Irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment， including syndrome distribution， development of TCM formulas， clinical efficacy evaluation， external therapies， and psychosocial regulation. However， it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria， and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment， combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture， moxibustion and acupoint application）， and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies， artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas， so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.

ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma （ASR-PR） herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking， and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）. Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase （PharmGKB）， and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network， and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology （GO） analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR （2.06 g·kg^-1）， PR （2.06 g·kg^-1）， or ASR-PR （4.11 g·kg^-1） for 10 weeks， while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period， the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein （LDL）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 （Siberian glycoside A_qt）， MOL003889 （methyl protodioscin_qt）， MOL009766 （resveratrol）， MOL006331 （4′，5-dihydroxyflavone）， and MOL004941 （baicalin）， thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group， the model group had significantly increased body weight， body fat weight， and serum levels of TG， TC， TNF-α， IL-6， and leptin （P<0.01）. EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated （P<0.05）， while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group， with pronounced lipid vacuoles， cytoplasmic loosening， lipid accumulation， and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue （WAT） and brown adipose tissue （BAT） of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters， reduced cell counts per unit area， and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group， the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight， body fat weight， serum TC， IL-6， TNF-α， leptin levels， and EGFR mRNA expression （P<0.01）. TG levels were also significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased， and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components， modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways， repair damaged liver and adipose tissues， and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.

ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma （ASR-PR） herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking， and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）. Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase （PharmGKB）， and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network， and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology （GO） analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR （2.06 g·kg^-1）， PR （2.06 g·kg^-1）， or ASR-PR （4.11 g·kg^-1） for 10 weeks， while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period， the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein （LDL）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 （Siberian glycoside A_qt）， MOL003889 （methyl protodioscin_qt）， MOL009766 （resveratrol）， MOL006331 （4′，5-dihydroxyflavone）， and MOL004941 （baicalin）， thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group， the model group had significantly increased body weight， body fat weight， and serum levels of TG， TC， TNF-α， IL-6， and leptin （P<0.01）. EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated （P<0.05）， while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group， with pronounced lipid vacuoles， cytoplasmic loosening， lipid accumulation， and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue （WAT） and brown adipose tissue （BAT） of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters， reduced cell counts per unit area， and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group， the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight， body fat weight， serum TC， IL-6， TNF-α， leptin levels， and EGFR mRNA expression （P<0.01）. TG levels were also significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased， and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components， modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways， repair damaged liver and adipose tissues， and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.

BACKGROUND:According to existing clinical studies,vertebroplasty treatment with both the external pedicle approach and the pedicle approach can improve the pain and quality of life of patients with spinal compression fractures.Compared with the pedicle approach,the external pedicle approach has a freer puncture angle,and good bone cement dispersion effect can be obtained by adjusting the puncture angle. OBJECTIVE:To compare the impact of vertebroplasty through individualized unilateral external pedicle approach and bilateral pedicle approach on the treatment of spinal compression fractures by quantifying the dispersion effect of bone cement. METHODS:A total of 80 patients with thoracolumbar compression fracture were divided into two groups by random number table method.The bilateral pedicle group(n=40)underwent vertebroplasty through a bilateral pedicle approach,while the unilateral external pedicle group(n=40)underwent individualized vertebroplasty through a unilateral external pedicle approach.Anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the affected vertebrae from two groups of patients were photographed to assess effect and type of bone cement dispersion within 3 days after surgery.Visual analog scale score,tenderness threshold around fracture,and Oswestry dysfunction index were assessed before,1,7 days,and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dispersion effect of bone cement in unilateral external pedicle group was better than that in bilateral pedicle group(P<0.001),and the amount of bone cement perfusion was higher than that in bilateral pedicle group(P<0.001).In the bilateral pedicle group,the bone cement dispersion types were mainly concentrated in type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ,while in the unilateral external pedicle group,the bone cement dispersion types were mainly concentrated in type I and type Ⅱ,and there was a significant difference in bone cement dispersion types between the two groups(P<0.001).(2)Postoperative visual analog scale scores and Oswestry disability index of both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.001),and postoperative tenderness threshold around fracture showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing.At the same time point after treatment,there were no significant differences in visual analog scale score,Oswestry disability index,and tenderness threshold around fracture between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)The results indicate that individualized vertebroplasty via unilateral external pedicle approach can achieve better bone cement dispersion,and the treatment effect is consistent with the vertebroplasty via classical bilateral pedicle approach.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and depression/anxiety/sleep disturbances (D/A/S) in patients with chronic pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 tertiary hospitals across China, enrolling patients who experienced chronic pain between November 2023 and May 2024. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and TCM constitution categories were used to assess the patients. The association between the TCM constitution and the D/A/S ratio was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1107 patients (63.2% women) were analyzed. Compared with those with a balanced constitution, patients who had qi-deficiency and yin-deficiency were at a higher risk of depression. Qi-deficiency and yin-deficiency were associated with anxiety. Sleep disturbances were common in patients with qi-deficiency constitution (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–3.81), yang-deficiency constitution (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.26–2.98), yin-deficiency constitution (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.24–3.32), blood stasis constitution (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01–4.22), and qi-stagnation constitution (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.35–5.25).ConclusionIn patients with chronic pain, specific TCM constitutions may be associated with D/A/S. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the potential causal relationships between TCM constitution types and these conditions.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Objective To investigate the value of measuring optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)at different times after the return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)in evaluating the neurological function prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest(CA).Methods A total of 48 patients who successfully resuscitated from CA and transferred to the ICU in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from March 2021 to June 2024 were selected as subjects.ONSD was measured initially,12 to 24h,day 2 and day 3 after ROSC.According to the brain function score of 3 months after treatment cerebral performance categories(CPC),the patients were divided into poor neurological group(CPC 3-5 points,n=24)and neurological good group(CPC 1-2 points,n=24).The predictive value of ONSD measurements at each time for neurological outcome in CA patients was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results There were significant difference in ONSD from 12 to 24 h,days 2 and 3 between two groups(P＜0.001),and the area under the curve were 0.785,0.837 and 0.841,respectively.Conclusion Measuring the ONSD by ultrasonography at 12-24 hours,day 2,and day 3 after ROSC in post-CA patients have good value in predicting neurologic prognosis.Measurement of ONSD on day 2 may be the optimal time to evaluate the neurological prognosis of patients after CA.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of full-time full-endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (FELIF) using a bladed retractor fusion channel (BRFC) system with reversed-mounting designed instruments compared to a tubular fusion channel (TFC).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 101 cases of uniportal coaxial endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion performed between June 2018 and April 2023. Based on the type of fusion channel utilized, patients were divided into the TFC group (59 cases) and the BRFC group (42 cases). The BRFC technique involved neurological decompression, endplate preparation, and interbody fusion performed under full-time endoscopic monitoring with reversed-mounting designed instruments. Key parameters, including surgery duration, intraoperative estimated blood loss (IEBL), complication incidence, and interbody fusion rate (assessed by Bridwell criteria), were compared between the two groups. Clinical outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), were recorded preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Additionally, disc height at the fusion level was measured at one week postoperatively.Results:The mean follow-up duration was 42.9±12.1 months in the TFC group and 20.9±4.9 months in the BRFC group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of surgery duration, IEBL, complication incidence, or interbody fusion rate (Grade 1 or 2 by Bridwell criteria) ( P>0.05). For single-level cases, the TFC group showed significantly better short-term clinical outcomes than the BRFC group at one week postoperatively, with JOA scores of 23(20, 25) versus 20(18, 23) ( Z=3.020, P=0.003) and ODI scores of 16%(11%, 21%) versus 28%(21%, 41%) ( Z=4.740, P<0.001). For double-level cases, the JOA score in the TFC group [23(20, 25)] was also significantly better than that in the BRFC group [20(18, 21)] ( Z=2.054, P=0.040) at one week postoperatively. However, at the final follow-up, all clinical indicators showed no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The disc height at the fusion level significantly increased at one week postoperatively compared to preoperative measurements in both groups ( P<0.05). However, the BRFC group demonstrated a significantly more recovery of disc height at one week postoperatively [(1.46±0.28) cm] compared to the TFC group [(1.17±0.20) cm] ( t=5.947, P<0.001). Conclusion:Full-time FELIF using the BRFC system and reversed-mounting designed instruments is a feasible, safe, and effective approach. However, its short-term clinical outcomes appear inferior to traditional FELIF using the TFC system.