The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate ⁺" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.

bjective To analyze the growth trends of height and weight among primary and secondary school students, and explore the developmental characteristics and gender differences at different age groups, and to provide a scientific basis for adolescent health policy formulation. Methods Based on 675 175 health examination records of 227 978 students aged 6-17 years in Shiyan City from 2015 to 2024, a logistic growth model was employed to fit the curves of height and weight changes with age. Results From 2015 to 2024, height and weight showed steady increases across all age groups, exhibiting typical sigmoidal growth patterns. The growth rates varied across age groups: the younger age group (6-9 years) showed a moderate growth (annual height increase of 0.5-1.0 cm, weight increase of 0.03-0.06 kg/year), while the older age group (10-17 years) demonstrated a significant growth (annual height increase of 1.5-2.0 cm, weight increase of 0.22-0.38 kg/year). The growth rate curves displayed a unimodal distribution. The growth inflection points of male students occurred later than that of female students (height inflection point: 9.87 years for males vs. 8.98 years for females; weight inflection point: 10.70 years for males vs. 9.99 years for females). Female students experienced a more concentrated but shorter period of growth and development. The peak height growth rate was 7.40 cm/year at age 9 for females and 7.09 cm/year at age 10 for males, while the peak weight growth rate was 5.04 kg/year at age 10 for females and 5.27 kg/year at age 11 for males. Conclusion The physical development of primary and secondary school students in Shiyan City follows a logistic growth pattern, with significant gender differences and characteristics of adolescent growth spurts. Female students exhibit an earlier and more concentrated growth process.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat. This review systematically examines AMR surveillance technology advances, from conventional culture methods to modern molecular diagnostics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing) and artificial intelligence-assisted approaches. It focuses on the current application of mass spectrometry, machine learning predictive models, and real-time surveillance networks. To address challenges including inadequate technical standardization, clinical translation barriers, and data-sharing limitations, we propose integrated ^"genotype-phenotype^" strategies and global standardization framework, while exploring future applications of CRISPR-based portable detection, single-cell sequencing, and blockchain technologies.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

Purpose: In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis. Methods: Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed. Results: Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus. Conclusion Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.

BACKGROUND:Research has found that human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have certain therapeutic effects on thin endometrium.However,there are currently no reports on the study of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells on thin endometrium,and there is a lack of relevant research comparing the three.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,monocytes,and mesenchymal stem cells in repairing thin endometrium in rats.METHODS:Sixty female SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group,with 12 rats in each group.The sham operation group received 0.5 mL physiological saline injection into the uterine horn,followed by 0.5 mL of PBS infusion after 5 minutes;The model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group were injected with 0.5 mL of 95％ethanol by volume.After 5 minutes,the remaining ethanol was aspirated and washed twice with physiological saline.Then,0.5 mL of PBS,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells(1×107 cells/mL),and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells(1×107 cells/mL)were perfused separately.During the third normal estrus cycle after reperfusion,organs,tissues and serum were collected for testing of relevant indicators.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The macroscopic view of uterine tissue,hematoxylin eosin staining and Masson staining results:the sham operation group had intact structure,moderate endometrial thickness,and clear vascular structure.Compared with the sham operation group,the model group showed uterine atrophy,incomplete structure,significantly reduced endometrial thickness and glandular quantity,disordered vascular structure,and increased fibrosis.Compared with the model group,after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the size,structure,and endometrial thickness of the uterus were restored(all P＜0.01),and fibrosis was reduced,with the most significant recovery observed in the human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group.The increase in glandular quantity was most significant in the human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group(P＜0.000 1).(2)The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results of uterine tissue showed that compared with the sham operation group,the expression levels of cell proliferation related indicators such as keratin 9 and vimentin,endometrial receptivity related indicators such as leukemia inhibitory factor and integrin αyβ3,platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule,basic fibroblast growth factor,and vascular endothelial growth factor were all reduced in the model group(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives.Comparison of human umbilical cord blood derivatives among groups showed that keratin 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group＞human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group＞human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Wave shaped protein and leukemia inhibitory factor protein:human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group＞human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group＞human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Integrin αyβ3 protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group＞human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group＞human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group;Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group＞human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group＞human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group;Basic fibroblast growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group＞human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group＞human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group.(3)Western blot analysis showed that compared with the sham operation group,the protein levels of interleukin-6,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the model group were significantly increased(all P＜0.001),and their expression levels decreased after treatment(all P＜0.05).(4)ELISA assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had lower levels of anti Mullerian hormone,estradiol,and progesterone,and increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone(except for luteinizing hormone,all P＜0.05).After treatment,there was a certain degree of recovery in the levels of sex hormones and anti Mullerian hormones.(5)Fertility experiments showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had an increase in conception time and a significant decrease in litter size(all P＜0.05).After treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the litter size of all three groups increased(P＜0.05),and no significant differences were found between the groups.This study preliminarily reveals that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells have a certain therapeutic effect on thin endometrium,and human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have different advantages and differences in improving endometrial regeneration function,endometrial receptivity,angiogenesis,inflammation regulation,and improving pregnancy outcomes in thin endometrium.

ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） and GC-triple quadrupole MS（GC-QqQ-MS） in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics， and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally， GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene， β-elemene， muscone， dehydroepiandrosterone， bornyl acetate， and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan， including alkanes， esters， alkanes， alcohols， ketones， naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk（A1， C1， D1， E1， F1， G1， I1） and those containing natural musk（H1， H3）. A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart， revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol， borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups：one composed of natural musk（H1， H3） and the other of artificial musk， sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone， octyl acetate， and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups， statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone（P<0.05）. ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.

ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） and GC-triple quadrupole MS（GC-QqQ-MS） in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics， and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally， GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene， β-elemene， muscone， dehydroepiandrosterone， bornyl acetate， and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan， including alkanes， esters， alkanes， alcohols， ketones， naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk（A1， C1， D1， E1， F1， G1， I1） and those containing natural musk（H1， H3）. A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart， revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol， borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups：one composed of natural musk（H1， H3） and the other of artificial musk， sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone， octyl acetate， and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups， statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone（P<0.05）. ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.

Objective: To analyze the school tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and preventive treatment in Hefei from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide reference for TB prevention and control in schools. Methods: Data were collected on all school based TB outbreaks occurring during 2022-2024 in Hefei, defined as ≥2 epidemiologically linked TB cases within the same school during a single semester. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test. Results: Close contacts exhibited significantly higher TB incidence (2.88%) and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) rates (13.80%) in the school TB outbreaks, compared to non close contacts (0.12% and 2.63%, respectively). Among close contacts, secondary school students showed lower TB incidence (0.48%) and LTBI prevalence (3.42%) than both primary school or younger children (0.68%, 6.95%) and college students ( 0.78% , 6.50%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=360.91, 6.37; 791.71, 102.03, all P <0.05). The proportion of LTBI individuals recommended for preventive therapy was higher in primary school or younger groups (98.59%) than in secondary (95.25%) or college students (86.34%) ( χ 2=25.86, P <0.01). However, among those recommended, close contacts had higher uptake (85.82%) and completion rates (87.25%) of preventive therapy than non close contacts (69.63% and 70.57%); similarly, secondary school students demonstrated higher uptake (91.21%) and completion rates (86.45%) compared to primary school or younger (88.57%, 83.87%) and college students (57.28%, 64.08%) ( χ 2=30.52, 26.72; 125.17, 38.84, all P <0.01). Subsequent TB incidence among LTBI close contacts (13.30%) and among those who did not complete preventive therapy (22.73%) were significantly higher than among non close contacts (2.80%, 2.41%), respectively ( χ 2=32.19, 13.87, both P <0.05). Conclusions In school TB outbreaks, close contacts face higher LTBI prevalence and subsequent TB risk than non close contacts. College students show notably low adherence to preventive therapy. It is necessary to take targeted measures to improve the compliance of preventive measures among students.