Atractylodes lancea is a perennial herbaceous plant of Asteraceae, with rhizomes for medical use. However, A. lancea plants from different habitats have great variability, and the germplasm resources of A. lancea are unclear and mixed during production. Therefore, it is urgent to protect new varieties of A. lancea. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability(DUS) testing of new plant varieties is the foundation of plant variety protection, and the DUS testing guidelines are the technical basis for variety approval agencies to conduct DUS testing. In this study, the phenotypic traits of 94 germplasm accessions of A. lancea were investigated considering the breeding and variety characteristics of A. lancea in China. The traits were classified and described, and 24 traits were preliminarily determined, including 20 basic traits that must be tested and four traits selected to be tested. The 20 basic traits included 3 quality traits, 5 false quality traits, and 12 quantitative traits, corresponding to 1 plant traits, 2 stem traits, 8 leaf traits, 6 flower traits, and 3 seed traits. The measurement ranges and coefficients of variation of eight quantitative traits were determined, on the basis of which the grading criteria and codes of the traits were determined and assigned. The guidelines has guiding significance for the trait evaluation, utilization, and breeding of new varieties of A. lancea.
Atractylodes/growth & development* ; China ; Phenotype ; Guidelines as Topic ; Plant Breeding

Objective: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an intelligent blood transfusion system in intraoperative blood management by comparing its performance with clinicians' decisions. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 26 760 surgical cases (2017-2024) was conducted, comparing pre- and post-implementation (2017-2019 vs 2020-2024) metrics, including transfusion prediction accuracy, rationality of blood use, and clinical outcomes. The system, powered by XGBoost, integrated patient demographics, laboratory results, and surgical data to predict red blood cell transfusion needs. Results: The intelligent blood transfusion systems achieved an accuracy of 80.62% in predicting transfusion necessity, significantly outperforming clinicians (24.83%, P<0.001). Its blood-use rationality rate was 83.92% vs 18.02% for clinicians (P<0.001). Post-implementation, major surgeries (grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ) increased while the requested blood units decreased. High physician compliance (>75%) correlated with 88.18% rationality. Conclusion: The intelligent blood transfusion system significantly improves the accuracy of transfusion decision-making, reduces excessive red blood cell use, optimizes perioperative transfusion management, and enhances the utilization of blood medical resources.

Background: Epimedii Folium is well known for its medicinal value. Four Epimedium species—Euphorbia brevicornu, E. sagittatum, E. pubescens, and E. koreanum—are the designated original plants of Epimedii Folium. Objective: The objective of this study is to facilitate the identification of the four Epimedium species and clarify their distributional responses to climate change. Methods: In this study, we assessed the genetic divergence of the four species and identified the molecular markers for species identification by using chloroplast genome sequences. Furthermore, we forecasted the distribution of potentially suitable regions of the four species Folium under climate change. Results: The authors obtained 26 chloroplast genome sequences of the four species and identified 1393 variable sites and 273 indel events. Genetic divergence analyses revealed that E. koreanum had long genetic distance from the other three species. Compared with the complete chloroplast genome, six hypervariable markers were discovered, and both rps4-trnL and ndhF were chosen as Epimedii Folium-specific DNA barcodes. Climate change is expected to influence the geographical distribution of the four Epimedium species, which were primarily found in China, South Korea, and Japan, leading to both expansion and contraction of their distribution ranges. Conclusion: Two identification markers were selected as the specific DNA barcodes for all four original plant species of Epimedii Folium. In addition, the shift of potential suitable area in various climate scenarios has been predicted. With the support of identification markers and the dynamics of suitable distribution areas, we are able to establish a foundation for the sustainable utilization of medicinal Epimedium resources in the future.

Objective:This study aimed to summarize and analyze the preliminary application experience of a novel pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) device in patients with peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal malignancies.Methods:In this descriptive case series study, four patients with pathologically confirmed peritoneal metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies were enrolled, receiving PIPAC treatment at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from December 2024 to February 2025. The PIPAC treatment was performed five times on these patients . Key procedural steps included equipment preparation, operation platform construction, cytologic examination of ascites, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) scoring, biopsy of peritoneal metastases, drug preparation, connection and testing of the PIPAC device, PIPAC treatment, and aerosol evacuation. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed to assess the safety and feasibility of PIPAC treatment.Results:3 males and 1 female patients were enrolled; median age was 57 (range, 36-70) years old; median body mass index was 22.5 (range, 18.0-24.6) kg/m2, and the preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was 1 for all cases. Four patients successfully completed the five PIPAC treatments without any intraoperative adverse events. The PIPAC treatment time ranged from 34 minutes to 36 minutes, with a median preoperative PCI score of 18 (range, 5-25). The average Peritoneal Regression Grading Score (PRGS) before the first and second PIPAC treatments were 2.1±0.8 and 1.7±0.6, respectively. The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 were 2 (range, 2-4), 1 (range, 0-2), and 1 (range, 0-2), respectively. All patients resumed the oral intake and ambulation on the first postoperative day, with a postoperative hospital stay of 3 days. No postoperative complications or perioperative death occurred.Conclusion:The preliminary study results indicate that the use of the novel PIPAC device for the treatment of peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal malignant tumors is safe and feasible.

Objective:To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus (NoV) among infectious diarrhea patients in Linyi from 2021 to 2023, and provide the scientific evidence for norovirus control and prevention.Methods:The epidemiological information and fecal samples of patients with infectious diarrhea in Linyi from 2021 to 2023 were collected and detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The RdRp and capsid gene VP1 region of norovirus-positive specimens were amplified and sequenced used to analyze their genotype, phylogeny and homology.Results:Among the 2 311specimens, 123 (5.32%) were positive of NoV, with GI/GII group infection accounted for 17.07% (21/123) and 77.24% (95/123), respectively, GI/GII group mixed infection accounted for 5.69% (7/123). The detection rate of <1 year age group was the highest (8.86%), followed by the 1-3 years group (7.11%, 30/422) and the over 60 years group (5.29%, 23/123). The highest NoV detection rate was 7.96% (45/565) in the urban area, and the most abundant genotypes were found in the northern mountainous area. Sequence analysis showed that 61 identified NoV strains could be divided into 12 genotypes, with 4 NoV GI and 8 NoV GII. The dominant genotype differed during the 3 years, with GII.4 Sydney [P16] in 2021, GII.4 Sydney [P31] in 2022, and GII.2[P16] in 2023.Conclusions:NoV GII group was the main NoV infection in Linyi from 2021-2023 and genotypes were diverse. Children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 60 years old as susceptible groups should be given special protection. In addition, the monitoring of NoV genotype diversification should be strengthened in northern mountainous areas.

Objective:This study aimed to summarize and analyze the preliminary application experience of a novel pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) device in patients with peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal malignancies.Methods:In this descriptive case series study, four patients with pathologically confirmed peritoneal metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies were enrolled, receiving PIPAC treatment at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from December 2024 to February 2025. The PIPAC treatment was performed five times on these patients . Key procedural steps included equipment preparation, operation platform construction, cytologic examination of ascites, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) scoring, biopsy of peritoneal metastases, drug preparation, connection and testing of the PIPAC device, PIPAC treatment, and aerosol evacuation. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed to assess the safety and feasibility of PIPAC treatment.Results:3 males and 1 female patients were enrolled; median age was 57 (range, 36-70) years old; median body mass index was 22.5 (range, 18.0-24.6) kg/m2, and the preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was 1 for all cases. Four patients successfully completed the five PIPAC treatments without any intraoperative adverse events. The PIPAC treatment time ranged from 34 minutes to 36 minutes, with a median preoperative PCI score of 18 (range, 5-25). The average Peritoneal Regression Grading Score (PRGS) before the first and second PIPAC treatments were 2.1±0.8 and 1.7±0.6, respectively. The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 were 2 (range, 2-4), 1 (range, 0-2), and 1 (range, 0-2), respectively. All patients resumed the oral intake and ambulation on the first postoperative day, with a postoperative hospital stay of 3 days. No postoperative complications or perioperative death occurred.Conclusion:The preliminary study results indicate that the use of the novel PIPAC device for the treatment of peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal malignant tumors is safe and feasible.

Objective:To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus (NoV) among infectious diarrhea patients in Linyi from 2021 to 2023, and provide the scientific evidence for norovirus control and prevention.Methods:The epidemiological information and fecal samples of patients with infectious diarrhea in Linyi from 2021 to 2023 were collected and detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The RdRp and capsid gene VP1 region of norovirus-positive specimens were amplified and sequenced used to analyze their genotype, phylogeny and homology.Results:Among the 2 311specimens, 123 (5.32%) were positive of NoV, with GI/GII group infection accounted for 17.07% (21/123) and 77.24% (95/123), respectively, GI/GII group mixed infection accounted for 5.69% (7/123). The detection rate of <1 year age group was the highest (8.86%), followed by the 1-3 years group (7.11%, 30/422) and the over 60 years group (5.29%, 23/123). The highest NoV detection rate was 7.96% (45/565) in the urban area, and the most abundant genotypes were found in the northern mountainous area. Sequence analysis showed that 61 identified NoV strains could be divided into 12 genotypes, with 4 NoV GI and 8 NoV GII. The dominant genotype differed during the 3 years, with GII.4 Sydney [P16] in 2021, GII.4 Sydney [P31] in 2022, and GII.2[P16] in 2023.Conclusions:NoV GII group was the main NoV infection in Linyi from 2021-2023 and genotypes were diverse. Children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 60 years old as susceptible groups should be given special protection. In addition, the monitoring of NoV genotype diversification should be strengthened in northern mountainous areas.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of influenza virus detection in an influenza outbreak in schools, so as to provide a strategic basis for the treatment of influenza outbreaks in schools. Methods: A total of 1 702 samples were collected from 52 school influenza outbreaks reported in Linyi City in 2021-2022. The samples were divided into 3 types according to different symptoms during the management of the epidemic [group A:influenzalike illness (ILI) group; group B:mild illness group; group C:close contacts group]. Rt-PCR was used to detect influenza virus nucleic acid in the collected samples. The detection rate of influenza virus in the outbreaks was analyzed by χ2 test. Results: In total, 1 071 samples (62.93%) tested positive for influenza virus nucleic acid. Among them, 610 out of 726 samples (84.02%) were detected in group A, while 331 out of 634 samples (52.21%) were detected in group B. In group C, 130 out of 342 samples (38.01%) tested positive. The differences were statistically significant (χ2=260.71, P<0.01). In group A, males had a detection rate of 80.83% for influenza virus nucleic acid, compared to 91.36% for females. For group B, the rates were 53.31% for males and 50.87% for females. In group C, males had a rate of 30.72%, while females had a rate of 43.92%. Statistical significance for gender differences was observed only in groups A and C (χ2=12.67, 6.25, P<0.05). According to the days of onset, the detection rates of influenza virus nucleic acid among patients with onset 0-6 days were 56.30%, 74.49%, 89.35%, 86.23%, 69.67%, 62.75%, 34.33%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=128.27, P<0.01). Conclusions Mild cases and close contacts are likely key factors contributing to the prolonged emergence of new cases within classrooms during school influenza outbreaks. The progression of influenza symptoms is related to the risk of transmission.

ObjectiveTo understand the usage of antibiotics in outpatients in a county of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2020， so as to provide a basis for further standardizing the clinical application of antibiotics in this region. MethodsOutpatient records and prescription records of 146 public medical institutions from 2015 to 2020 were extracted from the electronic medical record data sharing platform system of medical institutions in a county of Zhejiang Province. The utilization rates and the number of types of antibiotics used in outpatient patients were described. According to the drug anatomy， therapeutic and chemical classification system （ATC）， clinical application classification and dosage form， the use status of different types of antibiotics was observed. The annual percentage change （APC） was used to analyze the time trend of antibiotic use. Among the antibiotic prescriptions in each year， the proportions of prescriptions aimed for different use reasons and patients were compared to analyze the changes in the structures of antibiotic prescriptions. ResultsDuring 2015‒2020， a total of 2 861 438 prescriptions were issued in146 primary public medical institutions in this county， including 314 642 prescriptions for antibiotics， and the overall utilization rate of antibiotics was 11%. The utilization rate of antibiotics showed a decreased trend across the years （from 14.23% in 2015 to 7.59% in 2020，APC=-11.51%， 95%CI=-0.01%‒-21.7%， t=-12.05， P<0.001） and an obvious seasonal variation character （higher in winter and spring， lower in summer and autumn）. Cefoxitin sodium for injection was the most used antibiotic in 2015， and cefuroxime was the most used antibiotic from 2015 to 2020， respectively. The utilization rates of cephalosporins （APC=-11.06%， 95%CI=0‒-20.89%， t=-22.233， P<0.001）， quinolones （APC=-9.74%， 95%CI=0‒-18.53%， t=-7.652， P=0.002）， macrolides （APC=-17.52%， 95%CI=0‒-17.52%， t=-3.626， P=0.022） and lincoamides （APC=-49.01%， 95%CI=0‒-74%， t=-3.35， P=0.029） showed a decreasing trend across the years. There were differences in the distribution of drug use reasons （χ²=9 458.427， P<0.001）， as well as the age （χ²=5 421.709， P<0.001） and sex （χ²=245.322， P<0.001） of patients. During the observation period， 50.69% of antibiotic prescriptions were used to treat respiratory diseases， with the highest proportion of 57.67% in 2015 and the lowest proportion of 34.93% in 2020. 58.37% of patients were aged 50‒70 years， with a decreasing proportion of patients under 50 years （17.83% in 2015， 6.64% in 2020） and an increasing proportion of patients over 70 years （24.1% in 2015， 38.41% in 2020）. ConclusionThe utilization rate of antibiotics used in outpatients from primary public medical institutions in a county of Zhejiang Province shows a decreasing trend across the years， but higher than that of secondary and above hospitals in China， and also higher than that of primary medical institutions in economically-developed areas. The management and monitoring of the clinical use of antibiotics in the county should be actively strengthened.

Pyran- and furanocoumarins are key representatives of tetrahydropyrans and tetrahydrofurans, respectively, exhibiting diverse physiological and medical bioactivities. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms for their core structures remain poorly understood. Here we combined multiomics analyses of biosynthetic enzymes in Peucedanum praeruptorum and in vitro functional verification and identified two types of key enzymes critical for pyran and furan ring biosynthesis in plants. These included three distinct P. praeruptorum prenyltransferases (PpPT1-3) responsible for the prenylation of the simple coumarin skeleton 7 into linear or angular precursors, and two novel CYP450 cyclases (PpDC and PpOC) crucial for the cyclization of the linear/angular precursors into either tetrahydropyran or tetrahydrofuran scaffolds. Biochemical analyses of cyclases indicated that acid/base-assisted epoxide ring opening contributed to the enzyme-catalyzed tetrahydropyran and tetrahydrofuran ring refactoring. The possible acid/base-assisted catalytic mechanisms of the identified cyclases were theoretically investigated and assessed using site-specific mutagenesis. We identified two possible acidic amino acids Glu303 in PpDC and Asp301 in PpOC as vital in the catalytic process. This study provides new enzymatic tools in the epoxide formation/epoxide-opening mediated cascade reaction and exemplifies how plants become chemically diverse in terms of enzyme function and catalytic process.