Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） compounds. In recent years， the introduction of mathematical methods， data mining techniques， and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables， including the proportions of different herbs， the specific extraction parts of each ingredient， and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context， it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues， such as the optimization of source material selection， dosage optimization of compatible herbs， and multi-objective optimization indicators， were discussed. Furthermore， the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process， so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment by activating tumor-infiltrating T cells. However, the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade is restricted in "cold" tumors, which are characterized by low immunogenicity, presenting a challenge to immunotherapy. This study introduces an innovative strategy, utilizing cathepsin-cleavable N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) polymer-assisted combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and PD-L1 degradation for the first time, effectively treating T cell-deficient tumors. The degradable main-chain polymer, conjugated with photosensitizer porphyrin, facilitates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promoting cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) infiltration into tumors. Multivalent peptide antagonists of PD-L1 promote PD-L1 degradation in lysosomes through receptor crosslinking, overcoming the adaptive cycling of PD-L1 to the tumor cell surface. These findings demonstrate that polymer-assisted PDT and PD-L1 crosslinking degradation represent a potential novel strategy for anti-tumor immunotherapy, providing valuable tools for expanding immunotherapy applications in immunosuppressive cancers.

Objective To detect and identify the differentially expressed tsRNA in the serum of patients with Sj?gren's syndrome(SS),and preliminarily explore their potential application value in the diagnosis of SS.Methods The serum samples from SS patients diagnosed at the Rheumatology Department of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and healthy controls(HCs)matched age and gender were collected,and the differentially expressed tsRNA were screened by small RNA sequencing.Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to valid the sequence data.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnos-tic efficiency of tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1.KEGG and GO analysis were used to predict the potential mechanism of tRNA-GLy-GCC-1-1 in the occurrence and development of SS.Results Compared with HCs(13.34[10.45,18.74]fmol/L),the levels of serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 in SS patients(8.82[7.26,12.20]fmol/L)were significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1),and its area under the ROC curve(AUCROC)in distinguishing SS patients from HCs was 0.766(95%CI:0.671-0.861).When the cut-off value was 9.97 fmol/L,its sensitivity and specificity were 83.33%and 64.58%,respectively.Bioinformatics analysis showed that serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 might be involved in the regulation of signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt.Conclusion Serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 in SS patients is significantly down-regulated,which has potential clinical application value in assisting the diagnosis of SS.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of an etoposide (Vp16) -intensified conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 recipients with relapsed/refractory AML who underwent allo-HSCT using a Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen at Aerospace Center Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Transplantation-related complications and treatment outcomes were observed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.Result:Among the 27 recipients, there were 14 males and 13 females, with a median age of 41 years (range: 12~55 years). Except for one recipient who experienced primary graft failure, the remaining 26 recipients achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were 13 days (range: 9~20 days) and 13.5 days (range: 11~33 days), respectively. Regimen-related toxicity (RRT) was mainly gastrointestinal toxicity and oral mucositis, and no deaths were attributed to RRT. A total of 12 recipients (44.44%) developed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), of whom 3 cases (11.11%) had grade III~IV aGVHD. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in 13 recipients (48.15%), including 8 cases (29.63%) of extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up time after transplantation was 17 months (range: 1~48 months). Fifteen recipients (55.56%) survived without disease, while 12 recipients (44.44%) died— 9 due to relapse and 3 due to transplant-related complications. The 1-year overall survival and DFS rates were 74.07% and 59.26%, respectively; the 2-year overall survival and DFS rates were 59.26% and 55.56%, respectively. The 2-year relapse rate and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were 33.33% and 11.11%, respectively.Conclusion:The Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT appears to be a viable treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory AML, offering favorable efficacy and manageable safety.

Objective To detect and identify the differentially expressed tsRNA in the serum of patients with Sj?gren's syndrome(SS),and preliminarily explore their potential application value in the diagnosis of SS.Methods The serum samples from SS patients diagnosed at the Rheumatology Department of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and healthy controls(HCs)matched age and gender were collected,and the differentially expressed tsRNA were screened by small RNA sequencing.Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to valid the sequence data.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnos-tic efficiency of tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1.KEGG and GO analysis were used to predict the potential mechanism of tRNA-GLy-GCC-1-1 in the occurrence and development of SS.Results Compared with HCs(13.34[10.45,18.74]fmol/L),the levels of serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 in SS patients(8.82[7.26,12.20]fmol/L)were significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1),and its area under the ROC curve(AUCROC)in distinguishing SS patients from HCs was 0.766(95%CI:0.671-0.861).When the cut-off value was 9.97 fmol/L,its sensitivity and specificity were 83.33%and 64.58%,respectively.Bioinformatics analysis showed that serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 might be involved in the regulation of signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt.Conclusion Serum tRNA-Gly-GCC-1-1 in SS patients is significantly down-regulated,which has potential clinical application value in assisting the diagnosis of SS.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of an etoposide (Vp16) -intensified conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 recipients with relapsed/refractory AML who underwent allo-HSCT using a Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen at Aerospace Center Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Transplantation-related complications and treatment outcomes were observed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.Result:Among the 27 recipients, there were 14 males and 13 females, with a median age of 41 years (range: 12~55 years). Except for one recipient who experienced primary graft failure, the remaining 26 recipients achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were 13 days (range: 9~20 days) and 13.5 days (range: 11~33 days), respectively. Regimen-related toxicity (RRT) was mainly gastrointestinal toxicity and oral mucositis, and no deaths were attributed to RRT. A total of 12 recipients (44.44%) developed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), of whom 3 cases (11.11%) had grade III~IV aGVHD. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in 13 recipients (48.15%), including 8 cases (29.63%) of extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up time after transplantation was 17 months (range: 1~48 months). Fifteen recipients (55.56%) survived without disease, while 12 recipients (44.44%) died— 9 due to relapse and 3 due to transplant-related complications. The 1-year overall survival and DFS rates were 74.07% and 59.26%, respectively; the 2-year overall survival and DFS rates were 59.26% and 55.56%, respectively. The 2-year relapse rate and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were 33.33% and 11.11%, respectively.Conclusion:The Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT appears to be a viable treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory AML, offering favorable efficacy and manageable safety.

[Objective]To explore the effects of electricity on sperm quality,sex hormone levels,and related proteins in TGF-β 1/smads signaling in testicular tissue.[Methods]Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group,and positive drug group.Adenine gavage method was used to establish the model,in the electroacupuncture group,rats received electroacupuncture treatment at the acupoints Zhongji,Guanyuan,Zusanli,and Sanyinjiao once daily for 30 minutes;in the positive drug group,rats were administered L-carnitine oral solution via gavage at a dosage of 10 mL/kg,both intervention groups underwent continuous treatment for 28 days.After treatment,the changes of sperm number,sperm motility rate,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteizing hormone(LH)and serum sex hormone testosterone(T)were detected by HE staining,and the expression of TGF-β-1/smads signaling pathway in testicular tissue was examined by Western Blot.[Results]Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significant decrease in sperm count and sperm motility rate(P<0.05),both the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group exhibited significant increases compared to the model group(P<0.05).Compared to the blank group,the model group had a significant decrease in serum testosterone(T)levels(P<0.05),and significant increases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant increases in serum T levels(P<0.05),and significant decreases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed typical pathological features of AR in the testicular tissue of model group rats,with varying degrees of improvement observed in electroacupuncture and positive drug group rats.Western Blot analysis revealed that in the model group,the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3 in the TGF-β1/smads pathway in testicular tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant decreases in the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Acupuncture can improve the sperm number and sperm motility rate,regulate sex hormone level and improve the spermatogenic environment,and affect the spermatogenesis process via TGF-β 1/smads signaling pathway.

Objective:To analyze the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) image manifestation classification and pathological features of nodules in nodules accompanied by hepatocellular carcinoma (NIN-HCC).Methods:Twenty-five cases cases (27 lesions) with cirrhosis who were confirmed as NIN-HCC by surgical pathology and underwent gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI examination before surgery at Nantong Third Hospital affiliated with Nantong University from July 2015 to November 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The size, signal intensity, enhancement pattern, and pathological features of internal and external nodules were analyzed in NIN-HCC. The lesions score were recorded according to the 2018 version of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (LI-RADS) classification criteria. NIN-HCCs were grouped and typed according to the different HBP signal intensities of the inner and outer nodules. The independent-samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact probability method were used to compare the differences in imaging features and LI-RADS scores between the groups. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the pathological differentiation degree of internal and external nodules and the HBP signal intensity. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze recurrence-free survival (RFS) following NIN-HCC surgery. Results:The internal nodules of the 27 NIN-HCCs showed altered hypervascularity with a maximum diameter of (13.2±5.5) mm during the arterial phase. 51.9% (14/27) and 48.1% (13/27) showed "fast in and fast out" and fast in and slow out"enhancement patterns. The external nodules showed altered hypovascularity with a maximum diameter of (25.7±7.3) mm, and 13 (48.1%) of them were accompanied to manifest during the arterial phase. NIN-HCC was divided into two groups according to the signal intensity of HBP of the outer nodules with the background liver parenchyma signal intensity as a reference: the hyposignal group ( n=17, 63.0%) and the isosignal group ( n=10, 37.0%). The hyposignal group and the isosignal group were divided into A~C type and D~F type, a total of six types, according to the hypo, iso, and hyper signals of the inner nodules and the signal intensity of the outer nodules as a reference. Within the hyposignal group, 7.4% (2/27) of the inner nodules showed hyposignal (type A), 37.0% (10/27) showed isosignal (type B), and 18.5% (5/27) showed hypersignal (type C). Within the isosignal group, 29.6% (8/27) of the inner nodules showed hyposignal (type D), 7.4% (2/27) showed isosignal (type E), and there was no hypersignal (type F). 40.7% (11/27) of the lesions were LR-4 in LI-RADS score, and 59.3% (16/27) were LR-5. There was no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in the maximum diameter, enhancement pattern, and LI-RADS score of internal and external nodules between the hypo and iso signal group. Histologically, NIN-HCC showed fine trabecular/pseudoglandular duct type without microvascular invasion, among which the inner nodules were mainly moderately differentiated HCC, and the outer nodules were mainly well-differentiated HCC. The degree of differentiation between the inner and outer nodules and the HBP signal intensity had no statistically significant difference ( r=0.290, P=0.143; r=0.079, P=0.697). The median RFS follow-up time after NIN-HCC radical resection was 31.7 months, and the cumulative RFS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 96.0%, 76.0%, and 64.0%, respectively. Conclusions:NIN-HCC can serve as a morphological marker for early-stage diagnosis of multi-step cancer evolution in HCC, with certain imaging and pathological features. HBP imaging classification is helpful to enhance the diagnostic recognition of this disease.

Candidiasis has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide,and its main causative agent is Candi-da albicans.At present,the treatment effect of candidiasis is not ideal due to the shortcomings of antifungal drugs,such as toxicity,drug resistance,single route of administration,and high price.In order to overcome this situation,metal nanoparticles with antifungal activity and the potential to deliver antifungal drugs have been extensively studied.In this paper,the mechanism and application of gold,silver,copper and iron nanoparticles against Candida albicans are reviewed.Compared with traditional antifungal drugs,metal nanoparticles exert antifungal effects through a multi-target mechanism,which minimizes the emergence of antifungal resistance.Cytotoxicity limits the application of metal nanoparticles,but green synthesis can reduce the cytotoxicity of metal nanoparticles and improve antimicrobial properties.