Acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF） is an acute and critical illness with a high short-term mortality rate， and current therapies mainly focus on elimination of causes， organ support， and prevention of complications. Although liver transplantation is the most effective treatment modality， its clinical application is limited， and traditional Chinese medicine has shown significant advantages and characteristics in the treatment of ACLF. In traditional Chinese medicine， ACLF is classified into the same category as diseases such as “jaundice”， and unlike traditional jaundice which is mostly characterized by excess and heat syndromes， the syndrome of ACLF has gradually transformed from Yang jaundice to Yin jaundice due to the changing disease spectrum of ACLF. With reference to the pathogenesis of ACLF in Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine theories， this article discusses the essential pathogenesis of ACLF in traditional Chinese medicine， explores the evolution of ACLF syndromes， and reviews the research advances in the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine based on the three-factor differentiation-based treatment of damp-heat， blood stasis-heat， and spleen deficiency， as well as the safety of spleen-strengthening and Yang-warming drugs in the clinical treatment of ACLF， in order to provide ideas， methods， and evidence for the application of traditional Chinese medicine in ACLF.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice. We demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, we investigated alternative splicing events and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation. In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, we identified lomitapide as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically search and integrate the best evidence for early rehabilitation of ICU-acquired swallowing dysfunction (ICU-ASD) using evidence-based medicine methods, providing high-quality evidence-based support for intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare professionals in implementing early rehabilitation assessment and intervention strategies for ICU-ASD. METHODS: The systematic search was conducted according to the "6S" pyramid evidence model. Multiple authoritative databases and resources were comprehensively searched, including: National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Library (CMACPGL), New Zealand Guidelines Group (NZGG), Guidelines International Network (GIN), Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, JBI Evidence-Based Health Care Database, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Chinese Medical Pulse Guidelines Website, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, and professional association websites. The search encompassed guidelines, expert consensus statements, original studies [including cohort studies, quasi-experimental studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCT)], systematic reviews, and evidence summaries related to the prevention and management of ICU-ASD. The search period was limited from the inception of each database to November 30, 2024. The best evidence for early rehabilitation of ICU-ASD was summarized. The quality assessment of the literature and the extraction and synthesis of evidence were independently performed by two researchers with expertise in evidence-based medicine methodology. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles were included, consisting of 1 clinical decision-making study, 1 cohort study, 2 guidelines, 2 RCTs, 6 systematic reviews, 1 evidence summary, 2 expert consensuses, and 1 expert opinion. Following quality assessment, all 16 articles were incorporated into the analysis. For the early rehabilitation of ICU-ASD, five major themes were ultimately identified and 25 best evidence items were summarized, focusing on: multidisciplinary collaboration, swallowing screening and assessment, rehabilitation interventions, dietary and nutritional management, and oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS The evidence summary provides individualized rehabilitation strategies for ICU-ASD patients, but their implementation still needs to be adapted to China's clinical practice context and patient preferences.
Humans ; Deglutition Disorders/etiology* ; Intensive Care Units ; Evidence-Based Medicine

Bio-mineralization has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. This study optimized the calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization process of foot-and-mouth disease virus-like particles (FMD VLPs) to achieve high mineralization efficiency and scalability. Key parameters, including concentrations of Ca²⁺, HPO₄^2-, NaCl, and VLPs, as well as stirring speed, were systematically optimized. Stability of the scaled-up reaction system and immunogenicity of the mineralized vaccine were evaluated. Optimal conditions [25.50 mmol/L Ca(NO₃)₂, 15 mmol/L Na₂HPO₄, 300 mmol/L NaCl, 0.75 mg/mL VLPs, and 1 500 r/min] yielded CaP-mineralized VLPs (VLPs-CaP) with high mineralization efficiency, uniform morphology, and a favorable particle size. Scaling up the reaction by 25 folds maintained consistent mineralization efficiency and particle characteristics. Immunization in mice demonstrated that VLPs-CaP induced higher titers of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies than unmineralized VLPs (P < 0.05). Higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and enhanced IFN-γ secretion (P < 0.05) further indicated robust cellular immune responses. We establish a stable and scalable protocol for VLPs-CaP, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for developing high-efficacy VLPs-CaP vaccines.
Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology* ; Immunogenicity, Vaccine ; Calcium Phosphates/chemistry* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus ; Biomineralization ; Particle Size ; Animals ; Mice ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood* ; Antibodies, Viral/blood* ; Immunity, Cellular

Vaccination is a crucial strategy for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Virus-like particles (VLPs), composed of structural proteins, have garnered significant attention as a novel type of vaccine due to their excellent safety and immunogenicity. However, similar to most vaccine antigens, VLPs exhibit insufficient thermal stability, which not only restricts the widespread application of vaccines but also increases the risk of vaccine inactivation. This study aims to enhance the stability and shelf life of VLPs derived from type A foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) by employing vacuum freeze-drying technology. The optimal lyoprotectant formulation was determined through single-factor and combinatorial screening. Subsequently, the correlation between the immunogenicity of the freeze-dried vaccine and the content of FMDV VLPs was evaluated via a mouse model. The stability of FMDV VLPs before and after freeze-drying was further assessed by storing them at 4, 25, and 37 ℃ for varying time periods. Results indicated that the lyoprotectant formulation No.1, composed of 7.5% trehalose, 0.1% Tween 80, 50 mmol/L glycine, 1% sodium glutamate, and 3% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), effectively preserved the content of FMDV VLPs during the vacuum freeze-drying process. The immunization trial in mice revealed that the levels of specific antibodies, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and neutralizing antibodies induced by freeze-dried FMDV VLPs were comparable to those induced by non-freeze-dried FMDV VLPs. The heat treatment results showed that the storage periods of freeze-dried FMDV VLPs at 4, 25, and 37 ℃ were significantly longer than those of non-freeze-dried FMDV VLPs. In conclusion, the selected lyoprotectant formulation effectively improved the stability of FMDV VLPs vaccines. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing the stability of novel subunit vaccines.
Freeze Drying/methods* ; Animals ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus/immunology* ; Mice ; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/chemistry* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease/immunology* ; Vacuum ; Drug Stability ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Viral Vaccines/immunology*

Objective: To investigate the basic situation of pre-analytical quality management in blood station laboratories in North China, and to provide baseline data for promoting the homogenization and standardization of these pre-analytical processes in each blood station laboratory. Methods: A cross-sectional status survey was designed based on the quality management regulations of blood stations, ISO15189 standards and relevant quality management requirements. This survey covering various aspects including laboratory general situation, sample collection and temporary storage, transportation, reception, and quality continuous improvement situations. Data analysis was performed on the survey results of each laboratory. Results: All the 38 blood station laboratories in North China had established a pre-analytical quality management system framework and implemented basic pre-analytical quality control activities; however, there were differences in implementation. 1) Among the 12 basic quality items, 3 items were monitored by all the investigated laboratories (100%), 6 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 60%). There were no significant differences in the monitoring index among the three regions and among different types of laboratories (P>0.05). 2) Among the total of 26 items in the three key processes before testing (sample collection and storage, transportation, reception and processing), 12 items were monitored by all laboratories (100%), 11 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 75%). There were no significant differences in monitoring index among different regions and types of laboratories (P>0.05). Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for the gap analysis of the pre-analytical process quality management in 38 blood station laboratories across North China. It facilitates laboratories in identifying pre-analytical quality problems, resolving problems, preventing errors, and ensuring that the quality of blood samples before testing meets the established requirements. It lays a foundation for the homogenization of pre-analytical quality management in regional blood stations.

Objective: To investigate the assessment criteria and subsequent handling practices of hemolytic and lipemic blood samples before testing in blood screening laboratories in North China, and to provide data to support the standardization of their management in blood station laboratories. Methods: Data on the preanalytical management of hemolytic and lipemic samples from 38 laboratories were collected. The details of management on the criteria and verificatioon for assessment, the assessment methods, and subsequent handling procedures of hemolytic and lipemic samples in blood station laboratories were analyzed. Results: 1) All 38 blood station laboratories monitored serological and nucleic acid samples for hemolysis and lipemia in pre-analytical phase. 2) The criteria and methods for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples varied among the laboratories of the 38 blood stations. 15 laboratories (39.47%) followed manufacturer's instructions, 9 laboratories (23.68%) formulated their own criteria, and 14 laboratories (36.84%) referred to the criteria of other laboratories. 16 laboratories (42.11%) verified the criteria for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples, with significant variations in verification rate across laboratories from different regions (P<0.05). For the assessment methods, visual inspection was used by 28 laboratories (73.68%) for hemolytic samples and by 27 laboratories (71.05%) for lipemic samples; the colorimetric card method was used by 10 laboratories (26.32%) for assessing both hemolytic and lipemic samples; the instrumental method was used by 1 laboratory (2.63%) for assessing lipemic samples.3) The handling procedures for hemolytic and lipemic samples varied significantly and followed a gradient distribution pattern among 38 laboratories (including accepting samples for testing, accepting samples for concession testing, re-collecting samples, and rejecting samples and halting testing). With increasing severity of hemolysis and lipemia, more laboratories halted testing, and relatively fewer laboratories accepted samples for normal testing. 5 laboratories (13.16%) applied different handling procedures on serological and nucleic acid samples. Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for analyzing gaps in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples during the preanalyical phase in blood station laboratories in North China. It enables laboratories to identify the problems and deficiencies in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples, to ensure preanalytical samples quality meets the established requirements, and to lay a foundation for promoting the homogenization and standardization of the regional sample quality management mode.

Objective:This article analyzed the current situation, similarities and differences and main problems of the registration and management systems of innovative medical devices in China and the United States.Methods:This article summarized the requirements and policies for the registration management of innovative medical devices in China and the United States, as well as the development and differences of the registration of innovative medical devices in China and the United States, and the main problems in the registration management of innovative medical devices in China.Results:At present, the development level of medical device industry in China and the United States was different, facing different development problems, and there were differences in the access standards and management methods of innovative medical devices. The registration management system established for innovative medical devices in China was gradually improving, and to a certain extent, it had promoted the enthusiasm of innovative product research and development and registration applications, but there were also problems such as unclear innovation evaluation scales, insufficient early intervention of review resources, and insufficient utilization of post-marketing data.Conclusions:Drawing on the beneficial experience of breakthrough device registration management in the United States, we will improve the registration management system for innovative products and shorten the review and approval cycle by clarifying the identification criteria for innovative medical devices, promoting the placement of review resources in the R&D stage, and further strengthening the use of post-marketing data and regulatory scientific research.

Objective To investigate the peripheral retinal defocus and its influencing factors in children and adoles-cents with low to moderate myopia.Methods Totally 281 children and adolescents aged 6-15 years were included in the study,and only the right eye was selected.After cycloplegic refraction as well as axial length(AL)and average corneal curvature(AveK)measurements,the patients were divided into low myopia(LM)group(-3.00 D≤SE≤-0.50 D)and moderate myopia(MM)group(-6.00 D≤SE＜-3.00D)according to spherical equivalent(SE),and stratified compari-sons were made according to AL[AL1 group(23.00 mm≤AL≤24.00 mm),AL2 group(24.00 mm＜AL≤25.00 mm),and AL3 group(25.00 mm＜AL≤26.00 mm)]and AveK[AveK1 group(40.00 D≤ Ave K≤43.00 D)and AveK2 group(43.00 D＜AveK≤46.00 D)].Multispectral refraction tomography was used to measure the refraction difference value(RDV),in-cluding TRDV(0° to 53°),RDV-15(0° to 15°),RDV-30(0° to 30°),RDV-45(0° to 45°),RDV-15-30(15° to 30°),RDV-30-45(30° to 45°),RDV-45-53(45° to 53°),RDV-S(superior),RDV-I(inferior),RDV-T(temporal)and RDV-N(na-sal).The RDV was compared in the groups divided according to SE,AL and AveK individually,and the correlation be-tween RDV and age,SE,AL and AveK was analyzed.Moreover,the factors affecting RDV in all ranges were analyzed by multiple linear regression.Results Compared with the LM group,the MM group had significant increases in TRDV,RDV-30,RDV-45,RDV-15-30,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S,RDV-I and RDV-N(all P＜0.05)and no significant differ-ence in RDV-15 and RDV-T(both P＞0.05).According to the comparisons of AL groups and AveK groups,the TRDV,RDV-30,RDV-45,RDV-15-30,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S,RDV-I and RDV-N in the AL2 group were significantly higher than those in the AL1 group(all P＜0.05);the TRDV,RDV-30,RDV-45,RDV-15-30,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S and RDV-N in the AL3 group were significantly higher than those in AL2 and AL1 groups,and RDV-I and RDV-T in the AL3 group were significantly higher than those in the AL1 group(both P＜0.05);the TRDV,RDV-30,RDV-45,RDV-15-30,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S,and RDV-I in the Ave K1 group were significantly higher than those in the AveK2 group(all P＜0.05).The correlation analysis showed that TRDV,RDV-45,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S and RDV-N were positively correlated with age and AL and negatively correlated with SE and Ave K;RDV-30,RDV-15-30 and RDV-I were positively cor-related with AL and negatively correlated with SE and AveK;RDV-T was positively correlated only with AL;RDV-15 was not correlated with age,SE,AL and AveK.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age was the influencing factor of RDV-45-53 and RDV-S;AL was the influencing factor of TRDV,RDV-30,RDV-45,RDV-15-30,RDV-30-45,RDV-45-53,RDV-S and RDV-T;AveK was the influential factor of RDV-I;SE had no significant effect on RDV in all ranges.Conclu-sion Peripheral retinal defocus in children and adolescents with low to moderate myopia has reached hyperopic defocus,and hyperopic defocus is the least in patients with relatively short AL.Age,AL and AveK can affect peripheral retinal defo-cus in children and adolescents with low to moderate myopia,among which AL is the most important influencing factor.