ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos， elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected， and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently， according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography（TLC） identification of these samples were tested， and the moisture content， total ash content， extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）， followed by similarity evaluation， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA）. The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid， caffeic acid， 1，3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid， 1，5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid， and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows：Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos， and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows：Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established， and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar， while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups， indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos， the contents of 1，3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1，5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows：fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.

Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes of manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 1051 patients with distal radius fractures were retrospectively collected from five hospitals included in the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform for Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM） Dominant Diseases. Propensity score matching at a 1∶4 ratio was applied， resulting in 580 cases selected for final analysis， which comprised 448 patients in the TCM group（manipulative reduction plus small splint fixation） and 132 in the surgical treatment group（open reduction and internal fixation）. Each group was further stratified into type A， B， and C subgroups based on AO fracture classification. Radiographic indicators including palmar tilt， radial inclination， and radial height were compared between groups before treatment and 1 day， 1 week， and 4-6 weeks after treatment， and pain visual analog scale（VAS） scores before treatment and 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment were also compared. Wrist joint function was assessed 12 weeks after treatment， using the Dienst wrist function score and the Gartland and Werley（G-W） wrist function score. Additionally， the radiographic indicators at different timepoints and the 12-week wrist function levels were compared between groups across different fracture types. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was observed in radiographic indicators and VAS scores at all timepoints before and after treatment， as well as wrist joint function grades assessed by the Dienst score and the G-W score at 12 weeks after treatment （P＞0.05）. Compared to those before treatment， both groups showed increased palmar tilt， radial inclination， and radial height 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment， and decreased VAS scores （P＜0.05）. Compared to those 1 week after treatment， both groups showed a decrease in palmar tilt， an increase in radial inclination and radial height， and a reduction in VAS score 4-6 weeks after treatment（P＜0.05）. In type A and B subgroups， the surgical treatment group had a higher radial inclination than the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment， while in the type C subgroup， a higher radial height was shown in the surgical treatment group than in the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment（P＜0.05）. In type C subgroup， there was significant difference between groups in the wrist joint function by G-W scores 12 weeks after treatment（P＜0.05）. ConclusionManipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation can maintain fracture alignment and alleviate pain in treating distal radius fractures， which achieves therapeutic outcomes comparable to surgical treatment. It is particularly suitable for type A and B fractures and can be considered an effective treatment option for distal radius fractures.

Basilar artery pseudoaneurysm (BAPA) is an extremely rare yet life-threatening intracranial vascular lesion, characterized by insidious clinical onset and a remarkably high mortality risk upon rupture. In this case report, we describe a patient who was admitted to our department with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Emergency digital subtraction angiography performed on admission revealed no vascular anomalies. One month after SAH onset, a comprehensive multimodal imaging evaluation ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of BAPA. Given the technical challenges in conventional management for this specific case, Traxcess-14 microguidewire-assisted endovascular electrocoagulation was performed as a last-resort therapy. Finally, follow-up imaging at 6 months demonstrated complete resolution of BAPA. Thus, we propose that Traxcess-14 microguidewire-assisted endovascular electrocoagulation may serve as a potential salvage treatment for highly selective BAPA cases in which conventional therapeutic approaches are unfeasible or have failed.

ObjectiveTo investigate the chemical hazards in the production line of lithium batteries, so as to provide a scientific basis for the management of occupational-health risk and to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the lithium battery industry. MethodsAn on-site survey on the process flow of the production of lithium battery was conducted in an enterprise. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the occupational environment were collected by Summa canisters, carbonates and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) were collected using activated carbon tubes, and airborne metals were collected using filter membranes. VOCs, carbonates and NMP were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and airborne metal elements in the dust samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ResultsNon-targeted environmental monitoring results indicated that NMP was detected in the negative /positive electrode coating, assembly and drying filling workstations, dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was detected in the assembly, drying and electrolyte injection workstations, and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) was detected solely in the electrolyte injection workstation. Semi-quantitative analyses of VOCs identified 136 pollutants, including acrylonitrile and halohydrocarbons. Quantitative targeted environmental monitoring results revealed the highest geometric mean (GM) concentration of EMC (31.450 mg·m^-3) was found in the assembly and drying workstations, diethyl carbonate (DEC) was detected in all workstations. While vinylene carbonate (VC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) were detected only in electrolyte injection, assembly and drying workstations. NMP was detected in all positive electrode coating samples, with a GM concentration of 5.68 mg·m^-3 (concentration range: 4.0‒ 7.4 mg·m^-³). Lithium was exclusively detected in dust samples from the liquid injection workstation (GM: 0.014 μg·m^-³). ConclusionNMP, EMC, DEC, and other chemicals are identified at the key workstations such as the positive electrode coating, electrolyte injection, assembly and drying in the lithium production line. Furthermore, semi-quantitative VOCs analyses identified 136 pollutants, demonstrating a characteristic of multicomponent chemical exposure.

Objective:To study the characteristics of metabolites in lower resPiratory tract between coal workers' pneumoconiosis patients and dust exposure patients, and compare the differences of metabolites and their main metabolic pathways.Methods:From December 2020 to February 2021, through a prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 26 patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (metabolic group of coal workers' pneumoconiosis) were selected from the bronchoalveolar lavage treatment of coal workers' pneumoconiosis and dust exposure in the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department of the 920th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force during the same period. With 19 cases of dust exposure as the control group (dust exposure metabolic group), samples of alveolar lavage fluid were collected from 2 groups. Metabolites of the two groups were quantitatively analyzed by metabonomics technology, and the characteristics of metabolites and their metabolic pathways were compared. The metabolites with potential predictive value were screened by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) .Results:Through metabolomic analysis of alveolar lavage fluid in the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group and the dust contact group, a total of 28 different metabolites were screened, including trihydroxybutyric acid, alanine, ethanolamine, L-osan, proline (carboxyl), leucine, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, proline, lactic acid, serine, valine and threonine in the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group. The levels of differential metabolites such as ornithine, isoleucine, threitol, glucose and lysine were higher ( P<0.05). The levels of different metabolites such as sarcoine, pelanoic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, n-butylamine, tetradecanoic acid, isobutylamine, aminoadipic acid, phosphate, uracil and cytosine were higher in the dust exposure group ( P<0.05). Two major metabolic pathways include glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, biotin metabolism, and aminoacyl biosynthesis metabolism. Among the 17 metabolites increased in the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group, the AUC of threitol and lactic acid was greater than 0.8, and the specificity and sensitivity of the working characteristic curves of the two metabolites were 80% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion:There were significant differences in the metabolites of lower respiratory tract between patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis and those exposed to dust, and the differences were related to multiple metabolic pathways. Threitol and lactic acid may have potential predictive value for pneumoconiosis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life, with current treatments often proving insufficient and accompanied by adverse effects. Recent research has identified the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and its resident macrophages as crucial mediators of chronic OA pain through neuroinflammation driven by macrophage polarization. We present a novel injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel system, KAF@PLEL, designed to deliver an anti-inflammatory peptide (KAF) specifically to the DRG. This biodegradable hydrogel enables sustained KAF release, promoting the reprogramming of DRG macrophages from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies, we evaluated the hydrogel's biocompatibility, effects on macrophage polarization, and therapeutic efficacy in chronic OA pain management. The system demonstrated significant capabilities in preserving macrophage mitochondrial function, suppressing neuroinflammation, alleviating chronic OA pain, reducing cartilage degradation, and improving motor function in OA rat models. The sustained-release properties of KAF@PLEL enabled prolonged therapeutic effects while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. These findings suggest that KAF@PLEL represents a promising therapeutic approach for improving outcomes in OA patients through targeted, sustained treatment.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are rapidly expanding the exploration of chemical space, facilitating innovative drug discovery. However, the transformation of novel compounds into safe and effective drugs remains a lengthy, high-risk, and costly process. Comprehensive early-stage evaluation is essential for reducing costs and improving the success rate of drug development. Despite this need, no comprehensive tool currently supports systematic evaluation and efficient screening. Here, we present druglikeFilter, a deep learning-based framework designed to assess drug-likeness across four critical dimensions: 1) physicochemical rule evaluated by systematic determination, 2) toxicity alert investigated from multiple perspectives, 3) binding affinity measured by dual-path analysis, and 4) compound synthesizability assessed by retro-route prediction. By enabling automated, multidimensional filtering of compound libraries, druglikeFilter not only streamlines the drug development process but also plays a crucial role in advancing research efforts towards viable drug candidates, which can be freely accessed at https://idrblab.org/drugfilter/.

Drug development encompasses multiple processes, wherein protein subcellular localization is essential. It promotes target identification, treatment development, and the design of drug delivery systems. In this research, a deep learning framework called LocPro is presented for predicting protein subcellular localization. Specifically, LocPro is unique in (a) combining protein representations from the pre-trained large language model (LLM) ESM2 and the expert-driven tool PROFEAT, (b) implementing a hybrid deep neural network architecture that integrates convolutional neural network (CNN), fully connected (FC) layer, and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) blocks, and (c) developing a multi-label framework for predicting protein subcellular localization at multiple granularity levels. Additionally, a dataset was curated and divided using a homology-based strategy for training and validation. Comparative analyses show that LocPro outperforms existing methods in sequence-based multi-label protein subcellular localization prediction. The practical utility of this framework is further demonstrated through case studies on drug target subcellular localization. All in all, LocPro serves as a valuable complement to existing protein localization prediction tools. The web server is freely accessible at https://idrblab.org/LocPro/.

(±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6), six pairs of dimeric polyketide enantiomers featuring unusual 6/6/6 and 6/6/6/5 ring systems, were isolated from the fungus Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and HR-ESI-MS data, and their absolute configurations were elucidated using a modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. (±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6) possess a 6/6/6 tricyclic skeleton, presumably formed through a Michael addition reaction between one molecule of α-pyrone derivative and one molecule of C₈ poly-β-keto chain. In addition, compounds 2/3 and 4/5 are two pairs of C-18 epimers, respectively. Putative biosynthetic pathways of 1-6 were discussed.
Polyketides/isolation & purification* ; Talaromyces/chemistry* ; Stereoisomerism ; Molecular Structure ; Circular Dichroism ; Pyrones/chemistry*