Early caries confined to the enamel layer represent a critical window for achieving noninvasive intervention in caries management. Caries management has shifted from the traditional “drill-and-fill” model toward a modern paradigm centered on caries risk and lesion management. Based on contemporary concepts, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in early caries management, including caries risk assessment, early diagnosis, treatment strategy selection, and follow-up monitoring, while highlighting the major challenges currently being faced, and further reviewing and discussing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in early caries management. In terms of risk management, conventional systems including the American Dental Association, Caries Management by Risk Assessment, Cariogram, and the Caries-Risk Assessment Tool remain mainstays in clinical practice. However, AI offers predictive capability through higher-dimensional data processing and the integration of numerous influencing factors, with the potential to improve the accuracy of risk stratification. For diagnosis, visual inspection, tactile examination, and bitewing radiography remain fundamental methods, yet their sensitivity for early caries—particularly proximal lesions—is limited. The application of optical technologies, including quantitative light-induced fluorescence, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared light transillumination, fiber-optic transillumination, and laser-induced fluorescence, enables digital characterization of caries lesions, providing a data foundation for demineralization assessment, lesion activity evaluation, and AI model development. The management of early caries primarily relies on noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches. Remineralization therapy is suitable for superficial lesions, resin infiltration offers the dual advantages of inhibiting lesion progression and improving aesthetics, and microabrasion and bleaching may serve as adjunctive aesthetic treatments. Emerging modalities such as laser, ozone, and photodynamic therapy have also demonstrated potential. Treatment decision-making should comprehensively consider lesion activity, patient caries risk status, demineralization depth, patient compliance, and treatment preferences. However, precise quantification of demineralization depth remains challenging, and standardized decision-making criteria are still lacking. Follow-up management should be individualized based on risk stratification, with attention to lesion changes, patient compliance, and the risk of recurrence. In summary, intelligent and precision-based approaches are expected to define the future of early caries management, and the application of AI in risk prediction, image analysis, and clinical decision support is anticipated to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of early caries diagnosis and treatment.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula （枇柏愈痤方， PYF） in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， minocycline group， and PYF group， with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes （C.acnes） combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water， while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/（kg·d）of PYF， and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/（kg·d）of minocycline suspension， all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment， the body weight of mice in each group was recorded， and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd， 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss （TEWL）， and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0， 2， 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography （OCT） was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st， 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe histopathological changes， while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A （IL-17A） levels， and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin （FLG） and loricrin （LOR） levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6， and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， TEWL values increased， while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased （P＜0.05）， accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins （P＜0.05）. The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions， blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries， and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin， with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens， thickened stratum corneum， hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum， as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration， and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group， both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the TEWL value decreased， and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased （P＜0.05）； on day 6， the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group， with reverted epidermal thickness， smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced， and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 （P＜0.05）. ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins， which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN） is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease （ESRD） in China， which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM， IgAN is classified into consumptive disease， hematuria， and edema categories， with the location in the kidney and involving the lung， liver， and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue， a master of TCM， believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN， and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN， achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections， and polymeric Ig receptor （PIgR） is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria， and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys， causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 （CR1） exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells， clearing immune complexes， and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore， regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation， this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN） is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease （ESRD） in China， which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM， IgAN is classified into consumptive disease， hematuria， and edema categories， with the location in the kidney and involving the lung， liver， and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue， a master of TCM， believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN， and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN， achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections， and polymeric Ig receptor （PIgR） is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria， and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys， causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 （CR1） exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells， clearing immune complexes， and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore， regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation， this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUC-MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) pretreated with Huangkui capsules on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods HUC-MSCs were cultured in media containing different concentrations of Huangkui capsules for 24 hours to determine cell viability and select an appropriate concentration for subsequent experiments. HUC-MSCs were pretreated with 50 μg/mL Huangkui capsules for 24 hours, and Exo were extracted using an exosome extraction kit. The morphology was observed under a transmission electron microscope, particle size was measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and the expression of exosomal membrane surface marker proteins was detected by Western blot. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were randomly divided into hypoxia/reoxygenation group (M group), hypoxia/reoxygenation + Exo group (E group), and hypoxia/reoxygenation + Huangkui capsules pretreated Exo group (H group). Western blotting was used to measure the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins, and real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of ERS-related gene messenger RNA (mRNA). Mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group), ischemia-reperfusion + Exo group (E group), and ischemia-reperfusion + Huangkui capsules pretreated Exo group (H group). Renal histological assessment, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measurement and inflammatory factor detection were performed 24 hours later. Results Both Exo and Huangkui capsules prereated Exo had a bilayer membrane structure and a cup-shaped morphology; their average particle sizes were 116.8 nm and 81.3 nm, respectively. Both expressed CD9, CD63, TSG101. Compared with the M group, the E group had decreased relative expression of transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) proteins, increased mRNA relative expression, increased relative expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) protein, and decreased mRNA relative expression. Compared with the E group, the H group had decreased relative expression of ATF6, PERK, CHOP proteins, and decreased mRNA relative expression of ATF6 and PERK (all P<0.05). Animal experimental results showed that compared with the Sham group, the I/R group had increased renal tubular injury scores, Scr, BUN, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. Compared with the I/R group, the E and H groups had decreased renal tubular injury scores and Scr, BUN, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α levels. Compared with the E group, the H group had decreased renal tubular injury scores and Scr, BUN, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions Huangkui capsules pretreatment HUC-MSC-derived Exo may alleviate renal IRI by inhibiting ERS.

Objective:To explore the advantages of internet-based smart healthcare for full-cycle transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) management in reducing postoperative adverse events rate, improving cardiac function, and enhancing quality of life.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled patients with mitral regurgitation who underwent transcatheter TEER at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Valve Intervention Center between June 2021 and September 2023. Patients were classified into degeneration mitral regurgitation (DMR) and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) according to etiology, with further stratification by enrollment period into usual care group (June 2021 to October 2022) and full-cycle management group (November 2022 to September 2023). The 1-year postoperative follow-up data were collected and compared between subgroups with the same etiology. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted, and log-rank tests were used to compare the differences in major endpoint event-free survival rates between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the full-cycle management system on patients′ outcomes.Results:A total of 130 patients were included, aged (72.0±8.6) years, including 82 (63%) males. DMR was identified in 84 cases (40 in the usual care group and 44 in the full-cycle management group), while FMR was observed in 46 cases (27 in the usual care group and 19 in the full-cycle management group). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated higher 1-year major endpoint event-free survival rates in the full-cycle management group compared to the usual care group, though the difference was not statistically significant (log-rank P>0.05). Compared to the usual care group, the full-cycle management group showed significantly higher proportions of New York Heart Association classification Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients (DMR: 67% vs. 52%, P=0.031; FMR: 68% vs. 52%, P=0.021), greater 6-minute walking distances (DMR: (346.39±70.41) m vs. (294.11±60.47) m, P=0.012; FMR: (356.60±54.68) m vs. (318.55±39.02) m, P=0.004), and superior Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores (DMR: 81.50 (74.50, 85.00) points vs. 71.00 (66.00, 82.25) points, P=0.014; FMR: 83.00 (76.00, 85.00) points vs. 74.00 (70.75, 80.00) points, P=0.030). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the full-cycle management system as an independent predictor for the above improved outcomes (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Smart healthcare-based full-cycle management improves cardiac function and quality of life in mitral regurgitation patients after TEER, demonstrating lower rates of major endpoint events compared to usual care.

Objective:With the aggravation of population aging, the burden of malignant tumors in the elderly population is becoming more and more heavy. This study aims to analyze the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in the elderly population in Hebei Province in the past decade.Methods:The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors in people aged ≥60 years old in 38 cancer registration areas in Hebei Province from 2011 to 2020 were collected, and the incidence and mortality were analyzed by gender, urban and rural areas, and age groups. The age standardized rates were calculated using the 2000 Chinese population census and Segi′s world population. The trend of incidence and mortality was analyzed using the Joinpoint model and the average annual percent change (AAPC).Results:From 2011 to 2020, 216 200 new cases of malignant tumors were reported in the elderly population in the cancer registration areas of Hebei Province, and 170 700 deaths were reported. The peak ages of incident cases number for males and females were 65-69 years old and 60-64 years old, respectively. The crude incidence rate of malignant tumors in the elderly was 905.42/10 5, and the crude mortality rate was 714.96/10 5. In general, the incidence and mortality in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas, and the incidence and mortality in males were higher than those in females. The peak ages of incidence and mortality were 80-84 years old and 85+ years old, respectively. From 2011 to 2020, lung cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, female breast cancer, and colorectal cancer were the main malignant tumors of incidence rate in the elderly population in Hebei Province, and lung cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer were the main malignant tumors in the mortality rate. From 2011 to 2020, the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in the elderly population in Hebei Province showed a decreasing trend, and AAPC for the age-standardized incidence and mortality were -4.69% and -5.53%, respectively. The rank of incidence and mortality rate of each cancer had changed, but the top two were still lung cancer and stomach cancer. Conclusions:The incidence and mortality of cancer in the elderly population in Hebei province have decreased, but the burden is still heavy. Lung cancer and stomach cancer are still the focus of prevention and treatment in the elderly population in Hebei province.

Objective:To understand the burden of cancer disease in Hebei Province in recent years and to analyze the change trend of cancer in Hebei Province from 2011 to 2020.Methods:The incidence and death data of cancer were collected from 38 cancer registries in Hebei Province during 2011-2020. The incidence (mortality) rate, standardized incidence (mortality) rate and composition ratio of each region, sex, and age were calculated respectively, and the incidence and death of major cancers in our province were summarized. The age-standardized morbidity (mortality) rates of China and the world population were calculated using the 2000 China standard population composition and Segi's world population composition respectively. Trend analysis of morbidity and mortality was performed and average annual percentage change (AAPC) was calculated.Results:In 2020, the crude cancer incidence rate and the age-standardized morbidity rate of China was 229.36/100 000 and 147.06/100 000, respectively. An estimated 171 600 new cases were reported in the province. The crude cancer mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rates of China was 146.38/100 000 and 85.33/100 000. The estimated number of deaths in the province is 108 900. In the cancer registration areas of Hebei Province, 84% of all cancer patients occurred in people 50 years of age and older. From 2011 to 2020, the incidence and mortality of cancer in Hebei Province showed a decreasing trend. The AAPC was -4.2% ( P＜0.001), which decreased from 206.61/100 000 in 2011 to 143.74/100 000 in 2020. The world standard mortality rate of cancer was 147.69/100 000 in 2011, and decreased to 84.79/100 000 in 2020. The AAPC was -5.7% ( P＜0.001). The world-standard incidence and mortality of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer decreased from 2011 to 2020. The AAPCs of the world-standard incidence were -4.0%, -12.3%, -9.4%, -6.0% and -1.6%, respectively. The AAPCs of the world-standard mortality were -4.9%, -11.3%, -8.5%, -5.7% and -3.3%, which were statistically significant. The incidence of thyroid cancer increased rapidly, the AAPC of which was 9.7% ( P＜0.001). The rates of female breast cancer and male prostate cancer in Hebei Province were stable. Conclusions:The world-standard incidence and mortality of cancer in Hebei Provincial cancer registries areas show a downward trend from 2011 to 2020. However, the cancer incidence and mortality in Hebei Province are still at high levels. It's necessary to strengthen cancer prevention and control in Hebei Province, improve the awareness of cancer prevention and control in the whole society, and promote the concept of tertiary cancer prevention to reduce the cancer burden in Hebei Province.

Cancer stands as a significant global public health challenge, and cancer screening serves as a pivotal strategy for reducing its mortality. Presently, only a limited number of cancer types have appropriate screening methods available. Traditional single-cancer screening approaches are fraught with limitations, including invasiveness, low accuracy, and poor patient compliance. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) leveraging liquid biopsy technology enables non-invasive and efficient early detection of multiple cancers by analyzing biomarkers such as cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, proteins, and metabolites in blood and other bodily fluids. This innovative approach substantially broadens the spectrum of detectable cancers and enhances population coverage, showcasing immense potential for improving existing cancer screening strategies. This expert consensus comprehensively reviews the progress of liquid biopsy-based MCED, biomarker selection and detection technologies, the criteria for cancer type selection, research design and clinical utility evaluation, as well as implementation pathways. The overarching goal of this consensus is to offer scientific guidance for further research and the widespread adoption of MCED, thereby facilitating the continuous optimization of cancer screening strategies.

Objective:To study the allocation efficiency of private ophthalmology health resources in Shanxi,and to provide references for improving the allocation efficiency of health resources in Chinese private ophthalmology medical institutions.Methods:The resource allocation and services of 70 private ophthalmic medical institutions in Shanxi were collected through a questionnaire survey,and Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA)was used to evaluate the efficiency of health resource allocation in medical institutions of Shanxi.Results:The average values of technical efficiency,pure technical efficiency,and scale efficiency of health resource allocation in private ophthalmic medical institutions in Shanxi were 0.963,0.980,and 0.982,respectively.Among the 70 private ophthalmology institutions,7 institutions were DEA-strongly efficient in health resource allocation,26 institutions were DEA-weakly efficient,37 institutions were non-DEA efficient,15 institutions had constant return to scale,40 institutions had increasing return to scale,and 15 institutions had decreasing return to scale.The allocation of health resources in 7 cities,including Taiyuan,Datong,and Shuozhou,etc.were DEA-strongly efficient;Changzhi and Jincheng were DEA-weakly efficient,both with increasing return to scale;and Linfen was non-DEA efficient with increasing return to scale.Conclusion:The efficiency of health resource allocation in some municipalities of Shanxi needs to be improved;the level of inter-organization varied,and the problems of insufficient resources and wasted inputs coexisted.In the future,ophthalmic resources should be rationally allocated,and input and output indicators should be adjusted according to the actual situation.