ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke （AIS） patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging （DCE-MRI）. MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method，the patients were assigned into a control group （32 cases） and an observation group （31 cases）. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment，and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals，twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment，the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） score and modified Rankin Scale （mRS） score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans，rKep，and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest （ROI） of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment，the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups，and the observation group had lower scores than the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment，the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01）. ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone，conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients，thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized the expansion of international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation. Against this backdrop, the radiological health research institutions bear important responsibilities in the field of international radiological health. As a key institution in the industry, the National Institute for Radiological Protection (NIRP), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shoulders the important mission of promoting international exchanges in radiation health in China. A case study was conducted on the NIRP using data of official overseas visits from 2010 to 2024. The SWOT analysis was used to comprehensively and systematically examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of NIRP in international cooperation and exchanges. To effectively enhance the depth and scope of international exchanges, this article proposes a series of innovative optimization strategies such as establishing dedicated personnel positions to ensure efficient handling of affairs, implementing stringent approval procedures to guarantee the rationality and compliance of overseas visits, strengthening pre-departure training to improve the professionalism of outbound personnel, conducting follow-up evaluations to continuously refine management practices, and centralizing the management of official passports to ensure their secure use. This article aims to provide practical optimization strategies for the management of official overseas visits for NIRP and other similar institutions, promote international exchanges and cooperation in the field of radiation health, and help China play a more important role in the global radiation health field.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture methods in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at different stages. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with AS were treated with acupuncture at ashi points (tendon focus), triple acupuncture method was used in the acute phase, accompanied needling method was used in the remission phase, once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) score, Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) score and TCM symptom grade quantitative standard score before and after treatment were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the BASDAI score, BASFI score and TCM symptom grade quantitative standard score were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), the effective rate was 96.9% (31/32). CONCLUSION Different acupuncture methods in the treatment of AS at different stages could improve signs and symptoms, such as pain, activity limitation and morning stiffness.
Humans ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome

The small intestine is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and microbial balance. Its epithelial lining, containing specialized cells like Paneth cells and tuft cells, is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Paneth cells produce antimicrobial peptides and growth factors that support microbial regulation and intestinal stem cells, while tuft cells act as chemosensors, detecting environmental changes and modulating immune responses. Along with immune cells such as intraepithelial lymphocytes, innate lymphoid cells, T cells, and macrophages, they form a strong defense system that protects the epithelial barrier. Disruptions in this balance contribute to chronic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and compromised barrier function-key features of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and metabolic syndromes. Furthermore, dysfunctions in the small intestine and immune cells are linked to systemic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Recent research highlights promising therapeutic strategies, including modulation of epithelial and immune cell functions, probiotics, and gene editing to restore gut health and address systemic effects. This review emphasizes the pivotal roles of small intestinal epithelia and immune cells in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, their involvement in disease development, and emerging treatments for intestinal and systemic disorders.
Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa/cytology* ; Intestine, Small/cytology* ; Animals ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/immunology* ; Celiac Disease/immunology* ; Paneth Cells/immunology*

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of interleukin 23p19(IL-23p19) monoclonal antibody in the MRL/lpr lupus-like mouse model. Methods A total of 36 female MRL/lpr mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into 6 groups: PBS group (blank control), IgG group (isotype IgG), dexamethasone (DEX) group (positive control), and three IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody treatment groups with different dose gradients: low dose (LD, 1 mg/kg), medium dose (MD, 3 mg/kg), and high dose (HD, 10 mg/kg). Drug intervention began at 12 weeks of age via tail vein injection. Urine protein levels were measured using urine protein test strips; serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels were detected by ELISA; serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer; renal histopathological changes were analyzed by H&E and PAS staining; immunofluorescence was used to assess IgG and C3 immune complex deposition in kidney tissues; flow cytometry was employed to examine the expression of T helper 1(Th1), Th2, Th17, T follicular helper (Tfh), and regulatory T cells(Treg) cell subsets in the spleen; and RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of related transcription factors in the spleen. Results IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody reduced urine protein levels, alleviated splenomegaly, improved renal function, and decreased anti-dsDNA antibody levels in MRL/lpr mice. It also mitigated glomerulonephritis and reduced renal immune complex deposition. Furthermore, IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody significantly suppressed the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells while upregulating Treg cell proportion in the spleen. Additionally, it downregulated T-bet and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) mRNA levels and upregulated forkhead box P3(FOXP3) mRNA levels in the spleen. Conclusions IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody demonstrates significant therapeutic effects in MRL/lpr mice, likely through modulation of the Th17/Treg cell balance.
Animals ; Female ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects* ; Th17 Cells/drug effects* ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-23 Subunit p19/immunology* ; Mice ; Lupus Nephritis/drug therapy* ; Kidney/drug effects* ; Antibodies, Antinuclear/blood*

AIM: To compare the binocular and monocular accommodation among normal group, premyopia group and mild myopia group, and to study the characteristics of accommodation in the premyopia group, thus providing clinical evidence for the delay/prevention of myopia and the effective decrease of the incidence of myopia.METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 179 children who had abnormal/high-risk visual acuity indicated by the vision screening in school from October 2021 to February 2023 were selected, including 92 males and 87 females, aged from 6 to 12(mean 8.55±1.66)years old, then they were referred to the Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control Center in Cuizu Community Health Service Center. They were divided into normal group(+0.75 D<SE≤+2.00 D), the premyopia group(-0.50 D<SE≤+0.75 D)and the mild myopia group(-3.00 D≤SE≤-0.50 D)according to the diopters after cycloplegia, and binocular myopia grouping is defined by the eye with lower diopter. Binocular positive relative accommodation(PRA), negative relative accommodation(NRA), accommodative facility(AF), and monocular AF and amplitude of accommodation(AA)were examined. The age, binocular and monocular accommodation of different groups were compared.RESULTS: There were no difference in the sex ratio of different groups(χ2=0.167, P=0.920). There was no difference in age between the normal group and the premyopia group(P=0.310), but there were differences between the mild myopia group and the normal group and premyopia group(P=0.018, <0.01); Binocular NRA, PRA, and AF had significance between the normal group and the premyopia group(P<0.01), while there was no significance between the premyopia group and the mild myopia(P>0.05). Monocular AF had significance between the normal group and the premyopia group(P<0.01), while there was no significance between the premyopia group and the mild myopia group(P>0.05); The monocular AA had significance among the three groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Although the diopters was normal, binocular NRA, PRA, monocular and binocular AF had significantly decreased in the premyopia group, and there was no significant difference compared with mild myopia group; monocular AA had decreased in the premyopia group and it was also significantly different from the mild myopia group. The accommodation function should be examined in premyopic children. Recovering the abnormal visual function through visual training may be a way to prevent and control premyopia from progressing to myopia.

Objective:To describe the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in preschool children and explore the risk factors for severe pneumonia.Methods:Epidemiological data of 279 preschool children with RSV infection were investigated. The children were screened for severe pneumonia and separated into ordinary and severe types. General data and laboratory test data from both groups were compared, and binary logistic regression model analysis was applied to determine the risk factors for severe pneumonia.Results:Preschool children with RSV infection were mostly male (63.08%), <6 months old (65.95%) and had poor living environment (53.05%), with main symptoms of cough (91.04%) and wheezing (69.18%), the lung auscultation was mainly characterized by wheezing (86.74%), and imaging findings were mainly patchy shadows (76.34%), the onset season was concentrated in autumn (31.18%) and winter (43.37%). The detection rate of severe pneumonia in 279 pediatric patients was 20.27% (56/279). The proportions of onset season being autumn or winter, low birth weight infants, history of respiratory infections within 3 months, delayed treatment, neutrophils count <10×10 9/L, C-reactive protein≥10 mg/L, procalcitonin≥1.5 ng/mL, albumin<30 g/L, CD4 + /CD8 + <1.2 in the severe types were higher than those in the normal types ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the onset season was autumn or winter ( OR=2.316, 95% CI: 1.235-4.345), low birth weight infants ( OR=2.679, 95% CI: 1.442-4.977), history of respiratory infections within 3 months ( OR=2.815, 95% CI: 1.539-5.148), delayed treatment ( OR=2.869, 95% CI: 1.581-5.206), low albumin<30 g/L ( OR=2.756, 95% CI: 1.495-5.080), and low CD4 + /CD8 + <1.2 ( OR=3.016, 95% CI: 1.695-5.366) were risk factors for severe RSV pneumonia in preschool children ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Autumn and winter, low birth weight infants, history of respiratory infections within 3 months, delayed treatment, low albumin, and low CD4 + /CD8 + are related to the occurrence of severe RSV pneumonia in preschool children. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the attention to the condition of preschool RSV infected children with the above risk factors, and actively intervene in controllable factors to reduce the risk of severe pneumonia.

Objective:To investigate the value of nomogram based on radiomics features of CT enterography (CTE) combined with clinical characteristics to predict secondary loss of response (SLOR) after infliximab (IFX) treatment in patients with Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:This study was a case-control study. Clinical and imaging data of 155 patients with CD diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2015 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into a training set ( n=108) and a testing set ( n=47) in the ratio of 7∶3 by stratified sampling method. All patients were treated according to the standardized protocol and were classified as SLOR (43 in the training set and 18 in the testing set) and non-SLOR (65 in the training set and 29 in the testing set) according to treatment outcome. Based on the data from the training group, independent clinical predictors of SLOR after IFX treatment were screened in the clinical data using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a clinical model. Intestinal phase images were selected to be outlined layer by layer along the margin of the lesion to obtain the volume of the region of interest to extract the radiomics features. The radiomics features were screened using univariate analysis and the minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operator to establish the radiomics model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build a combined clinical-radiomics model based on the screened clinical independent predictors and radiomics characters, then a nomogram was drawn. The predictive efficacy of the 3 models for SLOR after IFX treatment was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the clinical utility of the models. Results:Disease duration ( OR=1.983, 95% CI 1.966-2.000, P=0.046) and intestinal stenosis ( OR=1.246, 95% CI 1.079-1.764, P=0.015) were identified as the independent predictors of SLOR in the clinical data, and a clinical model was established. Totally 9 radiomics features were included in the radiomics model. The AUCs of clinical, radiomics, and combined models for predicting SLOR after IFX treatment in CD patients were 0.691 (95% CI 0.591-0.792), 0.896 (95% CI 0.836-0.955), and 0.910 (95% CI 0.855-0.965) in the training set, and 0.722 (95% CI 0.574-0.871), 0.866 (95% CI 0.764-0.968), and 0.889 (95% CI 0.796-0.982) in the testing set. Decision curve analysis in the testing set showed higher net clinical benefits for both the radiomics model and combined model than the clinical model, and combined model had higher net clinical benefits than the radiomics model over most threshold probability intervals. Conclusions:CTE-based radiomics model can effectively predict SLOR after IFX treatment in patients with CD, and a combined model by incorporating clinical characteristics of disease duration and intestinal stenosis can further improve the predictive efficacy.

This article provides an overview of metaverse medicine and summarizes the challenges faced by cancer patients, the applications and effects of metaverse medicine in this population, and the limitations and difficulties in clinical practice. These challenges include legal and ethical restrictions, as well as the need for further validation of clinical acceptability and feasibility. Researchers are encouraged to conduct extensive studies to refine the legal and regulatory frameworks, enhance the safety and adoption of metaverse medicine, and facilitate its localized development in cancer care.

This paper introduces the concept of natural language processing, summarizes the status quo and advantages of the application of natural language processing based on electronic health records in symptom management of cancer patients, points out the existing shortcomings, and puts forward corresponding suggestions, aiming to provide reference for further improving the quality of nursing services for cancer patients in China and promoting the informatization and digitization of hospice care.