Driven by the growing practical need to accelerate drug development and the continuous innovation of trial design in recent years， the number of protocol amendments during clinical trials have gradually increased， and the changed contents have become more flexible and complex， which significantly heightens the difficulty of ethical review on amendments. Against this backdrop， it is of great importance to fully leverage the role and responsibilities of ethics committees， effectively control clinical trial risks， and ensure subject safety. This paper analyzed development trends of protocol amendments in recent years， sorted out requirements for protocol amendments in Chinese regulations and guiding principles， and examined difficulties of amendment ethical review in practical work. Based on these， targeted strategies and recommendations were proposed， namely， strengthening the integration with scientific review， enhancing the formal review， adjusting the scope of review according to approval notifications， and adopting appropriate review methods， with a view to providing insights and references for the management of the amendment ethical review in drug clinical trials.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tianma Goutengyin on the tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）/α1-antichymotrypsin C-terminal tail fragment （α1ACT） signaling pathway and A1-type astrocytes in a rat model of vascular dementia. MethodsSeventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=12 per group）： Sham-operated group， model group， Tianma Goutengyin high-， medium-， and low-dose groups （5.13， 10.26， and 20.52 g·kg^-1）， and a nimodipine group （8.1 mg·kg^-1）. The vascular dementia model was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion， followed by 4 weeks of intervention. Learning and memory ability were evaluated using the novel object recognition test， and behavioral performance was assessed using the forced swimming test. Levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 （CCL2） in hippocampal tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed by Nissl staining， and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， and myelin basic protein （MBP）. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNF receptor 1 （TNFR1）， phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3）， α1ACT， IL-6， complement component 3 （C3）， BDNF， S100 calcium-binding protein A10 （S100A10）， and GFAP in hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group， the model group showed a significantly reduced relative recognition index in the novel object recognition test （P<0.01）， prolonged immobility time and increased immobility frequency in the forced swimming test （P<0.01）. Hippocampal IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Nissl staining revealed a marked reduction in neuronal number and loss of Nissl bodies （P<0.01）. MBP-positive expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， apoptosis was significantly increased （P<0.01）， BDNF-positive expression was significantly reduced （P<0.05）， and GFAP-positive expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. In addition， the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNFR1， p-STAT3， α1ACT， IL-6， and C3 were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while BDNF and S100A10 expression levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all Tianma Gouteng yin dose groups exhibited a significant increase in the relative recognition index （P<0.05）， shortened immobility time and reduced immobility frequency （P<0.05， P<0.01）. IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， neuronal number was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and MBP-positive expression was significantly enhanced （P<0.01）. Apoptosis was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， BDNF-positive expression was significantly increased （P<0.05）， and GFAP-positive expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Moreover， the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNFR1， p-STAT3， α1ACT， IL-6， and C3 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while BDNF and S100A10 protein expression levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. ConclusionTianma Goutengyin may inhibit A1-type astrocyte activation in rats with vascular dementia through the TNF-α/STAT3/α1ACT signaling pathway， thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis and improving learning and memory function.

The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis （GS/CACM 337-2023） was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13^th， 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology， pharmacy， and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine （pulmonary diseases） and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung， acute bronchitis， and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations， efficacy evaluation， usage， dosage， drug combination， and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions， give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid， and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.

BACKGROUND:Growth factor is the key effect molecule that plays a role in platelet-rich plasma in clinical treatment.There are differences in the concentration of growth factor after different activators activate platelet-rich plasma,which is an important factor affecting clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the influence of different activators on the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. METHODS:Totally 12 healthy volunteers were recruited to collect EDTA-K2 anticoagulant venous blood.Secondary centrifugation was used to prepare platelet-rich plasma.The difference in mass concentrations of growth factors was compared between venous blood and platelet-rich plasma.The platelet-rich plasma was mixed with four activators(normal saline,thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin)according to the volume ratio of 10:1,and incubated in a constant temperature water bath at 37 °C for 30 minutes.After centrifugation,the supernatant was extracted and the mass concentration of growth factor was detected.The bacterial growth in supernatant was measured by blood agar plate.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between different activators and the mass concentration of growth factor in platelet-rich plasma,and the correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor-BB,platelet-derived growth factor-AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor in platelet-rich plasma were 8.7,22.2,2.3,and 2.8 times of those in venous blood,respectively(P<0.05).(2)Compared with normal saline group,the mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB,platelet-derived growth factor AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor were increased in the thrombin group,calcium gluconate group,and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).The mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in the thrombin group and calcium gluconate group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05),and the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor AB in the thrombin group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).Epidermal growth factor mass concentration in the thrombin group was lower than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).(3)The results of blood agar plate test showed no bacterial growth in the supernatant of the four groups.(4)Pearson correlation analysis showed that the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in platelet-rich plasma was strongly positively correlated with thrombin(r=0.683,P<0.05),and the mass concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor was strongly positively correlated with thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin stimulant(r=0.730,0.789,0.686,P<0.05).There was no correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of four kinds of growth factors(P>0.05).(5)The results suggest that different activators have an impact on the concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma.It is suggested to choose different activators to improve clinical efficacy according to different growth factor mass concentrations and treatment needs.

Objective To explore the characteristics of fluid flow within loaded osteons under different boundary conditions.Methods The COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to establish a three-dimensional(3D)finite element model of osteons with different boundary conditions,and the variation rules of pore pressure and flow velocity of osteons under different inner wall pulsating blood pressures and outer wall elastic constraint conditions were analyzed.Results As the pulsatile blood pressure inside the osteon increased from 0 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)to 300 mmHg,the peak pore pressure within the osteon correspondingly increased from 26 kPa to 68 kPa.As the elastic constraint on the outer wall of osteons changed from being completely elastic to completely constrained,the peak pore pressure within osteons increased from 15 kPa to 26 kPa,and the peak flow velocity increased from 0.04 um/s to 0.07 um/s.Conclusions This study reveals the influence laws of changes in boundary conditions such as the pulsatile blood pressure on the inner wall and the elastic constraint on the outer wall of osteons on fluid flow characteristics within loaded osteons.These findings are conducive to a deeper understanding of the mechanical response mechanisms of bone tissues in both physiological and pathological states,and provide an important theoretical basrs for further researches on bone mechanotransduction.

Liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis and cancer, significantly threat human health for a long time, and their diagnosis and treatment are important topics in medical research. Tradi-tional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have focused on biochemical properties of liver diseases, yet often neglecting the mechanical microenvironment of liver at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. This oversight makes it difficult to meet clinical needs. Recent advancements in biomechanics and mechanobiology have underscored the importance of mechanical properties of liver in understanding disease mechanisms, presenting profound implications for both basic research and clinical practice. However, there is still a lack of in-depth exploration of the mechanical properties of liver in both basic research and clinical treatment, making it unclear of the specific mechanisms and application scenarios. The authors propose and introduce the emerging field of liver mechanomedicine, examine the biomechanical properties of liver and their alterations during disease progression, elucidate mechanobiological mechanisms of cellular mechanical responses and signal transduction, explore the application of mechanical characteristics in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, aiming to provide a new perspective for basic research and clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) with different etiologies.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 702 patients with AP who were admitted to Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected. There were 451 males and 251 females,aged (52±17)years. Observation indicators: (1) clinical characteristics of AP patients with different etiologies; (2) complications and prognosis of AP patients with different etiologies; (3) complications and prognosis of moderately severe and severe AP patients with different etiologies. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the one-way analysis of variance. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Comparison of count data among multiple groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1) Clinical characteris-tics of AP patients with different etiologies. Of the 702 AP patients, 434 cases were biliary AP, 199 cases were hypertriglyceridemic-induced AP,29 cases were alcoholic AP, and 40 cases were idiopathic AP. There were significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,combined cardiovascular disease,combined diabetes,combined nephrosis,disease severity and modified computed tomography severity index among AP patients with different etiologies ( χ2=24.61, F=48.65, 12.24, χ2=13.67, 12.90, 14.12, 15.56, H=17.62, P<0.05). (2) Complications and prognosis of AP patients with different etiologies. There was no significant difference in infectious pancreatic necrosis,duration of intensive care unit stay,total duration of hospital stay, and death of patients during hospitalization among AP patients with different etiologies ( P>0.05). (3) Complications and prognosis of moderately severe and severe AP patients with different etiologies. Of the 395 patients with moderately severe and severe AP, 217 cases were biliary AP, 128 cases were hypertriglyceridemic-induced AP, 19 cases were alcoholic AP, and 31 cases were idiopathic AP. There were significant differences in renal injury, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and walled-off necrosis among moderately severe and severe AP patients with different etiologies ( χ2=12.62, 8.25, 14.33, P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in infectious pancreatic necrosis, lung injury, circulation system injury, duration of intensive care unit stay, total duration of hospital stay, or death of patients during hospitalization among moderately severe and severe AP patients with different etiologies ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The clinical charac-teristics vary among AP patients with different etiologies. The risk of complications varies among moderately severe and severe AP patients with different etiologies.

Objective To explore the effects of transverse cervical artery related skin flaps in repairing skin soft tissue defects in the neck and shoulder.Methods A total of 13 patients with soft tissue defects in neck and shoulder admitted to Linyi People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were selected.The wounds of patients were repaired with transverse cervical artery related skin flaps,and the donor area was repaired with direct suturing and/or full-thick skin graft from the inguinal area.The survival,appearance and texture of the flap after surgery were recorded.The wound healing in the donor area and the survival of the grafted skin were observed.The follow-up was conducted for 5 to 12 months,and the appearance of the grafted flap and the recovery of function in the surgical area were observed.Results The flaps had good survival in the first stage after surgery,the color and texture of the flap matched well with the surrounding tissue,and the wound healing in the donor area was good.During the follow-up,the function and appearance of neck and shoulder for patients recovered well.Conclusion The advantages of transverse cervical artery related skin flaps in repairing skin soft tissue defects in the neck and shoulder is that the color and texture of the flap matched well with the surrounding tissue,with reliable blood circulation,and the appearance and postoperative function recover well,which is worthy of promotion and application in clinic.

Objective:To investigate the value of nomogram model based on CT features in differentiating ectopic pancreas (EP) from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with a long diameter less than 3 cm.Methods:This study was a case-control study. The clinical and imaging data of 43 patients with EP and 90 patients with GIST confirmed by pathology in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from August 2013 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative CT images were analyzed to obtain qualitative features (number of lesions, location, morphology, growth pattern, borders, cystic degeneration, calcification, ulceration, catheter sign, central umbilication) and quantitative features (lesion long diameter, short diameter, long/short diameter, lesion and normal pancreas arterial-phase and venous-phase CT values, and enhancement ratio). Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2 tests, and Fisher exact tests, were performed to compare CT characteristics between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to obtain independent predictors to identify the two groups, to establish a joint model, and to draw a nomogram. The discriminative performance of the independent predictors and the combined model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, while calibration curves were used to evaluate model fit. Results:The differences in age, location, morphology, border, catheter sign, central umbilication, short diameter, long/short diameter, arteriovenous phase enhancement CT value and arteriovenous phase enhancement ratio were statistically significant between the EP group and the GIST group (all P<0.05). The logistic analysis showed that the differences in age ( OR=0.920, 95% CI 0.885-0.956, P<0.001), border ( OR=5.994, 95% CI 2.111-17.022, P=0.001), long/short diameter ( OR=7.820, 95% CI 1.841-33.224, P=0.005), and venous phase enhancement ratio ( OR=8.847, 95% CI 1.103-70.972, P=0.040) were the independent predictors for distinguishing EP from GIST, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.782 (95% CI 0.698-0.866), 0.684 (95% CI 0.600-0.767), 0.705 (95% CI 0.607-0.803), and 0.693 (95% CI 0.605-0.781), respectively. Combined age, border, long diameter/short diameter and venous phase enhancement ratio were plotted in a nomogram with an AUC of 0.881 (95% CI 0.817-0.945), sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 93.3%, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated a strong agreement between predicted and actual probabilities (Hosmer-Lemeschow test, P=0.267). Conclusions:CT imaging reveals significant differences between EP and small GISTs (<3 cm). EP is more likely when patients are younger and lesions exhibit indistinct borders, a higher long-to-short diameter ratio, and greater venous-phase enhancement. The nomogram derived from CT features provides a valuable tool for differentiating EP from GIST.

Objective To investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and cognitive decline.Methods Data were obtained from the cognitive impairment cohort of middle-aged and elderly population in rural areas of Xi'an City.The cohort consisted of residents aged 40 years and older in two villages of Huyi District,Xi'an.The baseline survey was completed between October 2014 and March 2015,with two follow-up visits in 2016 and 2018.The present study was conducted on cognitively normal people at baseline.Individual characteristics,lifestyle,and medical history were collected;physical and biochemical examinations were completed.According to medical history of T2DM and fasting blood glucose,the study population was divided into non-T2DM group,pre-existing T2DM group,and new-onset T2DM group.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was used to assess global cognitive function.Participants with a drop of≥2 points in MMSE score from baseline after 4 years were defined as having cognitive decline.Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the effect of T2DM status on the risk of cognitive decline.Results A total of 1 350 subjects completed the follow-up.In the follow-up population,1 096(81.2％)were free of T2DM,158(11.7％)already had T2DM at baseline,and 96(7.1％)developed new-onset T2DM during the follow-up.Cognitive decline was observed in 230 individuals after 4 years,representing 17.0％of the study population.The new-onset T2DM group had the highest 4-year incidence of cognitive decline(non-T2DM group vs.pre-existing T2DM group vs.new-onset T2DM group:15.7％vs.20.9％vs.26.0％,P=0.014),and the incidence of cognitive decline in the newly-onset T2DM group was significantly higher than that in the non-T2DM group(P=0.009).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the new-onset T2DM group had an increased risk of cognitive decline compared with the non-T2DM group within 4 years(OR=1.726,95％CI:1.029-2.896,P=0.039).However,no significant difference in 4-year risk of cognitive decline in the pre-existing T2DM group was observed(OR=1.402,95％CI:0.890-2.210,P=0.145).Conclusion Through the 4-year follow-up study of cognitively normal adults aged 40 and above in rural Xi'an,it was found that new-onset T2DM patients face a significantly elevated risk of cognitive decline,suggesting that cognitive decline may occur in the early stage of T2DM.