ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.

Objective To investigate the effects of Simo decoction on duodenal microinflammation and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)/gasdermin D(GSDMD)signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods The FD model was established by multifactorial method.SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group(FD model),positive control group(gavage administration of 0.305 mg·kg-1 mosapride injection)and experimental-H,-M,-L groups(gavage administration of 5.62,2.81,1.40 g·kg-1 Simo decoction).Small intestinal advancement rate and gastric emptying rate was determined;the levels of interleukin(IL)-1 β and IL-18 in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);the protein expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in duodenal tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results The gastric emptying rates of normal,model,positive control and experimental-H,-M,-Lgroupswere(58.34±5.72)％,(29.16±8.37)％,(48.77±6.10)％,(48.35±6.04)％,(48.20±3.49)％and(39.24±4.20)％;the small intestinal propulsion rates were(82.01±7.55)％,(41.95±9.53)％,(64.61±10.18)％,(75.04±9.76)％,(60.58±7.13)％and(45.89±7.40)％;serum IL-1 β expression were(12.86±0.88),(43.73±4.60),(18.84±0.86),(24.61±1.57),(19.14±0.77)and(29.04±0.72)pg·mL-1;IL-18 expressions were(95.00±3.74),(170.60±8.78),(108.50±3.05),(118.90±3.45),(99.90±8.70)and(141.00±3.71)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of NLRP3 proteins were 0.32±0.02,0.84±0.05,0.42±0.03,0.48±0.02,0.61±0.04 and 0.62±0.05;the relative expression levels of GSDMD proteins were 0.34±0.05,0.93±0.06,0.35±0.03,0.52±0.02,0.53±0.06 and 0.55±0.05,respectively.Compared with the normal group,the above indexes in the model group have statistical significance;compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group and the positive control group also have statistical significance(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05).Conclusion Simo decoction can effectively improve the general condition and duodenal microinflammation in FD rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of duodenal NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 inhibitor(SGLT2i)has steadily demonstrated benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes complicated with cardiovascular diseases based on evidence-based medicine,but its precise mechanism is yet unknown.We identified type 2 diabetes patients with HFpEF by searching PubMed,Web of Science,China knowledge network(CNKI),and other databases.We then summarized the pathological mechanism of HFpEF caused by type 2 diabetes.At the same time,to link to evidence-based medical,we explored the future of SGLT2i in clinical application.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control. Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake. Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors. Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.

This paper reviewed the research progress in the differentiation and treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the recent 10 years.PLGC refers to the intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of gastric mucosa developed from chronic atrophic gastritis.As an intermediate stage between chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer,PLGC progresses slowly.TCM has certain advantages in the treatment of PLGC.PLGC can be mainly differentiated as five TCM syndrome types:spleen-stomach weakness syndrome,damp-heat in the spleen and stomach syndrome,qi stagnation in the liver and stomach syndrome,stasis obstruction in the stomach collateral syndrome,and stomach-yin deficiency syndrome.The popularization of gastroscopy technology has promoted the development of microscopic syndrome differentiation of gastric diseases.The combination of microscopic syndrome differentiation and macroscopic syndrome differentiation provides more theoretical supports for the TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment of PLGC.The basic pathogenesis of PLGC is due to the weakness of spleen and stomach and the disordered qi movement in the spleen and stomach,complicated by the accumulation of pathological factors such as damp-heat,stasis-toxin,phlegm-damp,and then the stomach-yin will be consumed over time.An amount of clinical studies on the treatment of PLGC with Chinese medicine have been carried out in recent years.The Chinese medicine treatment of PLGC is mainly through benefiting qi and invigorating spleen,assisted by the methods of soothing liver and activating blood,resolving dampness and eliminating stasis,resolving stasis and removing toxins,and nourishing yin and benefiting stomach,so as to prevent the PLGC progressing to gastric cancer.There are few studies on acupuncture treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.Therefore,it is necessary to carry out more strict and standardized multi-center large-sample RCTs,and to further study the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for PLGC,in order to provide more high-level evidence for the treatment of PLGC with TCM therapy.

In recent years,the development of acupuncture and moxibustion(shortened as acup-moxibustion)has flourished.With the verification of clinical efficacy of acup-moxibustion,its basic research has gradually drawn the attention of the practitioners accordingly.But how to scientifically perform the basic research of acup-moxibustion and to serve the clinic effectively has become a major problem for the contemporary Chinese medicine practitioners.By analyzing the characteristics of acup-moxibustion-related research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,this paper outlined the current status of domestic research of acup-moxibustion,and proposed four suggestions after analyzing the problems and weaknesses of acup-moxibustion basic research in China:①the clinical evidence-based system in the current acup-moxibustion should be further constructed and the basic research should be focused on the area of advantages;② the key problems of acup-moxibustion basic research should be clarified,and the proportion of original researches should be increased;③ the integration of production,teaching and research of acup-moxibustion should be enhanced to adapt to the era of big science;④ the funding system and its polity and structure needed to be reformed.This study will help to increase the discipline ranking of acup-moxibustion,enhance its high-quality development,and promote its internationalization.

Objective To evaluate the direct economic burden caused by surgical site infection(SSI)in patients with orthopaedic trauma under the payment management of disease diagnosis-related groups(DRG).Methods Clinical data of patients with orthopaedic trauma in a tertiary first-class hospital from May 1,2022 to May 30,2023 were surveyed retrospectively.Patients were grouped based on whether SSI occurred.Differences in average length of hospital stay,average hospitalization expense,and other indicators between SSI patients and non-SSI patients in the same DRG subgroup were compared,and the direct economic burden caused by SSI was analyzed.Results A total of 435 patients who paid according to the DRG payment management were included in the study.Twenty-two pa-tients had SSI,with an SSI incidence of 5.06％.Both the average length of hospital stay and average hospitalization expense of patients in the SSI group were higher than those in the non-SSI group,with statistically significant differ-ences(P＜0.05).The DRG subgroups of SSI patients were mainly four groups:IF45,IF15,IJ13,and ZC13.Among them,the average length of hospital stay of SSI patients in the IF45,IF15,and ZC13 groups increased sig-nificantly(P＜0.05),and the average hospitalization expense of SSI patients in the IJ13 group increased significantly(P＜0.05).Conclusion Under the DRG payment management,the direct economic burden of orthopaedic trauma patients with SSI increases significantly.It is necessary to periodically evaluate and identify high-risk DRG subgroup patients,so as to adopt precise infection control interventions and reduce SSI incidence.

Objective To analyze the risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with type A aortic dissection(TAAD)after Sun's operation.Methods The clinical data of 87 patients who underwent TAAD Sun's operation in our hospital from March 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into the bleeding group and the non-bleeding group according to whether there was gastrointestinal bleeding after operation.The clinical data of patients in the two groups was compared and analyzed.The binary Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding.The clinical predictor of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results In this study,there were 40 cases of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding(the bleeding group)and 47 cases of non-bleeding(the non-bleeding group).Compared with the non-bleeding group,the bleeding group had a shorter onset time,a higher proportion of patients with hypertension history,a higher preoperative creatinine abnormality rate,more intraoperative blood loss,longer postoperative mechanical ventilation time,higher postoperative infection rate,and higher poor prognosis rate,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the gender,age,gastrointestinal diseases history,smoking history,preoperative platelets,preoperative international normalized ratio(INR),preoperative alanine aminotransferase(ALT),preoperative aspartate aminotransferase(AST),preoperative γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT),preoperative dissection involving abdominal aorta,operation time,intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time,intraoperative circulatory arrest time,intraoperative aortic occlusion time or intraoperative blood transfusion rate.Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension history(OR=2.468,95%CI:0.862 to 7.067,P=0.037),preoperative creatinine>105 μmol/L(OR=3.970,95%CI:1.352 to 11.659,P=0.011),long postoperative mechanical ventilation time(OR=1.015,95%CI:0.094 to 1.018,P=0.041)and postoperative infection(OR=3.435,95%CI:0.991 to 11.900,P=0.012)were the independent risk factors for postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding in TAAD patients.ROC curve showed that the postoperative mechanical ventilation time exceeding 64 hours were the clinical predictor of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding in TAAD patients.Conclusion The prognosis of TAAD patients with postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding after Sun's operation is poor.Hypertension history,preoperative acute renal insufficiency,long postoperative mechanical ventilation time and postoperative infection are closely related to postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding in TAAD patients after operation,which should be paid more attention to,and corresponding evaluation,early identification and early intervention should be made to improve the prognosis of patients.

Objective: QL1604 is a highly selective, humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed death protein 1. We assessed the efficacy and safety of QL1604 plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Methods: This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Patients with advanced cervical cancer and not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy were enrolled to receive QL1604 plus paclitaxel and cisplatin/carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by QL1604 maintenance treatment. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled and the median follow-up duration was 16.5 months. An 84.8% of patients had recurrent disease and 13.0% had stage IVB disease. The objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was 58.7% (27/46). The immune ORR per immune RECIST was 60.9% (28/46).The median duration of response was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5–not estimable). The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months (95% CI=5.7–14.0). Fortyfive (97.8%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The most common grade≥3 TRAEs (>30%) were neutrophil count decrease (50.0%), anemia (32.6%), and white blood cell count decrease (30.4%). Conclusion QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin showed promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option for the patient population who have contraindications or can’t tolerate bevacizumab, which needs to be further verified in phase III confirmatory study.

Objective: QL1604 is a highly selective, humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed death protein 1. We assessed the efficacy and safety of QL1604 plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Methods: This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Patients with advanced cervical cancer and not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy were enrolled to receive QL1604 plus paclitaxel and cisplatin/carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by QL1604 maintenance treatment. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled and the median follow-up duration was 16.5 months. An 84.8% of patients had recurrent disease and 13.0% had stage IVB disease. The objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was 58.7% (27/46). The immune ORR per immune RECIST was 60.9% (28/46).The median duration of response was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5–not estimable). The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months (95% CI=5.7–14.0). Fortyfive (97.8%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The most common grade≥3 TRAEs (>30%) were neutrophil count decrease (50.0%), anemia (32.6%), and white blood cell count decrease (30.4%). Conclusion QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin showed promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option for the patient population who have contraindications or can’t tolerate bevacizumab, which needs to be further verified in phase III confirmatory study.