ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） under disease-syndrome combination， thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations （≥2 times/year） and infrequent acute exacerbations （<2 times/year） according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression， and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）. ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group （1 196 cases） and infrequent acute exacerbations group （833 cases） were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors： body mass index （BMI）， hospitalization days， number of smoking years， place of residence， use of noninvasive ventilators， oxygen-demanding therapy， liver cirrhosis， use of systemic glucocorticosteroids， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome （phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung）. The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set （AUC=0.748） and validation set （AUC=0.774）. ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD， integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome， constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.

Objective: To compare the Reveos automated blood processing system with the current method, and to evaluate the feasibility and validity of using the Reveos system for blood component preparation. Methods: Forty units of 400 mL whole blood samples were divided into two groups: 2C group (for two-component preparation) and 3C group (for three-component preparation). Each group was further divided into a Reveos subgroup and a control subgroup. Blood components were prepared using the Reveos system and the current centrifugation method respectively. The 2C group yielded suspended red blood cells and plasma, while the 3C group yielded suspended red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Key quality indicators for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets were measured before and after separation. Inter-group differences were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The trend of changes in the main performance indicators of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets before and after separation was generally consistent between the Reveos group and the control group, with no significant differences for most performance indicators. The Reveos system outperformed the current method in several aspects: in the 3C group, the hematocrit (Hct) was significantly higher in the Reveos group than in the control group [(62.82%±1.64%) vs (53.62%±3.04)%, P<0.001]; the white blood cell count in red blood cell suspensions was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.37±1.42)×10 /L vs (8.42±2.30)×10 /L, P<0.001]; plasma yield was 27.5% higher than that in the control group [(183.90±17.37) mL vs (144.28±20.53) mL, P<0.001]; and the platelet activation rate was significantly lower than that in the control group [(21.97±14.25)% vs (34.73±11.92)%, P=0.044]. Conclusion: The Reveos system demonstrates good consistency with the current method in preparing blood components, and outperforms the current method in terms of leukocyte reduction and red blood cell concentration.

ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy in orthopedic patients by retrospectively analyzing the current transfusion practices and comparing postoperative outcomes across different transfusion thresholds. Methods: Clinical data of patients who underwent orthopedic surgery and received blood transfusions at a single hospital from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively collected for descriptive analysis. Patients were then stratified into two groups based on pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds:70-79 g/L group (n=92) and 80-89 g/L group (n=120), and their data were compared in terms of postoperative hematological parameters, functional recovery, transfusion volume, and adverse events. Results: Among patients receiving orthopedic surgery and transfusion, elderly females accounted for a relatively high proportion. Transfusion requirements varied significantly across different surgical types, with marked differences in red blood cell transfusion volumes (P<0.001). Revision arthroplasty and spinal surgery had higher median volumes (3.5-3.0 U). Subgroup analysis revealed that the 70-79 g/L group had significantly higher postoperative D-dimer and creatinine levels than the 80-89 g/L group (Z=-2.035, P=0.042; Z=-2.523, P=0.012). The pre-transfusion pain score was also significantly higher in the 70-79 g/L group (Z=-2.828, P=0.005), but no significant difference was observed in post-transfusion pain scores between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study did not observe significant differences in postoperative adverse events, functional recovery, or transfusion volume-related indicators between the two transfusion thresholds. These findings provide clinical reference data for future studies on the safety and applicability of restrictive transfusion strategies in the orthopedic perioperative setting.

Abnormal amino acid metabolism promotes tumor progression by inducing malignant behaviors in tumor cells and altering the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we constructed colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models, performing multifaceted validation to confirm that T-complex protein 1 subunit epsilon (CCT5), mediates the biosynthesis of aspartate and enhances sensitivity to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Mechanistically, CCT5 directly binds to asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and promotes the synthesis of aspartate (Asn). The Asn-mTORC1 axis facilitates tumor cell proliferation while upregulating PD-L1 expression, which leads to a reduction in the number of effector CD8⁺ T cells. Treatment with l-asparaginase (ASNase) combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy effectively reverses the growth of CRC characterized by high CCT5 expression. In summary, we identify CCT5 as a potential biomarker to guide the combined use of ASNase and anti-PD-L1 antibodies in CRC treatment.

Pain modulation encompasses a complex neurobiological process, in which the lateral habenula (LHb) plays a crucial role in integrating, regulating and modulating pain signals. It is also involved in pain-related memory functions associated with perception, transmission and regulation of pain. Furthermore, the LHb collaborates with structures such as the spinal dorsal horn, forebrain, and amygdala to form an essential neural circuit that contributes to sensitization, development of tolerance, and adaptation processes related to pain. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the specific roles and interactions among different neuron subtypes within the LHb concerning pain regulation. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to explore functional changes and plasticity within both the LHb and its associated neural circuits in chronic pain models. Future research endeavors should utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques alongside optogenetics and gene editing technologies to elucidate intricate neural circuits, cellular architecture, and molecular mechanisms governing LHb function in pain regulation. In conclusion, this paper aims to comprehensively review existing literature on the involvement of the LHb and its neural circuits in modulating pain, thereby enhancing our understanding of their neurobiological mechanisms while providing novel targets for precise therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating pain.

To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.

BACKGROUND:Acute lung injury is a common severe complication in sepsis patients,with a complex pathogenesis,for which there is currently no effective pharmacological treatment.The therapeutic mechanism by which human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve sepsis-induced acute lung injury through the inhibition of excessive cellular pyroptosis is increasingly receiving attention.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on cellular pyroptosis in lung tissues of mice with sepsis-induced acute lung injury.METHODS:Totally 48 male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into sham,model,and treatment groups(n=16 per group).The model and treatment groups underwent cecum ligation and puncture to establish a sepsis-induced acute lung injury model,while the sham group underwent laparotomy without further procedures.The treatment group received a tail vein injection of 200 μL of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell suspension(5x105 cells)6 hours after the procedure,while the model and sham groups received 200 μL of saline 6 hours after the surgery.Twenty-eight hours post-procedure,five mice from each group were randomly selected for tail vein injection of Evans blue dye to assess pulmonary vascular permeability.The remaining mice from each group had their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues collected for ELISA to measure levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18,cell counts,and macrophage numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of lung tissue.TUNEL staining was used to assess cellular pyroptosis.RT-PCR and western blot analyses were conducted to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4,GSDMD,and Caspase-11 in lung tissues.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared to the model group,the treatment group showed a significant decrease in pulmonary vascular permeability at 28 hours post-procedure(P＜0.05),reduced levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(P＜0.05),and lower cell and macrophage counts(P＜0.05).Lung injury severity was reduced,with a decreased pyroptosis index(P＜0.05)and significantly lower levels of Toll-like receptor 4,GSDMD,GSDMD-N,and Caspase-11 mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues(P＜0.05).These results suggest that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells may improve the severity of sepsis-induced lung injury to some extent by inhibiting the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4/Caspase-11/GSDMD signaling pathway and reducing cellular pyroptosis in lung tissues.

To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.

Objective: To analyze the demographic characteristics of patients with red blood cell transfusion reactions, the usage of red blood cell preparations, and the differences in the composition ratio of adverse reactions based on multi-center data from the Haemovigilance Network, in order to reveal the clinical characteristics of red blood cell transfusion and its underlying issues. Methods: Clinical data of patients who experienced transfusion reactions after red blood cell transfusion in the Haemovigilance Network from 2018 to 2023 were collected. The demographic characteristics of patients who experienced transfusion reactions with different types of red blood cell preparations, the utilization of these preparations, and the differences of the composition ratios of transfusion reactions were analyzed. Count data were expressed as numbers (n) or percentages (%), and comparisons between groups were performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Red blood cell transfusion reactions were more common in females (53.56%), with the majority of patients aged 50-69 years (35.54%). The Han polulation accounted for the vast majority of patients (92.77%), and patients in the hematology and obstetrics/gynecology departments had a relatively high proportion of transfusion reactions (13.26% and 14.26%, respectively). Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells and suspended red blood cells were the most common types of transfusion reactions reported among red blood cell preparations. Allergic reactions and non-hemolytic febrile reactions were the most common transfusion reactions, and there were significant differences in the composition ratios of allergic reactions (χ =869.89, P<0.05) and non-hemolytic febrile reactions (χ =812.75, P<0.05) across various types of red blood cell preparations. Conclusion: There are differences in the demographic characteristics and composition ratio of transfusion reactions among different red blood cell preparations. The management of red blood cell transfusion reactions should be tailored to patient characteristics and conditions, and the selection and use of blood products should be optimized to reduce or avoid the occurrence of transfusion reactions, such as considering the use of washed red blood cells for patients with a history of transfusion allergies or those prone to allergies.