ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation（AF） that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis（TRYZ） pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups：the control group， the TRYZ+AF group，the AF group and the TRYZ group， with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide（LPS） injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride（Ach-CaCl₂） via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration， echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function， fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol（TC）， triglycerides（TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C）， hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity， plasma viscosity， and whole blood reduced viscosity， a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time（PT）， activated partial thromboplastin time（APTT）， thrombin time（TT）， and fibrinogen（FIB）， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein（CRP）， interleukin（IL）-1β， IL-6， IL-17， tumour necrosis factor（TNF）-α， matrix metalloproteinase-9（MMP-9）， galectin-3（Gal-3）， Collagen Ⅰ， and α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium， Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9， Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue， real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight， tongue color［red（R）， green（G）， and blue（B）］， and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling， compared with the control group， rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight， dry faeces， elevated rectal temperature， dark red tongue， decreased RGB values on the tongue surface， and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels（P<0.05， P<0.01）. The TRYZ+AF， TRYZ， and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT， APTT and PT， along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm， markedly decreased heart rate， prolonged RR intervals， enlarged left atrium， and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum levels of CRP， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-17， TNF-α， MMP-9， Gal-3， Collagen Ⅰ， and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF， TRYZ， and AF groups compared to the control group， with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF， TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9， Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group， primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome， demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm， heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor， this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.

Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck tumors. However, while effectively killing tumor cells, it significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the oral microecology, which is closely associated with various complications such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Literature review indicates that as radiotherapy doses accumulate and treatment durations extend, the richness and diversity of the oral microbiota show a declining trend, with the genus Streptococcus decreasing most markedly. In contrast, radiotherapy selectively promotes the proliferation of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are rich in opportunistic pathogens. Mechanistically, radiotherapy activates the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the epithelial barrier, suppressing local immunity, and causing damage to organs such as the salivary glands. It can also induce systemic diseases via the oral-gut axis, forming a multi-level, interconnected pathogenic network. In terms of interventions, treatment strategies including probiotics and prebiotics have shown promising efficacy against side effects such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Saliva-based oral microbiota transplantation is an emerging strategy that is expected to become widely utilized for restoring oral microecological balance. Existing interventions provide preliminary pathways for clinical practice, but this field still faces several key scientific questions. The association between oral microecology and systemic diseases remains largely correlative, lacking causal evidence. Furthermore, critical parameters for oral microbiota transplantation, such as donor screening criteria, transplantation protocols, and long-term safety, are not yet well-defined. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols and safety evaluation systems for oral microecological interventions, and explore combined treatment therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplantation to advance the development of personalized precision modulation. These will enable more effective management of radiotherapy-induced oral microecological dysbiosis and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.

Objective To explore the distribution of clinical features and the correlation between TCM syndromes and laboratory indicators in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 924 patients with atrial fibrillation who were hospitalized in Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2016 to December 2023.The distribution pattern of TCM syndromes in patients with atrial fibrillation was analyzed,and the correlation between TCM syndromes and age,gender,past history,inflammatory indicators and biochemical indicators were explored.Results The study included 924 atrial fibrillation patients,predominantly female and mostly middle-aged or elderly.The main TCM syndrome types were qi-yin deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,phlegm fire disturbance syndrome and phlegm blood stasis obstruction syndrome.Correlation analysis showed that patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome had lower total protein and globulin,and the two were negatively correlated;qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels;patients with phlegm fire disturbance syndrome were mostly male,younger in age and had a higher proportion of smoking history.They were negatively correlated with gender,age,and smoking history,and positively correlated with comorbidities of coronary heart disease,white blood cells,neutrophils,total protein,albumin,and globulin;patients with phlegm blood stasis obstruction syndrome were positively correlated with creatine kinase and uric acid,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion The TCM syndrome of atrial fibrillation is mainly characterized by qi-yin deficiency,and the proportion of phlegm and fire disturbance syndrome is increasing year by year.There is a correlation between the TCM syndromes of atrial fibrillation and clinical features(gender,age,past history),laboratory indicators such as inflammatory markers(WBC,NE,SII,NLR),total proteins,globulins,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,creatine kinase and uric acid,which can provide a guide to the"differentiation of disease,syndromes and body"in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

Objective:To summarize assessment tools for taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer and provide a reference for clinical evaluation by healthcare professionals.Methods:A computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP for literature on taste dysfunction in head and neck cancer from database inception to May 10, 2025.Results:A total of 31 articles were included: five on tool development, three on tool validation, five on cross-cultural adaptation, and 18 on tool application.A total of 16 assessment tools were identified overall: ten subjective instruments and six objective instruments. Reliability and validity were most commonly examined using internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity.Conclusions:A wide variety of tools exist for assessing taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer. Tool selection should be based on clinical context and patient characteristics. Future work should develop disease-specific, locally adapted instruments aligned with the features of head and neck cancer.

Objective To explore the distribution of clinical features and the correlation between TCM syndromes and laboratory indicators in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 924 patients with atrial fibrillation who were hospitalized in Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2016 to December 2023.The distribution pattern of TCM syndromes in patients with atrial fibrillation was analyzed,and the correlation between TCM syndromes and age,gender,past history,inflammatory indicators and biochemical indicators were explored.Results The study included 924 atrial fibrillation patients,predominantly female and mostly middle-aged or elderly.The main TCM syndrome types were qi-yin deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,phlegm fire disturbance syndrome and phlegm blood stasis obstruction syndrome.Correlation analysis showed that patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome had lower total protein and globulin,and the two were negatively correlated;qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels;patients with phlegm fire disturbance syndrome were mostly male,younger in age and had a higher proportion of smoking history.They were negatively correlated with gender,age,and smoking history,and positively correlated with comorbidities of coronary heart disease,white blood cells,neutrophils,total protein,albumin,and globulin;patients with phlegm blood stasis obstruction syndrome were positively correlated with creatine kinase and uric acid,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion The TCM syndrome of atrial fibrillation is mainly characterized by qi-yin deficiency,and the proportion of phlegm and fire disturbance syndrome is increasing year by year.There is a correlation between the TCM syndromes of atrial fibrillation and clinical features(gender,age,past history),laboratory indicators such as inflammatory markers(WBC,NE,SII,NLR),total proteins,globulins,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,creatine kinase and uric acid,which can provide a guide to the"differentiation of disease,syndromes and body"in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

Objective:To summarize assessment tools for taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer and provide a reference for clinical evaluation by healthcare professionals.Methods:A computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP for literature on taste dysfunction in head and neck cancer from database inception to May 10, 2025.Results:A total of 31 articles were included: five on tool development, three on tool validation, five on cross-cultural adaptation, and 18 on tool application.A total of 16 assessment tools were identified overall: ten subjective instruments and six objective instruments. Reliability and validity were most commonly examined using internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity.Conclusions:A wide variety of tools exist for assessing taste dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer. Tool selection should be based on clinical context and patient characteristics. Future work should develop disease-specific, locally adapted instruments aligned with the features of head and neck cancer.

Objective:To summarize the evidence of cold therapy for patients after knee joint replacement, so as to provide theoretical support for the practical implementation of cold therapy in patients after knee joint replacement in clinical practice.Methods:The literature on cold therapy for patients after knee joint replacement was systematically searched in relevant databases and websites at home and abroad. The search period was from database establishment to September 2022. The evaluation of literature quality and evidence extraction were independently completed by two researchers.Results:A total of 17 articles were included, including two clinical practice guidelines, five systematic reviews, six randomized controlled trials, and four expert consensuses. After independent evaluation and evidence extraction by two researchers, a total of 19 pieces of evidence were collected from 5 aspects: evaluation and education, observation of cold therapy, cold therapy tools, cold therapy parameters, and cold therapy effects. Among them, 8 pieces of A-level recommended evidence and 11 pieces of B-level recommended evidence.Conclusions:Cold therapy for patients after knee joint replacement is widely accepted and applied. Medical and nursing personnel should prioritize patient safety and formulate scientific cold therapy plans based on various factors such as individual differences, patient preferences, actual clinical scenarios, differences in medical equipment, medical and nursing personnel technical level, and cost-effectiveness, in order to maximize patient benefits.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and nonvitrectomizing vitreous surgery (NVS) in the treatment of idiopathic epimacular membrane (IMEM).Methods:A prospective , randomized and comparative clinical study. From April 2019 to May 2020, 21 eyes of 21 patients with IMEM diagnosed in Chongqing Aier Eye Hospital were included in the study. Among them, 11 males had 11 eyes, and 10 females had 10 eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and corneal, intraocular, and global aberration measurements were performed in all eyes. The international standard logarithmic visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, and the visual acuity was converted into logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) during statistics. The iTrace visual function analyzer was used to measure the corneal, intraocular and whole ocular aberrations, and the dysfunction lens index (DLI) was calculated. Lens density in Scheimpflug images was calculated using Pentacam three-dimensional anterior segment analysis and diagnosis system. The 6 mm×6 mm area of the macular area was scanned by OCTA, which was divided by the software automatically into three concentric circles with the fovea as the center, namely the central area with a diameter of 1 mm, the inner ring area with a diameter of 1-3 mm, The outer ring area of 3-6 mm was used to measure the superficial vessel density (SVD) and superficial perfusion density (SPD) of the entire macular area, the central area, the inner ring area, and the outer ring area. The patients were divided into PPV combined with epimacular membrane (MEM) peeling group (PPV group) and NVS direct peeling MEM group (NVS group) by random number table method, 10 cases with 10 eyes and 11 cases with 11 eyes, respectively. The age of the two groups ( t=-0.72), logMAR BCVA ( t=-0.98), lens density ( t=-1.10), DLI ( t=1.15), SVD ( t=0.82) and SPD ( t=1.19) of entire macular area, corneal aberration ( t=0.45), intraocular aberration ( t=-0.22), and whole eye aberration ( t=0.83), there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). All eyes were operated on with a 27G vitrectomy system. The MEM was removed from the eyes of the NVS group under NVS condition, and the MEM was removed from the eyes of the PPV group under the condition of PPV, and the operation time was recorded at the same time. The follow-up period after surgery was 12 months. Relevant examinations were performed using the same equipment and methods before surgery. Taking the last follow-up as the time point for efficacy judgment, the BCVA, lens opacity, DLI, visual quality, SVD, SPD and MEM recurrence in the macula were compared between the two groups. The two groups were compared by paired t test. Results:The operation time of eyes in PPV group and NVS group was 20.81±3.52 and 5.70±1.30 min, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=7.23, P<0.001). At the last follow-up, the logMAR BCVA of PPV group and NVS group were 0.65±0.25 and 0.44±0.20, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.16, P=0.04); compared with before operation, the BCVA of eyes of the two groups was significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant. ( t=2.52, 4.41; P=0.033, P<0.001). The lens density and DLI of the affected eyes in the PPV group and NVS group were 10.64±1.58, 6.24±3.99 and 5.77±1.63, 7.74±1.55, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.90, 2.85; P<0.05). The macular area SVD ( t=1.03), SPD ( t=1.77), corneal aberration ( t=-0.42), intraocular aberration ( t=-1.10), and whole-eye aberration ( t=-1.17) of eyes of the two groups, the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there were 2 eyes with MEM recurrence, 1 eye in the PPV group and 1 eye in the NVS group; there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of MEM between the two groups ( χ2=0.005, P=0.94). Conclusion:Compared with PPV combined with MEM stripping, the BCVA after NVS surgery increases more, has a better protective effect on the lens, and has a shorter operation time.

Tooth enamel is prone to be attacked by injurious factors, leading to a de/remineralization imbalance. To repair demineralized enamel and prevent pulp inflammation caused by biofilm accumulation, measures are needed to promote remineralization and inhibit bacterial adhesion on the tooth surface. An innovative material, poly (aspartic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PASP-PEG), was designed and synthesized to construct a mineralizing and anti-adhesive surface that could be applied to repair demineralized enamel. A cytotoxicity assay revealed the low cytotoxicity of synthesized PASP-PEG. Adsorption results demonstrated that PASP-PEG possesses a high binding affinity to the hydroxyapatite (HA)/tooth surface. In vitro experiments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated a strong capacity of PASP-PEG to induce in situ remineralization and direct the oriented growth of apatite nanocrystals. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Vickers hardness tests demonstrated that minerals induced by PASP-PEG were consistent with healthy enamel in Ca/P ratio, crystal form and surface micro-hardness. Contact angle tests and bacterial adhesion experiments demonstrated that PASP-PEG yielded a strong anti-adhesive effect. In summary, PASP-PEG could achieve dual effects for enamel repair and anti-adhesion of bacteria, thereby widening its application in enamel repair.

BACKGROUND:Operation is an important measure to improve the function of spinal cord and to stop the pathological progress of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. There are controversies how to select the optimum operation mode, to reduce postoperative complications and to elevate clinical curative effects.
OBJECTIVE:To systematical y review patients’ profiles of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and to evaluate the effects of simple anterior approach, simple posterior approach and one stage posterior anterior combined approach on cervical spinal curvature index and functional recovery in patients.
METHOD148 sample profiles of patients, who received multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy operation in The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Qingdao Municipal Hospital from February 2000 to February 2008, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected. They were divided into simple anterior approach group, simple posterior approach group and one stage posterior anterior combined approach group. The differences in the functional recovery were assessed after treatment using different therapeutic methods.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cervical spinal curvature index was highest in the simple posterior approach group before treatment (P<0.01). Cervical spinal curvature index was highest in the one stage posterior anterior combined approach group after treatment (P<0.01). Changes in cervical spinal curvature index were most obvious in the simple anterior approach group before and after treatment (P<0.01). No significant difference in Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores was detected among three groups after treatment (P>0.05).
Significant differences in improvement rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores were detectable after treatment between the one stage posterior anterior combined approach group and simple anterior approach and simple posterior approach groups (P<0.001). Significant differences in cervical dysfunction index and SF-36 scores were detectable among the three groups before and after treatment (P<0.05). Results indicated that compared with the simple anterior approach and simple posterior approach, decompression through one stage posterior anterior combined approach is a reliable and effective operative procedure for treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.