OBJECTIVE To explore the transformation of the dispensing and drug pickup process in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy （TCM Pharmacy） in our hospital based on data-intelligence-driven， aiming to improve pharmacists’ work efficiency and patients’ drug pickup experience. METHODS Value stream mapping and journey mapping were used to systematically identify non-value-added links in pharmacists’ dispensing process and key pain points in patients’ drug pickup under the traditional process. An intelligent dispensing and drug pickup system for the TCM Pharmacy was developed based on the C# and Android television platforms， and a machine-learning model was adopted to predict patients’ drug pickup waiting time. A comprehensive evaluation was performed from three perspectives： system performance， prediction accuracy， and satisfaction of pharmacists and patients. RESULTS The system successfully streamlined non-value-added links such as “waiting for writing on the board” and “searching for drugs”， and realized multimodal dynamic prompts of dispensing status through auditory （number calling） and visual （television terminal） channels. The constructed model for predicting drug pickup waiting time exhibited good fitting degree and generalization ability （mean absolute error＝4.28 min， R 2 ＝0.882）. The comprehensive satisfaction scores of pharmacists and patients in the traditional mode were significantly increased from （70.99±1.74） and （73.58±1.98） to （90.02±1.30） and （88.61±2.08） in the new system， respectively （ P ＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS The transformation of the intelligent drug dispensing and pickup system for TCM pharmacy based on data-intelligence-driven effectively improves the efficiency of pharmacists’ dispensing work， realizes process transparency and waiting time predictability， and significantly enhances patients’ drug pickup experience.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a major health and economic burden worldwide, with disproportionate effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Surveillance in high-risk populations, typically using semiannual ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing, has been shown to be cost-effective by enabling earlier detection and improving survival. Yet, its overall value is reduced by poor adherence and the limited sensitivity of ultrasound, particularly in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease. Emerging approaches—including abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging, multi-biomarker models (e.g., gender, age, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP), and liquid biopsy assays such as methylated DNA markers—demonstrate greater diagnostic accuracy and potential economic advantages compared with conventional methods. Integration of artificial intelligence into imaging may further enhance efficiency and reduce downstream costs. Moving toward precision surveillance, guided by individualized risk stratification that incorporates etiology, fibrosis stage, and molecular profiles, can optimize allocation of resources and maximize cost-effectiveness at the population level. Interventions to improve adherence, including mailed outreach and behavioral economic incentives, have shown both clinical benefit and cost savings, underscoring the role of implementation science. Because socioeconomic disparities influence both access and outcomes, economic models must explicitly address equity to achieve sustainable impact. Future research should prioritize prospective trials that evaluate not only clinical performance but also the real-world cost-effectiveness of novel technologies and stratified surveillance strategies. For LMICs, adapting proven models into affordable, context-appropriate programs is essential. By combining prevention, precision risk assessment, innovative technologies, and equitable implementation, HCC surveillance can deliver both clinical and economic value, reducing the global burden of disease.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of Liuwei Dihuang Capsules for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with yin deficiency syndrome and the effects on intestinal flora and inflammatory factors.Methods Totally 60 patients of T2DM with yin deficiency syndrome in Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the study objects,and were divided into control group and observation group according to the method of block randomization,with 30 cases in each group.Both groups received basic treatment.The control group was given a simulated agent of Liuwei Dihuang Capsules,while the observation group was given Liuwei Dihuang Capsules.The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks.Clinical efficacy,blood glucose levels[fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial plasma glucose(2 hPG),glycated albumin(GA)],serum insulin levels[fasting insulin(FINS)and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)],changes in gut microbiota,and serum inflammatory cytokine levels[interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]of both groups were compared.Results The total effective rate of the observation group(76.67%)was better than that of the control group(50.00%)(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the FPG,2 hPG,GA,FINS and HOMA-IR decreased in the observation group,while the FPG,2 hPG and FINS decreased in the control group(P<0.05);after treatment,the Shannon index of the observation group increased after treatment(P<0.05),and the diversity of the microbiota increased;the abundance of the microbial communities such as Coprococcus 3,Cutibacterium,Pseudomonas,Faecalibaculum,Dubosiella and Mucispirillum significantly increased(P<0.05);the abundance of Sphingomonas,Corynebacterium 1,Ileibacterium,Ruminiclostridium and other microbiota communities significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in both groups were significantly reduced after treatment(P<0.01,P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Liuwei Dihuang Capsules can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in patients of T2DM with yin deficiency syndrome,improve insulin resistance,increase gut microbiota diversity,increase beneficial bacterial abundance,reduce harmful bacterial abundance,and alleviate inflammatory cytokine levels.

C-Reactive protein(CRP)is an important acute-phase response protein,which is widely used in the assessment of inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk,and acts as a pathogenic factor directly involved in the disease process of certain conditions.Therefore,developing immunosuppressants targeting CRP or investigating its pathogenic mechanisms is of significant importance.Most B-cell epitopes are conformational epitopes,and studying conformational epitopes is typically challenging.To date,no methods have been reported for mapping the conformational epitopes of CRP in solution.In this study,a rapid strategy was developed for studying conformational epitopes by combining hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry(HDX-MS)with multiparametric prediction of B-cell epitopes and protein secondary structure analysis.This approach was successfully applied to the binding sites and allosteric targets of the 115 kDa full pentameric CRP and the clinically used monoclonal antibody(mAb)5A8.The results showed that the amino acid residues 84-103,138-146,and 165-173 together form the potential conformational epitopes for mAb 5A8 on CRP,while the amino acid residues 21-32 and 175-178 were identified as potential allosteric targets.The discovery of the mAb 5A8 binding sites and allosteric targets was crucial for improving clinical diagnostic capabilities.Experimental results demonstrated that this workflow allowed rapid conformational epitope mapping of CRP under near-physiological conditions,with advantages such as high speed,high sensitivity,and high throughput.

BACKGROUND:Currently,spinal endoscopic technology has become the mainstream technology in minimally invasive spinal surgery.The specifications of the instruments for different operating systems are different,and the choice of specific surgical protocols needs to be combined with the actual situation of the patient and the choice of the clinical surgeon. OBJECTIVE:To compare the early efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for L5-S1 disc herniation under the iLESSYS Delta System and Endo-Surgi Plus System. METHODS:Totally 80 patients with L5-S1 disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy.Patients were divided into two groups based on the endoscopic system used.Among them,37 cases received the iLESSYS Delta System(Delta group)and 43 cases received the Endo-Surgi Plus System(Plus group).Patient demographic characteristics,perioperative indicators,and complications were analyzed between the two groups.Clinical outcomes were quantified using back and leg visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores at 1 day,1,3,and 6 months after surgery.Patient satisfaction was assessed according to modified MacNab criteria at final follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operative time and number of arthroplasties in the Plus group were less than those in the Delta group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the preoperative period,the visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores of patients in both groups improved at all follow-up time points,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).(3)There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of pain visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores of patients in the two groups(P>0.05).(4)At 6-month follow-up after surgery,the MacNab standard excellent and good rates in the Delta group and Plus group were 81%and 79%,respectively,with no significant difference(P=0.823).(5)The incidence of complications was 3%in the Delta group and 2%in the Plus group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.914).(6)It is concluded that both iLESSYS Delta and Endo-Surgi Plus surgical systems achieved satisfactory early clinical results in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,with Endo-Surgi Plus surgical moulding being more efficient and safer.

Objective:To investigate the association between blood selenium levels and sex hormones in Chinese men aged 18-79 years.Methods:Data were derived from the China National Human Biomonitoring survey conducted in 2017-2018, with a final sample size of 5 414 men. General demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and dietary frequency were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood lead, serum testosterone, and estradiol levels. Complex sampling linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone, estradiol, and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, adjusting for confounding factors including age, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, seafood intake, soy product intake, protein supplement intake, BMI, and diabetes status.Results:The mean age of the 5 414 participants was (46.85±27.91) years; 4 774 (91.65%) were of Han ethnicity and 4 505 (86.68%) were married. The median ( Q1, Q3) blood selenium concentration in men was 97.80 (80.64, 116.99) μg/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, the complex sampling linear regression model revealed negative associations between blood selenium levels and both testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, with a significant linear trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Compared with the Q1 group, the β (95% CI) values for testosterone in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), -0.03 (-0.08 to 0.01), and -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.02), respectively. Similarly, the β (95% CI) values for the testosterone/estradiol ratio in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.02), -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.04), and -0.03 (-0.06 to -0.01), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone/estradiol levels in non-smoking and obese men (BMI≥28 kg/m2). Conclusion:Blood selenium levels are negatively associated with testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio in Chinese adult males.

Objective:To detect the serum levels of 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)in patients with multiple myeloma(MM),and explore the role of miR-125b-5p/HIF-1α pathway in the involvement of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of MM.Methods:Fifty three newly diagnosed/relapsed MM patients admitted to the department of hematology of our hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were included.Meanwhile,25 healthy individuals matched in gender and age from our hospital's Health Management Center were selected as controls.The serum level of 25(OH)D was monitored by mass spectrometry,the serum level of miR-125b-5p was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,and serum levels of HIF-1α and VEGFA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The levels of 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α,and VEGFA were compared between the two groups.According to the level of 25(OH)D,the MM patients were divided into vitamin D deficiency group(＜20 ng/ml)and vitamin D non-deficiency group(≥ 20 ng/ml),and the levels of miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α,and VEGFA were compared between the two groups.The correlations between 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α and VEGFA were analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of25(OH)D combined with miR-125b-5p for newly diagnosed MM.Results:The level of 25(OH)D in MM patients was significantly lower than that in control group(P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D level between newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients(P＞0.05).Compared with the control group,the level of miR-125b-5p was significantly reduced in MM patients(P＜0.01),while the levels of HIF-1α and VEGFA were significantly increased(both P＜0.001).In MM patients,the miR-125b-5p level in the vitamin D deficiency group was significantly decreased than that in the non-deficiency group(P＜0.01),while the levels of HIF-1 α and VEGFA were significantly increased(both P＜0.05).In MM patients,25(OH)D was positively correlated with miR-125b-5p,while negatively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGFA(both P＜0.05).Moreover,miR-125b-5p was negatively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGFA(both P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for diagnosing MM with 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,and their combination were 0.699,0.751,and 0.791,respectively.Conclusion:The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is high in MM patients.Vitamin D deficiency may promote angiogenesis and participate in the occurrence and development of MM by downregulating miR-125b-5p and upregulating HIF-1α and VEGFA expression.

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)is one of the coronaviruses susceptible to swine populations.The non-structural protein 2(NS2)encoded by its genome is fre-quently deleted during the epidemic transmission of the virus,but its biological significance re-mains unclear.In order to explore the structure and function of the NS2 protein,this study utilized platforms such as ProtParam,TMHMM,NetPhos3.1,and ExPASy to analyze its physicochemical properties,spatial structure,genetic evolution,and post-translational modification characteristics.Meanwhile,the NS2 protein was expressed in eukaryotes and transcriptome sequencing was per-formed to clarify the biological processes it participates in.The results showed that the NS2 protein consists of 233 amino acids,with a molecular weight of 26.735 kDa,and a half-life of approximately 30 hours in mammals.It includes 13 phosphorylation sites,2 N-glycosylation sites,and 1 O-glyco-sylation site,with no signal peptide and strong hydrophilicity.The a-helix accounts for the highest proportion in NS2(43.78％),followed by random coils(36.05％).The homology of the NS2 pro-tein between the epidemic strains PHEV-CC14 and PHEV-JL/2008 in Northeast China is 99.57％.The NS2 protein is widely involved in the regulation of nerve-related functions,such as axon guid-ance and synaptic development.This study preliminarily clarified the biological function of the NS2 protein,providing a new perspective for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of PHEV.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.