Chronic eczema has a high prevalence in China， significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Leveraging the unique advantages of pattern identification/syndrome differentiation and treatment， along with a holistic approach， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， which integrates internal and external therapies， has been widely applied in the management of chronic eczema. It has demonstrated significant efficacy and distinctive strengths in alleviating symptoms， reducing recurrence rates， maintaining disease stability， and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Oral administration of TCM（e.g. modified Longdan xiegan decoction） can improve patients’ clinical symptoms through systemic regulation. External use of TCM can directly act on the skin lesion with the help of steaming and washing， hydropathic compress， ointment and other forms. At the same time， it can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of chronic eczema by combining with non-drug therapies such as acupuncture， moxibustion， acupoint catgut embedding， blood-letting puncture and cupping. In addition， characteristic therapies such as oral administration of TCM combined with external treatment， a combination of various external treatments and a combination of Chinese and Western medicine have also demonstrated certain advantages in regulating immune function， alleviating skin lesions， and relieving itching symptoms. These therapies cooperate with each other， creating a synergistic effect that treats both the symptoms and the root cause simultaneously. It is suggested that more high-quality， large-scale clinical research should be conducted in the future to systematically confirm the therapeutic advantages of TCM and further explore the specific molecular mechanism of action.

A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.

Objective:To investigate the association between small vulnerable newborn (SVN) phenotypes and the risk of neurodevelopmental delay at the age of 1 year.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 25 860 singleton infants from "The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study" who completed the Gesell developmental scale assessment at 1 year of age between January 2013 and June 2025 were included. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and other information were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and maternal pregnancy-related information and neonatal birth data were extracted from medical records. Global developmental delay (GDD) was defined as a developmental quotient below 86 in ≥3 domains of the Gesell developmental scale, which assesses the adaptive, gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social domains. The random forest algorithm was employed for missing data imputation. Based on prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW), newborns were categorized into 6 phenotypes: preterm-SGA-LBW, preterm-appropriate for gestational age (AGA)-LBW, preterm-AGA-nonLBW, term-SGA-LBW, term-LBW-only or term-SGA-only, and term-AGA-nonLBW phenotype. Among these, the first 5 were classified as SVN phenotypes, and the last one served as the reference group. Inter-group comparisons were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), χ2 tests, or Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate.?? Multivariable robust Poisson regression models were applied to analyze the association of different SVN phenotypes with the risks of GDD and developmental delays in specific domains, with stratified analyses by sex. Results:Among the 25 860 infants, 13 719 (53.1%) were male and 12 141 (46.9%) were female. The gestational age at birth was 39.4 (38.6, 40.0) weeks. The overall detection rate of GDD at 1 year of age was 3.7% (962/25 860). The rates of delay across developmental domains, in descending order, language in 8 134 cases (31.5%), gross motor in 4 488 cases (17.4%), personal-social in 1 271 cases (4.9%), adaptive in 1 262 cases (4.9%), and fine motor in 621 cases (2.4%). Compared with the reference group, preterm-AGA-LBW, preterm-SGA-LBW, preterm-AGA-noneLBW, and term-SGA-LBW phenotypes were all associated with an increased risk of GDD, with the adjusted RR (95% CI) of 6.07(5.01-7.35), 4.81(3.11-7.46), 2.10(1.54-2.88) and 1.89(1.29-2.76) respectively.The preterm-AGA-noneLBW phenotype was all associated with an increased risk of delay in gross motor, language and personal-social functional domains (all P<0.05). The term-SGA-LBW phenotype was associated with an increased risk of delay in gross motor, fine motor and personal-social functional domains (all P<0.01). Whereas the term-LBW-only or term-SGA-only phenotype showed no statistically association with developmental delay in any functional domain (all P≥0.05). Conclusion:The combined classification based on gestational age and birth weight helps identify infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental delay at 1 year of age, suggesting that it may offer a reference for the rational allocation of clinical resources.

Objective:To investigate the association between small vulnerable newborn (SVN) phenotypes and the risk of neurodevelopmental delay at the age of 1 year.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 25 860 singleton infants from "The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study" who completed the Gesell developmental scale assessment at 1 year of age between January 2013 and June 2025 were included. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and other information were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and maternal pregnancy-related information and neonatal birth data were extracted from medical records. Global developmental delay (GDD) was defined as a developmental quotient below 86 in ≥3 domains of the Gesell developmental scale, which assesses the adaptive, gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social domains. The random forest algorithm was employed for missing data imputation. Based on prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW), newborns were categorized into 6 phenotypes: preterm-SGA-LBW, preterm-appropriate for gestational age (AGA)-LBW, preterm-AGA-nonLBW, term-SGA-LBW, term-LBW-only or term-SGA-only, and term-AGA-nonLBW phenotype. Among these, the first 5 were classified as SVN phenotypes, and the last one served as the reference group. Inter-group comparisons were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), χ2 tests, or Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate.?? Multivariable robust Poisson regression models were applied to analyze the association of different SVN phenotypes with the risks of GDD and developmental delays in specific domains, with stratified analyses by sex. Results:Among the 25 860 infants, 13 719 (53.1%) were male and 12 141 (46.9%) were female. The gestational age at birth was 39.4 (38.6, 40.0) weeks. The overall detection rate of GDD at 1 year of age was 3.7% (962/25 860). The rates of delay across developmental domains, in descending order, language in 8 134 cases (31.5%), gross motor in 4 488 cases (17.4%), personal-social in 1 271 cases (4.9%), adaptive in 1 262 cases (4.9%), and fine motor in 621 cases (2.4%). Compared with the reference group, preterm-AGA-LBW, preterm-SGA-LBW, preterm-AGA-noneLBW, and term-SGA-LBW phenotypes were all associated with an increased risk of GDD, with the adjusted RR (95% CI) of 6.07(5.01-7.35), 4.81(3.11-7.46), 2.10(1.54-2.88) and 1.89(1.29-2.76) respectively.The preterm-AGA-noneLBW phenotype was all associated with an increased risk of delay in gross motor, language and personal-social functional domains (all P<0.05). The term-SGA-LBW phenotype was associated with an increased risk of delay in gross motor, fine motor and personal-social functional domains (all P<0.01). Whereas the term-LBW-only or term-SGA-only phenotype showed no statistically association with developmental delay in any functional domain (all P≥0.05). Conclusion:The combined classification based on gestational age and birth weight helps identify infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental delay at 1 year of age, suggesting that it may offer a reference for the rational allocation of clinical resources.

Mammalian male germline development depends on a specialized gonadal somatic microenvironment. However, itsin vitro reconstruction remains challenging. Major barriers include the generation of appropriate supporting-cell lineages, organized tissue architecture, and culture conditions that sustain germ-cell maturation. Yoshino et al. established a mouse pluripotent stem cell-derived testicular organoid model. This model reconstitutes the sex-determining region Y (Sry)-SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9)‑mediated sex-determination program and generates testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs). When assembled with primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), TesLCs formed seminiferous tubule-like structures and supported male germline progression toward prospermatogonia and germline stem cell-like cells (GSCLCs). After transplantation into infertile recipient testes, organoid-derived GSCLCs produced fertilization-competent sperm and generated fertile offspring. The major significance of this work extends beyond sperm production. It integrates sex determination, germ-cell fate transition, and testicular niche self-organization into an experimentally tractable organoid system. This commentary discusses the technical strategy, sex-determination mechanism, value of testicular niche reconstruction, and translational limitations of this study. It also highlights its implications for in vitro gametogenesis, male infertility modeling, and reproductive medicine.

ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan， providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas， including Minqin （Gansu）， Bozhou （Anhui）， Qingdao （Shandong）， Dezhou （Shandong）， Urumqi （Xinjiang）， Nujiang （Yunnan）， Gutuo （Inner Mongolia）， and Haiyuan （Ningxia）. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry （GC-IMS） was used to detect the volatile organic compounds （VOCs） in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology （NIST） mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform， VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted， and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis （PCA） and partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection （VIP） values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified， including alcohols， aldehydes， ketones， esters， organic acids， terpenoids， ethers， alkenes， and benzenes. The PLS-DA model， based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS， effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation， the model achieved a prediction parameter （Q²） of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter （R²） of 0.936， with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology， PLS-DA， and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.

ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan， providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas， including Minqin （Gansu）， Bozhou （Anhui）， Qingdao （Shandong）， Dezhou （Shandong）， Urumqi （Xinjiang）， Nujiang （Yunnan）， Gutuo （Inner Mongolia）， and Haiyuan （Ningxia）. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry （GC-IMS） was used to detect the volatile organic compounds （VOCs） in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology （NIST） mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform， VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted， and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis （PCA） and partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection （VIP） values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified， including alcohols， aldehydes， ketones， esters， organic acids， terpenoids， ethers， alkenes， and benzenes. The PLS-DA model， based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS， effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation， the model achieved a prediction parameter （Q²） of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter （R²） of 0.936， with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology， PLS-DA， and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a treasure of the Chinese nation, plays a significant role in maintaining public health. In 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council proposed for the first time the establishment of a TCM registration and evaluation evidence system that integrates TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials (referred to as the "Three-in-One" System) to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM. Subsequently, the National Medical Products Administration issued several guiding principles to advance the improvement and implementation of this system. Owing to the complexity of its implementation, there are still differing understandings within the TCM industry regarding the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System, as well as the connotation and value orientation of the "personal experience." To address this, Academician WANG Qi, President of the TCM Association, China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare and TCM master, led a group of academicians, TCM masters, TCM pharmacology experts and clinical TCM experts to convene a "Seminar on Promoting the Implementation of the ′Three-in-One′ Registration and Evaluation Evidence System for Chinese Medicinals." Through extensive discussions, an expert consensus was formed, clarifying the different roles of the TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials within the system. It was further emphasized that the "personal experience" is the core of this system, and its data should be derived from clinical practice scenarios. In the future, the improvement of this system will require collaborative efforts across multiple fields to promote the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal industry.

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and their associations with TCM constitutions in individuals who have migrated to plateau areas,and to provide a scientific basis for plateau health management.Methods Migrants living in areas above 3000 m were selected as research subjects.Data were collected by using TCM symptom assessment scales and constitution assessment scales.Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to determine the incidence and severity of symptoms among individuals with different migration durations,and core symptoms were identified.Factor analysis was performed by using SPSS software to extract symptom clusters and explore the correlation between core symptoms and TCM constitutions.Results Among individuals who migrated to plateau areas,the incidence of discomfort symptoms was 83.44％.The five most common symptoms were dry skin(67.94％),forgetfulness(56.03％),dry mouth(52.06％),yellow urine(48.73％),and insomnia(47.14％).In the top 10 symptoms with the highest increase in incidence,yellow urine(33.51％)and forgetfulness(26.33％)were both present in the top 10 symptoms across different migration durations.Factor analysis extracted 5,2,4,and 6 symptom clusters from the overall population,individuals who migrated within 1 year,those who migrated for 1-2 years,and those who migrated over 2 years,respectively.Qi-deficiency constitution(QDC),blood stasis constitution(BSC),qi stagnation constitution(QSC),phlegm-dampness constitution(PDC),and dampness-heat constitution(DHC)were significantly positively correlated with forgetfulness.Conclusion Migrating to plateau areas can induce discomfort symptoms,and both the number and incidence of symptoms increase with longer migration durations.The number and incidence of high-frequency symptoms(incidence≥30％)increase with prolonged migration time.There are differences in the composition and severity of symptom clusters across different migration durations.QDC,BSC,QSC,PDC,and DHC are closely related to forgetfulness and can be considered risk constitutions for forgetfulness.Timely attention to changes in symptom clusters and constitutions can help prevent and mitigate the occurrence and development of symptoms.

Objective To explore the bioactive components in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills(JWXYP)and their mechanisms for alleviating depression-like behaviors.Methods The active compounds,key targets,and pathways of JWXYP were identified using TCMSP and TCMIP databases.Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into 6 groups including a control group and 5 chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression groups.After modeling,the 5 model groups were treated with daily gavage of normal saline,1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride(positive control drug),or JWXYP at 1.44,2.88,and 4.32 g/kg.The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests,and pathological changes in the liver and hippocampus were examined with HE staining.The biochemical indicators in the serum and brain tissues were detected using ELISA.Serum metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the differential metabolites using OPLS-DA,and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.Results Network pharmacology revealed that menthone and paeonol in JWXYP were capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier to regulate inflammatory pathways and protect the nervous system.In the rat models subjected to CUMS,treatment with JWXYP significantly improved body weight loss,sucrose preference and open field activities,reduced liver inflammation,alleviated structural changes in the hippocampal neurons,decreased serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and LBP,and increased 5-HT and VIP concentrations in the serum and brain tissue,and these effects were the most pronounced in the high-dose group.Metabolomics analysis showed changes in such metabolites as indole-3-acetamide and acetyl-L-carnitine in JWXYP-treated rats,involving the pathways for bile acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism.16S rDNA analysis demonstrated increased gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of Lactobacillus species in JWXYP-treated rats.Conclusion JWXYP alleviates depression-like symptoms in rats by regulating the neurotransmitters,inhibiting inflammation and oxidation,and modulating gut microbiota.