Objective To investigate the relationship between extracranial carotid artery tortuosity-related indicators and extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm(ICAA)in elderly patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 124 elderly patients with suspected cerebrovascular diseases undergoing head CT angiography(CTA)in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023.According to the diagnostic results,they were divided into ICAA group(68 cases)and control group(56 cases).The extracranial carotid artery tortuosity-related indicators were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for ICAA.ROC curve analysis was employed to analyze the diagnostic value of head CTA parameters for extracranial ICAA,and the area under curve(AUC)was calculated.Results There were no statistical differences in the pro-portions of extracranial internal carotid artery(EICA)without kinking,tortuosity,and coiling be-tween the two groups(P＞0.05).The ICAA group had significantly higher proportion of EICA(32.4％vs 14.3％,P＜0.05),and obviously greater common carotid artery kinking index,EICA kinking index,and internal carotid artery angle than the control group(P＜0.01).Multivariate lo-gistic regression analysis showed that kinking,common carotid artery kinking index,EICA kin-king index,and internal carotid artery angle were influencing factors for ICAA(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that in diagnosing ICAA,the sensitivity and the specificity was 70.59％and 82.14％,respectively,for common carotid artery kinking index,was 83.82％and 87.50％,respectively,for EICA kinking index,and was 80.88％and 83.93％,respectively,for in-ternal carotid artery angle.Conclusion The degree of EICA kinking is correlated with extracranial ICAA,and EICA kinking is more likely to cause ICAA.Head CTA parameters can reflect the morphological features of internal carotid artery kinking and had high adjuvant diagnostic value for diagnosing ICAA.

Cells and exosomes derived from them are extensively used as biological carrier systems. Cells demonstrate superior targeting specificity and prolonged circulation facilitated by their rich array of surface proteins, while exosomes, due to their small size, cross barriers and penetrate tumors efficiently. However, challenges remain, cells' large size restricts tissue penetration, and exosomes have limited targeting accuracy and short circulation times. To address these challenges, we developed a novel concept termed exosomal spheres. This approach involved incorporating platelet-derived exosomes shielded with phosphatidylserine (PS) and linked via pH-sensitive bonds for drug delivery applications. The study demonstrated that, compared with exosomes, the exosomal spheres improved blood circulation through the upregulation of CD47 expression and shielding of phosphatidylserine, thereby minimizing immune clearance. Moreover, the increased expression of P-selectin promoted adhesion to circulating tumor cells, thereby enhancing targeting efficiency. Upon reaching the tumor site, the hydrazone bonds of exosome spheres were protonated in the acidic tumor microenvironment, leading to disintegration into uniform-sized exosomes capable of deeper tumor penetration compared to platelets. These findings suggested that exosome spheres addressed the challenges and offered significant potential for efficient and precise drug delivery.

With the rapid advancement of vaccines, the research and application of vaccine adjuvants have garnered significant attention. Despite the development of numerous vaccine adjuvants, their applications in human vaccines remain limited due to either insufficient efficacy or severe side effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as vaccine adjuvants, owing to their natural biocompatibility, diversity, and safety. Here, we systematically review the current application status and potential value of TCM-based bioactive compounds in vaccine adjuvants. Firstly, we elaborate on the types and characteristics of active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, acids, and alkaloids. The mechanisms by which these compounds function as vaccine adjuvants are then discussed, including their roles in enhancing humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and relieving the immune suppression in the microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize the current strategies for structural modification and platform optimization to adapt to different application scenarios. Finally, we offer insights into the future development directions for these potential adjuvants, highlighting research priorities, technical approaches, and application prospects. In conclusion, natural vaccine adjuvants derived from TCMs present broad application prospects and hold promise for future vaccine development.

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with peripheral lung masses (PLMs), and to assess the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating benign and malignant PLMs. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 69 patients with PLM treated in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 2020 to December 2023. All patients underwent percutaneous biopsy, and were categorized into benign group (n＝36) and malignant group (n＝33). 25 patients were HIV-positive and 44 patients were HIV-negative. The clinical features and CEUS parameters in patients were compared across these groups. Results Patients with malignant masses were significantly older than those with benign masses (P＜0.05). In the malignant group, HIV-negative patients exhibited significantly larger tumor diameters compared to HIV-positive patients (P＜0.05); in the HIV-positive patients, no significant difference in tumor size was observed between benign and malignant masses. 19 patients underwent CEUS. 10 malignant masses, irrespective of HIV status (10 positive and 9 negative), commonly presented with indistinct margins, delayed enhancement, heterogeneous perfusion, and delayed peak enhancement on CEUS. 9 benign masses showed earlier peak enhancement compared to 10 malignant masses (P＜0.05); no significant differences were observed in the initiation and washout time of enhancement between benign and malignant masses. In HIV-positive patients, 5 benign masses frequently demonstrated discrepancies between CEUS findings and pathological results. Conclusions The clinical and CEUS characteristics were different between benign and malignant PLMs. However, CEUS shows limited accuracy in distinguishing benign and malignant PLMs, underscoring the need for pathological confirmation.

Objective: To establish a risk prediction model for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide a basis for DPN prevention and control. Methods: T2DM inpatients aged 18-65 years admitted to the department of endocrinology and metabolism at Affiliated Hospital Shandong Second Medical University from April to December 2024 were selected as study subjects. Age, T2DM duration, hypertension history, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum C-peptide, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were collected through electronic medical records. Risk predictors of DPN among T2DM patients were screened using multivariable logistic regression model, and a nomogram was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis were employed to evaluate the discrimination, calibration and clinical utility of the nomogram, respectively. Results: A total of 598 T2DM patients were enrolled, including 359 (60.03%) males and 239 (39.97%) females. The median age was 54.50 (interquartile range, 15.00) years, the median T2DM duration was 6.00 (interquartile range, 9.00) years. There were 262 cases of T2DM patients with DPN, accounting for 43.81%. Multivariable logistic regression identified hypertension history (OR=3.260, 95%CI: 2.220-4.790), alcohol use history (OR=2.150, 95%CI: 1.390-3.310), diabetes complications (OR=0.430, 95%CI: 0.270-0.680), T2DM duration (OR=1.040, 95%CI: 1.010-1.070), body mass index (OR=1.130, 95%CI: 1.070-1.200), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (OR=0.930, 95%CI: 0.910-0.960), and HDL-C (OR=0.400, 95%CI: 0.230-0.720) as risk predictors for DPN among T2DM patients. The area under the ROC curve of the established risk prediction model was 0.774 (95%CI: 0.737-0.812), with a sensitivity of 0.710 and a specificity of 0.723. The calibration curve after repeated sampling calibration approached the standard curve. Decision curve analysis showed that when the risk threshold probability was 0.2 to 0.4, the model demonstrates favorable clinical applicability. Conclusion The risk prediction model established in this study has favorable discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, can effectively predict the risk of DPN among T2DM patients aged 18-65 years.

Objective:To construct and validate a three-level early warning model of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproductive technology.Methods:A case-control study was conducted. Totally 10 181 infertility patients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from April 2013 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into modeling group (8 145 cases) and validation group (2 036 cases) by random number table method. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of moderate and severe OHSS after oocytes retrieval were screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The early warning model was established and the column diagram was drawn at three nodes which were before ovarian stimulation, before trigger and 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to verify the models. Results:The antral follicle count (AFC, OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.020-1.071, P<0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)>3.36 μg/L ( OR=7.135, 95% CI: 2.084-24.432, P=0.002) and number of cycles ( OR=0.149, 95% CI: 0.022-1.026, P=0.049) were included in the pre-stimulation prediction model. AFC ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.018-1.074, P=0.001), AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=5.780, 95% CI: 1.661-20.116, P=0.006), gonadotropin releasing hormone-agonist protocols ( OR=3.895, 95% CI=1.913-7.931, P<0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=2.258, 95% CI: 1.092-4.666, P=0.028), the number of follicles with a diameter of ≥10 mm>20 ( OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.092-5.172, P=0.029) were included in the pre-trigger prediction model. AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=8.374, 95% CI: 2.417-29.019, P=0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=3.947, 95% CI: 1.533-10.167, P=0.004), total number of oocytes retrived ( OR=1.042, 95% CI: 0.996-1.090, P=0.025), abdominal distension ( OR=60.181, 95% CI: 22.515-160.854, P<0.001), fresh transplantation ( OR=21.766, 95% CI: 7.119-66.544, P<0.001), human chorionic gonadotropin trigger ( OR=17.752, 95% CI: 3.993-78.924, P<0.001) were included in the prediction model of 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The areas under ROC curves of the three models were 0.830 (95% CI: 0.782-0.878), 0.859 (95% CI: 0.812-0.906) and 0.948 (95% CI: 0.919-0.977), respectively. The areas under ROC curves of the validation groups of the three models were 0.922 (95% CI: 0.880-0.965), 0.936 (95% CI: 0.886-0.986), and 0.971 (95% CI: 0.938-0.999), respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the early-warning evaluation model has good stability. Conclusion:The three-level early warning model of moderate and severe OHSS has good differentiation, reliable predictability and clinical practicability, which is conducive to the dynamic and continuous assessment of the risk of moderate and severe OHSS, adjustment of treatment plan at any time, and timely adoption of effective preventive measures.

Objective:To construct and validate a three-level early warning model of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproductive technology.Methods:A case-control study was conducted. Totally 10 181 infertility patients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from April 2013 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into modeling group (8 145 cases) and validation group (2 036 cases) by random number table method. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of moderate and severe OHSS after oocytes retrieval were screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The early warning model was established and the column diagram was drawn at three nodes which were before ovarian stimulation, before trigger and 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to verify the models. Results:The antral follicle count (AFC, OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.020-1.071, P<0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)>3.36 μg/L ( OR=7.135, 95% CI: 2.084-24.432, P=0.002) and number of cycles ( OR=0.149, 95% CI: 0.022-1.026, P=0.049) were included in the pre-stimulation prediction model. AFC ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.018-1.074, P=0.001), AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=5.780, 95% CI: 1.661-20.116, P=0.006), gonadotropin releasing hormone-agonist protocols ( OR=3.895, 95% CI=1.913-7.931, P<0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=2.258, 95% CI: 1.092-4.666, P=0.028), the number of follicles with a diameter of ≥10 mm>20 ( OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.092-5.172, P=0.029) were included in the pre-trigger prediction model. AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=8.374, 95% CI: 2.417-29.019, P=0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=3.947, 95% CI: 1.533-10.167, P=0.004), total number of oocytes retrived ( OR=1.042, 95% CI: 0.996-1.090, P=0.025), abdominal distension ( OR=60.181, 95% CI: 22.515-160.854, P<0.001), fresh transplantation ( OR=21.766, 95% CI: 7.119-66.544, P<0.001), human chorionic gonadotropin trigger ( OR=17.752, 95% CI: 3.993-78.924, P<0.001) were included in the prediction model of 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The areas under ROC curves of the three models were 0.830 (95% CI: 0.782-0.878), 0.859 (95% CI: 0.812-0.906) and 0.948 (95% CI: 0.919-0.977), respectively. The areas under ROC curves of the validation groups of the three models were 0.922 (95% CI: 0.880-0.965), 0.936 (95% CI: 0.886-0.986), and 0.971 (95% CI: 0.938-0.999), respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the early-warning evaluation model has good stability. Conclusion:The three-level early warning model of moderate and severe OHSS has good differentiation, reliable predictability and clinical practicability, which is conducive to the dynamic and continuous assessment of the risk of moderate and severe OHSS, adjustment of treatment plan at any time, and timely adoption of effective preventive measures.

Objective To investigate the relationship between extracranial carotid artery tortuosity-related indicators and extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm(ICAA)in elderly patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 124 elderly patients with suspected cerebrovascular diseases undergoing head CT angiography(CTA)in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023.According to the diagnostic results,they were divided into ICAA group(68 cases)and control group(56 cases).The extracranial carotid artery tortuosity-related indicators were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for ICAA.ROC curve analysis was employed to analyze the diagnostic value of head CTA parameters for extracranial ICAA,and the area under curve(AUC)was calculated.Results There were no statistical differences in the pro-portions of extracranial internal carotid artery(EICA)without kinking,tortuosity,and coiling be-tween the two groups(P＞0.05).The ICAA group had significantly higher proportion of EICA(32.4％vs 14.3％,P＜0.05),and obviously greater common carotid artery kinking index,EICA kinking index,and internal carotid artery angle than the control group(P＜0.01).Multivariate lo-gistic regression analysis showed that kinking,common carotid artery kinking index,EICA kin-king index,and internal carotid artery angle were influencing factors for ICAA(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that in diagnosing ICAA,the sensitivity and the specificity was 70.59％and 82.14％,respectively,for common carotid artery kinking index,was 83.82％and 87.50％,respectively,for EICA kinking index,and was 80.88％and 83.93％,respectively,for in-ternal carotid artery angle.Conclusion The degree of EICA kinking is correlated with extracranial ICAA,and EICA kinking is more likely to cause ICAA.Head CTA parameters can reflect the morphological features of internal carotid artery kinking and had high adjuvant diagnostic value for diagnosing ICAA.

On August 2-4,2023,the"Third Summit Forum on'Building a Community of Shared Future for Doctors and Patients'"was jointly organized by institutions such as the Chinese Medical Ethics,the Hospital Humanities Management and Talent Training Special Committee of the China Population and Culture Promotion Association,Center for Ethical Studies of Renmin University of China,the Newspaper for China's Physicians,the China Health Law Society,the China Anti-Cancer Association,and the China Association For Ethical Studies in Harbin.The conference arranged a sub-forum for the"Seminar on the Construction of Chinese Medical Humanities",with domestic medical humanities scholars attending the conference.After heated discussions at the seminar,the Scholars'Consensus on the Construction and Development of Chinese Medical Humanities was formed.It was proposed that in the new era,it is urgent to build the medical humanities discipline,as well as lead the academic integration and development of medical humanities under the core socialist values.At the same time,for the construction of the medical humanities discipline,it is necessary to optimize the organizational mechanism,prosper and develop the overall framework of the medical humanities discipline,accelerate the construction of a professional teaching team for the medical humanities discipline,promote the establishment of a new carrier medical humanities education and teaching in cultivating morality and nurturing talents,as well as focus on solving problems related to the cultivation of medical humanities graduate students.

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of locking compression plating (LCP) in the treatment of periprosthetic fracture (PPF) of the distal femur in the aged patients.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the 31 aged patients who had been treated at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital to Nantong University for PPF of the distal femur with LCP between June 2012 and May 2023. There were 27 females and 4 males with an age of (80.2±6.1) years. According to the Unified Classification System (UCS), 18 PPFs were classified as type Ⅴ.3B1 and 6 PPFs as type Ⅴ.3B2 after total knee arthroplasty and 7 PPFs as type Ⅳ.3C after total hip arthroplasty. The patients were fixated with a lateral single plate in 25 cases, and with lateral and medial dual plates in 6 cases. The surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative weight-bearing time, fracture healing time, and knee joint function and complications during follow-up were recorded.Results:For the 25 patients undergoing fixation with a lateral single plate, the surgical time was (58.7±7.9) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss (78.0±15.1) mL, the hospitalization time (6.9±1.6) days, the postoperative weight-bearing time (5.9±1.4) days, and the follow-up time 37 (15, 51) months. For the 6 patients undergoing fixation with lateral and medial dual plates, the surgical time was (186.6±9.8) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss (1,256.7±231.2) mL, the hospitalization time (17.8±3.3) days, the postoperative weight-bearing time (3.6±0.6) days, and the follow-up time 17 (16, 21) months. The fracture healing time was (14.9±2.0) and (18.7±2.6) weeks, respectively, for patients fixed with single and double steel plates. By the scoring criteria of the American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the knee joint function was evaluated at the last follow-up as excellent in 10 cases and as good in 15 cases for the 25 patients undergoing fixation with a lateral single plate, and as good for all the 6 patients undergoing fixation with lateral and medial dual plates. No patient experienced such complications as incision infection, bone nonunion, or internal fixation failure during the follow-up period.Conclusions:LCP fixation can achieve satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of PPF of the distal femur in the aged patients. As fixation with a single lateral femoral plate is suitable for most of the aged patients with PPF of the distal femur, it can be used as the first choice. Fixation with dual plates can provide stronger stability, but its indications should be strictly controlled.