Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), cerebral ischemia, and multiple sclerosis (MS), impose an escalating global health burden and remain largely incurable. These disorders arise from multifactorial and interconnected pathological processes, such as chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein misfolding and aggregation, demyelination, and neurovascular dysfunction. Despite substantial advances in elucidating disease-associated molecular mechanisms, current therapeutic strategies are predominantly symptomatic and fail to effectively halt or reverse disease progression. This limitation highlights the urgent need to identify endogenous regulatory molecules capable of coordinating neuronal survival, synaptic maintenance, inflammatory control, and tissue repair within the central nervous system (CNS). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a heparin-binding, growth-associated cytokine that has emerged as a key regulator of neural development, plasticity, and regeneration. Structurally, PTN contains multiple high-affinity heparin-binding domains that facilitate interactions with extracellular matrix components and cell surface proteoglycans, enabling spatially restricted and context-dependent signaling. Through these molecular properties, PTN functions as a multifunctional organizer of neural growth, plasticity, and tissue remodeling across developmental and adult stages. Its diverse biological effects are executed through a multi-receptor signaling system that integrates extracellular cues with intracellular programs governing cellular survival, migration, and differentiation. Notably, PTN displays a highly dynamic and cell type-specific expression pattern in the central nervous system, being enriched in neural progenitor cells during development and later restricted to discrete neuronal populations, neural stem cells, and non-neuronal niche cells—including astrocytes, pericytes, and vascular endothelial cells—which serve as critical sources of PTN under physiological and pathological conditions. PTN expression is tightly regulated during development and exhibits pronounced plasticity in response to pathological stimuli. Under physiological conditions, PTN is transiently expressed during critical windows of neural growth and synaptogenesis, supporting neuron-glia interactions and myelin formation. In contrast, in pathological contexts such as amyloid β-protein (Aβ) accumulation in AD, dopaminergic neuron degeneration in PD, demyelination in MS, and ischemic brain injury, PTN expression is frequently dysregulated, suggesting an active role in disease-associated remodeling rather than a passive bystander effect. Importantly, accumulating evidence indicates that PTN exerts a dual and context-dependent influence on neurological disorders. On the one hand, aberrant PTN signaling may contribute to maladaptive responses, including sustained glial activation, dysregulated neuroinflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and enhanced Aβ deposition. On the other hand, PTN displays robust neuroprotective and reparative functions by promoting neuronal survival, enhancing oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination, and stimulating post-injury angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tissue repair and functional recovery. At the mechanistic level, PTN signaling is characterized by extensive cross-talk among receptor-dependent pathways. Activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) triggers canonical PI3K-AKT-mTOR and MAPK cascades that support neuronal survival and axonal integrity. PTN binding to protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z1 (PTPRZ1) induces conformational inhibition of its phosphatase activity, resulting in increased phosphorylation of downstream effectors such as β-catenin, Fyn, and Src, which regulate neuronal migration and synaptic stabilization. Syndecan-3 (SDC3) functions as both a co-receptor and an independent signaling mediator by capturing extracellular PTN, amplifying ALK- and PTPRZ1-dependent signaling, and directly modulating cytoskeletal dynamics through PKC and ERK pathways. In parallel, PTN interaction with αVβ3 integrin contributes to remodeling of the neurovascular niche, linking angiogenesis with neurogenesis and neural repair. From a translational perspective, therapeutic strategies targeting PTN can be broadly classified into 3 categories: direct enhancement of PTN signaling through exogenous protein supplementation or gene therapy-mediated upregulation, pharmacological modulation of PTN-associated receptor pathways and downstream signaling nodes, and exploitation of PTN as a dynamic biomarker to inform disease stratification and therapeutic responsiveness. These complementary approaches underscore the growing interest in PTN-centered interventions across a spectrum of neurological disorders. In summary, PTN functions not merely as a classical trophic factor but as a central signaling hub integrating inflammatory regulation, neural regeneration, and vascular remodeling within the CNS. This review aims to synthesize current insights into PTN’s molecular architecture, multi-receptor signaling mechanisms, and disease-specific functions, and to highlight emerging therapeutic strategies targeting PTN. By conceptualizing PTN as a dynamic modulator of neuronal resilience rather than a static biomarker, we propose that precise modulation of PTN signaling may offer promising avenues for therapeutic development in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.

Objective: To compare the effects of immediate versus delayed post-space preparation on the bond strength of fiber posts and the fracture resistance of roots after root canal obturation using iRoot SP and the single-cone technique, and to provide an experimental basis for the selection of the timing of clinical post-space preparation. Methods: This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the institution, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Seventy-two extracted human single-rooted premolars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 36 each): the immediate post-space preparation group (post-space preparation performed immediately after root canal obturation) and the delayed post-space preparation group (post-space preparation performed 1 week after root canal obturation). Cleanliness of the root canal walls was assessed with a dental microscope after preparation in both groups; the ultrastructural characteristics of the dentinal surface were examined via scanning electron microscopy; the fracture resistance of roots was measured with root fracture resistance tests; the bond strength of the fiber posts was measured with the thin-slice push-out test; and the bond failure modes were observed and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Results: Under dental microscopy, the dentin surface of the immediate post-space preparation group appeared cleaner than that of the delayed post-space preparation group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that most dentinal tubules remained open in the immediate post-space preparation group, while the tubules in the delayed post-space preparation group showed incomplete patency. The fracture resistance of the immediate post-space preparation group was (2 872 ± 241.5) N and that of the delayed post-space preparation group was (2 934 ± 353.1) N, with no statistically significant difference (t = -0.328, P = 0.751). The push-out bond strength of the immediate post-space preparation group (10.310 ± 2.907) MPa was significantly higher than that of the delayed post-space preparation group (7.917 ± 2.429) MPa, with a statistically significant difference (t = 4.457, P < 0.001). Analysis of failure modes showed that adhesive-to-dental interface failure was the predominant mode in both groups. Conclusion Following root canal obturation with iRoot SP using the single-cone technique, immediate post-space preparation yields superior fiber post bond strength compared to delayed post-space preparation, without compromising root fracture resistance.

Objective To analyze the pollution characteristics of PM_2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the non-heating period, heating period, and haze period in Harbin, and infer their possible sources, and to evaluate their impact on population carcinogenesis. Methods From 2020 to 2022, sampling points were set up in different districts of Harbin. PM_2.5 samples were regularly collected every month to analyze the contents of 10 types of PM_2.5-bound 4-6 rings PAHs. The pollution characteristics of PAHs were analyzed during different monitoring periods (non-heating period, heating period, and haze period). The excess carcinogenesis risks of PM_2.5-bound PAHs were assessed according to the Technical Specifications for Health Risk Assessment of Ambient Air Pollution and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) risk assessment method. The characteristic ratio method and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model were used to infer the sources of PAHs. Results The median mass concentrations of ambient PM_2.5-bound 4-6 rings PAHs (ΣPAHs) during the non-heating period, heating period, and haze period were 6.44 ng/m³, 37.85 ng/m³, and 106.79 ng/m³, respectively. During the heating season and haze period, the concentrations of benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, pyrene and fluoranthene were relatively high. The excess carcinogenic risks for ASF_>16, ASF_2-16 and ASF_<2 caused by exposure to PM_2.5-bound 4-6rings PAHs during the heating season were 2.34×10^-6, 1.82×10^-6, and 0.88×10^-6, respectively, while the excess carcinogenic risks for the whole population during the heating season and haze period were 5.05×10^-6 and 1.75×10^-6, respectively. The results of the two source methods showed that the main characteristic elements during the heating season were fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene. According to the emission source standards, it was determined that the sources were mainly coal and biomass combustion, accompanied by traffic source emissions. Conclusion In Harbin, the PM_2.5-bound 4-6 rings PAHs during the haze period is significantly higher than that during the heating period. The pollution is mainly from coal combustion emissions, accompanied by continuous traffic source pollution. The exposure to PAHs during the heating period poses a potential carcinogenic risk to the population.

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate (BVP) under intravenous anesthesia without intubation. Methods: Clinical data of 30 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (prostate volume <40 mL) patients undergoing BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation in our hospital during Jul.and Nov.2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative and 1-month postoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were compared.The operation time, cumulative blue laser activation time, recovery time, postoperative bladder irrigation time, postoperative catheter indwelling time, postoperative 2-hour visual analog scale (VAS) score and incidence of surgical and anesthetic complications were recorded. Results: All 30 patients successfully completed BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation.The operation time was (12.5±5.0) min, cumulative laser activation time (9.8±4.1) min, recovery time (6.8±1.2) min, postoperative bladder irrigation time (11.0±4.6) h, postoperative catheter indwelling time (2.7±1.1) days and postoperative 2-hour VAS score was (3.0±1.3).No cases required conversion to intubated general anesthesia, and no severe perioperative surgical or anesthetic complications occurred.Significant improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR were observed 1 month postoperatively (P＜0.001). Conclusion: BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation in the treatment of prostate volume <40 mL BPH is clinically feasible, significantly improving lower urinary tract symptoms without significant surgical or anesthetic complications.

ObjectiveFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral activity, can be integrated with upper limb rehabilitation robots to facilitate the real-time assessment of neurological rehabilitation outcomes. The rehabilitation robot is designed with 3 training modes: passive, active, and resistance. Among these, the resistance mode has been demonstrated to yield superior rehabilitative outcomes for patients with a certain level of muscle strength. The control modes in the resistance mode can be categorized into dynamic and static control. However, the effects of different control modes in the resistance mode on the motor function of patients with upper limb hemiplegia in stroke remain unclear. Furthermore, the effects of force, an important parameter of different control modes, on the activation of brain regions have rarely been reported. This study investigates the effects of dynamic and static resistance modes under varying resistance levels on cerebral functional alterations during motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. MethodsA cohort of 20 stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction was enrolled in the study, completing preparatory adaptive training followed by 3 intensity-level tasks across 2 motor paradigms. The bilateral prefrontal cortices (PFC), bilateral primary motor cortices (M1), bilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), and bilateral premotor and supplementary motor cortices (PM) were examined in both the resting and motor training states. The lateralization index (LI), phase locking value (PLV), network metrics were employed to examine cortical activation patterns and topological properties of brain connectivity. ResultsThe data indicated that both dynamic and static modes resulted in significantly greater activation of the contralateral M1 area and the ipsilateral PM area when compared to the resting state. The static patterns demonstrated a more pronounced activation in the contralateral M1 in comparison to the dynamic patterns. The results of brain network analysis revealed significant differences between the dynamic and resting states in the contralateral PFC area and contralateral M1 area (F=4.709, P=0.038), as well as in the contralateral PM area and ipsilateral M1 area (F=4.218, P=0.049). Moreover, the findings indicated a positive correlation between the activation of the M1 region and the increase in force in the dynamic mode, which was reversed in the static mode. ConclusionBoth dynamic and static resistance training modes have been demonstrated to activate the corresponding brain functional regions. Dynamic resistance modes elicit greater oxygen changes and connectivity to the region of interest (ROI) than static resistance modes. Furthermore, the effects of increasing force differ between the two modes. In patients who have suffered a stroke, dynamic modes may have a more pronounced effect on the activation of exercise-related functional brain regions.

Objective: To evaluate the platelet transfusion requirements in children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and to identify risk factors for increased transfusion needs and prolonged time to platelet transfusion independence. Methods: This single-center retrospective clinical study included 96 children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma who underwent ASCT from January 2019 to May 2024 in our hospital. Relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed, including age, gender, body surface area, platelet count (PLT) on stem cell infusion day (day 0), conditioning regimen, CD34 stem cell dose, platelet transfusion requirements during transplantation, and time to platelet transfusion independence post-transplant. Results: All 96 (100%) children received transfusion after ASCT. From day 0 to transfusion independence, the median number of platelet transfusion was 3 (2, 4.50), and the median volume of platelet transfused was 3 (2, 4.25) units. Platelet transfusion was required in almost all children in pseudo-healing stage (day 4 to day 6) and polar stage (day 7 to day 14), with transfusion rates as high as 83.33%(n=80) and 100%(n=96), respectively. The median time to platelet transfusion independence post-transplant was 13(11,17) days. Multivariate analysis showed that PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, the use of “busulfan+ melphalan” conditioning regimen, and CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were associated with significantly increased platelet requirements and numbers of transfusion (P<0.05). PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, and CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were associated with significantly delayed platelet transfusion independence (P<0.05). Age, sex, and blood type showed no statistically significant association (P>0.05) with post-transplant platelet transfusion requirements or time to transfusion independence in neuroblastoma patients. Conclusion: This study provided quantitative data for platelet transfusion after ASCT in children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma, and identified PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were risk factors for increased platelet transfusions and delayed transfusion independence. Furthermore, the use of the BuMel (busulfan-melphalan) conditioning regimen was also found to contribute to increased transfusion requirements.

Objective: To evaluate the platelet transfusion requirements in children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and to identify risk factors for increased transfusion needs and prolonged time to platelet transfusion independence. Methods: This single-center retrospective clinical study included 96 children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma who underwent ASCT from January 2019 to May 2024 in our hospital. Relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed, including age, gender, body surface area, platelet count (PLT) on stem cell infusion day (day 0), conditioning regimen, CD34 stem cell dose, platelet transfusion requirements during transplantation, and time to platelet transfusion independence post-transplant. Results: All 96 (100%) children received transfusion after ASCT. From day 0 to transfusion independence, the median number of platelet transfusion was 3 (2, 4.50), and the median volume of platelet transfused was 3 (2, 4.25) units. Platelet transfusion was required in almost all children in pseudo-healing stage (day 4 to day 6) and polar stage (day 7 to day 14), with transfusion rates as high as 83.33%(n=80) and 100%(n=96), respectively. The median time to platelet transfusion independence post-transplant was 13(11,17) days. Multivariate analysis showed that PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, the use of “busulfan+ melphalan” conditioning regimen, and CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were associated with significantly increased platelet requirements and numbers of transfusion (P<0.05). PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, and CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were associated with significantly delayed platelet transfusion independence (P<0.05). Age, sex, and blood type showed no statistically significant association (P>0.05) with post-transplant platelet transfusion requirements or time to transfusion independence in neuroblastoma patients. Conclusion: This study provided quantitative data for platelet transfusion after ASCT in children with high-risk stage Ⅳ neuroblastoma, and identified PLT<100×10 /L on day 0, platelet transfusion within one week before ASCT, CD34 stem cell dose<4.0×10 /kg were risk factors for increased platelet transfusions and delayed transfusion independence. Furthermore, the use of the BuMel (busulfan-melphalan) conditioning regimen was also found to contribute to increased transfusion requirements.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI (GenAI), has already brought, and will continue to bring, revolutionary changes to our daily production and life, as well as create new opportunities and challenges for diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the medical field. Haihe Hospital of Tianjin University collaborates with the National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, Tianjin University, and other institutions to carry out research in areas such as smart healthcare, smart services, and smart management. We have conducted research and development of a full-process disease diagnosis and treatment assistance system based on GenAI in the field of smart healthcare. The development of this project is of great significance. The first goal is to upgrade and transform the hospital's information center, organically integrate it with existing information systems, and provide the necessary computing power storage support for intelligent services within the hospital. We have implemented the localized deployment of three models: Tianhe "Tianyuan", WiNGPT, and DeepSeek. The second is to create a digital avatar of the chief physician/chief physician's voice and image by integrating multimodal intelligent interaction technology. With generative intelligence as the core, this solution provides patients with a visual medical interaction solution. The third is to achieve deep adaptation between generative intelligence and the entire process of patient medical treatment. In this project, we have developed assistant tools such as intelligent inquiry, intelligent diagnosis and recognition, intelligent treatment plan generation, and intelligent assisted medical record generation to improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of the diagnosis and treatment process. This study introduces the content of a full-process disease diagnosis and treatment assistance system, aiming to provide references and insights for the digital transformation of the healthcare industry.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Delivery of Health Care ; Generative Artificial Intelligence

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) among < 5-year-old children in three provinces of China during 2020-2024 via a propensity score-matched test-negative case-control study. METHODS: Electronic health records and immunization information systems were used to obtain data on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases tested for rotavirus (RV) infection. RV-positive cases were propensity score matched with RV-negative controls for age, visit month, and province. RESULTS: The study included 27,472 children with AGE aged 8 weeks to 4 years at the time of AGE diagnosis; 7.98% (2,192) were RV-positive. The VE (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1-2 and 3 doses of RV5 against any medically attended RV infection (inpatient or outpatient) was 57.6% (39.8%, 70.2%) and 67.2% (60.3%, 72.9%), respectively. Among children who received the 3rd dose before turning 5 months of age, 3-dose VE decreased from 70.4% (53.9%, 81.1%) (< 5 months since the 3rd dose) to 63.0% (49.1%, 73.0%) (≥ 1 year since the 3rd dose). The three-dose VE rate was 69.4% (41.3%, 84.0%) for RVGE hospitalization and 57.5% (38.9%, 70.5%) for outpatient-only medically attended RVGE. CONCLUSION Three-dose RV5 VE against rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children aged < 5 years was higher than 1-2-dose VE. Three-dose VE decreased with time since the 3rd dose in children who received the 3rd dose before turning five months of age, but remained above 60% for at least one year. VE was higher for RVGE hospitalizations than for medically attended outpatient visits.
Humans ; Rotavirus Vaccines/immunology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Case-Control Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Rotavirus Infections/epidemiology* ; Male ; Propensity Score ; Female ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Gastroenteritis/virology* ; Vaccines, Attenuated ; Rotavirus

Following the release of the Technical Requirements on Quality Control and Standard Establishment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules by the National Medical Products Administration in 2021, Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission has promulgated 296 national drug standards so far, and most provinces have started the work of establishing provincial standards as supplements. The promulgation of standards fostered high-quality development of the industry. Since the implementation of national and provincial standards for more than three years, enterprises have gained deep understanding and hands-on experiences on the characteristics, technical requirements, production process, and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) formula granules. Meanwhile, challenges have emerged restricting the high-quality development of this industry, including how to formulate quality control strategies for medicinal materials and decoction pieces, how to reduce manufacturing costs, and how to improve the pass rate and product stability under high standards. Based on the work experiences from standard management and process research, this article analyzed the distribution of sources, processing methods, dry extract rate ranges, process requirements for volatile oil-containing decoction pieces, control measures of safety indices, characteristics and trends of setting characteristic chromatograms or fingerprints, characteristics and trends of setting content ranges, and main differences between national standards and provincial standards. On the one hand, this article aims to present main characteristics for deeply understanding different indicators in standards and provide basic ideas for establishing quality and process control systems. On the other hand, from the perspective of industrial practice, suggestions are put forward on the important aspects that need to be focused on in the quality and process control of TCM formula granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; China ; Drug Industry/standards*