[Objective]To review and summarize the different explanations of the pathway of Qi theory from various physicians and scholars,thereby promoting the broader clinical application of the pathway of Qi theory.[Methods]Relevant passages on the pathway of Qi in classical medical texts and interpretations from various historical physicians were reviewed and analyzed.Contemporary research findings were integrated to explore the unique functions of the pathway of Qi in conjunction with modern anatomical discoveries,hypothesizing its potential structures.Existing clinical applications of the pathway of Qi theory were compiled,and its possible mechanisms of action were preliminarily analyzed.[Results]The pathway of Qi theory integrates the meridian system with the principles of Biao-Ben-Gen-Jie,establishing a bidirectional pathway connecting internal organs,meridians and body cavity spaces.The pathway of Qi exhibits the following characteristics:As a lateral"shortcut",it directly links pathological regions with stimulation points,shortening the pathway of Qi flow;Under stress conditions,it serves as a channel for Qi circulation,maintaining continuity of Qi flow;Through cavity structures,it forms a network connecting internal organs and meridians,providing reserves and regulatory spaces for Qi and blood circulation;It stimulates and regulates Qi flow,related to the phenomena such as heat-sensitive acupoints and the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion.Based on the physiological characteristics of the pathway of Qi,the flexible application of the pathway of Qi theory can provide support for clinical practices such as Shu-Mu point selection and region-specific treatment.[Conclusion]As a crucial component of meridian theory,the pathway of Qi theory has made significant strides in research of conceptualization,semantics and anatomical delineation.Further exploration is warranted to enhance its guidance in clinical applications.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of the phenomenon of protein-cell separation in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),as well as the single and combined detections of CSF immunoglobulin G(CSF-IgG),CSF albumin(CSF-ALB)and serum immunoglobu-lin G(S-IgG)for Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 65 GBS patients(GBS group)and 65 patients with other neurological diseases(non-GBS group).CSF and serum samples were collected from both the groups to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of protein-cell separation phenomenon in CSF,as well as the single and combined de-tections of CSF-IgG,CSF-ALB,and serum-IgG(S-IgG)in GBS.Results CSF protein-cell separation phenomenon was observed in 60.00％(39/65)of GBS patients.Prodromal events were presented in 67.69％(44/65)of GBS patients,which mainly were upper re-spiratory tract infection(43.08％,28/65),digestive tract infection(9.23％,6/65),and herpetic virus infection(7.69％,5/65).The levels of CSF-IgG,CSF-ALB,and S-IgG in the GBS group were significantly higher than those in non-GBS group(P＜0.05).The areas under the ROC curves(AUCROC)for single CSF-IgG,CSF-ALB,S-IgG,protein-cell separation phenomenon IN CSF,and the combination of all the four parameters in diagnosis of GBS were 0.754,0.705,0.682,0.708,and 0.840,respectively.The diagnostic specificities were 87.7％,75.4％,87.7％,81.5％,and 96.9％,respectively.Conclusion Most of the GBS patients were found to have CSF protein-cell separation phenomenon and history of prodromal infection.CSF-IgG,CSF-ALB,S-IgG,and CSF protein-cell separation phenomenon exhibited independent diagnostic value for GBS.The combined detection of the four indicators could improve the diagnostic efficacy for GBS.

[Objective]To review and summarize the different explanations of the pathway of Qi theory from various physicians and scholars,thereby promoting the broader clinical application of the pathway of Qi theory.[Methods]Relevant passages on the pathway of Qi in classical medical texts and interpretations from various historical physicians were reviewed and analyzed.Contemporary research findings were integrated to explore the unique functions of the pathway of Qi in conjunction with modern anatomical discoveries,hypothesizing its potential structures.Existing clinical applications of the pathway of Qi theory were compiled,and its possible mechanisms of action were preliminarily analyzed.[Results]The pathway of Qi theory integrates the meridian system with the principles of Biao-Ben-Gen-Jie,establishing a bidirectional pathway connecting internal organs,meridians and body cavity spaces.The pathway of Qi exhibits the following characteristics:As a lateral"shortcut",it directly links pathological regions with stimulation points,shortening the pathway of Qi flow;Under stress conditions,it serves as a channel for Qi circulation,maintaining continuity of Qi flow;Through cavity structures,it forms a network connecting internal organs and meridians,providing reserves and regulatory spaces for Qi and blood circulation;It stimulates and regulates Qi flow,related to the phenomena such as heat-sensitive acupoints and the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion.Based on the physiological characteristics of the pathway of Qi,the flexible application of the pathway of Qi theory can provide support for clinical practices such as Shu-Mu point selection and region-specific treatment.[Conclusion]As a crucial component of meridian theory,the pathway of Qi theory has made significant strides in research of conceptualization,semantics and anatomical delineation.Further exploration is warranted to enhance its guidance in clinical applications.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis* ; Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Fermentation ; NADP/biosynthesis*

Objective:To explore the value and related mechanism of preoperative serum sialic acid (SA) on evaluating microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:A total of 91 patients who underwent surgical resection and were pathologically diagnosed with ICC from December 2020 to September 2024 at the Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital affiliated to the Naval Medical University were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into non-MVI (41 cases) and MVI groups (50 cases). The general data and laboratory examination indexes were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for predicting MVI. The predictive value of serum indicators for MVI was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. The correlation between MVI and SA was analyzed by point-biserial correlation. ICC cells stably overexpressing β-galactoside α2, 6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) were generated through lentiviral transfection. ST6GAL1 protein expression and mRNA expression were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin fluorescence staining was used to detect α2, 6-sialylation levels on cells. Cell migration ability was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays, and cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assays.Results:Compared with the non-MVI group, patients in the MVI group exhibited significantly higher levels of fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, SA and 5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SA ( OR=1.01,95% CI 1.01-1.02, P=0.023) was the only independent predictor for MVI. The area under curve of SA in predicting MVI was 0.757 (95% CI 0.640-0.870), sensitivity 67.65%, specificity 77.78%. SA was positively correlated with MVI ( r=0.443, P<0.001). ICC cells overexpressing ST6GAL1 were featured with increased mean fluorescence intensity of SNA lectin, and increased level of α2, 6-sialylation on the cell surface (both P<0.05). The number of colonies formed by hypersialylated ICC cells was also increased ( P<0.05), and both the migration rate and the number of migrating cells were significantly higher ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum SA is an independent predictor for MVI in ICC patients. Hypersialylation in ICC cells is associated with higher malignancy.

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of serum N-glycan profiles for evaluating the severity of liver tissue inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods:A total of 221 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy at Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The Scheuer scoring system was used to assess the histological inflammation grade of the liver tissue. Serum N-glycan levels were measured using DNA sequencer-assisted N-glycan fingerprinting (NGFP). Using the upper limit of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reference value (40 U/L) as a cutoff, logistic regression models were developed to construct diagnostic models under two scenarios: normal ALT or abnormal ALT. Models based on serum N-glycan levels and serum N-glycan levels combined with routine laboratory indicators, were used to non-invasively evaluation of various pathological grades of liver tissue inflammation in CHB patients. The DeLong test was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of the models by analyzing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Glycosylation-related gene expression differences associated with varying degrees of liver inflammation were analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.Results:In CHB patients with normal ALT level, the relative abundances of N-glycan structure peak 1 (NGA2F) and peak 2 (NGA2FB) increased with higher liver inflammation grades, while the relative abundance of peak 5 (NA2) decreased ( P<0.05). The AUCs of the HIS-G model (HIS-G A) and its enhanced version (HIS-G A Plus) for identifying significant inflammation and necrosis (≥G2, indicating the initiation of antiviral therapy) were 0.805 (95% CI 0.690-0.899) and 0.904 (95% CI 0.821-0.960), respectively. In CHB patients with ALT>40 U/L, the relative abundances of peaks 1 (NGA2F), 2 (NGA2FB), and 3 (NG1A2F) increased with higher liver inflammation grades, while the relative abundances of peaks 8 (NA3) and 11 (NA4) decreased ( P<0.05). The AUCs of the HIS-G model (HIS-G B) and its enhanced version (HIS-G B Plus) for identifying significant inflammation (≥G2) were 0.810 (95% CI 0.727-0.889) and 0.838 (95% CI 0.754-0.901), respectively. With increasing liver inflammation grades, the expression levels of four glycosyltransferase genes (CHST4, FUT8, SLC51B, and ST8SIA4) were significantly upregulated ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum N-glycan biomarker models can be used to assist in evaluating the severity of liver tissue inflammation in CHB patients with both normal and abnormal ALT levels.

With the rapid development of computer vision technology, deep learning models have demonstrated new research area and potential value in intelligent microbiological detection. By utilizing multilayer neural networks and large amounts of training data, these models are capable of automated extraction and analysis for complex features, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of detection. This paper introduces the research background of deep learning in microbiological image detection, and elaborates on the methods for constructing microbiological image datasets, including data collection, preprocessing, annotation, and partitioning, and introduces typical deep learning models as well as their application examples in various microbiological detection. Deep learning in microbiological image analysis faces numerous challenges which needs further development.