Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus is a Chinese medicinal material used for clearing heat， detoxicifying， resolving phlegm， and dissipating nodules. It is derived from Cremastra appendiculata， Pleione bulbocodioides， or Pleione yunnanensis， as recorded in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People′s Republic of China， with the former known as Maocigu and the latter two known as Bingqiuzi. Current antitumor studies mainly focus on polysaccharides， water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions， and purified extracts of C. appendiculata. Structurally characterized glucomannans suppress breast and liver tumor xenografts and exhibit immunomodulatory effects. The water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions inhibit tumor angiogenesis in hepatoma-bearing mice. A purified C. appendiculata extract standardized to five phenanthrene and bibenzyl constituents induces mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Reported pharmacological effects involve cell-cycle regulation， apoptosis， epithelial-mesenchymal transition， angiogenesis， autophagy， and the tumor immune microenvironment， with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR）， Wnt/β-catenin， and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK2/STAT3） signaling pathways being the major mechanism links. Quality evaluation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus has progressed from single-marker assays to an integrated approach involving botanical authentication， chromatographic fingerprinting， multicomponent analysis， and evaluation of associations between blood-absorbed constituents and antitumor effects. Militarine and dactylorhin A can be used for botanical identification and batch evaluation， and in vivo exposure data from related orchids are concentrated on militarine. Quantitative associations between these constituents and antitumor effects remain to be established. Clinical evidence mainly focuses on formula-based applications and expert experience. Comparative antitumor data in hepatoma models are available for the commercial specifications of Maocigu and Bingqiuzi， whereas parallel evaluations of pharmacological effects， safety windows， and drug interactions among the three official botanical origins remain insufficient. The major limitations are the incomplete standardization of botanical origins and preparations and the lack of quantitative links among quality markers， systemic exposure， antitumor effects， and toxicity endpoints， which constrain reproducible pharmacological evaluation and clinical translation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae at various exposure parameters (distance and time), and to preliminarily investigate the effects of different containers (water volume and depth) and ultrasonic devices on the larvicidal efficacy, so as to provide experimental evidence for the application of ultrasound-based mosquito control technology. MethodsUnder controlled laboratory conditions, two commercially available ultrasonic devices [40 kHz/300 W and (50±5) kHz/70 W] were used to systematically examine the effects of exposure distance (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 cm), exposure duration (1, 3, 6, 15 and 60 min), larval instar(Ⅰ‒Ⅱ and Ⅲ‒Ⅳ）, and container type on the immediate mortality of Aedes albopictus larvae collected from urban areas of Shanghai. Statistical analysis of the mortality rates of larvae among different experimental groups was performed using the chi-square test. ResultsUltrasonic exposure exerted a detectable larvicidal effect against Aedes albopictus larvae of all instars. For early-instar larvae, exposure time significantly affected mortality at all tested distances (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with χ² values ranging from 25.57 to 32.74 ( all P<0.001). No significant distance effect was observed in the first and second instar larvae after short-term exposure (1 and 3 min; P>0.05). However, a distance-dependent effect emerged from 6 min onward (P<0.05). During short-term exposure (1 min and 3 min) at close range (20 cm and 40 cm), the immediate mortality of the third and fourth instar larvae was higher than that of the first and second instar larvae. Conversely, during prolonged exposure (15 min and 60 min), the first and second instar larvae exhibited significantly higher mortality than that of the third and fourth instar larvae. These results indicated that larval mortality was jointly influenced by exposure duration and distance. Preliminary experiments indicated that larvicidal efficacy in shallow water was lower than that in deep water. No significant difference in larvicidal effect was observed between the two ultrasonic devices with different frequencies and power outputs. ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, ultrasound can effectively kill Aedes albopictus larvae, and the larvicidal effect is jointly influenced by larval instar, exposure distance, and aquatic environment. Compact ultrasonic devices show potential for field application in biological mosquito control.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the correlation between styloid process related parameters and symptoms in patients with styloid process syndrome.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on the 3D reconstruction CT results of the styloid process in 68 patients diagnosed with styloid process syndrome who visited the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2010 to December 2024.The relationship between parameters such as styloid process length,angle,distance from styloid process tip to pharynx,and specific symptoms in patients with styloid process syndrome was analyzed.RESULTS Among 68 patients with styloid process syndrome,44 had unilateral symptoms and 24 had bilateral symptoms.The length of the styloid process on the symptomatic side of patients with unilateral symptoms(3.86±0.16)cm was significantly longer than that on the asymptomatic side(2.98±0.17)cm(Z=-2.191,P=0.028);The length of the styloid process on the side with severe symptoms in patients with bilateral symptoms(3.98±0.37)cm was also significantly longer than that in patients with mild symptoms(3.37±0.15)cm(t=2.448,P=0.024).Patients with styloid process syndrome mainly present with pharyngalgia(64.71%,44/68).There were no significant differences in the length,inclination angle,anteversion angle,and distance between the styloid process tip and the pharynx among those with unilateral pharyngalgia(n=29),bilateral pharyngalgia(n=15),and non pharyngalgia(n=24)(P>0.05).However,among the 68 patients with styloid syndrome,12 had calcification of the styloid hyoid ligament,while 56 did not.The incidence of unilateral pharyngalgia was significantly higher in patients with calcification of the styloid hyoid ligament than in patients without calcification(66.7%vs.35.7%,χ2=3.909,P=0.048).CONCLUSION The severity of symptoms in patients with styloid process syndrome is related to the length of the styloid process,and those with calcification of the styloid hyoid ligament are more likely to experience pharyngalgia.

Objective To study NF1 gene variations in 10 suspected cases of neurofibromatosis type I(NF1)and their parents,thereby providing a basis for genetic counselling,clinical diagnosis,and treatment of this disease.Methods A total of 10 patients diagnosed with,or suspected of having NF1 at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from March to December 2023 were selected as study subjects.Whole exome sequencing(WES)was performed to analyse NF1 gene mutations in the patients and their parents,with the findings validated by Sanger sequencing.Results Pathogenic mutations were identified in 6 of the 10 families,with the remaining 4 cases showing no pathogenic gene mutations.In Family 1,a de novo mutation,c.6505A>T,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 2,a de novo mutation,c.6705-3C>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 3,a de novo mutation,c.6853delT,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 4,a de novo mutation,c.2446C>T,was found in the NF1 gene.In Family 5,a paternal mutation,c.6067T>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 6,a paternal mutation,c.2991_2993dup,was detected in the NF1 gene.Conclusion The identification of new mutation sites enriches the mutation spectrum of the NF1 gene.This study provides important guidance for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis,offering crucial information for families with reproductive needs.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)-associated myocarditis in patients with bladder cancer(BCa).Methods Clinical and follow-up data of 213 BCa patients treated with ICIs in our hospital during Jan.2020 and May 2024 were collected.The data of 7 patients(3.3％)who developed ICIs-associated myocarditis were analyzed.Results The cohort included 2 females and 5 males(median age:72 years).Four patients were asymptomatic,while 3 presented with chest tightness,dyspnea,or orthopnea.All patients showed significantly elevated high-sensitivity troponin T.Only 2 patients had markedly increased N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.Electrocardiograms were normal in 4 patients,while 2 patients exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain on echocardiography,with cardiac magnetic resonance confirming acute myocarditis.All patients discontinued ICIs and received first-line methylprednisolone upon diagnosis.Two patients showed no improvement after 5 days of treatment and received second-line therapy.One patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab without response,but improved after third-line tofacitinib.One patient developed acute respiratory failure after intravenous immunoglobulin administration and was then transferred to ICU,and died of multiple organ failure after 10 days.Conclusion ICIs-associated myocarditis is a relatively rare but clinically distinct immune-related adverse reaction during BCa treatment.Methylprednisolone is the first-line therapy,while critically ill and steroid-resistant patients often require early combined immunosuppressants based on individualized multidisciplinary discussion.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Objective To investigate the influence of helical tomographic radiotherapy plans with different combinations of lead gate width,pitch and algorithms on threading effects.Methods A target model was established with a Cheese Phantom used as the simulated human body,then three lead gate widths(1.0,2.5,and 5.0 cm),six screw pitches(0.143,0.172,0.215,0.287,0.430,and 0.500)and two computational grids(Fine algorithm and Normal algorithm)were respectively combined for designing the helical tomography radiotherapy plans.The radiotherapy plans with a pitch of 0.143,0.172,0.215,0.287 or 0.430 were enrolled into an experimental group,and the plans with a pitch of 0.500 were divided into a control group.The dosimetric parameters including maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin)and mean dose(Dmean)of the target area PTV1 and PTV2 were evaluated by the dose volume histogram(DVH).The dose homogeneity index(HI)of the target area was calculated,and the single rotation time and total treatment time of each plan were recorded and counted.SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results No significant threading effect appeared regardless of the pitch value when the lead gate width was 1.0 cm.The threading effects in the experimental group were weaker than those in the control group when the lead gate width was 2.5 or 5.0 cm.The threading effect gradually rose with the pitch increased when the lead gate width was 5.0 cm.The most significant difference was found between the threading effect in case of the screw pitch being 0.500 and that with the screw pitch being 0.143,with the differenes being statistically obvious(P<0.05).The lead gate width had significant effects on the Dmax,Dmin,Dmean and HI of PTV1 and PTV2.When the lead gate width was 5.0 cm,high HI value and uneven dose distribution were detected and lowered screw pitch weakened the threading effect.The single rotation time first remained constant and then increased with the screw pitch was enlarged,with the changing points occurring in case of the screw pitches of 0.287 and 0.430.With a certain lead gate width,the treatment time for plans was shortened with the decrease of the pitches in case of the pritches lower than 0.287,and tended to be constant after the screw pitches reached 0.287.The changes of the computational grid had no significant effects on the results of radiotherapy plans when the lead gate width and screw pitch were kept constant.Conclusion When designing a spiral tomotherapy plan with conventional doses,a lead gate width of 1.0 or 2.5 cm and a screw pitch of 0.287 or 0.430 should be selected in order to minimize the threading effect while ensuring the efficiency of plan implementation.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):58-66]

OBJECTIVE To design and synthesize mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues(MCACs)and investigate the activities of them against breast cancer.METHODS The analogues F1,F2,and F3 were obtained by aldol condensation reaction,and their antitumor activities(including the activities of human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and human lung cancer cell A549)were detected by MTT assay[evaluated with half inhibitory concentration(IC50)].The results of MTT assay were compared with those of curcumin.Bioinformatics methods were used to collect the core targets of analogues F1,F2 and F3 acting on breast cancer,and then molecular docking verification was carried out.The cell experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of high,medium and low concentrations(16,8,4 μmol/L)of F1,F2 and F3 on the expression of the first core target protein as well as the effects of medium concentration of F1,F2 and F3 on the expression of cleaved-caspase-3.RESULTS Compared with curcumin,IC50 of analogues F1,F2 and F3 to A549 and MCF-7 cells(except for IC50 of analogue F2 to A549 cells)were decreased significantly(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);among them,IC50of analogue F2 to MCF-7 cell was the lowest,being(9.67±1.27)μmol/L.Bioinformatics analysis showed that index of affinity of analogues F1,F2 and F3 with the first core target epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),protein kinase B(AKT)and AKT were 5.909 2,8.402 5 and 6.486 6,respectively;high concentration of F1 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of EGFR protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.01),while low,medium,and high concentrations of F2 and high concentration of F3 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Medium concentration of F1,F2,and F3 could significantly increase the expression level of cleaved-caspase-3 protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.01).CONCLUSIONS Designed and synthesized MCACs F1,F2 and F3 all have good anti-breast cancer activity,and F2 has better anti-breast cancer activity.

Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural compound known for its liver protection effect, but the mechanism remains unknown. Phosphorylated proteomics analyses discovered that the phosphorylation level of NDRG1 at T328 was a key event of TAX-improved liver fibrosis. We established models with NDRG1 knockout (KO) in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating that NDRG1 KO attenuated the development of hepatocyte injury, and combining NDRG1 KO and TAX administration did not result in a reduction in protection against liver injury. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasma resonance analysis showed that TAX directly binds to NDRG1 rather than its upstream kinase, subsequently demonstrating that TAX regulated phosphorylation of NDRG1 at T328 through binding to its C289 site. NDRG1 T328A (phosphorylated mutation) and T328E (mimic phosphorylation) in vivo and in vitro confirmed that pNDRG1_T328 exacerbates hepatocyte injury along with DNA damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. In contrast, TAX can inhibit the above pathological abnormalities and block hepatocyte injury-triggered HSCs activation and fibrosis. Overall, TAX is a potent liver protection drug primarily targeting NDRG1 and inhibiting pNDRG1_T328 in hepatocytes.

Coronavirus-related diseases pose a significant challenge to the global health system. Given the diversity of coronaviruses and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, the traditional "one bug, one drug" paradigm struggles to address the growing number of emerging crises. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Here, we provide evidence that ATV006, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoside analog targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), has broad antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses. Using mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) as a model, we show that ATV006 has potent prophylactic and therapeutic activity against murine coronavirus infection in vivo. Remarkably, ATV006 successfully inhibits viral replication in mice even when administered 96 h after infection. Due to its oral bioavailability and potency against multiple coronaviruses, ATV006 has the potential to become a useful antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 and other circulating and emerging coronaviruses in humans and animals.