ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions， nested entity relationships， and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） case records， this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping， aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction（CasRel） model for TCM semantics was designed， integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers（BERT） layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation， and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model， combining data augmentation and entity mapping， outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon（BRL）-bidirectional long short-term memory（BiLSTM）-Attention model. The overall precision， recall， and F₁-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%， 64.03%， and 64.87%， which represent improvements of 14.26%， 7.98%， and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model， respectively. Notably， the F₁-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%（69.32%）， and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F₁-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts， offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation， prescription optimization， and drug compatibility， providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.

Background Toluene and chlorobenzene have been designated as surrogate contaminants in the challenge test for evaluating the safety of recycling processes for food-contact recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). Establishing a reliable analytical method is essential for ensuring the compliant use of rPET and safeguarding food safety. Objective To develop a rapid quantitative method for determining toluene and chlorobenzene in rPET using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), as part of the challenge test for process safety evaluation. Methods The effects of different chromatographic columns and headspace conditions on detection of target analytes were investigated. Three columns HP-5 ms UI (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm), DB-624 (30 m×0.32 mm×1.8 μm), and VF-WAXms (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm) were compared for separation efficiency and peak shape. Headspace equilibration temperatures (50-100 ℃) and equilibration times (10-30 min) were evaluated to determine the optimal instrumental parameters. The effect of sample grinding on recovery was assessed to select the best pretreatment conditions. The established method was validated for selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, and was subsequently applied to the analysis of 12 rPET samples. Results The target analytes achieved good separation and response within 15 min, under the optimized conditions using an HP-5 ms UI column, a headspace equilibration temperature of 60 ℃ and a 10 min equilibration time. Direct analysis without grinding yielded satisfactory recovery rates. Toluene and chlorobenzene showed excellent linearity (0.0030-5.0 mg·kg⁻¹, R²≥0.999). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.00003 mg·kg⁻¹ and 0.00011 mg·kg⁻¹ for toluene respectively, and 0.00011 mg·kg⁻¹ and 0.00037 mg·kg⁻¹ for chlorobenzene respectively. The recoveries of the matrix spike at low and high spiking levels ranged from 88.6% to 110%, with relative standard deviations of 0.52%-4.9% (n=6). Among the 12 rPET samples from different recycling stages, three samples contained detectable levels of toluene (0.196-0.250 mg·kg⁻¹) and chlorobenzene (0.704-0.867 mg·kg⁻¹). Conclusion The proposed method is simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate, making it suitable for determining toluene and chlorobenzene in food-contact rPET. It provides a robust technical approach for the safety evaluation of rPET recycling processes.

Background With the progression of industrialization, an increasing number of emerging contaminants are entering aquatic environments, posing significant threats to the safety of drinking water. Therefore, establishing a system for identifying unknown hazardous factors and implementing safety warning mechanisms for drinking water is of paramount importance. Among these efforts, non-target screening plays a critical role, but its effectiveness is largely constrained by the scope of coverage of sample pre-treatment methods. Objective To integrate modern chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques with advanced data mining methods to develop a non-discriminatory sample pre-treatment method for comprehensive enrichment of unknown contaminants in drinking water, laying a technical foundation for the discovery and identification of unknown organic hazardous factors in drinking water. Methods A non-discriminatory pre-treatment method based on supramolecular and solid-phase extraction was developed. The final target compounds including 333 pesticides, 194 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and 59 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were used for optimizing the pre-treatment method, confirming its coverage. The impacts of different eluents on the absolute recovery rates of target compounds were compared to select the conditions with the highest recovery for sample pre-treatment. The effects of different supramolecular solvents and salt concentrations on target compound recovery were also evaluated to determine the most suitable solvent and salt concentration. Results The solid-phase extraction elution solvents, supramolecular extraction solvents, and salt concentrations were optimized based on the target compound recovery rates. The optimal recovery conditions were achieved using 2 mL methanol, 2 mL methanol (containing 1% formic acid), 2 mL ethyl acetate, 2 mL dichloromethane, hexanediol supramolecular solvent, and 426 mg salt. The detection method developed based on these conditions showed a good linear relationship for all target compounds in the range of 0.1-100.0 ng·mL⁻¹, with R² > 0.99. The method’s limit of detection ranged from 0.01 ng⁻¹ to 0.95 ng⁻¹, and 95% of target compounds were recovered in the range of 20%-120%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 30%, indicating good precision. Conclusion The combined pre-treatment method of solid-phase extraction and supramolecular solvent extraction can effectively enrich contaminants in drinking water across low, medium, and high polarities, enabling broad-spectrum enrichment of diverse trace contaminants in drinking water. It provides technical support for broad-spectrum, high-throughput screening and identification of organic pollutants in drinking water, and also serves as a reference for establishing urban drinking water public safety warning systems.

ObjectiveTo explore the biological mechanism of bone loss caused by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) through transcriptomic analysis, and to provide new insights into regulating perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) applications and the prevention of hazards affecting bone health. MethodsMouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) were exposed to 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μmol·L^-¹ PFOA for 24 hours to assess the effects on cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and to determine the critical concentration of PFOA toxicity. The transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by PFOA. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted to identify significantly affected gene pathways. Additionally, Seahorse XF metabolic phenotyping and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to validate the key pathways. ResultsExposure to 10 and 100 μmol·L^-¹ PFOA significantly reduced the cell viability and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, the results of transcriptomic analysis for 10 μmol‧L^-1 PFOA exposure found that a total of 80 DEGs were identified, including 32 upregulated genes and 48 downregulated genes. According to GO analysis, PFOA mainly affected cellular components such as mitochondrion and nucleus, molecular functions involving GTPase activity and GTP binding, as well as biological process related to mRNA processing. GSEA identified the downregulation of the β-oxidation of fatty acid pathway in mitochondria. Metabolic phenotyping reserches showed that PFOA indeed reduced mitochondrial aerobic respiration capacity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and the ratio of ATP production from cellular aerobic respiration to glycolysis was significantly decreased as well. The mRNA expression of glucose metabolism-related genes (GK, G6PD, and CS), as well as fatty acid metabolism-related genes (CPT1A and CPT2), were significantly downregulated. ConclusionPFOA reduces bone formation by inhibiting energy metabolism and β-oxidation of fatty acid pathways in osteoblasts, whihc lays the foundation for revealing the mechanism of PFOA exposure induced bone loss.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Objective:This study was aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE)-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficits.Methods:This was a retrospective observational study conducted on 21 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological deficits treated with UBE-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system from April 2022 to August 2023. There were 13 males and 8 females, with an average age of 48.48±14.04 years (ranging from 25 to 72 years). Injured segments were T 12 in 2 cases, L 1 in 7 cases, L 2 in 6 cases, L 3 in 3 cases, L 4 in 2 cases, and L 5 in 1 case. According to the AOSpine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System, there were 14 cases of A3N2, 2 cases of A3N3, 4 cases of A4N2, and 1 case of A4N3. Surgery time, postoperative hospital stays, and complications were recorded. Local Cobb angle, vertebral fragment intrusion area, spinal canal occupation rate, and anterior vertebral height compression rate were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Screw placement accuracy was assessed using postoperative CT. Neurological function was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system, and clinical efficacy was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results:All patients successfully underwent the operation without any conversions to open surgery during the procedure. A total of 105 percutaneous pedicle screws were placed, with an accuracy rate of 96.2%. Internal fixation devices were removed in 18 cases at the last follow-up. The 21 patients were followed up for 18.38±3.66 months (ranging from 12 to 25 months). The surgery time was 150.29±18.84 min (ranging from 111 to 185 min). Postoperative hospital stay was 5.19±1.15 d (ranging from 3 to 7 d). One patient underwent interbody fusion with an autologous iliac crest bone graft and achieved bony fusion at 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative local Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height compression rate, vertebral fragment intrusion area, and spinal canal occupation rate were 22.90°±4.48°, 54.49%±7.53%, 142.90±21.00 mm 2, and 69.91%±7.07%, respectively. Postoperative values improved to 2.57°±1.09°, 5.19%±1.04%, 56.33±11.35 mm 2, and 25.72%±4.24%, with last follow-up values of 3.19°±1.01°, 5.75%±0.92%, 34.90±5.14 mm 2, and 18.25%±2.44% with significant differences ( P<0.05). Preoperatively, all patients were ASIA grade D. Within 48 hours postoperatively, 10 patients improved to grade E, and at the last follow-up, all patients achieved grade E. VAS scores significantly decreased from 8.10±0.92 preoperatively to 3.48±0.59 postoperatively and 1.52±0.73 at the last follow-up ( F=486.032, P<0.001); ODI significantly improved from 58.14%±5.08% preoperatively to 27.20%±2.65% postoperatively and 8.89%±1.19% at the last follow-up ( F=2'001.348, P<0.001). One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, which healed with regular dressing changes. Conclusions:UBE-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system was a safe and effective approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficits. This method achieved vertebral reduction, improved neurological function, stabilized spinal alignment, and maximally preserved the integrity of posterior spinal bony and ligamentous structures.

Objective:In order to reduce the trauma associated with fetal cardiopulmonary bypass(F-CPB), Our team plans to develop a minimally invasive F-CPB through a small incision in the right axilla. The efficacy of this technique will be verified by using a big experimental animal model, thereby laying the foundation for fetal cardiac surgery supported by F-CPB in the future.Methods:Ten pregnant sheep were divided into F-CPB group(n=5) and control group(n=5). After fasting for 24 h, fetal lambs in the F-CPB group underwent a right axillary incision to establish F-CPB running for 1 h; The control group of fetal lambs only expose heart 1 h without F-CPB. Collect blood sample for laboratory test at the CPB vehicle before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the F-CPB group and through Superior Vena Cava before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the control group.Results:The blood routine indicators such as RBC, HCT, and Hb in the F-CPB group of fetal lambs decreased significantly during F-CPB, and their distribution showed significant statistical differences compared with the control group( P<0.05). There were no significant statistical differences in blood gas indicators such as pH, PO 2, PCO 2, and lactate concentration between the F-CPB group and the control group( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of cTnI in fetal lamb serum at each time point( P>0.05). There were significant statistical differences( P<0.05) in the distribution of fetal lamb Alb, γ-GGT, CK concentration and cholesterol concentration at various time points in the F-CPB group compared with the control group in liver function examination. In addition, the distribution of BUN in fetal lambs showed a significant difference between the two groups( P=0.006). Conclusion:A minimally invasive F-CPB via small incision in the right axilla is safe and feasible. The experimental animal model has demonstrated that this technique has minimal impact on the vital organ functions and internal environment of fetal lambs, thereby laying the foundation for clinical fetal cardiac surgery in the future.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of flurochloridone (FLC) on osteogenic differentiation and the potential mechanism of inhibiting bone formation, and to provide new insights into bone health risks associated with FLC pesticide exposure. MethodsNeonatal rat skull differentiation primary osteoblast model was used to investigate the effects of 1, 10 and 100 μmol·L^-1 FLC exposure on cell viability, osteogenic differentiation alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bone mineralization nodule formation, respectively. The potential mechanism underlying the inhibition of FLC on osteoblast differentiation was analyzed using osteogenic differentiation gene chip technique, and the expression of key genes and proteins in the pathway was validated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein immunoblotting (Western blot) methods. ResultsExposure to FLC at a concentration of 100 μmol·L⁻¹ reduced cell proliferation, ALP activity, and the formation of mineralized nodules in primary osteoblasts. Gene chip analyses revealed that exposure to 10 μmol·L⁻¹ FLC induced 15 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among these, MMP9 and Tnf were up-regulated, while Nkx3⁃2, Tuft1, Bmp2, Col12a1, Pparg, Enam, Igf1, Bmp5, Bmp3, Calcr, Egf, Igfbp3, and Col14a1 were down-regulated. Results of protein-protein interaction analyses and gene ontology enrichment analyses indicated that FLC inhibited the BMP/SMAD pathway involved in osteogenic differentiation. FLC suppressed the protein expression of BMP2 and Osterix, as well as the expression of key genes critical for osteogenic differentiation and ossification, such as BMP2, Runx2, SMAD1, and SMAD5 in the BMP/SMAD pathway. ConclusionFLC affects osteogenic differentiation and bone formation potential by regulating the BMP/SMAD axis and the expression of osteogenic genes, suggesting its potential risk in bone metabolism.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is highly demanding for surgeons due to its limited visual field, restricted operating space, and complex anatomical structures, posing significant surgical risks. As cutting-edge virtual reality technologies, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) have shown great potential in such surgeries. This paper focuses on the application and research progress of AR and MR technologies in minimally invasive spine surgery, highlighting their core advantages and innovations in three key aspects: preoperative planning, intraoperative assistance, and teaching and training. Research findings indicate that AR and MR technologies significantly reduce surgical uncertainty and risk by providing intuitive and three-dimensional image data. The real-time navigation and localization functions during surgery greatly enhance the precision and safety of the procedures. In teaching and training, the immersive experience and high interactivity of these technologies bring revolutionary changes to medical education, significantly improving teaching efficiency and learning interest. However, the current challenges faced by these technologies include technological maturity, equipment costs, and physician training. Future efforts should focus on strengthening technology development, reducing costs, and enhancing physician training to promote the continuous development of AR and MR technologies in minimally invasive spine surgery.

Objective:This study was aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE)-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficits.Methods:This was a retrospective observational study conducted on 21 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological deficits treated with UBE-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system from April 2022 to August 2023. There were 13 males and 8 females, with an average age of 48.48±14.04 years (ranging from 25 to 72 years). Injured segments were T 12 in 2 cases, L 1 in 7 cases, L 2 in 6 cases, L 3 in 3 cases, L 4 in 2 cases, and L 5 in 1 case. According to the AOSpine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System, there were 14 cases of A3N2, 2 cases of A3N3, 4 cases of A4N2, and 1 case of A4N3. Surgery time, postoperative hospital stays, and complications were recorded. Local Cobb angle, vertebral fragment intrusion area, spinal canal occupation rate, and anterior vertebral height compression rate were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Screw placement accuracy was assessed using postoperative CT. Neurological function was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system, and clinical efficacy was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results:All patients successfully underwent the operation without any conversions to open surgery during the procedure. A total of 105 percutaneous pedicle screws were placed, with an accuracy rate of 96.2%. Internal fixation devices were removed in 18 cases at the last follow-up. The 21 patients were followed up for 18.38±3.66 months (ranging from 12 to 25 months). The surgery time was 150.29±18.84 min (ranging from 111 to 185 min). Postoperative hospital stay was 5.19±1.15 d (ranging from 3 to 7 d). One patient underwent interbody fusion with an autologous iliac crest bone graft and achieved bony fusion at 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative local Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height compression rate, vertebral fragment intrusion area, and spinal canal occupation rate were 22.90°±4.48°, 54.49%±7.53%, 142.90±21.00 mm 2, and 69.91%±7.07%, respectively. Postoperative values improved to 2.57°±1.09°, 5.19%±1.04%, 56.33±11.35 mm 2, and 25.72%±4.24%, with last follow-up values of 3.19°±1.01°, 5.75%±0.92%, 34.90±5.14 mm 2, and 18.25%±2.44% with significant differences ( P<0.05). Preoperatively, all patients were ASIA grade D. Within 48 hours postoperatively, 10 patients improved to grade E, and at the last follow-up, all patients achieved grade E. VAS scores significantly decreased from 8.10±0.92 preoperatively to 3.48±0.59 postoperatively and 1.52±0.73 at the last follow-up ( F=486.032, P<0.001); ODI significantly improved from 58.14%±5.08% preoperatively to 27.20%±2.65% postoperatively and 8.89%±1.19% at the last follow-up ( F=2'001.348, P<0.001). One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, which healed with regular dressing changes. Conclusions:UBE-assisted decompression and reduction combined with a percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation system was a safe and effective approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficits. This method achieved vertebral reduction, improved neurological function, stabilized spinal alignment, and maximally preserved the integrity of posterior spinal bony and ligamentous structures.