Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels， but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex， and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression， involving multiple pathways， including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （TLR4/NLRP3）， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT）， mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase （MAPK/ERK）， brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B （BDNF/TrkB）， cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein （cAMP/PKA/CREB）， and others. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes， regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems， involving liver Qi stagnation， heart spirit deficiency， kidney essence depletion， and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver， strengthening the spleen， calming the heart， and replenishing essence， with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan， Zishui Qinggan Yin， and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi， such as salidroside， ginsenoside Rb₁， astragaloside， and muscone. External TCM treatments， primarily acupuncture， aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui， Shenting， and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally， massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression， aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.

Objective: To investigate the regional differences in the incidence of urothelial carcinoma among kidney transplant recipients between northern and southern China，so as to provide reference for early diagnosis of this disease. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases，including CNKI，Wanfang，CBM，and PubMed，using the keywords “kidney transplantation” and “tumor” to collect clinical data from qualified kidney transplant centers.The latest and most complete literature data published by 17 transplant centers in northern China and 14 in southern China were included.Statistical analyses were performed to compare the incidence of post-transplant urothelial carcinoma and non-urothelial malignancies. Results: A total of 37 475 kidney transplant recipients were included，among whom 837 (2.23%) developed post-transplant malignancies，including urothelial carcinoma (366/837，43.73%)，non-urothelial carcinoma (444/837，53.05%)，and malignancies with unspecified pathology (27/837，3.23%).The incidence of malignancies was significantly higher in northern China than in southern China [(2.82±1.39)% vs. (1.67±0.83)%，P=0.011]，with a particularly pronounced difference in the incidence of urothelial carcinoma [(1.68±1.12)% vs. (0.32±0.32)%，P<0.001].No significant difference was observed in the incidence of non-urothelial carcinoma between the two regions [(1.11±0.56)% vs. (1.35±0.65)%，P=0.279].Additionally，female transplant recipients exhibited a higher incidence of malignancies than males in both regions (southern China：2.38% vs. 1.80%; northern China：8.93% vs. 2.52%). Conclusion: The incidence of urothelial carcinoma following kidney transplantation is significantly higher in northern China than in southern China，underscoring the importance of implementing regular tumor screening for kidney transplant recipients，particularly for female patients in northern China，to facilitate early diagnosis and timely intervention.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its receptor family members are involved in a variety of pathophysiological processes.Studies have shown that the IL-17 family may be closely related to the occurrence and development of interstitial cystitis/ bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).This paper explores the relationship between the IL-17 family and IC/BPS, introduces the members and structures of the IL-17 family, their value in inflammatory diseases, and discusses in depth the IL-17 pathways in IC/BPS and the latest research progress.Research has found that the IL-17 family is upregulated in IC/BPS, related to the exacerbation of pathological inflammatory reactions, and responsible for maintaining the chronic inflammatory state of IC/BPS patients.In addition, IL-17 is also associated with neuroinflammation, pain, and other biological effects in IC/BPS.This review aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying IC/BPS and to provide references for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Stent migration is one of the common complications following transcatheter valve implantation. This study aims to design a "drum-shaped" balloon-expandable aortic valve stent to address this issue and conduct a mechanical analysis. The implantation process of the stent was evaluated using a method that combines numerical simulation and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, the fatigue process of the stent under pulsatile cyclic loading was simulated, and its fatigue performance was assessed using a Goodman diagram. The process of the stent migrating toward the left ventricular side was simulated, and the force-displacement curve of the stent was extracted to evaluate its anti- migration performance. The results showed that all five stent models could be crimped into a 14F sheath and enabled uniform expansion of the native valve leaflets. The stress in each stent was below the ultimate stress, so no fatigue fracture occurred. As the cell height ratio decreased, the contact area fraction between the stent and the aortic root gradually decreased. However, the mean contact force and the maximum anti-migration force first decreased and then increased. Specifically, model S5 had the smallest contact area fraction but the largest mean contact force and maximum anti-migration force, reaching approximately 0.16 MPa and 10.73 N, respectively. The designed stent achieves a "drum-shaped" change after expansion and has good anti-migration performance.
Stents ; Prosthesis Design ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Humans ; Aortic Valve/surgery* ; Stress, Mechanical ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/instrumentation*

Due to its high sensitivity and non-destructive nature, Raman spectroscopy has become an essential analytical tool in biopharmaceutical analysis and drug development. Despite of the computational demands, data requirements, or ethical considerations, artificial intelligence (AI) and particularly deep learning algorithms has further advanced Raman spectroscopy by enhancing data processing, feature extraction, and model optimization, which not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of Raman spectroscopy detection, but also greatly expands its range of application. AI-guided Raman spectroscopy has numerous applications in biomedicine, including characterizing drug structures, analyzing drug forms, controlling drug quality, identifying components, and studying drug-biomolecule interactions. AI-guided Raman spectroscopy has also revolutionized biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, particularly in disease early diagnosis and treatment optimization. Therefore, AI methods are crucial to advancing Raman spectroscopy in biopharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics, offering new perspectives and tools for disease treatment and pharmaceutical process control. In summary, integrating AI and Raman spectroscopy in biomedicine has significantly improved analytical capabilities, offering innovative approaches for research and clinical applications.

As a strategic emerging industry, biomanufacturing faces core challenges in achieving precise optimization and efficient scale-up of fermentation processes. This review focuses on two critical aspects of fermentation-real-time sensing and intelligent control-and systematically summarizes the advancements in online monitoring technologies, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven optimization strategies, and digital twin applications. First, online monitoring technologies, ranging from conventional parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) to advanced sensing systems (e.g., online viable cell sensors, spectroscopy, and exhaust gas analysis), provide a data foundation for real-time microbial metabolic state characterization. Second, conventional static control relying on expert experience is evolving toward AI-driven dynamic optimization. The integration of machine learning technologies (e.g., artificial neural networks and support vector machines) and genetic algorithms significantly enhances the regulation efficiency of feeding strategies and process parameters. Finally, digital twin technology, integrating real-time sensing data with multi-scale models (e.g., cellular metabolic kinetics and reactor hydrodynamics), offers a novel paradigm for lifecycle optimization and rational scale-up of fermentation. Future advancements in closed-loop control systems based on intelligent sensing and digital twin are expected to accelerate the industrialization of innovative achievements in synthetic biology and drive biomanufacturing toward higher efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence ; Fermentation ; Bioreactors/microbiology* ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Algorithms ; Biotechnology/methods*

Purpose To explore the value of dual-layer spectral detector CT(DLSCT)in evaluating preoperative tumor staging in rectal adenocarcinoma(RA).Materials and Methods A total of 78 patients with pathologically confirmed RA in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2021 to March 2022 were involved in this retrospective study.All the patients underwent plain and dual-phase contrast-enhanced scans by DLSCT within one week before surgery.Taking pathological results as the golden standard,the accuracy rates of tumor staging were calculated and compared between the multiple-parameter maps derived from DLSCT and 120 kVp polyenergetic image.The effective atomic number(Z-eff)from plain scan,iodine concentration(IC)from arterial phase(AP)and venous phase(VP)were measured.The normalized iodine concentration(NIC)in AP and VP were calculated.The differences of Z-eff,NICAP and NICVP were compared among the pT1-2,pT3 and pT4 groups.The correlation between the pT stages and above values was assessed and the diagnostic efficiencies were analyzed.Results The overall accuracy rate(88.46%vs.67.95%;χ2=9.628,P=0.002),the pT1-2 staging accuracy rate(80.00%vs.40.00%;χ2=6.667,P=0.01),and the pT3 staging accuracy rate(88.10%vs.69.05%;χ2=4.525,P=0.033)of multiple-parameter maps derived from DLSCT were significantly higher than those of 120 kVp polyenergetic image,respectively.The Z-eff,NICAP and NICVP were significantly different among pT stage groups(F=6.456,11.029,12.698,all P<0.05)and exhibited a positive correlation with pT stages(r=0.371,0.367,0.363,all P<0.01).The areas under the curve of Z-eff,NICAP and NICVP to assess pT3-4 staging RA were 0.77,0.71 and 0.74,respectively.Conclusion The multiple-parameter maps derived from DLSCT can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative tumor staging of RA.Z-eff from plain scan and NIC from dual-phase helps differentiate pT1-2 from pT3-4 staging RA.

Objective:To explore the value of dual-layer detector spectral CT quantitative parameters in evaluating the treatment response of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. From May 2021 to March 2023, a total of 52 patients with LARC who received complete nCRT and were pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma at the Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent spectral CT examination before and after nCRT, including plain scan, arterial phase (AP), and venous phase (VP) scans. According to the tumor regression grade, the patients were divided into the good response ( n=20) and the poor response group ( n=32). Measurements of the primary tumor′s spectral CT parameters, including effective atomic number (Z eff) at plain scan, iodine concentration (IC), CT values of 40 keV and 100 keV virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at dual-enhanced phases, were taken before and after nCRT. Additionally, the normalized iodine concentration (NIC), spectral curve slope (λHU), and the change rate of the above parameters before and after nCRT were calculated. The independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the efficacy of various metrics in evaluating the tumor treatment response of nCRT. A binary logistic regression analysis of combined parameter results was performed for the parameters with the areas under curve (AUC)>0.75, and the AUC of the combined parameter was evaluated. Results:There were significant differences in NIC AP and λHU VP before nCRT, NIC VP and λHU VP after nCRT, and the change rates of Z eff, NIC AP, NIC VP and λHU AP between the good response group and the poor response group ( P<0.05). The remaining parameters showed no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). The ROC curve results showed that the AUCs of the above 8 parameters for evaluating tumor treatment response of nCRT were 0.702, 0.655, 0.695, 0.769, 0.738, 0.807, 0.791, and 0.677, respectively. The AUC of the combined model of the three parameters with AUC>0.75 (λHU VP after nCRT, the change rate of NIC AP and NIC VP) was 0.869, with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. Conclusion:The quantitative parameters derived from spectral CT may provide new markers for evaluating the response to nCRT treatment in patients with LARC. The multi-parameter combined model can improve diagnostic efficacy.

Objective:To construct a column-line diagram diagnostic model based on serum and joint fluid inflammatory markers for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) after joint arthroplasty and to validate its predictive ability.Methods:The clinical data of 181 patients diagnosed with PJI or aseptic loosening in the Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2015 to June 2020 were retrospectively collected as a modeling group. The best indicators for diagnosing PJI were screened by lasso regression, single-factor and multifactor analysis. By comprehensively considering the weights and intrinsic connections of the indicators, a column-line diagram diagnostic model was constructed and used to develop a clinical decision support system (CDSS). Prospectively, the clinical data of patients diagnosed with PJI or aseptic loosening in the Department of Orthopedics of the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from July 2020 to December 2022 were collected as a validation group, and the diagnostic performance of the column-line diagram model was externally validated by methods such as receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results:There were 85 cases of PJI in the 181 cases modeling group and 23 cases of PJI in the 49 cases validation group. Among the 27 potential factors analyzed by lasso regression analysis, body mass index (BMI), blood tests including platelet (PLT), absolute lymphocyte value, interferon γ (IFN-γ), ESR, IL-6, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and joint fluid tests including C-reactive protein, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, percentage of multinucleated neutrophils (PMN%), and CD64 may be potential indicators for the diagnosis of PJI. Univariate found significant differences between hematologic tests including sedimentation, C-reactive protein, IL-6, D-dimer and joint fluid tests including C-reactive protein, joint fluid CD64 index, C-reactive protein, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, PMN%( P<0.05). Further multifactorial regression analysis screened serum IL-6, D-dimer, joint fluid CD64 index, C-reactive protein, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and percentage of multinucleated neutrophils, and based on that, the column-line graph model and CDSS system were constructed. The area under the ROC in the validation group was 0.978, and the AUC in the internal validation was 0.995; the C-index of the calibration curve was 99.50%, and the C-index of the internal validation was 99.53%, suggesting that the column-line diagram model has a good predictive ability. Conclusions:The column-line diagram for diagnosing PJI based on multiple diagnostic indicators showed good diagnostic performance. The CDSS system constructed by column-line diagrams could assist clinicians in diagnosing PJI and making reasonable strategies in time.

Purpose To explore the value of iodine concentration(IC)and effective atomic number(Zeff)derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT in diagnosing the regional lymph nodes of gastric cancer.Materials and Methods From May 2021 to September 2022,108 patients pathologically confirmed with gastric cancer(92 non-metastatic lymph nodes and 116 metastatic lymph nodes),who underwent dual-phase enhanced dual-layer spectral detector CT scanning preoperatively in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine,were included in the study.The imaging and clinical data of all cases were collected,retrospectively.According to preoperative CT images,the short diameter,margin and enhancement homogeneity of the lymph nodes were evaluated.The IC and Zeff were obtained from the delineated region of interest of the solid portion of the maximum layer of the target lymph nodes,and the normalization IC(nIC)and normalization Zeff(nZeff)were calculated.The difference of parameters between two groups were compared.The efficiency of differential diagnosis and combined diagnosis of each parameter was analyzed.The area under the receiver characteristic curve(AUC)for each parameter were compared.Results There were statistical differences in short diameter,margin and enhancement homogeneity between the two groups(t/x2=-7.575,30.971,20.913,all P＜0.001).In the benign lymph nodes group,all spectral parameters in the arterial phase(AP)were lower than those in malignant lymph nodes,while the parameters in the venous phase(VP)were higher(t=-10.723-12.610,all P＜0.001).Among the three conventional features,the AUC of short diameter was the highest(0.749).Compared with the AUC values of ICAP and ZeffVP,the AUC values of short diameter and quantitative parameters had no statistical difference(P＞0.05),but were lower than those of other spectral parameters.Among the spectral parameters,the AUC value of nICVP was the highest(0.925).The sensitivity and specificity of the spectral parameters were higher than those of conventional features.The diagnostic efficacy of the multi-parameter combined model was superior to that of the univariate model.The AUC value of the combined model with conventional features was 0.815.Among the combined model based on CT spectral parameters,the diagnostic efficacy of model combined with the parameters of arteriovenous phase was the highest(AUC=0.993).Conclusion The quantitative parameters of dual-phase enhancement derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT can effectively evaluate the characteristics of gastric cancer regional lymph nodes,and the diagnostic efficiency is higher than the conventional characteristics of lymph nodes.The multi-parameter combined model can improve the diagnostic efficiency.