This study aims to systematically characterize the targeted effects of Quanduzhong Capsules on cartilage lesions in knee osteoarthritis by integrating spatial transcriptomics data mining and animal experiments validation, thereby elucidating the related molecular mechanisms. A knee osteoarthritis model was established using Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats, via a modified Hulth method. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was employed to detect knee osteoarthritis-associated pathological changes in knee cartilage. Candidate targets of Quanduzhong Capsules were collected from the HIT 2.0 database, followed by bioinformatics analysis of spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844) from cartilage tissues in clinical knee osteoarthritis patients to identify spatially specific disease genes. Furthermore, a "formula candidate targets-spatially specific genes in cartilage lesions" interaction network was constructed to explore the effects and major mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules in distinct cartilage regions. Experimental validation was conducted through immunohistochemistry using animal-derived biospecimens. The results indicated that Quanduzhong Capsules effectively inhibited the degenerative changes in the cartilage of affected joints in rats, which was associated with the regulation of Quanduzhong Capsules on the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2(BMPR2)-fibronectin 1(FN1)-matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2) signal axis in the articular cartilage surface and superficial zones, subsequently inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation leading to oxidative stress and inflammatory diffusion. In summary, this study clarifies the spatially specific targeted effects and protective mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules within pathological cartilage regions in knee osteoarthritis, providing theoretical and experimental support for the clinical application of this drug in the targeted therapy on the inflamed cartilage.
Animals ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Male ; Humans ; Capsules ; Female ; Disease Models, Animal

ObjectiveTo analyze the detected results of CD4⁺T lymphocytes and viral load in newly identified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in Huangpu District of Shanghai in 2023, to explore the correlation between them, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of targeted prevention and control measures and antiviral treatment programs. MethodsThe data of CD4 cell count, viral load and demographic characteristics of the newly infected patients living with HIV in Huangpu District, Shanghai in 2023 were collected and analyzed by using descriptive epidemiological method. ResultsThe mean CD4 cell count of the 67 newly identified HIV infected patients in Huangpu District was (301.22±235.19) cells·µL^-1, with a mean viral load of (5.15±1.28) ×10⁵ copies·mL^-1.There were statistically significant differences in CD4 cell count and viral load among different age groups (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences by gender and marital status (both P>0.05). The CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio both were negatively correlated with the lg value of viral load (r=-0.290, -0.378; P=0.027, 0.002). ConclusionThe CD4 cell counts of the newly identified HIV infected patients in Huangpu District in 2023 were generally low, the proportion of patients with high viral load was high, but the risk for elderly infected with HIV was high. The elderly have gradually become the key population for AIDS prevention and control in Huangpu District. It is recommended to expand HIV screening in the elderly to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and increase the rate of early detection and treatment.

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism* ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics* ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Humans ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tablets/administration & dosage*

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is an adverse event that occurs during long-term peritoneal dialysis, significantly impairing treatment efficiency and adversely affecting patient outcomes. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a principal active component derived from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, has exhibited anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in various settings. This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of AS-IV in the treatment of PF. METHODS: The PF mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% peritoneal dialysis fluid (100 mL/kg). The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HMrSV5 cells was induced by the addition of 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). The differentially expressed genes in HMrSV5 cells treated with AS-IV were screened using transcriptome sequencing analysis. The potential targets of AS-IV were screened using network pharmacology and analyzed using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. RESULTS: Administration of AS-IV at doses of 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg effectively mitigated the increase in peritoneal thickness and the development of fibrosis in mice with PF. The expression of the fibrosis marker α-smooth muscle actin in the peritoneum was significantly decreased in AS-IV-treated mice. The treatment of AS-IV (10, 20, and 40 μmol/L) significantly delayed the EMT of HMrSV5 cells induced by TGF-β, as demonstrated by the decreased number of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive cells, reduced migrated area, and decreased expression of fibrosis markers. A total of 460 differentially expressed genes were detected in AS-IV-treated HMrSV5 cells through transcriptome sequencing, with notable enrichment in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) signaling pathway. The reduced levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and p-AKT were detected in HMrSV5 cells with AS-IV treatment. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was predicted as a direct target of AS-IV, exhibiting strong hydrogen bond interactions. The activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway by the compound 740Y-P, and the activation of the EGFR pathway by NSC 228155 each partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of AS-IV on the EMT of HMrSV5 cells. CONCLUSION AS-IV delayed the EMT process in peritoneal mesothelial cells and slowed the progression of PF, potentially serving as a therapeutic agent for the early prevention and treatment of PF. Please cite this article as: Huang Y, Chu CL, Qiu WH, Chen JY, Cao LX, Ji SY, Zhu B, Wang GK, Shen QQ. Astragaloside IV delayed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of EGFR and PI3K-AKT pathways. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):694-705.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects* ; Animals ; Saponins/pharmacology* ; Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Peritoneal Fibrosis/pathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; ErbB Receptors/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Male ; Humans ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Cell Line ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.In line with global advancements,two anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies have been approved and successfully launched in China for clinical use.Lecanemab and Donanemab were officially used in June 2024 and April 2025 in China,respectively.In order to standardize the rational and safe application of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease in China,this article integrates recom-mendations from the clinical trials and real-world experience from the author's team and domestic peers to further update the recom-mendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody based on the 2024 version.It includes indications for therapy,pre-treatment evaluation and preparation,administration protocols and safety measures during treatment,and post-treatment monitor-ing strategies.

Readiness for Hospital Discharge(RHD)refers to a multidimensional assessment of a patient's ability to transition safely from hospital to home,encompassing physiological stability,psychological preparedness,and social support adequacy.For patients requiring Home Nutrition Support(HNS),discharge readiness is particularly critical due to their heightened need for post-discharge specialized care,which significantly influences long-term recovery and quality of life.This paper reviews the concept,influencing factors,and unmet needs of RHD in patients with HNS and proposes targeted strategies to enhance discharge preparedness.By addressing gaps in current practices,we aim to optimize RHD in this vulnerable population and provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for developing effective discharge plans.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a chronic progressive osteoarthropathy in the elderly.Osteoclast activation plays a crucial role in the occurrence of subchondral bone loss in early OA.However,the specific mechanism of osteoclast differentiation in OA remains unclear.In our study,gene expression profiles related to OA disease progression and osteoclast activation were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)repository.GEO2R and Funrich analysis tools were employed to find differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses demonstrated that chemical carcinogenesis,reactive oxygen species(ROS),and response to oxidative stress were mainly involved in osteoclast differentiation in OA subchondral bone.Furthermore,fourteen DEGs that are associated with oxidative stress were identified.The first ranked differential gene,heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),was selected for further validation.Related results showed that osteoclast activation in the pathogenesis of OA subchondral bone is accompanied by the downregulation of HMOX1.Carnosol was revealed to inhibit osteoclastogenesis by targeting HMOX1 and upregulating the expression of antioxidant protein in vitro.Meanwhile,carnosol was found to alleviate the severity of OA by inhibiting the activation of subchondral osteoclasts in vivo.Our research indicated that the activation of osteoclasts due to subchondral bone redox dysplasia may serve as a significant pathway for the advancement of OA.Targeting HMOX1 in subchondral osteoclasts may offer novel insights for the treatment of early OA.

Objective:To establish a prediction method of diopter based on sequence of ocular biological parameters.Methods:A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to extract the dataset. The dataset consisted of data collected from January 2022 to January 2023 by the Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, from children aged 5 to 13 years in 2 key schools and 2 general schools of Yangpu District, Shanghai. Children’s ocular biological parameters, including sex, age, diopter, axial length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth were collected. The slope of the optimally fitted straight line was calculated using the least squares method. The least square-back propagation (BP) neural network model was established by combining baseline data and the pre-processed rate of the change of ocular biological parameters. The dataset was divided into the training set and the validation set according to the ratio of 8:2 for five-fold cross-validation. The model performance was evaluated by using the mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient R, and coefficient of determination R2. Results:The optimal performances of R2, R, RMSE, MAE, and MSE of the least square-BP neural network model were 0.96, 0.981 9, 0.214 2, 0.139 9 D, 0.045 9, respectively. The regression equation between the predicted value and the true value of the diopter was y=0.97 x+ 0.014 8, R2=0.97, with good correlation. In the internal verification, MAE values of the diopter at three, six, nine, and twelve months of follow-up were 0.110 1, 0.136 0, 0.153 7, and 0.184 8 D, respectively, which achieved clinically acceptable performance (less than 0.25 D). In the external validation, the errors were less than 0.25 D at all ages. Conclusions:A prediction method of diopter based on sequence of ocular biological parameters was successfully developed.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of home exercise on pain, function and quality of life after operation for rotator cuff injury. MethodsFrom June, 2023 to June, 2024, 45 patients after operation for rotator cuff injury were selected from Xuzhou Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University and Xuzhou Central Hospital, and randomly divided into conventional group (n = 15), home-based group (n = 15) and combined group (n = 15). The conventional group received an eight-week routine rehabilitation program in hospital, the home-based group received an eight-week home exercise prescription training, and the combined group first received four weeks of routine rehabilitation in hospital, and followed by four weeks of home exercise prescription training. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale (UCLA), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and the Short-form of Health Survey-36 (SF-36) before treatment, and four and eight weeks after treatment. ResultsVAS scores decreased in all the three groups four and eight weeks after treatment (Z > 2.964, P < 0.001), which was the most in the home-based group four weeks after treatment (|Z| > 2.531, P < 0.05). The main effect of time was significant in scores of UCLA, CMS, and physical health and mental health of SF-36 (F > 498.102, P < 0.001), which improved after treatment (P < 0.001). The main effect of group was significant in score of mental health of SF-36 (F = 7.408, P = 0.002), which was the most in the home-based group four and eight weeks after treatment (P < 0.01). The interaction was significant in score of physical health of SF-36 (F = 10.138, P < 0.001), which was the least in the home-based group four weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). The main effect of time was significant in every direction of ROM, which improved after treatment (P < 0.001). The interaction was significant in ROM of abduction and external rotation (F > 4.059, P < 0.01), and almost significant in ROM of flexion (F = 2.412, P = 0.055). However, ROM of flexion was less in the home-based group than in the combined group four weeks after treatment (P = 0.047), which was less in the home-based group than in the conventional group eight weeks after treatment (P = 0.042); ROM of abduction was the least in the home-based group four weeks after treatment (P < 0.01), which was less in the home-based group than in the combined group eight weeks after treatment (P = 0.046); ROM of external rotation was less in the home-based group than in the combined group four weeks after treatment (P = 0.022). ConclusionHome exercise is effective on pain, function and quality of life in patients after operation for rotator cuff injury. There are benefits with both home exercise and institution-based rehabilitation, and almost the same in a whole eight weeks after treatment.