Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

Purpose: Complications associated with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) have primarily been described from single-center data. These historical single-center studies often lack standardized reporting preventing combined cohort analysis. Therefore, we describe and discuss the complications associated with RPLND from a prospectively maintained, validated, national database. Materials and Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for 30-day postoperative complications following RPLND for testicular cancer from 2005–2018, which comprised the cohort for analysis. Complications were subcategorized by organ systems and by Clavien-Dindo classification grade (I–II [low], III–V [high]). A subanalysis of large (>5 cm) retroperitoneal masses was evaluated as a surrogate for postchemotherapy RPLND. Associations with patient and perioperative variables were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: A total of 375 patients met inclusion criteria. Seventy-four patients (19.7%) experienced at least one postoperative complication for a total of 125 complications. The median hospital length of stay was 5 (interquartile range, 4–7) days. Hospital readmission occured in 32 patients (8.5%). There were 52 patients (13.9%) who underwent RPLND for large masses, with a 34.6% complication rate. The most common organ system complications included blood transfusions (11.7%), wound dehiscence/infection (4%), and pulmonary (2.3%). The majority of complications were of low Clavien-Dindo classification grade (12% vs. 3.5%). On univariable analysis, smoking, disseminated cancer, steroid use, older age, low albumin, low hematocrit, low platelet counts, and longer operative times were significantly associated with the occurrence of any complication. Smoking, low hematocrit, and longer operative times remained significant on multivariable analysis. Conclusion In the NSQIP database, complication rates following RPLND are predominantly of low Clavien-Dindo classification grade and are higher than some previously published single-center series. Increased rates were associated with smoking, unfavorable preoperative blood counts, and longer operative times.

Background: Contemporary breast cancer treatment relies on precise diagnostic categorization for tailored therapy. HER2 status, assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), is a key biomarker guiding the choice for the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan, which is effective even in HER2-low/ ultralow breast cancer (defined as HER2 IHC score 0+, 1+ or 2+ without ISH amplification). While manual slide interpretation of IHC is subjective and prone to inter- and intraobserver variability, digitization potentially enables computer-assisted image analysis to improve accuracy. However, implementation and infrastructure barriers persist, especially in low- to middleincome countries such as the Philippines. Objective: This study evaluated the concordance between manual and AI-assisted HER2 IHC scoring at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City (SLMC QC) and identified areas of discrepancy and their possible causes. Methodology: This retrospective study included all Invasive Breast Carcinoma, No Special Type (IBC, NST) tumors diagnosed on core needle biopsy and with HER2 IHC performed in SLMC QC from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Original HER2 IHC slides were independently scored by two breast pathology consultants; consensus results served as the ground truth. Slides were digitized using Microvisioneer, and three regions of interest (with ≥ 100 tumor cells) selected by a senior breast pathologist were analyzed using an AI-based image deconvolution algorithm to produce computer image-enhanced HER2 scores. After a minimum of two-week washout, the senior breast pathologist re-evaluated the digitized slides with AI-generated outputs to derive the Computer Image-Enhanced (AI-Assisted) Scores. Concordance between ground truth and AI scores was then assessed. Results: A total of 161 HER2 IHC slides from patients with invasive breast carcinoma were evaluated. Manual and AI-assisted scoring showed an overall percent agreement of 65.22% and a Cohen’s kappa of 0.53, indicating moderate concordance. Weighted analysis demonstrated markedly higher alignment (95.10% agreement; kappa 0.85, almost perfect). Discrepancies were most common among manual scores of 0 to 2+, largely driven by background staining, whereas manual score 3+ classifications remained highly consistent with AI output. Conclusion The study supports the emerging role of AI as a valuable complementary tool in HER2 interpretation. With proper validation and integration, AI-assisted image analysis can strengthen standardization in HER2 assessment, improving precision in patient care especially in resourcelimited settings.
Artificial Intelligence

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent gynecological complaint among women of reproductive age, often manifesting as intense cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Although pharmaceutical interventions such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives are commonly used to manage symptoms, their temporary effects and frequent side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and hormonal imbalances, limit long-term use. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Huolongguan moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medical technique involving the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupoints, is believed to enhance energy (qi) flow, promote blood circulation, reduce pain, and restore the balance of body functions. Aim: This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of moxibustion in alleviating menstrual pain and improving overall well-being in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the feasibility and relevance of applying this traditional technique within contemporary medical practice. Materials and Methods: The study used a non-randomized clinical trial, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with treatment (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while quality of life will be measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Psychological status, including anxiety and depression levels, will be evaluated using Cox mentrual symptom scale (CMSS). Data will be collected at baseline and post-treatment, followed by statistical analysis to determine treatment efficacy. Result: In the experimental group that received sealed cupping moxibustion therapy, the COX score decreased by approximately 99% after 3 months compared with the baseline value, whereas in the control group it decreased by approximately 27%. In addition, the VAS and EQ-5D-5L scores in the experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction as the duration of treatment increased (P<0.001), indicating that sealed cupping moxibustion therapy effectively reduced pain and related symptoms. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that cupping moxibustion therapy significantly reduces pain and associated symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and improves their quality of life. The therapeutic effect increased with longer treatment duration, and the outcomes in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group. Therefore, cupping moxibustion therapy may be considered an effective traditional therapeutic approach for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.

With the extensive application of low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) in medicine, aerospace, and other fields, the potential for exposure among the general population and occupationally exposed workers has increased, raising growing public health concerns regarding its possible effects on cognitive function. Current occupational and environmental radiation protection frameworks are primarily established based on cancer risk estimates derived from epidemiological evidence under high-dose exposure and extrapolation across dose ranges, whereas evidence regarding non-cancer outcomes, including potential cognitive effects of LDIR, remains limited and inconsistent, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This review summarized recent advances in research on the effects of LDIR on cognitive function and the associated neural mechanisms. Existing evidence indicates that LDIR may adversely affect cognitive domains including spatial memory and object recognition memory under certain exposure conditions, with potential mechanisms involving alterations in synaptic plasticity, microglia activation, neurodevelopmental processes, epigenetic regulation, and DNA damage and repair pathways. In contrast, studies using pathological models, including stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, have reported potential protective effects of LDIR, which may be mediated by attenuation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and activation of endogenous repair pathways. This indicates that LDIR has both damaging and protective effects on brain function; a deeper understanding of its patterns and mechanisms can provide a scientific basis for establishing occupational and environmental radiation protection standards. Furthermore, re-examining the LDIR risk assessment system may also offer new insights into exploring the therapeutic potential of LDIR for brain diseases.

<b>Objectiveb> To explore risk factors of sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 （SGLT2） inhibitor-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis （euDKA） and to construct a risk prediction model. <b>Methodsb> A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of type 2 diabetes patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors in Dongnan Hospital of Xiamen University from January 2020 to December 2023, including age, gender and course of diabetes. The risk factors of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euDKA were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression, and a prediction model was established. According to the receiver's operating characteristic （ROC） curve, the area under the curve （AUC） and the optimal critical value of the prediction model were determined. The prediction model was subjected to both internal and external validation. <b>Resultsb> A total of 119 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors were included in this study. Among them, there were 98 cases without euDKA （non-euDKA group）and 21 cases with euDKA （euDKA group）. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed the DKA history (OR=114.153), appetite or diet decreased three days before admission (OR=21.774), elevated neutrophil count (OR=2.056) and pre-hospital adjustment of hypoglycemic agents (OR=45.745) were independent factors to increase risks of euDKA associated with SGLT2 inhibitors （P<0.05）. Surgical history before admission was an independent factor to reduce this risk （OR=0.007, P<0.05）. By establishing the calculation formula of the prediction model = neutrophil count+6.571 （DKA history）−6.874 （surgical history before admission）+4.273 （appetite or diet decreased three days before admission）+5.302 （pre-hospital adjustment of hypoglycemic drugs）, the ROC curve was drawn. The AUC of the ROC of the prediction model was 0.982 （95%CI: 0.961-1.000, P<0.001）, with accuracy of 94.96%, sensitivity of 0.905, specificity of 0.959 and a critical value of 7.405. The AUC of ROC curve after the model’s ten-fold cross validation was 0.930. And the accuracy of the external validation of the prediction model was 85.29%. <b>Conclusionb> The DKA history, appetite or diet decreased three days before admission, elevated neutrophil count and pre-hospital adjustment of hypoglycemic agents increased the risk of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euDKA, while the surgical history before admission reduced this risk. The risk prediction model constructed on this basis could better predict the risk of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euDKA.

<b>Objectiveb> To study the photodynamic performance and the killing effect of photodynamic therapy on lung cancer of novel chlorin compounds 2-（4-（5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl） phenoxy） acetic acid（<b>D1b>）and 4-（4-（5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl） phenoxy） butanoic acid （<b>D2b>）. <b>Methodsb> The ultraviolet visible absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of <b>D1 b>and <b>D2 b>were determined. The singlet oxygen generation capacity of <b>D1b> and <b>D2b> was measured by using DPBF as singlet oxygen capture agent. Fluorescence assay was used to detect the cellular phagocytosis rate of the compounds in A549 cells, and MTT assay was used to detect their dark toxicity and phototoxicity. A nude mouse model of lung cancer was established to investigate the antitumor activity of the compounds mediated photodynamic action in vivo, and the blood concentration of <b>D2b> in nude mice, its distribution in tumor tissue and skin tissue were further detected. <b>Resultsb> <b>D1b> and <b>D2b> had strong absorption at 652 nm with the best excitation wavelength at 429 nm and 427 nm, and the optimal emission wavelength was at about 659 nm. They also had a higher singlet oxygen generation rate than the control drug m-THPC. <b>D1 b>and <b>D2b> had no dark toxicity at concentrations below 10 μmol/L, and could be ingested by A549 cells, basically reaching saturation in 18~24 hours. After laser irradiation at 650 nm wavelength, <b>D1b> and <b>D2b> showed significant antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro （P<0.01）. However, <b>D2b> could selectively accumulate in tumor tissues after administration, and the optimal treatment time was less than 30 min after administration. <b>Conclusionb> <b>D2b> had excellent photodynamic antitumor activity and could selectively aggregate in tumor tissues, which had the potential to be a candidate drug for photosensitizer and treatment of lung cancer with independent intellectual property rights, and was worth further research.

Objective: Executive function correlates with the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) based on static heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Our study advances this understanding by employing dynamic assessments of the PNS to explore and quantify its relationship with inhibitory control (IC). Methods: We recruited 31 men aged 20–35 years. We monitored their electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during the administration of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II) on a weekly basis over 2 weeks. HRV analysis was performed on ECG-derived RR intervals using 5-minute windows, each overlapping for the next 4 minutes to establish 1-minute intervals. For each time window, the HRV metrics extracted were: mean RR intervals, standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low-frequency power with logarithm (lnLF), and high-frequency power with logarithm (lnHF). Each value was correlated with detectability and compared to the corresponding baseline value at t0. Results: Compared with the baseline level, SDNN and lnLF showed marked decreases during CCPT-II. The mean values of HRV showed significant correlation with d’, including mean SDNN (R=0.474, p=0.012), mean lnLF (R=0.390, p=0.045), and mean lnHF (R=0.400, p=0.032). In the 14th time window, the significant correlations included SDNN (R=0.578, p=0.002), lnLF (R=0.493, p=0.012), and lnHF (R=0.432, p=0.031). Significant correlation between d’ and HRV parameters emerged only during the initial CCPT-II. Conclusion A significant correlation between PNS and IC was observed in the first session alone. The IC in the repeated CCPT-II needs to consider the broader neural network.

Objective: Executive function correlates with the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) based on static heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Our study advances this understanding by employing dynamic assessments of the PNS to explore and quantify its relationship with inhibitory control (IC). Methods: We recruited 31 men aged 20–35 years. We monitored their electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during the administration of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II) on a weekly basis over 2 weeks. HRV analysis was performed on ECG-derived RR intervals using 5-minute windows, each overlapping for the next 4 minutes to establish 1-minute intervals. For each time window, the HRV metrics extracted were: mean RR intervals, standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low-frequency power with logarithm (lnLF), and high-frequency power with logarithm (lnHF). Each value was correlated with detectability and compared to the corresponding baseline value at t0. Results: Compared with the baseline level, SDNN and lnLF showed marked decreases during CCPT-II. The mean values of HRV showed significant correlation with d’, including mean SDNN (R=0.474, p=0.012), mean lnLF (R=0.390, p=0.045), and mean lnHF (R=0.400, p=0.032). In the 14th time window, the significant correlations included SDNN (R=0.578, p=0.002), lnLF (R=0.493, p=0.012), and lnHF (R=0.432, p=0.031). Significant correlation between d’ and HRV parameters emerged only during the initial CCPT-II. Conclusion A significant correlation between PNS and IC was observed in the first session alone. The IC in the repeated CCPT-II needs to consider the broader neural network.

Background: From the perspective of Mongolian medicine, hemorrhagic disease is a symptom of bleeding from any part of the body. This disease was compared to the immune thrombocytopenia disease of modern medicine. The treatment of this disease using two medical methods and the prevention of complications and relapses are issues facing the healthcare sector. In this regard, we have chosen this topic to clarify and prove the mechanism of action of the Mongolian drug Gurgem-8, which is widely used to treat bleeding disorders. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Gurgem-8, in haemostatic treatment. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a randomized, controlled (active), open label, single centered clinical trial method. The study was conducted in two phases. First, an acute toxicity study of the Gurgem-8, was conducted in accordance with OECD guideline 423 and evaluated according to GHS classification. A chronic toxicity study was also conducted on Wistar rats (n=20) given the Gurgem-8, at doses of 500 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg daily for 60 days. Second, a clinical study was conducted on a total of 74 patients, who were randomly divided into 2 groups. The treatment group was given 3 grams of the Gurgem-8, daily, and the comparison group was given 4 capsules of Sheng Xue Xiao Ban Jiao Nang 3 times a day. The results were determined by laboratory methods. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of Mongolian National University od Medical Sciences (2024.01.19 №2024/3-01). Results: In the acute toxicity study, Turmeric-8 was found to be of low toxicity according to the GHS classification. No mortality was observed in the chronic toxicity test. As a result of the clinical study, there were significant differences in the blood hemoglobin (χ2=73.923, P<0.001), platelet (χ2=62.465, P<0.001), erythrocyte (χ2=77.113, P<0.001) and leukocyte (χ2=14.771, P<0.001) cell counts between the Gurgem-8, drug group and the comparison group. It was also determined that the platelet (χ2=138.3, P<0.001), erythrocyte (χ2=85.405, P<0.001) and leukocyte (χ2=10.961, P=0.027) cell counts were directly related to the treatment period and the group. When determining the effect on immune cells, there was no significant difference in the lymphocyte cell content before and after treatment (CD4+: t=0.233, P=0.817; CD8+: t=-0.264, P=0.793; CD4/CD8:Z=-0.119, P=0.905). However, the CD4/CD8 ratio was statistically significantly increased in each of the Gurgem-8, drug group and the comparison group (P<0.001, P=0.001). Conclusion In immune thrombocytopenia diseases, the Gurgem-8, has the effect of reducing hemoglobin levels in the blood, increasing platelet counts, reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts, and increasing the CD4/CD8 ratio.