ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in improving the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease （AD） from cell apoptosis mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsFour-month-old SD male rats were randomly assigned into a blank group， a sham group， a model group， a donepezil hydrochloride （0.45 mg·kg^-1） group， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （15.30， 7.65， and 3.82 g·kg^-1， respectively） Hei Xiaoyaosan groups， with 10 rats in each group. The sham group received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL normal saline， while the other groups received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL beta-amyloid 1-42 （Aβ_1-42） solution for the modeling of AD. Rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 42 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was carried out to assess the learning and memory abilities of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 （Caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PI3K， Akt， and NF-κB. A cell model of AD was established by co-culturing Aβ_1-42 and PC12 cells in vitro. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by the cell-counting kit 8 （CCK-8） assay and flow cytometry （FC）， respectively. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had a prolonged escape latency （P<0.01）， a reduced number of crossing platforms （P<0.01）， disarrangement and a reduced number of hippocampal neurons， up-regulated expression of Bax and Caspase-3， down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.01）， decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels， and an increased p-NF-κB/NF-κB level （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， donepezil hydrochloride and high- and medium-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan shortened the escape latency and increased the number of crossing platforms （P<0.05， P<0.01）， improved the arrangement and increased the number of hippocampal neurons， down-regulated the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3， up-reguated the expression level of Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced the p-NF-κB/NF-κB level （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group， the model group exhibited an increased apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at various doses improved the cell viability （P<0.01）， and the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at the high dose decreased the cell apoptosis （P<0.01）. ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may improve the learning and memory abilities of AD model rats by regulating cell apoptosis， while increasing the vitality and reducing the apoptosis rate of AD model cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the awareness and clinical practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B （2022 edition） among clinicians. MethodsFrom July 19 to December 31， 2024， a self-designed electronic questionnaire was distributed via the WeChat mini program to collect related data from 1 588 clinicians nationwide， including their awareness and practice based on 18 questions regarding testing and referral， diagnosis and treatment， and follow-up. ResultsAmong all respondents， only 350 clinicians correctly understood all the updated key points of antiviral indications and treatment for special populations in the 2022 edition of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B， with an overall awareness rate of 22.0%. Only 20% ‍—‍ ‍40% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and an age of >30 years receive antiviral therapy， while 80% ‍—‍ ‍100% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and a family history of hepatitis B cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma receive antiviral therapy. The median follow-up rates at 1 year， 3 years， and 5 years were 67.5% 57.5% and 47.5%，respectively， showing a trend of gradual reduction， which might be associated with the influencing factors such as insufficient time for follow-up management by clinicians， insufficient awareness of the disease among patients， and poor adherence to follow-up. ConclusionThere is a gap between the awareness and practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B （2022 edition） among clinicians. It is recommended to further strengthen training and focus on the whole process of “detection， diagnosis， treatment， and management” for patients with chronic hepatitis B in healthcare institutions， in order to promote the implementation of the guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR, Danggui in Chinese), Cistanches Herba (CH, Roucongrong in Chinese), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (PG, Renshen in Chinese), and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix (PQ, Xiyangshen in Chinese), widely used as medicine and dietary supplement around the world, are susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. In this study, we aim to analyze their fungal community by DNA metabarcoding. METHODS: A total of 12 root samples were collected from three main production areas in China. The samples were divided into four groups based on herb species, including ASR, CH, PG, and PQ groups. The fungal community on the surface of four root groups was investigated through DNA metabarcoding via targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2). RESULTS: All the 12 samples were detected with fungal contamination. Rhizopus (13.04%-74.03%), Aspergillus (1.76%-23.92%), and Fusarium (0.26%-15.27%) were the predominant genera. Ten important fungi were identified at the species level, including two potential toxigenic fungi (Penicillium citrinum and P. oxalicum) and eight human pathogenic fungi (Alternaria infectoria, Candida sake, Hyphopichia burtonii, Malassezia globosa, M. restricta, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Ochroconis tshawytschae). Fungal community in ASR and CH groups was significantly different from other groups, while fungal community in PG and PQ groups was relatively similar. CONCLUSION DNA metabarcoding revealed the fungal community in four important root herbs. This study provided an important reference for preventing root herbs against fungal and mycotoxin contamination.

Cough variant asthma （CVA） is a chronic respiratory disease with cough as its main symptom. The occurrence of CVA is closely related to non-specific airway inflammation， and its pathogenesis involves environmental， genetic， immune， and other factors. In recent years， the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of CVA have attracted the attention of experts and scholars in China and abroad， especially its prominent role in regulating immune balance， relieving cough symptoms in CVA patients， and reducing recurrence. T Helper cells 1 （Th1）， T helper cells 2 （Th2）， T helper cells 17 （Th17）， and regulatory T cells （Treg） are derived from CD4⁺ T cells. Immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is a new hotspot in the pathogenesis of CVA and a potential key target in the treatment of CVA by TCM. Th cell subsets are in dynamic balance under physiological conditions， maintaining respiratory immune homeostasis in which pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines are balanced. Immature helper T cells （Th0） can be differentiated into Th1， Th2， Th17， Treg， and other cell subsets due to cytokine types in the microenvironment in the stage of CVA maturation. The proliferation of Th2 cells leads to eosinophilic airway inflammation. Excessive differentiation of Th17 cells induces neutrophil airway inflammation. Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells are mutually restricted in number and function， and the immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is easy to aggravate the generation of inflammatory response. Restoring immune balance is particularly important for the airway anti-inflammatory therapy of CVA. In this paper， the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg and the pathogenesis of CVA were systematically expounded. Meanwhile， the latest research on the regulation of immune imbalance by TCM compound， single TCM， and its effective ingredients in the treatment of CVA was reviewed. It provides ideas and references for revealing the scientific connotation of TCM regulating immune balance therapy of CVA， as well as the development of clinical treatment and basic research of CVA.

Cancer is a severe threat to human life and health.The over-activation of oncogenes is the main reason for poor treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.Most of these over-activated oncogenes are protein tyrosine kinase(PTK).Among many PTKs,non-receptor tyrosine kinase(NRTK)is an important signaling molecule that regulates cell proliferation and migration as the primary driver of intracellular signaling pathway transduction.Targeting NRTK has become the focus and difficulty in developing anti-tumor drugs.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with its characteristics of multi-channel,multi-link,multi-target,and low toxicity,plays a significant advantage in treating adjuvant tumors.So far,it has been found various traditional TCM monomers can inhibit NRTK from playing an anti-tumor role.This review summarized the part of Src,Jak,Abl,Fak families,the prominent members of NRTK in tumor progression,as well as the TCM monomers acting on these members.We aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the anti-tumor therapy targeting NRTK and a reference for the search for TCM monomer inhibitors of NRTK.

Originally used as an antimalarial drug,hydroxychloroquine is now widely used in the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases due to its cost-effectiveness,safety,and efficacy.In addition to its immunomodulatory effects,hydroxychloroquine also exhibits anti thrombotic,anti-hypolipidemic,and anti-hypoglycemic properties.Hydroxychloroquine blood levels are correlated with clinical outcomes and adverse reactions,and can reflect patient compliance.However,due to the complex pharmacokinetic profile of hydroxychloroquine,significant inter-individual differences in blood concentration exist even with the administration of the same dosage.This study investigates the factors affecting the blood concentration of hydroxychloroquine in terms of physiological factors,pathological factors,metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms,and drug-related factors.The aim is to provide a reference for rational clinical use and the development of individualized dosing.

ObjectiveTo investigate the general situation of defect of vertebral column among primary and middle school students in Minhang District of Shanghai and analyze the related factors， to provide a scientific basis for prevention and treatment. MethodsFrom September to October 2022， a total of 5 715 students were selected from two primary schools， two middle schools， and two high schools in Minhang District for physical examinations and screening for defect of vertebral column. ResultsTotally 219 students had defect of vertebral column， accounting for 3.83% of the sampled population. Anteroposterior spinal abnormalities were found in 4 individuals， accounting for 0.07%， and 218 students had scoliosis， accounting for 3.81%. The detection rate of defect of vertebral column was higher in girls （6.27%） than that in boys （1.51%）， and higher in high school students （10.74%） than in primary school students （1.31%） and middle school students （10.97%）. Students who are mildly underweight （5.95%） and who are moderately to severely underweight （7.46%） had a higher detection rate of defect of vertebral column than those with normal weight （4.54%）， overweight （2.83%）， and obesity （1.60%）. The detection rate among students with poor vision （4.32%） was significantly higher than those with normal vision （2.24%）， with all differences statistically significant （all P<0.05）. ConclusionThe positive rate of defect of vertebral column in primary and middle school students in Minhang District， Shanghai is nearly 4%， with most cases being scoliosis. Factors such as being female， increasing age， being underweight， and poor vision are associated with a higher probability of detecting defect of vertebral column.

Objective: To explore the effects of whole wheat flour on blood glucose and lipid levels and antioxidant capacity of high-fat fed mice. Methods: Thirty-two male C57BL/6J mice at ages of 3 to 4 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 mice in each group. The normal control group was fed with ordinary diet, the high-fat diet group was fed with high-fat diet, the whole wheat flour group was fed with high-fat diet and whole wheat flour, and the refined wheat flour group was fed with high-fat diet and refined wheat flour. Nine weeks later, blood was collected from the tail for measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood was also collected from the eyeball to determine the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Adipose tissue was taken and weighed after death. Body weight, total food intake, Lee's index, adipose index, blood glucose, blood lipids, and antioxidant indicators were compared among the four groups of mice. Results: Compared with the normal control group, the mice in the high-fat diet group, whole wheat flour group, and refined wheat flour group exhibited increased body weight, total food intake, Lee's index, and adipose index, as well as decreased GSH-Px levels; the high-fat diet group had elevated levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA (all P<0.05). When compared to the high-fat diet group, the whole wheat flour group showed lower Lee's index and adipose index, but the difference was not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Both the whole wheat flour group and the refined wheat flour group had reduced levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and MDA, as well as increased GSH-Px levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions Whole wheat flour can effectively reduce the body weight of high-fat feeding mice, improve blood lipid levels, and enhance antioxidant capacity. However, there was no significant difference in the effects of whole wheat flour and refined wheat flour on mice during the experimental period.

Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

Objective:To investigate the effect of goal-directed fluid therapy(GDFT)under the guidance of LIDCOrapid hemodynamic monitor on postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)of patients after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.Methods:A total of 90 patients who underwent laparoscopic extensive hysterectomy under general anesthesia in Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University from August 2020 to June 2021 were selected,and they were divided into observation group and control group as random number table,with 45 cases in each group.Patients in control group supplemented fluid according to the guidance of urine output and mean arterial pressure(MAP).Patients in observation group supplemented fluid according to GDFT under guidance of stroke volume variation(SVV).The MAP values,heart rates(HR),SVV values and cardiac index(CI)values at the 10th min after patients entered the operation room(T0),the 3rd min after anesthesia induction(T1),and the 3rd min(T2),the 30th min(T3)and the 1st h(T4)after Terndelenburg position,and the time of completing surgery(T5)were observed.In addition,the intraoperative intake and output volume of liquid,the indicators of gastrointestinal function recovery after surgery,and the length of stay also were observed.The PONV incidence of main outcome indicators,and the PONV scores of postoperative 0-6h(T6),6-12 h(T7),12-24 h(T8)and 24-48 h(T9)of secondary outcome indicators,as well as the number of patients who received the treatment of antiemetic compensation after surgery,were analyzed.Results:The PONV incidence of observation group was significantly lower than that of control group(x2=6.40,P<0.05).The PONV scores of postoperative T6 and T7 of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group(t=4.92,3.42,P<0.05),respectively.The HR and CI value at T4 of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group(t=0.73,0.64,P<0.05),while the SVV of observation group increased from T3 to T5,with significant differences(t=2.28,3.42,4.10,P<0.05),respectively.The intraoperative crystalline fluid input and total infusion volume decreased,while colloidal fluid input increased,and the differences of them between two groups were significant(t=15.10,12.36,8.19,P<0.05),respectively.The postoperative exhaust time,defecation time and feeding time of observation group were significantly earlier than these of control group(t=3.79,2.09,2.54,P<0.05),respectively.But there was no statistical difference in the length of stay between the two groups.Conclusion:GDFT,which is guided by LIDCOrapid hemodynamic monitor,may decrease the incidence of PONV of gynecological laparoscopic surgery and the severity of PONV within 12 hours after surgery.