ObjectiveTo investigate the metabolic alterations of serum short chain fatty acids （SCFAs） in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis （AD） and their correlation with different clinical phenotypes using targeted metabolomics. MethodsThis study enrolled 87 AD patients and 67 healthy controls （HC）. Serum levels of eight SCFAs were quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The associations between SCFAs and AD were assessed using various statistical methods. ResultsCompared with the HC group， levels of acetic acid （AA）， propionic acid （PA）， and caproic acid （CA） （P=0.002，P=0.002，P=0.043） decreased in the AD group. Logistic regression analysis identified AA （OR=0.449， 95% CI： 0.289–0.698） and PA （OR = 0.487， 95% CI： 0.324–0.732） as protective factors against AD. The combination of AA and PA yielded an area under the curve （AUC） greater than 0.7， indicating good diagnostic efficacy. Age-stratified analysis revealed that AA reduction was predominant in childhood， whereas PA reduction was predominant in adolescence. Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment of fatty acid biosynthesis （FDR=0.341， P=0.003） and vitamin K metabolism （FDR=1， P=0.039） pathways. Furthermore， subgroup analyses based on disease severity， personal/family history of atopy， and sex revealed no significant differences in SCFAs levels among the groups. ConclusionDifferential serum SCFAs and their enriched metabolic pathways may be implicated in the pathogenesis of AD.

ObjectiveThe frequency difference limen (FDL) serves as a fundamental metric utilized for effectively quantifying the precise perceptual capabilities of the central auditory system. However, traditional measurement methods rely heavily on the active behavioral responses of subjects and are consequently highly susceptible to the negative influence of confounding subjective factors. Furthermore, existing research paradigms frequently employ uniform stimulus configurations that overlook critical individual perceptual differences. Based on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, this comprehensive study aims to establish an objective and quantitative evaluation method for auditory frequency discrimination by systematically analyzing and decoding the specific neural responses elicited at the exact threshold state. MethodsWe designed a personalized rapid serial auditory presentation (RSAP) paradigm customized based on each individual’s precise FDL. A cohort of eleven healthy participants was recruited to evaluate the paradigm using pure-tone sequences at a baseline frequency of 4 000 Hz. This experimental paradigm simulates a realistic auditory perception environment through the continuous presentation of acoustic stimuli, thereby allowing for an in-depth investigation into the specific neural representations evoked by weak frequency deviations at the threshold state. Given that auditory stimulus-evoked response features exhibit complex and differentiated spatiotemporal distribution patterns across multiple frequency domains, this study further deeply integrates the cross-scale feature interaction module with the dynamic spatiotemporal attention allocation strategy, innovatively proposing the Multi-Scale Spatial-Temporal Dual Attention Network (MS-STAMNet). Specifically, the network constructs parallel processing branches with multiple receptive fields and introduces a dynamic adaptive weighting strategy to precisely localize core neural activity signals, further deeply integrating multi-scale information through cross-branch feature information interaction to achieve robust single-trial decoding of weak auditory evoked responses. ResultsThe comprehensive electrophysiological data analysis demonstrated that subtle auditory frequency deviation stimuli presented at the threshold level successfully elicited pronounced N2 and P3 event-related potential features, reflecting pre-attentive mismatch detection and subsequent cognitive evaluation, which were prominently distributed over the frontal, central, and temporal regions of the scalp. In the complex time-frequency domain, the extracted neural response characteristics exhibited distinct, statistically significant event-related synchronization within both the low-frequency δ and θ frequency bands, which was simultaneously accompanied by a widespread, prominent event-related desynchronization within the higher α band. A comparative analysis of model performance demonstrated that MS-STAMNet achieved an average unweighted average recall (UAR) of (69.67±6.12)% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.761 8±0.07, significantly outperforming the established baseline models such as EEGNet and PLNet. Furthermore, a distinct dissociation phenomenon was verified between neural decoding and behavioral performance through regression analysis (R²=0.016, P=0.709), indicating that this model can effectively capture the implicit features of subtle frequency deviations, even when they fail to trigger explicit conscious responses. Additionally, attention weight visualization analysis further reveals the highly accurate focus of the network on key features concentrated over the bilateral temporal and fronto-parietal regions. ConclusionThis study systematically and comprehensively uncovers the multi-dimensional spatiotemporal evolutionary patterns of complex neural responses processing subtle acoustic variations under long-sequence threshold auditory stimulation. Concurrently, it verifies the efficacy and robustness of the proposed MS-STAMNet architecture in accurately deciphering weak, single-trial electroencephalogram signals amidst complex background noise. Ultimately, these neurophysiological and algorithmic findings lay a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for the objective and quantitative evaluation of individual auditory cognitive capabilities in clinical applications, transcending the fundamental limitations of traditional behavioral paradigms and providing robust technical support for future auditory research and related clinical assessments.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Sanhua essential oil inhalation as aromatherapy in patients with breast cancer-related depression.MethodsIn total, 144 patients with breast cancer-related depression who underwent postoperative chemotherapy were recruited. The participants in the control group (n = 52) were offered a placebo (sunflower oil) daily, whereas those in the essential oil group (n = 52) were administered Sanhua essential oil. This study evaluated depression improvement, Hamilton Depression Scale score, scores of symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and signal changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsDepression improved by 48.1% and 21.2% in the essential oil and control groups, respectively (P = .010). The Hamilton Depression Scale score (P = .017), scores for symptoms in TCM (P = .002), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the acute and delayed phases were lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (nausea in the acute phase, P = .017; nausea in the delayed phase, P = .039; vomiting in the acute phase, P = .008; vomiting in the delayed phase, P = .081). The Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score was lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (P = .005). Significant differences existed between the two groups in the left superior parietal gyrus, right precuneus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus according to functional connectivity on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionInhalation of Sanhua essential oil alleviated depression in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, improved sleep quality, relieved TCM symptoms, reduced nausea and vomiting, and regulated activities in the brain regions.

Objective To compare the detection rate and safety of transrectal cognitive fusion prostate biopsy and trans-perineal multiparametric MRI-transrectal ultrasound(mpMRI-TRUS)fusion-guided prostate biopsy.Methods The clinical data of 462 patients who underwent mpMRI at the Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from June 2021 to May 2025 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients had at least one suspicious lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥3 and subsequently underwent targeted prostate biopsy.The results of targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy were defined as the combined biopsy re-sults.The PCa detection rate,clinically significant PCa(csPCa)detection rate and incidence of complications were compared be-tween the two groups.Diagnostic performances of systematic,targeted and combined biopsies were also compared between the two approaches.Results In targeted biopsy,the transperineal group had significantly higher PCa and csPCa detection rates than those of the transrectal group(48.11％vs 38.19％,and 39.31％vs 29.17％,P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in PCa and csPCa detection rates for systematic or combined biopsy(P＞0.05).The inci-dence rate of postoperative complications in the transperineal group was significantly lower than that of the transrectal group(14.78％vs 23.61％,P＜0.05).The detection rate of combined approach was significantly higher than that in either systemat-ic or targeted biopsy alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared to the transrectal approach,transperineal mpMRI-TRUS image fusion-guided prostate biopsy demonstrates greater safety and higher accuracy in targeted biopsy.The combined biopsy strategy can effectively reduce the risk of missed diagnoses in patients with PCa.

Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subsequent radiotherapy (RT) following first-line treatment with durvalumab plus chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). METHODS: A total of 122 patients with ES-SCLC from three hospitals during July 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to address potential confounding factors. The primary focus of our evaluation was to assess the impact of RT on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: After IPTW analysis, 49 patients received durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide (EP) chemotherapy followed by RT (Durva + EP + RT) and 72 patients received immunochemotherapy (Durva + EP). The median OS was 17.2 months vs . 12.3 months (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.85, P = 0.020), and the median PFS was 8.9 months vs . 5.9 months (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97, P = 0.030) in Durva + EP + RT and Durva + EP groups, respectively. Thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) resulted in longer OS (17.2 months vs . 14.7 months) and PFS (9.1 months vs . 7.2 months) compared to RT directed to other metastatic sites. Among patients with oligo-metastasis, RT also showed significant benefits, with a median OS of 17.4 months vs . 13.7 months and median PFS of 9.8 months vs . 5.9 months compared to no RT. Continuous durvalumab treatment beyond progression (TBP) prolonged OS compared to patients without TBP, in both the Durva + EP + RT (NA vs . 15.8 months, HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.14-1.63, P = 0.238) and Durva + EP groups (12.3 months vs . 4.3 months, HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.81, P = 0.018). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 13 (26.5%) and 13 (18.1%) patients, respectively, in the two groups; pneumonitis was mostly low-grade. CONCLUSION Addition of RT after first-line immunochemotherapy significantly improved survival outcomes with manageable toxicity in ES-SCLC.
Humans ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use* ; Adult ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, idiopathic, and recurrent gastrointestinal disorder with an unclear etiology and uncertain pathogenesis. Traditional treatment strategies rely on frequent administration of high doses of medication to reduce inflammation, whereas these approaches have limitations and may induce potential complications. Therefore, finding more effective and safe therapeutic drugs and methods is particularly important. Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles(PDELNs) are nano-sized vesicles with a lipid bilayer structure that are secreted by plant cells. The bioactive molecules contained within, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, can serve as information carriers, playing a role in the transmission of information and substances between cells and across species. PDELNs can carry and transfer their own bioactive substances or act as carriers for delivering other active components or drugs. Due to the high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and significant bioactivity, PDELNs have garnered widespread attention. Compared with other exosomes, PDELNs are not destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally and can reach the intestines. This unique property makes PDELNs a promising oral nanodrug for treating intestinal diseases, showing great potential in this area. This article reviews recent research literature on PDELNs regarding the physicochemical characteristics, extraction and purification methods, functions, application characteristics and mechanisms in the treatment of intestinal diseases, and use as a carrier for treating intestinal diseases, aiming to provide a reference for the use of PDELNs in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
Humans ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Animals ; Intestinal Diseases/metabolism* ; Plants/metabolism* ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Nanoparticles/chemistry*

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a critical foundation for ensuring the stability of its efficacy, as well as the safety and effectiveness of its clinical use. The identification of critical quality attributes(CQAs) is one of the core components of TCM preparation quality control. This study focuses on Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and explores their CQAs related to property and flavor from the perspective of taste receptor proteins. Three taste receptor proteins, T1R2, T1R3, and TRPV1, were selected, and a biosensor based on high-electron-mobility transistor(HEMT) was constructed to detect the interactions between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and taste receptor proteins. Simultaneously, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) technology was used to analyze the chemical composition of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. In examining the interaction strength, the results indicated that the interaction between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and TRPV1 protein was the strongest, followed by T1R3, with the interaction with T1R2 being relatively weaker. By combining biosensing technology with LC-MS, 16 chemical components were identified from Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, among which six were selected as CQAs for sweetness and seven for pungency. Further validation experiments demonstrated that CQAs such as hesperidin and hesperetin had strong interactions with their corresponding taste receptor proteins. Through the combined use of multiple technological approaches, this study successfully determined the property and flavor-related CQAs of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. It provides novel ideas and approach for the identification of CQAs in TCM preparations and offers comprehensive theoretical support for TCM quality control, contributing to the improvement and development of TCM preparation quality control systems.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; TRPV Cation Channels/chemistry* ; Tablets/chemistry* ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics* ; Quality Control ; Taste ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is a serious metabolic bone disease caused by long-term application of glucocorticoids(GCs). Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages in improving bone microstructure and antagonizing hormone toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical research, clinical application, and basic research progress of TCM intervention in GIOP. In terms of theoretical research, the theory of "kidney governing bone and generating marrow" indicates that the kidney is closely related to bone development, revealing that core pathogenesis of GIOP is Yin-Yang disharmony, which can be discussed using the theories of "Yin fire", "ministerial fire", and "Yang pathogen damaging Yin". Thus, regulating Yin and Yang is the basic principle to treat GIOP. In terms of clinical application, effective empirical prescriptions(such as Bushen Zhuanggu Decoction, Bushen Jiangu Decoction, and Zibu Ganshen Formula) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Xianling Gubao Capsules, etc.) can effectively increase bone mineral density(BMD) and improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can reduce the risk of fracture and play an anti-GIOP role. In terms of basic research, it has been clarified that active ingredients of TCM(such as fraxetin, ginsenoside Rg_1, and salidroside) reduce bone loss and promote bone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other pathways, effectively improving bone homeostasis. Additionally, classical prescriptions(Modified Yiguan Decoction, Modified Qing'e Pills, Zuogui Pills, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Granules, Lurong Jiangu Dropping Pills, Gubao Capsules, etc.) can improve bone marrow microcirculation, promote osteoblast differentiation, and inhibit bone cell apoptosis through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple mechanisms. Through the above three aspects, the TCM research status on GIOP is elucidated in the expectation of providing reference for its diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment programs.
Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Glucocorticoids/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Bone Density/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: To explore prevalence, incidence and possible factors of immediate herniated discs after posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty (EODL). METHODS: Totally 29 patients with cervical spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation who underwent EODL from October 2020 to December 2021 were collected, including 24 males and 5 females, aged from 43 to 81 years old with an average of (61.3±9.0) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 120 months with an average of (36.4±37.0) months. Three or more intervertebral discs on C₃-C₇ were observed. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before operation, 3 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, respectively. The changes of herniated disc before and after operation were measured by multipoint area method and two-dimensional distance method, and incidence and percentage of herniated disc regression were further calculated. Cervical imaging parameters such as Cobb angle (C₃-C₇), intervertebral angle, T₁ slope (T₁S), spinal canal sagittal diameter, K-line angle, dural sac sagittal diameter were measured and compared before and after operation. Pearson correlation was used to analyze correlation between cervical sagittal imaging parameters and disc herniation changes before and after operation. RESULTS: All patients obtained grade A wound healing, and 14 of them were followed up for 3(1.00, 5.25) months. There were no immediate or long-term postoperative complications. Totally 101 herniated intervertebral discs were measured, of which 79 regression numbers were obtained by area measurement. The number of intervertebral disc regressions by distance measurement was 77. There was no statistically significant difference in Cobb angle, intervertebral angle, T₁S and K-line angle of C₃-C₇ (P>0.05), however, there were statistically significant differences in sagittal diameter of spinal canal, sagittal diameter of dural sac, and JOA score before and after operation(P<0.05). The regression ratio of disc herniation ranged from 5% to 50%, and regression ratio of disc herniation was greater than 25% in 45.57%(36/79). Disc herniation in C_4,5 was positively correlated with sagittal plane diameter in C₅(r=0.423, P=0.028). There was a negative correlation between changes of C_3,4 and C_3,4 intervertebral angle (r=-0.450, P=0.041). The improvement rate of cervical JOA score immediately after operation was (59.54±15.07) %, and postoperative follow-up improved to (76.57±14.66) %. CONCLUSION Herniated disc regression immediately after EODL is a common occurrence, and EODL should be selected as far as possible under the premise of satisfying surgical indications. The regression of disc herniation is positively correlated with spinal canal sagittal diameter, and spinal canal should be enlarged as far as possible in the appropriate scope during EODL, so as to create more opportunities and conditions for disc regression and achieve better clinical results.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging* ; Spinal Stenosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Laminoplasty/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Intervertebral Disc/surgery*