ObjectiveTo explore the microbiological characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis with hemolytic phenotype （SEHP）. MethodsHemolytic phenotype was detected using the three-point inoculation method， involving a total of 5 strains of SEHP and 5 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis with non-hemolytic phenotype （SENHP） . Bacterial species were identified using the Microflex LT MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer， and a phylogenetic tree was constructed through 16S rRNA sequence alignment. Growth curves were monitored through the microcultivation assay. Biofilm formation ability was assessed by microplate crystal violet staining. Red blood cell toxicity was detected using the microplate method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of SEHP and SENHP against commonly used antibiotics was performed using a VITEK 2 GP639 test kit. Antagonistic effects of SEHP and SENHP against Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium striatum were evaluated by the Oxford cup inhibition assay. ResultsCompared with SENHP， SEHP exhibited a marked decrease in growth rate during the late logarithmic phase， accompanied by significant hemolytic toxicity. Additionally， it showed lower resistance rates to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin， and could antagonize Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium striatum. ConclusionThe microbiological characteristics of SEHP differ from those of SENHP in that SEHP demonstrates antagonistic effects against S. aureus and C. striatum.

OBJECTIVE To establish a “BRAND” pharmaceutical care model for advanced non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） patients with positive driver genes， providing theoretical and practical references for the clinical implementation of precise and individualized oncology pharmaceutical care. METHODS One hundred patients admitted to the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine in our hospital from January 2023 to May 2024 were collected meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into control group and intervention group， with 50 patients in each group. The control group received routine pharmaceutical care， while the intervention group received pharmaceutical care under the “BRAND” model （collecting patients’ basic information， reviewing disease treatment-related information， conducting precise medication assessments， formulating individualized pharmaceutical care plans for the next steps， and implementing medication guidance and follow-up management）. The study was conducted in a 3-week cycle for a total of 4 cycles. The medication compliance， quality of life， laboratory test indicators， incidence of drug-related adverse events and satisfaction of patients in both groups were compared before and after the intervention to evaluate the effects. RESULTS After 12 weeks of intervention， compared with the control group， the medication compliance， cognitive function， social function and satisfaction of patients in the intervention group were improved significantly （ P ＜0.05）； the severity of fatigue and constipation and the incidence of drug-related adverse events were significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）， and there was no statistically significant difference in laboratory test indicators （ P ＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The “BRAND” pharmaceutical care model can effectively improve the medication compliance of patients with advanced NSCLC with positive driver genes and improve their quality of life. This study can provide a feasible path for clinical pharmacists to carry out standardized and high-quality pharmaceutical care.

Public interest in cognitive enhancement has driven the widespread availability of dietary supplements claiming to support brain health and memory. This comparative cross-sectional study explores the commercial availability and marketing claims of cognitive-enhancing dietary supplements across offline and online retail platforms. A dual-component design was employed in a comparative cross-sectional study. The first component involved assessing the commercial availability and marketing claims of cognitive-enhancing dietary supplements sold through offline retail outlets in Kuala Lumpur using a purposive sampling approach. The second component consisted of a parallel assessment conducted on online platforms, employing a convenience sampling strategy. A total of 13 products were identified on offline retail platforms in Kuala Lumpur, and 117 products were identified on online platforms. Capsules were the most common dosage form, both offline (46.2%) and online (79.5%). Products sold offline most frequently originated from Singapore (69.2%), whereas online products predominantly came from the United States of America (74.4%). The median prices of offline products were RM 190 (55.5), and online products were RM 196 (183), which are comparable, although the online products exhibited a wider price range (RM14–RM1,147). The most frequent claims were “brain health” for offline products and “memory” for online products. Natural or compound extracts were the most common active ingredients. This study’s findings found significant differences between offline and online dietary supplements in terms of availability, country of origin, price and marketing claims. These inconsistent findings underscore the need for stronger regulation and improved transparency in labelling to safeguard consumer health and ensure product credibility. Future research should focus on dosage accuracy, long-term safety, and mechanisms of action for supplements with cognitiveenhancing claims.

AIM: To evaluate the visual function and optical quality in adults aged 80y and older following the bilateral implantation of zonal refractive multifocal intraocular lens(IOL, LS-313 MF30).METHODS: A single-center, non-randomized, prospective clinical trial was conducted, involving cataract patients aged 80 y and older. Patients received bilateral implantation of the LS-313 MF30 or CT Asphina 409MP, based on personal preference. Postoperative assessments included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance, intermediate, and near ranges, as well as defocus curve. Subjective evaluations were performed using the visual function(VF-14)questionnaire, spectacle independence rates, and patient satisfaction surveys. Photic phenomena such as glare, halos, and starbursts were also analyzed.RESULTS: The MF30 group(16 eyes from 8 participants, 85.38±2.56 y)exhibited superior uncorrected and corrected intermediate and near visual acuity compared to the 409MP group(26 eyes from 13 participants, 85.77±2.20 y), while distance visual acuity was comparable between groups. The defocus curve of the MF30 group revealed two peaks at 0.00 D and -3.00 D, indicating a broader depth of focus. Patients in the MF30 group reported higher rates of spectacle independence and greater satisfaction. While photic phenomena such as glare(28.6% vs 18.5%, P=0.584), starburst(9.5% vs 3.7%, P=0.567)and halos(23.8% vs 11.11%, P=0.438)were more prevalent in the MF30 group, they were generally mild and did not significantly impact daily activities.CONCLUSION: Zonal refractive multifocal IOLs provide elderly patients with improved distance and near vision, greater spectacle independence, and greater satisfaction. Although photic phenomena were slightly more frequent with MF30, they are generally reported as non-disruptive and do not affect their daily life compared to monofocal IOLs.

AIM:To observe the morphological and structural changes of foveal cone photoreceptors in patients with age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy(AOSLO)and to evaluate its application value in ARMD.METHODS:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients with ARMD who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, and underwent AOSLO examination between September 2025 and October 2025 were enrolled as the experimental group(ARMD group). Age-matched individuals who underwent AOSLO examination during the same period and had either age-related cataract or pseudophakia with a normal macular region were selected as the control group(CON group). The AOSLO device was used to image a 2.4°×2.4° area of the fovea, and parameters including parafoveal cone photoreceptor density(PCPD), average inter-cell spacing, cell dispersion, and cell regularity were analyzed.RESULTS:A total of 53 participants(66 eyes)were included, comprising 24 patients(33 eyes)in the ARMD group [comprising 6 participants(6 eyes)in the intermediate ARMD group and 22 participants(27 eyes)in the late ARMD group(4 participants had one eye in the intermediate group and the other in the late ARMD group)], and 29 participants(33 eyes)in the CON group. The ARMD group included 13 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 69.36±9.79 y. The control group included 17 males and 12 females, with a mean age of 64.64±10.31 y. Compared to the CON group, the ARMD group exhibited significantly lower PCPD(31635±4887 vs 38524±3578 cells/mm2, P<0.01)and cell regularity(95.16%±0.75% vs 96.07%±0.67%, P<0.01), along with significantly greater average inter-cell spacing(4.43±0.26 vs 4.22±0.23 μm, P<0.01)and cell dispersion(20.23%±2.72% vs 16.47%±1.85%, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis within the ARMD group revealed that PCPD was significantly lower in the late ARMD subgroup(30831±4826 cells/mm2)compared to the intermediate ARMD subgroup(35254±3534 cells/mm2, P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Photoreceptor pathology in ARMD patients, as assessed by AOSLO, is characterized by decreased PCPD and cell regularity, as well as increased inter-cell spacing and dispersion. These structural alterations are closely associated with photoreceptor cell lesions. AOSLO, as a non-invasive and quantitative imaging modality, demonstrates promising application prospects in the clinical diagnosis of ARMD.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.

Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.

Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), represents the most common autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Despite its progressive and debilitating nature, disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention; however, its clinical application has been hindered by inconsistent protocols and a lack of mechanistic understanding. A recent landmark study published in Brain Stimulation by Chen et al. addressed these challenges by combining a high-dose intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol with concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). This commentary provides an in-depth analysis of their findings, highlighting the restoration of cerebello-cortical inhibition (CBI) as a key therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, we discuss the broader implications of this work, proposing that future translational research should integrate accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) paradigms, cortical response measurements (CRM), and individualized neuro-navigation to establish a new era of precision neuromodulation for ataxia.

Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), represents the most common autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Despite its progressive and debilitating nature, disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention; however, its clinical application has been hindered by inconsistent protocols and a lack of mechanistic understanding. A recent landmark study published in Brain Stimulation by Chen et al. addressed these challenges by combining a high-dose intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol with concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). This commentary provides an in-depth analysis of their findings, highlighting the restoration of cerebello-cortical inhibition (CBI) as a key therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, we discuss the broader implications of this work, proposing that future translational research should integrate accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) paradigms, cortical response measurements (CRM), and individualized neuro-navigation to establish a new era of precision neuromodulation for ataxia.

ObjectiveThe exacerbating trend of global population aging poses profound socioeconomic and public health challenges, making the comprehensive elucidation of biological aging mechanisms and the discovery of effective anti-aging interventions an urgent priority in the life sciences. Based on our previous serum metabolomics findings that dimethylglycine, an intermediate metabolite of amino acid metabolism naturally present in the human body, was significantly enriched in the serum of longevity families, this study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of dimethylglycine both in living organisms and in controlled laboratory environments, and to preliminarily elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. While existing literature indicates that dimethylglycine possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, its direct anti-aging efficacy and the specific molecular pathways through which it operates remain largely unexplored. MethodsTo comprehensively evaluate the anti-aging properties of dimethylglycine, we utilized replicative senescent human embryonic lung fibroblasts, specifically the WI-38 cell line, as an experimental model in a controlled laboratory environment. Cell viability and safety were thoroughly assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays across various concentrations of dimethylglycine. The impact of dimethylglycine on cellular senescence phenotypes, oxidative stress, and proliferative capacity was evaluated via senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species fluorescence detection, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Furthermore, the molecular alterations of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and core senescence signaling pathways were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of p16 and p21 protein expression levels. For the living organism model, the wild-type nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate systemic physiological effects. We conducted a comprehensive lifespan analysis at 20°C, heat stress resistance survival assays at 35℃, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, lipofuscin accumulation tracking, intracellular reactive oxygen species measurement, and Oil Red O staining to ascertain systemic lipid accumulation. Additionally, network pharmacology bioinformatics tools, including PharmMapper and STRING databases, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were utilized to predict target pathways, alongside highly detailed molecular docking simulations utilizing SwissDock and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to examine interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein. ResultsThe experimental outcomes robustly demonstrate the potent anti-aging capabilities of dimethylglycine. At the cellular level, toxicity analyses firmly confirmed that dimethylglycine is highly safe; continuous treatment with 50 mol/L and 70 mol/L of dimethylglycine for 5 d did not induce any cellular membrane damage or cytotoxicity, but rather actively promoted cellular proliferation. Utilizing the optimal standardized concentration of 50 mol/L, dimethylglycine treatment significantly ameliorated senescent phenotypic markers in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, which was evidenced by a drastic and highly significant reduction in the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive cell percentage (P<0.000 1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (P<0.000 1), alongside a marked increase in the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive proliferation rate (P=0.003 5). On a molecular expression scale, dimethylglycine significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of multiple core senescence-associated secretory phenotype inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Concurrently, it effectively suppressed the protein expression of critical cell cycle arrest markers, diminishing p16 protein levels by 57.3% (P=0.000 4) and p21 protein levels by 27.2% (P=0.000 7). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans animal model, dimethylglycine significantly extended the mean lifespan from 20.402 d to an impressive 23.066 d (P<0.000 1) and notably enhanced overall survival rates under severe heat stress environmental conditions (P=0.017). Furthermore, systemic dimethylglycine intervention significantly mitigated age-related physiological decline by decreasing bodily lipofuscin accumulation (P<0.000 1), significantly reducing senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, lowering systemic reactive oxygen species fluorescence (P=0.008), and effectively alleviating overall fat accumulation (P<0.000 1). Mechanistically, extensive network pharmacology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses strongly revealed that the potential targets of dimethylglycine are significantly enriched in fundamental drug metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Precision molecular docking simulations conclusively demonstrated that dimethylglycine forms highly stable structural interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein, specifically highlighting the definitive formation of 5 stable hydrogen bonds involving serine 365, leucine 366, and serine 429 residues, as well as two critical salt bridge formations with arginine 97 and histidine 368 residues. It is additionally predicted to interact favorably with glutathione S-transferase family proteins. ConclusionDimethylglycine exhibits a profoundly significant and multifaceted anti-aging activity at both the cellular and entire living animal levels. By powerfully alleviating oxidative stress, heavily suppressing the core p16 and p21-dependent cellular senescence signaling pathways, and substantially mitigating the detrimental senescence-associated secretory phenotype, dimethylglycine effectively delays fundamental cellular senescence processes and drastically extends whole-organism lifespan. The biological mechanisms driving these robust protective effects are highly likely closely associated with its direct stable interactions with crucial metabolic and detoxifying enzyme systems, such as cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 and glutathione S-transferase family proteins, thereby systemically improving metabolic dysregulation and restoring critical redox homeostasis. This comprehensive study provides highly solid experimental evidence supporting dimethylglycine as a highly potent and safe potential anti-aging intervention agent, while simultaneously offering a clear molecular mechanistic explanation for the previously documented high abundance of dimethylglycine observed within exceptionally long-lived human populations.