Objective To study the five-year survival status and influencing factors of elderly patients with lung cancer complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A cohort study was conducted to follow up 450 patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2023. The endpoint of the follow-up was the end of a five-year period or death. The Life Tables method was used to calculate survival rates and plot survival curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influencing factors of five-year survival. Results The results indicated that the overall five-year survival rate of patients was 4.89%, and it decreased year by year. Cox regression analysis showed that age, gender, family functioning, and psychological status significantly influenced patient survival rate (all P<0.05). Stratified analysis found that the smoking status, family functioning, and psychological status of male patients all had an impact on survival rate (all P<0.05), while the psychological status of female patients had a more significant impact on survival (P=0.008). Conclusion This study provides a scientific basis for comprehensive intervention of elderly lung cancer patients with COPD. It is recommended that clinical attention should be paid to psychological and family factors to improve patient prognosis.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huangkui capsules on targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of HCC patients with targeted drug-related proteinuria from June 2023 to December 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. According to the treatment plan, patients were divided into the conventional treatment group and the Huangkui combination treatment group (Huangkui capsules combined with conventional treatment), and the clinical efficacy between the two groups was compared. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting treatment efficacy. Results The Huangkui combination treatment group (n＝29) showed a significantly higher overall effective rate (79.3% vs 42.3%, P＝0.005), and an earlier proteinuria improvement (median time: 3 months vs 6 months, P＝0.008) than the conventional treatment group (n＝26) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB) using (OR＝0.190, 95%CI 0.045-0.808, P＝0.025), targeted drug adjustment (OR＝0.132, 95%CI 0.030-0.581, P＝0.007), and Huangkui capsules using (OR＝0.168, 95%CI 0.039-0.730, P＝0.017) were protective factors for treatment efficacy of targeted drug-related proteinuria. Conclusions On the basis of conventional treatment, additive treatment with Huangkui capsules can alleviate targeted drug-related proteinuria faster and more effectively in HCC patients.

Objective To explore the application effect of a standardized management method based on failure mode and effect analysis （FMEA） in optimizing the whole-process quality control system of the intravenous admixture service （PIVAS）. Methods The quality control management system of the PIVAS was optimized by establishing six quality control groups led by the head nurse, with full participation of pharmacy, nursing, and logistical staff, ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability of all quality control links. Each group conducted risk priority number （RPN） scoring for potential failure modes in their respective quality control processes, and targeted improvement measures were formulated based on the scoring results. The RPN values of failure modes and quality control-related evaluation indicators before and after implementation were compared to achieve closed-loop management. Results After one year of management, the RPN values of the six major failure modes significantly decreased compared to those before implementation （P<0.05）. The compounding error rate dropped to 0.13%, the dispensing error rate decreased to 0.95%, the compounding efficiency increased to 98%, the delivery time was shortened by 0.45 h per batch, the intervention rate for irrational prescriptions rose to 94.87%, satisfaction improved to 96.78%, and the participation rate of quality control personnel reached 95.36% （P<0.05）. Conclusion FMEA-based identification of potential failure modes in the whole-process quality control system of the IVAS, combined with risk quantification and targeted interventions, significantly reduced high-risk failure modes, improved compounding accuracy and efficiency, and ensured the safety of clinical intravenous medication and the effectiveness of healthcare quality management.

Objective To explore the application effect of a standardized management method based on failure mode and effect analysis （FMEA） in optimizing the whole-process quality control system of the intravenous admixture service （PIVAS）. Methods The quality control management system of the PIVAS was optimized by establishing six quality control groups led by the head nurse, with full participation of pharmacy, nursing, and logistical staff, ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability of all quality control links. Each group conducted risk priority number （RPN） scoring for potential failure modes in their respective quality control processes, and targeted improvement measures were formulated based on the scoring results. The RPN values of failure modes and quality control-related evaluation indicators before and after implementation were compared to achieve closed-loop management. Results After one year of management, the RPN values of the six major failure modes significantly decreased compared to those before implementation （P<0.05）. The compounding error rate dropped to 0.13%, the dispensing error rate decreased to 0.95%, the compounding efficiency increased to 98%, the delivery time was shortened by 0.45 h per batch, the intervention rate for irrational prescriptions rose to 94.87%, satisfaction improved to 96.78%, and the participation rate of quality control personnel reached 95.36% （P<0.05）. Conclusion FMEA-based identification of potential failure modes in the whole-process quality control system of the IVAS, combined with risk quantification and targeted interventions, significantly reduced high-risk failure modes, improved compounding accuracy and efficiency, and ensured the safety of clinical intravenous medication and the effectiveness of healthcare quality management.

Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.

Objective To investigate the biological functions of the ERG3 gene in Candida albicans and its potential value in antifungal therapy. Methods The ERG3 null mutant was constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, microbroth dilution method, hyphal induction and mouse systemic infection models were carried out to evaluate sterol metabolism, drug susceptibility, hyphal formation ability and pathogenicity in C. albicans. Results The disruption of the ERG3 gene led to disordered sterol metabolism in C. albicans with a significant increased level of episterol, 14α-methylfecosterol and ergosta-7,22-dienol. The ERG3 null mutant exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to antifungal azole and polyene drugs, which suggested that ERG3 involve in regulating drug resistance. Although the disruption of ERG3 inhibited hyphal growth and biofilm formation, it did not significantly alter the pathogenicity of the strain in a mouse model of systemic fungal infection. Conclusion The ERG3 gene was a key regulator in the ergosterol synthesis pathway in C. albicans. Its deletion induced multi-drug resistance by reshaping sterol metabolism, while pathogenicity maintenance depended on compensatory mechanisms. This study provided critical insights for developing antifungal drugs targeting sterol metabolism and overcoming drug resistance.

Adaptive optics(AO)is a technology designed to enhance the performance of optical systems through real-time measurement and correction of optical aberrations. With continuous advancements in refractive surgery techniques and rising patient expectations for surgical outcomes, the precise implementation of personalized refractive corrections has become a critical focus. The integration of AO technology into refractive surgery provides novel technical support. Specifically, the adaptive optics vision simulator(VAO)facilitates accurate preoperative objective and subjective refraction by dynamically measuring and correcting ocular wavefront aberrations, thereby improving refractive efficiency. Additionally, it enables effective prediction of postoperative aberrations for personalized procedures, assists clinicians in making data-driven preoperative decisions, facilitates comparative analysis of different surgical techniques, and allows intuitive evaluation of postoperative visual quality. This review comprehensively examines the advances in VAO applications for refractive surgery and analyzes both its clinical advantages and technical limitations.

Objective To investigate the current status and serologic characteristics of occult HBV infection in the adult physical examination population in Zigong region. Methods A total of 126 381 patients who were examined in the physical examination center and gastroenterology department of The First People's Hospital of Zigong City from April 2023 to September 2024 were screened, and 21 615 eligible cases were included in the study. The current status of infection was analyzed and serological patterns and serological characteristics of the included individuals were compared. Results This study screened 126 381 patients, all of whom underwent serum HBsAg testing, and 21 615 patients (17.10%) underwent HBV DNA testing, of which 7 992 were HBV DNA positive (>102 IU/mL) and HBsAg negative, accounting for 36.97% of the total number of patients who underwent HBV DNA testing. Anti-HBc positivity was significantly higher than other serologic patterns, and the lowest rate of HBV DNA positivity was found in those who were positive for anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HBe. The lowest male-to-female ratio (1.25:1) was found in patients with both anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HBe positivity, which was significantly lower than that of patients with the other three serologic characteristics (P=0.005). There were no significant differences in age, BMI, AST, ALT, and TBiL levels among patients with different serum characteristics (all P>0.05). The HBV viral load is highest in patients with anti HBc combined with anti HBe positivity, while the HBV viral load is lowest in patients with anti HBc positivity, anti HBs positivity, and all anti HBe positivity (P<0.001). Viral genotypes were predominantly B-type, and there were differences in genotype distribution among the four groups of patients (P<0.001). Conclusion The level of occult HBV infection was high in the adult medical examination population in Zigong region, mostly characterized by anti-HBc positivity, with the lowest male-to-female ratio among patients who were positive for anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HBe, and the highest HBV viral load among patients who were positive for anti-HBc combined with anti-HBe.

Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） is an important intracellular transcription factor widely involved in the processes such as immune response， inflammatory response， cell proliferation， and apoptosis. The abnormal activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in various liver diseases including chronic hepatitis， liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extensive studies have shown that inhibiting NF-κB activity may effectively reduce inflammation and fibrosis and improve metabolic disorders. Several natural compounds， such as matrine and salvianolic acid B， have shown the potential in suppressing NF-κB activity， thereby exerting anti-inflammatory， anti-fibrotic， and anti-tumor effects. This article systematically reviews the critical role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in liver diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target， in order to highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for liver diseases and provide new directions for the treatment of liver diseases.

Objective : To investigate the effectiveness of an extraoral guide plate system targeting the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in improving the accuracy of injection therapy for anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with lateral pterygoid myalgia, and to provide a reference for precise clinical treatment. Methods: With approval from the institutional medical ethics committee and informed consent from patients, spiral CT scans were performed on seven patients with ADD accompanied or not accompanied by lateral pterygoid myalgia to acquire craniofacial data. Mimics 21.0 software was used to reconstruct three-dimensional craniofacial structures, identify attachment points of the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, and design dual injection paths along with a retention system. Personalized templates were fabricated using digital light procession-based 3D printing. Under the guide plate, a single targeted injection of 20 U of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was administered into both the superior and/or inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Immediate postoperative CT scans were conducted to compare actual needle placement with preoperative plans. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Joint clicking was recorded at 2 and 4 weeks, and complications were monitored throughout the duration of the study. Results : A total of 15 sites in 7 patients were injected into the upper / lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle under the guidance of the guide plate. Under the guide plate, all of the injections achieved an angular deviation within 2.5° (superior head: 2.49° ± 0.17°, inferior head: 2.31° ± 0.16°) and a needle tip positional deviation within 2 mm [superior head: (1.96 ± 0.25) mm, inferior head: (1.65 ± 0.21) mm]. The significant pain improvement rate (defined as ≥3-point reduction in VAS score) increased from 60% (9/15) at day 3 to 85% (13/15) at 2 weeks post-operation, stabilizing at 86.7% (13/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Joint clicking improvement rates reached 72% (11/15) at 2 weeks post-operation and 75% (11/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Regarding safety, only one case of injection site swelling and one case of transient paresthesia were observed; both resolved spontaneously within a short period of time. No neurovascular injury events occurred. Conclusion CT-guided guide plate achieves precise targeting design to minimize injection errors in the lateral pterygoid muscle. This technology is effective and safe, and it can provide an anatomically specific and operationally versatile targeted therapy for temporomandibular disorders.