Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory， "aromatics acting on the spleen"， is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen， and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi， striae and interstices. In TCM， the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs， with the function of nurturing lung； it is also seen as the source of wei qi， responsible for external defense； and the root of healthy qi， forming the foundation of acquired （postnatal） constitution. Thus， preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective， the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses， the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa， and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally， aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages， including direct action， rapid onset， minimal side effects， controllable risks， convenience， and ease of dissemination， making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.

Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs， which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition， immune regulation， and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation， smearing， topical application， bathing， gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification， through methods like diffusion， vaporization， or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience， quick absorption， and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However， there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions， indications， safety， and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils， and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently， accurately， and safely， thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) level on the first day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 28-day mortality in adult septic patients, and to evaluate the value of NRBC as an independent predictor of death. METHODS: Single-cell transcriptomic analysis was performed using the GSE167363 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (including 2 healthy controls, 3 surviving septic patients, and 2 non-surviving septic patients). A retrospective clinical analysis was conducted using the America Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database, including adult patients (≥ 18 years) with first-time admission who met the Sepsis-3.0 criteria, excluding those without NRBC testing on the first ICU day. The demographic information, vital signs, laboratory test indicators, disease severity score and survival data on the first day of admission were collected. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of NRBC for predicting 28-day mortality in patients. Patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups based on this cut-off value for intergroup comparison, with Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis conducted. Independent risk factors for 28-day mortality were analyzed using Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, followed by the construction of regression models. RESULTS: NRBC were detected in the peripheral blood of septic patients by single-cell transcriptomic. A total of 1 291 sepsis patients were included in the clinical analysis, with 576 deaths within 28 days, corresponding to a 28-day mortality of 44.6%. RCS curve analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between the first-day NRBC level and the 28-day mortality. When NRBC ≥ 1%, the 28-day mortality of patients increased significantly. Compared to the low-risk group (NRBC < 1%), the high-risk group (NRBC ≥ 1%) had significantly higher respiratory rate, heart rate, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and simplified acute physiology score II (SAPSII), and significantly lower hematocrit and platelet count. The high-risk group also had a significantly higher 28-day mortality [49.8% (410/824) vs. 35.5% (166/467), P < 0.05], and shorter median survival time (days: 29.8 vs. 208.6, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that compared with the low-risk group, the survival time of high-risk group was significantly shortened (Log-rank test: χ ² = 25.1, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors including body mass, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, serum creatinine, pulse oximetry saturation, hemoglobin, hematocrit, Na⁺, K⁺, platelet count, and SOFA score, multivariate regression analysis confirmed that NRBC ≥ 1% was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality [Logistic regression: odds ratio (OR) = 1.464, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.126-1.902, P = 0.004; Cox regression: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.268, 95%CI was 1.050-1.531, P = 0.013]. CONCLUSIONS NRBC ≥ 1% on the first day of ICU admission is an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in septic patients and can serve as a practical indicator for early prognostic assessment.
Humans ; Sepsis/blood* ; Intensive Care Units ; Risk Factors ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Hospital Mortality ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Objective To investigate the protective effects of remimazolam(Remi),a novel benzodiazepine sedative,on intestinal barrier function in septic mice.Methods A mouse model of sepsis was established using cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).A total of 96 SPF-grade adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into sham operation(Sham),sepsis(Sepsis),and sepsis with Remi intervention(Sepsis+Remi)groups.Survival rate and survival time were recorded within 72 h after modeling.Intestinal pathological alterations,barrier functional indicators,ZO-1 expression,and macrophage polarization status were observed and detected to evaluate the effects of Remi.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was used to treat RAW264.7 cells for 24 h to simulate in vitro sepsis model.The cells were divided into control(Control),LPS,and LPS+Remi groups.Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess macrophage phenotype,mitochondrial morphology,and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(MtROS),and Western blotting was applied to detect the protein expression of iNOS and CD206.Results Compared with the sepsis group,Remi intervention significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice from 12.50%to 68.75%and markedly prolonged survival duration(P<0.05).Histopathological analysis demonstrated partial restoration of intestinal villus architecture,accompanied with attenuated interstitial edema and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration after Remi intervention.Furthermore,the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in functional indicators.Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated elevated iNOS and decreased CD206 expression in the septic mice and LPS-stimulated macrophages(P<0.05),which were partially reversed after Remi intervention.Furthermore,LPS-stimulated macrophages exhibited fragmented mitochondria and elevated MtROS level,whereas Remi intervention ameliorated these conditions(P<0.05).Conclusion Remi protects intestinal barrier function in septic mice by mitigating mitochondrial dynamics imbalance-induced oxidative damage and ameliorating inflammatory macrophage activation.

With the deepening of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) presents new opportunities for the development of TCM. In recent years, CEE countries have made some progress in TCM by expanding legislation, establishing educational systems, and diversifying services. These advancements are attributed to cultural recognition, evolving health concepts, and government support. However, challenges persist in sustainability, legal adaptability, and a shortage of professional talents. To effectively tackle these challenges, this article proposed the following suggestions: gradual integration, initial implementation of non-pharmaceutical therapy-centered TCM health services to address legal adaptation issues; empowering with technology to alleviate talent shortage by launching remote medical service models; tailoring measures to local conditions and promote the sustainable development of the TCM industry by integrating regional characteristics; thereby promoting the robust development of TCM in the CEE regions.

Objective:To establish a quality standard system for Descurainiae Semen under the requirements of German Pharmaceutical Codex (DPC); To compare the similarities and differences between DPC and the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China regarding the establishment of a quality standard system for TCM medicinal materials. Methods:Based on the requirements of DPC, and referring to the relevant methods of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the quality of 30 batches of Descurainiae Semen samples were assessed by observing the appearance and microscopic characteristics and determining their loss on drying, total ash content, and ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid. A TLC identification method was established based on a silica gel G TLC plate, using a developing agent composed of ethyl acetate, formic acid, and water in the ratio of 7:1.5:2.5 ( V/ V/ V). The method utilized rutin and quercetin as indicators for the System Suitability Test (SST), and took quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside and isorhamnetin 3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside as the index. Based on the content determination method for Descurainiae Semen in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, a content determination method was established with quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β- D-gentiobioside as the index. Results:The loss on drying for the 30 batches of samples ranged from 6.15% to 12.0%, with the total ash content ranged from 3.17% to 9.44%, and the ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid content ranged from 0.14% to 4.82%. The resolution of rutin and quercetin met the DPC's requirements for the SST criteria in TLC identification, and all batches of samples showed good separation of the index components. This method could effectively distinguish Descurainiae Semen from Lepidii Semen. Using modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, the structure of the chromatographic peak adjacent to the component of the index (quercetin-3-O-β- D-glucoside-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside) was identified as descuraic anhydride B. The resolution between the two components in all batches of samples was greater than 3.1, which met the DPC's requirements for the SST criteria in content determination. The results of the methodological investigations met the requirements for content determination. The content of quercetin-3-O-β- D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside in 30 batches of samples ranged from 0.062%-0.125%.Conclusion:The established quality standard system for Descurainiae Semen in this article is comprehensive, and meets the requirements of the DPC, which can be used for the quality control of Descurainiae Semen.

Luxembourg boasts a strategically advantageous geographical location, a robust economic foundation, and an open cultural environment, all of which serve as essential pillars for the promotion of TCM. Its population is diverse and enjoys a significantly high average life expectancy; however, it faces notable health challenges such as chronic diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and an aging population. The citizens benefit from extensive medical coverage, access to high-quality healthcare services, and substantial public investment in healthcare. Modern medicine forms the backbone of its healthcare system while traditional therapies, such as acupuncture and moxibustion, play a complementary role as alternative treatments. The development of TCM in Luxembourg has been influenced by neighboring countries, promoted by TCM experts, and supported by the government. At present, TCM is mainly regulated in Luxembourg based on modern medical regulations and relevant EU standards. Its clinical application in health care and chronic disease management has become increasingly important. Relevant education and training are also gradually promoted through international cooperation with the support of the government. It is suggested to promote the establishment of relevant legal norms of local TCM; promote the service and application of TCM to continuously adapt to market demand and sustainable development; increase support to deepen the research and education of TCM, and realize the in-depth promotion and application of TCM in Luxembourg and even in Europe.

Objective To analyze and evaluate the hospital bed efficiency and development trend of 54 tertiary public hospitals in Shandong Province from 2013 to 2020 and to provide a reference for improving efficiency in the use of hospital beds and rationally allocating medical and health resources.Methods Based on the panel data of 54 tertiary public hospitals in Shandong Province from 2013 to 2020,three indicators of bed utilization rate,bed turnover times and the average length of stay of patients were selected to describe the differences of bed use efficiency in each category by using variance analysis and to evaluate the bed use efficiency in tertiary public hospitals in Shandong Province.Results The results of the study show that the bed utilization rate of tertiary public hospitals in Shandong Province decreased from 2013 to 2020,but it is still higher than the national average level.The results of variance analysis showed that in 2019,the overall bed utilization rate of 54 third-level public hospitals reached 95.9%,which was overloaded.The number of bed turnover and the average day of hospitalization were improved,but there were significant differences in bed use efficiency among hospitals with different bed size and institutional attributes(P＜0.05).Conclusion Shandong Province should strengthen the rational allocation of medical resources,improve the level of hospital management,formulate relevant policies to promote the rational use of hospital bed resources,and further improve hospital bed efficiency.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis(CVST)is a special type of cerebrovascular disease,and the common autoimmune diseases that can cause CVST are systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome,and the combination of CVST with Sj?gren's syndrome is not common in clinical practice.The authors reported the case data of a patient with Sj?gren's syndrome combined with CVST and discussed the possible pathogenesis,treatment and prognosis,with the aim of providing some guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of patient.