A and B),we have developed the CM comprehensive control and prevention plan items for EH-ERD.The activity coefficients in two-round consultation were 92.5%and 97.14%respectively,the overall authority coefficient(Cr)was exceeded 0.70,and the coordination coefficient was less than 0.25.With a sound activity coefficient,a relatively high Cr and a rather unified degree of opinion concentration and coordination,the CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD was established,which included six primary indicators(CM compound preparation,acupuncture and massage,CM health education,medicinal diet therapy,health care exercise and foot bath)and seventeen secondary indicators.Conclusion The CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD established in this study can provide a basis for the further formation of expert consensus or guidelines.Moreover,it can supply the strategy and paradigm for standardization of CM-based health management of EH-ERD.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the antioxidant Tempol on the skin depigmentation of a vitiligo-like mouse model induced by the combination of the endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer AAPH and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) -180 nonapeptide.Methods:A vitiligo-like skin depigmentation model was established by immunizing mice with injections of a TRP2-180 nonapeptide mixture into the foot pads twice and into the tails twice, with the injection interval being 1 week. After the first injection, 12 immune-induced mouse models of vitiligo were randomly divided into 4 groups (3 mice per group) : a model group, an AAPH group, a Tempol group, and a combined treatment group; additionally, 3 untreated mice injected with an ovalbumin (OVA) 257-264 peptide served as a sham control group. Mice in the AAPH group, the Tempol group, and the combined treatment group were subcutaneously injected with AAPH into the tails, intraperitoneally injected with Tempol, and received the above both treatments, respectively, while mice in the model group and the sham control group received phosphate-buffered saline injections into the tail and/or abdomen. Drug interventions were carried out 3 times per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Six weeks after the last immunization, mice were sacrificed. The area of depigmented macules on the tail was measured using a point-counting method, X-gal staining and double immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess the distribution and number of melanocytes, mast cells, and CD8 + T cells in depigmented macules on the tail. HaCaT cells were in vitro co-cultured with AAPH and/or Tempol, and a conventional culture group served as the control. Cellular ROS levels were measured by dichlorofluorescin diacetate labeling and flow cytometry; Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and stem cell factor (SCF) in cell lysates, and to detect soluble SCF levels in the culture supernatant. Comparisons among multiple groups were conducted using one-way analysis of variance, and multiple comparisons were performed using least significant difference- t test. Results:Depigmented macules were observed on the tails of mice in all groups except the sham control group. The area of depigmented macules was significantly larger in the AAPH group (7.27 ± 0.31 cm 2) than in the model group and combined treatment group (3.53 ± 0.21 cm 2, 4.07 ± 0.40 cm 2; t = 13.48, 11.56, respectively, both P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the Tempol group (3.30 ± 0.40 cm 2) and the model group ( P = 0.424). X-gal staining and double immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of melanocytes in the normal skin around the depigmented macules was significantly lower in the AAPH group and the combined treatment group than in the model group ( t = 6.31, 5.16, respectively, both P < 0.001), and no significant difference was observed between the AAPH group and the combined treatment group ( P = 0.516). The numbers of CD8 + T cells and mast cells were significantly higher in the AAPH group than in the model group and the combined treatment group (all P < 0.001). The numbers of the 3 types of cells mentioned above in the Tempol group did not differ from those in the model group (all P > 0.05). The ROS levels in HaCaT cells in the AAPH group were the highest, and significantly higher than those in the control group and the combined treatment group (both P < 0.001). Western blot analysis showed that the MMP9 level in the cell lysates and soluble SCF level in the culture supernatant were significantly higher in the AAPH group than in the control group and the combined treatment group (all P < 0.05) ; no significant difference was observed in the membrane-bound SCF level in cell lysates among the groups ( F = 0.06, P = 0.977) . Conclusion:The antioxidant Tempol could inhibit the formation of skin depigmented macules in vitiligo-like mouse models under AAPH-induced oxidative stress.

Objective:To investigate effects of rutin on ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) -induced human dermal fibroblast (FB) senescence and melanogenesis in mouse ear skin.Methods:The third- to fifth-passage FBs were divided into 4 groups: a blank control group, a UVR group, a rutin group, and a combined treatment group. In the UVR group, FBs were irradiated using an ultraviolet irradiator at a single dose of 0.6 J/cm 2 UVA combined with 0.03 J/cm 2 UVB once daily for 5 consecutive days; FBs in the rutin group were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the combined treatment group received both UVR and the treatment with 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the blank control group underwent no treatment. β-Galactosidase staining was performed to assess the senescence of FBs, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure the telomere length in FBs, and Western blot analysis to detect the expression levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in FB cell lysates and culture supernatants. FB culture supernatants were collected from each group, and mixed with M254 medium at a ratio of 3∶1 to prepare conditioned medium, which was then used to treat PIG1 melanocytes for 24 hours. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the tyrosinase (TYR) expression in PIG1 melanocytes in each group, while the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay was applied to assess the proliferative activity of PIG1 cells in each group. Ten Dct-LacZ transgenic mice were divided into a control group and a UVR group. For each mouse, 5% rutin-containing cream was topically applied to the right ear after UVR, while the left ear treated with the cream base alone served as a control. Skin biopsies were performed after 4 weeks, followed by X-gal staining and Avidin/fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining to count the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in mouse ear skin. Results:In the UVR group, the number of senescent FBs (25.67 ± 2.89), relative protein expression levels of SCF (1.95 ± 0.22), and relative levels of SCF in the cell culture supernatant (1.52 ± 0.34) were all significantly higher than those in the blank control group (5.67 ± 1.56, 0.95 ± 0.11, 1.01 ± 0.31, respectively), while these indicators were significantly lower in the combined treatment group (12.00 ± 1.63, 1.32 ± 0.19, 1.15 ± 0.32, respectively) than in the UVR group (all P < 0.05). The relative telomere length in FBs was significantly shorter in the UVR group (0.49 ± 0.12) than in the blank control group (0.94 ± 0.11; LSD- t = 3.15, P = 0.021), but significantly longer in the combined treatment group (0.81 ± 0.13) than in the UVR group (LSD- t = 4.30, P = 0.034). After the treatment with FB conditioned medium, the relative expression level of TYR in PIG1 melanocytes and the number of EdU-positive cells were significantly higher in the UVR group (2.54 ± 0.21, 33.54 ± 3.21, respectively) than in the blank control group (0.97 ± 0.19, 21.45 ± 2.51, respectively; both P < 0.001), but significantly lower in the combined treatment group (1.63 ± 0.12, 18.54 ± 3.87, respectively) than in the UVR group (both P < 0.001). X-gal staining and Avidin/FITC staining showed that the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in the mouse left ear skin in the UVR group (5.00 ± 1.22, 98.60 ± 8.47, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the mouse left ear skin in the control group (1.80 ± 0.45, 53.80 ± 5.76, respectively) and those in the mouse right ear skin treated with the rutin-containing cream in the UVR group (2.80 ± 0.45, 69.60 ± 8.89, respectively) (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Rutin may inhibit UVR-induced skin melanogenesis by suppressing the senescence of dermal FBs and paracrine secretion of SCF.

Objective To establish a scientific and feasible Chinese medicine(CM)comprehensive control and prevention program for elderly hypertension with early renal damage(EH-ERD)patients through high-level evidence-based medicine(EBM)evidence.Methods On the basis of literature research and evidence evaluation,we construct a database of specific prescriptions and implementation methods of CM comprehensive control and prevention program with EH-ERD.40 senior titled-experts were consulted in two rounds of questionnaires based on Delphi methods.We selected,evaluated,and revised specific CM comprehensive control and prevention program of EH-ERD through the analysis of multiple factors,such as expert's positive activity coefficient,authority coefficient,degree of opinion concentration and degree of coordination.Results In view of the CM appropriate intervention techniques with high-grade evidence(level Ⅰ and Ⅱ)and recommendation(level A and B),we have developed the CM comprehensive control and prevention plan items for EH-ERD.The activity coefficients in two-round consultation were 92.5%and 97.14%respectively,the overall authority coefficient(Cr)was exceeded 0.70,and the coordination coefficient was less than 0.25.With a sound activity coefficient,a relatively high Cr and a rather unified degree of opinion concentration and coordination,the CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD was established,which included six primary indicators(CM compound preparation,acupuncture and massage,CM health education,medicinal diet therapy,health care exercise and foot bath)and seventeen secondary indicators.Conclusion The CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD established in this study can provide a basis for the further formation of expert consensus or guidelines.Moreover,it can supply the strategy and paradigm for standardization of CM-based health management of EH-ERD.

Objective:To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rougan Tongluo Decoction on ischemic stroke induced motor disorder rats based on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/Gasdermin D(GSDMD)/Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1(Caspase-1)pathway.Methods:Establishing a rat model of ischemic stroke with motor disorders using the modified suture method.The rats were randomly divided into model control group,Rougan Tongluo Decoction low,medium and high dose groups and butylphthalide soft capsule group,with 10 rats in each group,Another 10 rats were selected as sham surgery group.After 28 days of administration,the neurological function of rats in each group was evaluated by the Zea-Longa scoring method;The forelimb grasping force of rats in each group was detected by grip tester;The coordination ability of rats was evaluated by rat-mouse rotarod instrument;The expression of NLRP3,GSDMD,Caspase-1 protein and Interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:The NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD protein and IL-1β expression Zea-Longa score in the cerebral cortex of the model control group were significantly higher than those in sham surgery group,the forelimb grasping force was lower than that in sham surgery group,and the latency period for turning the baton was shorter than that in sham surgery group(P＜0.05).The Zeba-Longa score,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD protein and IL-1 β expression in the cerebral cortex the butylphthalide soft capsule group,low dose,medium dose,high dose Rougan Tongluo decoction group were lower than those in model control group,the forelimb grasping force was higher than that in model control group,and the latency period for turning the baton was longer than that in model control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Rougan Tongluo Decoction may alleviate inflammatory response by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to improve neurological function and motor ability in ischemic stroke induced motor disorder rats.

Cervical spine health issues not only seriously affect patients' quality of life but also impose a heavy burden on the social healthcare system. Existing guidelines lack sufficient clinical guidance on lifestyle and work habits, such as exercise, posture, daily routine, and diet, making it difficult to meet practical needs. To address this, relying on the China Association of Chinese Medicine, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences took the lead and joined hands with more than ten institutions to form a multidisciplinary guideline development group. For the first time, the group developed the Guidelines for Cervical Spine Health Intervention based on evidence-based medicine methods, strictly following the standardized procedures outlined in the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development and the Guiding Principles for the Formulation/Revision of Clinical Practice Guidelines in China (2022 Edition). This proposal systematically explains the methods and steps for developing the guideline, aiming to make the guideline development process scientific, standardized, and transparent.
Humans ; Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards* ; Cervical Vertebrae ; China

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.
Male ; Humans ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Apoptosis/physiology* ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Fibrosis ; Penis/pathology* ; Animals ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology*

Accurate prediction of drug-target interactions (DTIs) plays a pivotal role in drug discovery, facilitating optimization of lead compounds, drug repurposing and elucidation of drug side effects. However, traditional DTI prediction methods are often limited by incomplete biological data and insufficient representation of protein features. In this study, we proposed KG-CNNDTI, a novel knowledge graph-enhanced framework for DTI prediction, which integrates heterogeneous biological information to improve model generalizability and predictive performance. The proposed model utilized protein embeddings derived from a biomedical knowledge graph via the Node2Vec algorithm, which were further enriched with contextualized sequence representations obtained from ProteinBERT. For compound representation, multiple molecular fingerprint schemes alongside the Uni-Mol pre-trained model were evaluated. The fused representations served as inputs to both classical machine learning models and a convolutional neural network-based predictor. Experimental evaluations across benchmark datasets demonstrated that KG-CNNDTI achieved superior performance compared to state-of-the-art methods, particularly in terms of Precision, Recall, F1-Score and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPR). Ablation analysis highlighted the substantial contribution of knowledge graph-derived features. Moreover, KG-CNNDTI was employed for virtual screening of natural products against Alzheimer's disease, resulting in 40 candidate compounds. 5 were supported by literature evidence, among which 3 were further validated in vitro assays.
Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Machine Learning ; Drug Discovery/methods* ; Algorithms ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods*