The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR /Cas9) immune system is an adaptive immune system widely distributed in bacteria and archaea. It precisely defends against invasion by exogenous phages, viruses, and plasmids through sequence-specific endogenous immune response mechanisms. As the most prominent member of this family, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has evolved into the most widely applied, flexible, and efficient technical platform in the field of genome engineering due to its exceptional genome modification capabilities. Within the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the Cas9 protein, precisely guided by a single-stranded guide RNA (gRNA), can specifically recognize target DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. This activates the cell’s DNA repair mechanisms, enabling gene knockout, knock-in, or modification. Demonstrating significant advantages in specificity, flexibility, and operability, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has shown immense potential in the medical field, opening new avenues for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. On one hand, this technology can be used to construct precise disease models and tailor personalized treatment plans. It enables in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action targets and signaling pathways of TCM formulas and active components, thereby unraveling the scientific secrets of their complex mechanisms of action. On the other hand, it demonstrates powerful tool value in improving TCM germplasm resources, identifying and screening superior varieties, evaluating the controllability of TCM quality, and producing innovative drugs, providing technical support for the standardization and precision of TCM. Simultaneously, the high-throughput omics data generated by CRISPR technology is driving artificial intelligence (AI) to construct virtual disease models and drug prediction systems. This empowers the intelligent screening of effective TCM components, the precise prediction of potential targets, and the exploration of “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” through formula combinations. This synergistic innovation between CRISPR and AI aligns perfectly with precision medicine’s urgent demand for personalized, efficient drug development, injecting new momentum into the modernization and transformation of TCM. This paper first systematically reviews and explains the developmental trajectory, structural basis, and action mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, tracing its scientific evolution from a bacterial immune system to a gene-editing tool. It then comprehensively outlines the current state of convergence between precision medicine concepts and modernization research in TCM, analyzing the synergistic points and potential spaces for their integration. Against the backdrop of rapid precision medicine advancement, this paper emphasizes how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology empowers in-depth analysis of TCM mechanisms—including specific applications in disease model construction, therapeutic target validation, and multi-target network regulation studies. It further elaborates on its multidimensional practical contributions to modernizing TCM, spanning key domains such as germplasm resource innovation, bioactive compound biosynthesis, quality standardization control, and novel TCM drug development. Finally, this paper envisions the future landscape of deep integration between CRISPR technology and AI: from data-driven intelligent drug screening to high-throughput precision discovery of effective TCM components, and further to intelligent model construction based on “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” mechanisms. The synergistic convergence of these multidimensional technologies will pioneer new scientific paradigms and translational pathways for TCM modernization, propelling TCM toward leapfrogging development in the era of precision medicine.

BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

AIM To investigate the effects of Liangxue Heying Formula-medicated serum(LXHY-MS)on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS).METHODS CCK-8,DCFH-DA fluorescence probe and Western blot method were used to screen the LPS concentration in modeling and the serum LXHY concentration for treatment.The HUVECs divided into the normal group,the model group and the LXHY-MS group had their SOD activity detected by automatic biochemical analyzer;their MDA level detected by colorimetry;their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 detected by Western blot;and their mROS expression and recruitment effect on THP-1 photographed with high connotation.With the use of JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor(AG490),the HUVECs divided into the normal group,the AG490 group,the LPS group,the LPS+AG490 group,the LPS+LXHY-MS group,and LPS+LXHY-MS+AG490 group were subjected to the corresponding treatment,followed by the detection of their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group displayed decreased SOD activity(P＜0.01),increased MDA level(P＜0.05),increased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and increased mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Compared with the model group,the LXHY-MS group shared increased SOD activity(P＜0.05),decreased MDA level(P＜0.01),decreased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),reduced mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Given the use of AG490,the model group displayed increased protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in contrast to the normal group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);each intervened group showed decreased expressions of related proteins in contrast to the model group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION LXHY-MS may protect the injury due to the activation of HUVECs by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Dendrobium formosum Roxb.ex Lindl.and their biological activities.METHODS The 95％ethanol extract from the stems and leaves of D.formosum was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their inhibitory activities onα-glucosidase were determined by PNPG method,and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as coniferyl p-coumarate(1),(-)-pinoresinol(2),2,5,7-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene(3),naringenin(4),spiropreussomerin A(5),7-hydroxy-14-de-O-methyl-lasiodiplodin(6),(4S,5S,6Z,8E)-5-hydroxydeca-6,8-dien-4-olide(7),(6S,9R)-blumenol C(8),p-hydroxybenzoic acid(9),m-hydroxybenzoic acid(10),p-hydroxy benzenepropanoic acid(11),5,7-dihydroxy-isobenzofuran(12),2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol(13),β-sitostenone(14),β-sitosterol(15).The IC50 values of compounds 1 and 4 on α-glucosidase inhibition were(65.60±3.31)and(98.95±2.53)μmol/L,respectively.Compound 3 presented inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells,with IC50 value of(3.97±0.12)μmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 5-6,8 and 12 are isolated from Orchidacae family for the first time,and 2-15 are first isolated from this plant.Compounds 1 and 4 have α-glucosidase inhibitory activities,and 3 has anti-inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVE To explore the value of healthcare failure mode and effect analysis mode(HFMEA)com-bined with enhanced management of link quality in centralized processing of rigid endoscopic instruments.METHODS Totally 80 pieces of rigid endoscopic instruments that were recycled by the endoscopy room of otolar-yngology department of The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from Jan.2022 to Dec.2022 were as-signed as the control group,and 70 pieces of rigid endoscopic instruments that were recycled under the HFMEA model combined with enhanced management of link quality from Jan.2023 to Dec.2023 were assigned as the ex-perimental group.The effect of the management and the qualified rate of instruments were compared between the two groups of instruments,compare the satisfaction under the different intervention modes.RESULTS The scores of instrument disassembly and assembly,cleaning procedures,cleaning quality,environmental management and packaging quality were higher in the experimental group than in the control group(P＜0.05).The unqualified rate of instruments of the experimental group was 10.00％,lower than 23.75％of the control group(x2=4.926,P=0.026).The staff's satisfaction with the work of the experimental group was 91.67％,higher than 66.67％of the control group(Z=2.026,P=0.043).CONCLUSION For the centralized management of rigid endoscopic in-struments,the implementation of the enhanced management of link quality under the HFMEA mode can effective-ly improve the effect of management of the instruments and reduce the unqualified rate of recycled instruments,demonstrating a positive effect on raising the staff's satisfaction with the recycle process of instruments.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between artificial radionuclide 137Cs and stable cesium (Cs) in wild edible fungi and seek potential correlations. Methods:A total of 30 samples, including the caps (with gills) and stipes of wild edible fungi, were collected from the northeastern region of China. The measurement and analysis of 137Cs were conducted following recommended procedures in GB/T 16145-2022, and stable Cs was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Then, the correlation analysis of data on 137Cs and stable Cs was performed using SPSS 11.5 software, and scatter plots were prepared using the Origin 21.0 software. Results:The fungi caps exhibited a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.52 to 55.9 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.069 mg/kg to 16.2 mg/kg (dry weight). The stipes showed a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.53 Bq/kg to 101 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.075 to 11.5 mg/kg (dry weight). These data revealed a significant correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and the stable cesium content in all samples including caps and stipes, with correlation coefficients r of 0.956, 0.912, and 0.931, respectively, and all significant levels P < 0.01. The ratios of the specific activity of 137Cs to stable Cs content varied from 2.09 Bq/kg to 20.1 Bq/kg (dry weight), with an average of 10.7 Bq/kg (dry weight). Conclusions:Wild edible fungi fail to distinguish between 137Cs and stable cesium when absorbing Cs elements from their growing substrates. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content. In the case of exogenous 137Cs contamination, the ratio of the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content will significantly change. Therefore, an increase in the ratio can be used as a reference for identifying 137Cs contamination events.

Objective:To explore the applicability of critical statistical measures Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En value in comparative capability assessments by analyzing the data from nationwide radiological health technology institutions from 2020 to 2023, aiming to provide a reference for further improving China′s comparative assessment method for verifying the γ-ray spectroscopy capability of radionuclides. Methods:Based on the nationwide analysis and comparison of γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides conducted annually by the National Institute for Radiological Protection, China CDC, the deviations between laboratory result and reference values were determined using the above-mentioned four statistical measures. Finally, the qualification rates of the γ-ray spectroscopy result from relevant institutions were assessed and analyzed.Results:The result indicate that the qualification rates of the Z value exceeded 85%, which might be inaccurate in some cases since it ignored the limitation of uncertainty. In contrast, the Z′ value yielded more scientific and representative result because it considered the uncertainty of reference values, and the inter-laboratory comparison qualification rate is above 95%. In the case of low uncertainty of the γ-ray spectroscopy result, the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio exhibited relatively high sensitivity and, accordingly, relatively low qualification rates, indicating that this ratio may not comprehensively reflect the interlaboratory comparison result. Conclusions:The Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En values demonstrate their own advantages and limitations in assessing the capability of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides. For comparison projects involving multiple laboratories and complex measurement conditions, such as the nationwide verification of the capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides, it is feasible to combine the Z′ value with the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio, with the former and the latter used to determine the qualified and excellent capability result, respectively. This enables the comprehensive assessment of the measurement and analysis capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy laboratories of radiological health technology institutions in China.

Objective:To understand the activity concentrations of varying chemical forms of 131I in nuclear medicine workplaces and assess the internal irradiation doses of 131I to workers. Methods:A high-volume air sampler was used for air sampling of 131I. Glass fiber filters, activated carbon filters, and iodine cartridges, which were connected in series, were employed to collect aerosol iodine, gaseous inorganic iodine, and gaseous organic iodine, respectively. A method for analyzing the activity of 131I unevenly distributed in the iodine cartridge was developed, and an HPGe γ spectrometer was used to determine the activity of 131I in samples collected from the nuclear medicine workplaces of 15 hospitals. Results:The concentrations of aerosol iodine, inorganic iodine, and organic iodine in 15 hospitals were determined at 0.19-206.67, 0.27-138.45, and 2.35-3 821.11 Bq/m 3, respectively, with arithmetic means of 22.04, 12.79 and 365.08 Bq/m 3, respectively. The maximum annual committed effective doses of varied forms of 131I inhaled by workers were determined at 0.19, 0.19, and 3.81 mSv, respectively, with a maximum total committed effective dose of 4.13 mSv. Conclusions:Gaseous organic iodine is identified as the primary form of 131I in the air within nuclear medicine workplaces. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the monitoring and protection of gaseous organic iodine.

Objective:To establish a highly-sensitive method for the rapid measurement of 137Cs in seawater with an view to its preliminary application in eight coastal provinces of China. Methods:The method employed nickel potassium polyacrylonitrile (KNiFC-PAN), an organic polymer-based ion exchanged resin material, to filter and adsorb 137Cs from seawater at a rate of 60 ml/min via a peristaltic pump. The adsorption efficiency of KNiFC-PAN was determined by measuring the cesium ion concentration before and after adsorption in seawater, with the addition of stable cesium, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Three KNiFC-PAN matrix components of 137Cs standard samples were prepared for the efficiency calibration of well type high purity germanium gamma spectrometer to obtain its detection efficiency. Results:The established measuring method can complete the filtration and adsorption of 137Cs from 20 L seawater within 6-8 h, which was twice as fast as the co-precipitation method with phosphomolybdic acid-ammonium molybdate taking more than 12 h, as stipulated in the GB/T 16145-2022 standard. The cesium recovery rate was as high as 98.02%. The relative standard deviation of the efficiency calibration result for the three prepared standard samples was 1.30%, and the detection limit for 137Cs was 0.26 Bq/m 3. The activity concentrations of 137Cs in offcoast seawater in eight coastal provinces of China were detected ranging from 0.38 to 1.24 Bq/m 3. The activity concentration of 137Cs in coastal seawater of China was at the background level, while as reported in 2019 was 0.03-1.92 Bq/m 3 in the eastern Chinese seas and 1-2 Bq/m 3 in the Pacific Ocean. Conclusions:This method has high detection sensitivity and can quickly obtain the values of activity concentration of 137Cs in seawater, thus providing a rapid and feasible method for emergency monitoring of 137Cs in China.