ObjectiveTo investigate the processing technology of calcined Haematitum based on the concept of quality by design（QbD） and to assess its health risk. MethodsTaking whole iron content， Fe²⁺ dissolution content and looseness as critical quality attributes（CQAs）， and calcination temperature， calcination time， spreading thickness and particle size as critical process parameters（CPPs） determined by the failure mode and effect analysis（FMEA）， the processing technology of calcined Haematitum was optimized by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation（AHP-CRITIC） hybrid weighting method. The contents of heavy metals and harmful elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry， and the health risk assessment was carried out by daily exposure（EXP）， target hazard quotient（THQ） and lifetime cancer risk（LCR）， and the theoretical value of the maximum limit was deduced. ResultsThe optimal processing technology for calcined Haematitum was calcination at 650 ℃， calcination time of 1 h， particle size of 0.2-0.5 cm， spreading thickness of 1 cm， and vinegar quenching for 1 time［Haematitum-vinegar（10：3）］. The contents of 5 heavy metals and harmful elements in 13 batches of calcined Haematitum were all decreased with reductions of up to 5-fold. The cumulative THQ of 2 batches of samples was>1， while the cumulative THQ of all batches of Haematitum was>1. The LCR of As in 1 batches of Haematitum was 1×10^-6-1×10^-4， and the LCR of the rest was<1×10^-6， and the LCRs of calcined Haematitum were all<1×10^-6， indicating that the carcinogenic risk of calcined Haematitum was low， but special attention should still be paid to Haematitum medicinal materials. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu， As， Cd， Pb and Hg were formulated as 1 014， 25， 17， 27， 7 mg·kg^-1. ConclusionThe optimized processing technology of calcined Haematitum is stable and feasible， and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements are reduced after processing. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu， As， Cd， Pb and Hg are formulated to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of standards for the limits of harmful elements in Haematitum.

ObjectiveTo investigate the processing technology of calcined Haematitum based on the concept of quality by design（QbD） and to assess its health risk. MethodsTaking whole iron content， Fe²⁺ dissolution content and looseness as critical quality attributes（CQAs）， and calcination temperature， calcination time， spreading thickness and particle size as critical process parameters（CPPs） determined by the failure mode and effect analysis（FMEA）， the processing technology of calcined Haematitum was optimized by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation（AHP-CRITIC） hybrid weighting method. The contents of heavy metals and harmful elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry， and the health risk assessment was carried out by daily exposure（EXP）， target hazard quotient（THQ） and lifetime cancer risk（LCR）， and the theoretical value of the maximum limit was deduced. ResultsThe optimal processing technology for calcined Haematitum was calcination at 650 ℃， calcination time of 1 h， particle size of 0.2-0.5 cm， spreading thickness of 1 cm， and vinegar quenching for 1 time［Haematitum-vinegar（10：3）］. The contents of 5 heavy metals and harmful elements in 13 batches of calcined Haematitum were all decreased with reductions of up to 5-fold. The cumulative THQ of 2 batches of samples was>1， while the cumulative THQ of all batches of Haematitum was>1. The LCR of As in 1 batches of Haematitum was 1×10^-6-1×10^-4， and the LCR of the rest was<1×10^-6， and the LCRs of calcined Haematitum were all<1×10^-6， indicating that the carcinogenic risk of calcined Haematitum was low， but special attention should still be paid to Haematitum medicinal materials. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu， As， Cd， Pb and Hg were formulated as 1 014， 25， 17， 27， 7 mg·kg^-1. ConclusionThe optimized processing technology of calcined Haematitum is stable and feasible， and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements are reduced after processing. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu， As， Cd， Pb and Hg are formulated to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of standards for the limits of harmful elements in Haematitum.

Metformin has been demonstrated to attenuate hyperglycaemia by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the mechanisms through which the microbiome mediates metformin monotherapy failure (MMF) are unclear. Herein, in a prospective clinical cohort study of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with metformin monotherapy, metagenomic sequencing of faecal samples revealed that Phocaeicola vulgatus abundance was approximately 12 times higher in nonresponders than in responders. P. vulgatus rapidly hydrolysed taurine-conjugated bile acids, leading to ceramide accumulation and reversing the improvements in glucose intolerance conferred by metformin in high-fat diet-fed mice. Interestingly, C22:0 ceramide bound to mitochondrial fission factor to induce mitochondrial fragmentation and impair hepatic oxidative phosphorylation in P. vulgatus-colonized hyperglycaemic mice, which could be exacerbated by metformin. This work suggests that metformin may be unsuitable for P. vulgatus-rich T2DM patients and that clinicians should be aware of metformin toxicity to mitochondria. Suppressing P. vulgatus growth with cefaclor or improving mitochondrial function using adenosylcobalamin may represent simple, safe, effective therapeutic strategies for addressing MMF.

To explore the value of the diaphragm thickness fraction (TF) and diaphragm mobility (DM) measured by ultrasound for predicting ventilator withdrawal success in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after cardiac surgery. Methods: This study included 246 patients undergoing the spontaneous breathing trial. Diaphragmatic function was evaluated by ultrasound, including the diaphragm thickness at the end of calm breathing (thickness of the diaphragm at functional residual capacity [TdiFRC]) and the maximum diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (thickness of the diaphragm at full vital capacity [TdiFVC]); TF=(TdiFVC–TdiFRC)/TdiFRC×100%. DM, the oxygenation index (the ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen), and the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) were measured. Results: Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation was observed in 209 patients. There were no significant differences in the TdiFRC (0.3±0.1 cm vs. 0.3±0.1 cm) or TdiFVC (0.3±0.1 cm vs. 0.2±0.1 cm) between the ventilator withdrawal success group and the ventilator withdrawal failure group (P>0.05). The TF was greater in the ventilator withdrawal success group than in the ventilator withdrawal failure group (40.8%±15.8% vs. 37.7%±9.2%, P<0.01). DM in the ventilator withdrawal success group was greater than that in the ventilator withdrawal failure group (1.5±0.5 cm vs. 1.2±0.4 cm, P=0.040). The RSBI was lower in the ventilator withdrawal success group than in the ventilator withdrawal failure group (74.3±25.6 breaths·min–1·L –1 vs. 89.9±34.5 breaths·min–1·L –1, P<0.01). Conclusions: Diaphragmatic ultrasound can be used to predict the success of ventilator withdrawal in patients with ARDS.

Objective To explore the application value of MR diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and T2*mapping of parotid gland function in patients with head and neck tumors at different radiotherapy periods.Methods A total of 82 patients with head and neck tumors treated were selected.The data of parotid gland volume,salivary volume and parotid gland function were collected.MR DWI and T2*mapping were used to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value and T2*value of parotid gland tissue,and the correlation between parotid gland function and imaging values were analyzed.Results There were all significant differences in parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index among different radiotherapy periods,and parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index during and after radiotherapy were significantly lower than those before radiotherapy.There were signifi-cant differences in T2*values among different radiotherapy periods,and T2*value during and after radiotherapy was significantly lower than that before radiotherapy.There were significant differences in ADC values among different radiotherapy periods,and the ADC value during and after radiotherapy was significantly higher than that before radiotherapy.ADC value was negatively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=-0.436,-0.730,-0.718,respectively,P＜0.001),while the T2*value was positively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=0.430,0.720,0.707,respec-tively,P＜0.001).Conclusion Parotid gland volume,secretion index and salivary volume show abnormal levels at different radio-therapy periods.MR DWI is negatively correlated with parotid gland function,while T2*mapping is positively correlated with parotid gland function.

With the continuous development of experimental biology, the limitations of commonly utilized model organisms are becoming increasingly apparent. Discrepancies between research conducted on laboratory animals and humans significantly impede the translational application of findings derived from animal experiments. This review introduces ascidian Ciona intestinalis as a novel model organism, an invertebrate that is evolutionarily closest to vertebrates and is a sister group to vertebrates. The review summarizes recent research progress on Ciona intestinalis in various fields to illustrate the significant advantages and promising application prospects of it as a model organism. The research progress outlined in the review mainly encompasses: (1) The whole-genome sequencing of Ciona intestinalis has been determined and numerous related databases have been established. Various embryonic gene editing technologies have been successfully applied, making it an animal model easy to manipulate genetically and study the functions and interactions of target genes visually. (2) In the field of neurobiology, Ciona intestinalis boasts a central nervous system structure similar to that of vertebrates and possesses numerous homologous neuropeptides and hormone molecules. These features grant it an edge in exploring the mechanisms and functional evolution of endocrine and neuroendocrine-related molecules. Additionally, the sensitivity and habituation of its larvae to light stimulation provide an avenue for exploring mechanisms related to behavioral plasticity. (3) In the field of immunology, Ciona intestinalis possesses a mature innate immune system and has evolved precursor genes to the adaptive immune system, with a relatively simple coding of immune-related genes. These features make it an exemplary model organism for immunological studies. (4) In the field of developmental biology, many studies have focused on the notochord development process in Ciona intestinalis and the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression within it, indicating common evolutionary developmental strategies among chordates. Additionally, insights into its heart development also significantly enhance our comprehension on the genetic network of human heart development. (5) In medical research, the ability of Ciona intestinalis to regenerate its neural complex and siphon, as well as the resilience of its heart to recover contractile function from substantial damage, renders it a valuable animal model for the study of regeneration and heart injury. It also has unique advantages as a research model for Alzheimer's disease and new drug development. Furthermore, its brief five-month lifespan facilitates the observation and recording of the entire aging process and the exploration of the effects of various factors on aging. In summary, this review aims to demonstrate that Ciona intestinalis stands out as a model organism with unique attributes and is expected to play a significant role in a wider range of scientific research areas.

Background The average sleep quality of mariners during ocean voyages is notably worse than that of the general populace, and the incidence of sleep disorders among them is higher. Sleep disorders closely associate with fatigue and cognitive decline, increasing error and accident rates, and are a major safety hazard in marine navigation. At present, research on factors influencing the sleep quality of mariners during ocean voyages in China is limited and needs further investigation. Objective To investigate the sleep quality of mariners during ocean voyages and analyze its influencing factors, in order to provide reference for constructing sleep intervention plans and mitigating their sleep disorders. Methods Using convenience cluster sampling, a questionnaire survey was carried out in 408 crew members of a fleet who returned from a voyage on March 21, 2024. The questionnaires included a general information questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) , and Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software. Results A total of 399 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.8%. The mean score of PSQI for the mariners during ocean voyages was (6.41±2.44), with 33.6% (134/399) of the mariners reporting sleep disorders. The PSQI scores varied by family structures (t=2.235, P=0.031), labor types (F=3.789, P=0.023), noise exposure (F=53.218, P＜0.001), dietary patterns (F=63.311, P＜0.001), exercise habits (F=16.416, P＜0.001), and anxiety states (t=5.963,P＜0.001). The results of linear regression showed that incomplete family structure (β=0.102, P=0.010), noise exposure (β=0.323, P<0.001), and anxiety (β=0.117, P=0.006) positively associated with the total score of PSQI, while dietary patterns (β=-0.331, P<0.001) and exercise habits (β=-0.147, P<0.001) negatively associated with the total PSQI score, and the 5 variables jointly explained 38.9% of the total variation in the PSQI score (F=37.159, P<0.01). Conclusion The sleep quality of mariners during ocean voyages is relatively low and the incidence of sleep disorders is relatively high, which is jointly influenced by factors such as family structure, noise exposure, dietary habits, exercise habits, and anxiety.

Objective To evaluate the survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)after chemotherapy using Fuzheng Jiedu Formula and to explore the intrinsic correlation between the lymphocyte subset level and the survival of patients with DLBCL.Methods A total of 234 patients with DLBCL who had completed chemotherapy and achieved complete or partial response in the Department of Hematology,Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai East Hospital,Tongji University from January 1,2013,to December 31,2023,were recruited.A cohort study design was adopted,with"whether to receive continuous Fuzheng Jiedu Formula treatment for≥6 months after chemotherapy"as the exposed factor.Patients meeting this exposed factor were divided into the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)cohort,whereas those who did not meet this exposed factor were divided into the observation cohort.The 1-and 2-year progression-free survival(PFS)rate,overall survival(OS)rate,and duration of response(DOR)of the two cohorts were compared.The survival curves of PFS and OS of the two cohorts were drawn,and subgroup survival analysis was performed to determine factors affecting disease progression.The effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Formula on lymphocyte subset count level was observed.Results The study included 126 and 108 patients in the TCM and observation cohorts,respectively.Compared with the observation cohort,the 2-year PFS rate,2-year OS rate,and DOR were increased in the TCM cohort(P<0.05).The PFS in the TCM cohort was higher than that in the observation cohort[HR=0.542,95%CI(0.345-0.853),P<0.01].The result of subgroup analysis showed that PFS in the TCM cohort was higher than that in the observation cohort in the age≥60 years,AA stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,CD4+

Objective To evaluate the survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)after chemotherapy using Fuzheng Jiedu Formula and to explore the intrinsic correlation between the lymphocyte subset level and the survival of patients with DLBCL.Methods A total of 234 patients with DLBCL who had completed chemotherapy and achieved complete or partial response in the Department of Hematology,Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai East Hospital,Tongji University from January 1,2013,to December 31,2023,were recruited.A cohort study design was adopted,with"whether to receive continuous Fuzheng Jiedu Formula treatment for≥6 months after chemotherapy"as the exposed factor.Patients meeting this exposed factor were divided into the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)cohort,whereas those who did not meet this exposed factor were divided into the observation cohort.The 1-and 2-year progression-free survival(PFS)rate,overall survival(OS)rate,and duration of response(DOR)of the two cohorts were compared.The survival curves of PFS and OS of the two cohorts were drawn,and subgroup survival analysis was performed to determine factors affecting disease progression.The effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Formula on lymphocyte subset count level was observed.Results The study included 126 and 108 patients in the TCM and observation cohorts,respectively.Compared with the observation cohort,the 2-year PFS rate,2-year OS rate,and DOR were increased in the TCM cohort(P<0.05).The PFS in the TCM cohort was higher than that in the observation cohort[HR=0.542,95%CI(0.345-0.853),P<0.01].The result of subgroup analysis showed that PFS in the TCM cohort was higher than that in the observation cohort in the age≥60 years,AA stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,CD4+