Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.

BackgroundThe violent aggressive behaviors of patients with schizophrenia usually have the characteristics of suddenness， unpredictability， high severity， and great difficulty in prevention. Early identification and accurate assessment of their risk of violent aggression have significant clinical significance. ObjectiveTo construct a predictive model for the violence risk in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia， to identify the key factors influencing the occurrence of violent behavior in these patients， so as to provide references for clinical precise quantitative assessment and early intervention. MethodsA total of 200 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital from March 2022 to September 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases， eleventh edition （ICD-11） were collected to form the modeling cohort. They were randomly divided into a training set （n=140） and a test set （n=60） at a ratio of 7∶3. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator （LASSO） regression algorithm， the feature variables were screened and dimension-reduced. The support vector machine （SVM） from machine learning was selected for model training and prediction. The discrimination efficacy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve （AUC）， accuracy， precision， sensitivity， specificity， F1 value， and Brier value. ResultsLASSO regression screening identified 16 feature variables. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between prior violent behavior frequency and clinical psychiatric symptom scores （r=0.580， P<0.01）， a positive correlation between hospitalization compliance and current disease status （r=0.550， P=0.003）， and a positive correlation between educational level and family per capita monthly income （r=0.367， P<0.01）. The SVM model achieved an AUC of 0.853， accuracy of 0.800， precision of 0.810， sensitivity of 0.895， specificity of 0.636， F1 value of 0.850， and Brier value of 0.168. ConclusionThe SVM model has a relatively high level of applicability and overall predictive performance in the assessment of violent risk in schizophrenia patients， which is helpful for the early identification of violent risks in such patients. ［Funded by Specialized Research Project for Enhancing the Competence of Health Professionals in Taiyuan City （number， Y2023006）］

Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance， while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition， demonstrating eight distinct advantages， including systematic theoretical foundation， diversified therapeutic approaches， definite therapeutic efficacy， high safety profile， good patient compliance， comprehensive intervention strategies， emphasis on prevention， and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally， TCM is characterized by six distinctive features： the use of natural medicinal substances， non-invasive external therapies， integration of medicinal dietetics， simple exercise regimens， precise syndrome differentiation， and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments， TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation， demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators， regulating constitutional imbalance， and promoting healthy behaviors. However， challenges remain， such as inconsistent operational standards， insufficient high-quality clinical evidence， and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment， conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials， and fostering interdisciplinary integration， so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Objective To investigate the significance of modified Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity score (S-ReSC), renal stone complexity score (R.I.R.S.), and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Nephrolithometric Nomogram (CROES) score in predicting the stone-clearance rate (SFR) after ureteroscopy combined with flexible negative pressure suction sheath in the treatment of kidney stones. Methods A total of 200 patients with kidney stones treated in our hospital during Dec.2022 and Apr.2024 were selected.According to abdominal CT evaluation 1 month after surgery, the patients were divided into the residual group (n=38) and the non-residual group (n=162).The relationship between the scores was assessed with Pearson correlation, the independent risk factors were identified with binary logistic regression, the predictive efficacy was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the difference in the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) was compared with the Delong test. Results Compared with the non-residual group, the residual group had significantly higher modified S-ReSC and R.I.R.S., but significantly lower CROES score (P＜0.05). Modified S-ReSC was positively correlated with R.I.R.S. (P＜0.05), while CROES score was negatively correlated with S-ReSC and R.I.R.S.Staghorn stones, maximum stone diameter, elevated CT values, increased S-ReSC and R.I.R.S., and decreased CROES score were independent risk factors for postoperative stone residual (P＜0.05).ROC curves showed the optimal AUC of R.I.R.S.was 0.855, and the optimal AUC of combined prediction was 0.950.Conclusion The R.I.R.S.has the best efficacy in predicting postoperative stone residual, especially for complex stones.The combination of stone characteristics and the three scoring systems can improve the prediction efficiency, and provide reference for preoperative evaluation and individualized treatment.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.

Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic treatment of superficial non-ampullary duodenal adenoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up information of patients diagnosed with superficial duodenal non-ampullary adenomas via preoperative endoscopy and treated endoscopically at Peking University First Hospital between January 2013 and January 2024. The overall en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate of the lesion, perioperative complications, and recurrence rates were evaluated. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their treatment modality: endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)（ n=46）, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)（ n=16）, and modified ESD (ESD with snare, ESD-S)（ n=24）. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate operative time, en bloc resection rate, and complete resection rate among the three groups. Results:Among 86 patients, the overall en bloc and complete resection rates were 87.2% (75/86) and 86.0% (74/86), respectively. No case of delayed bleeding was observed during the perioperative period. Intraoperative perforation occurred in two patients, both of whom improved following conservative management. Delayed perforation was noted in four patients, and three of them were successfully managed with surgical intervention, while one case was resolved after conservative treatment. During the follow-up period, local recurrence was identified in two patients. Following re-treatment with endoscopy and continuous surveillance, no further recurrence was observed. The operative times for the EMR group, ESD-S group, and ESD group were 4 (1-36) minutes, 25 (5-190) minutes, and 46 (5-150) minutes, respectively. Significant differences were observed in operative times among the three groups ( Hc=49.892, P<0.001). The en bloc resection rates for the EMR, ESD-S, and ESD groups were 80.4% (37/46), 91.7% (22/24), and 100.0% (16/16), respectively. The complete resection rates were 80.4% (37/46), 91.7% (22/24), and 93.8% (15/16) for the respective groups. Conclusion:Endoscopic treatment demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety for superficial non-ampullary duodenal adenoma. In addition to traditional EMR and ESD, ESD-S is also an effective procedure for endoscopic treatment of non-ampullary duodenal adenoma.

Objective To sort,summarize,and introduce key terms related to guideline reporting,evaluation,dissemination,implementation,and updating.Methods We systematically searched guideline de-velopment manuals and methodological literature from database inception to October 25,2024.Terms related to guideline reporting,updating,evaluation,and implementation were extracted,standardized,and finalized through a structured consensus process.Results A total of 13 guideline manuals and 32 methodological articles were included,yielding 14 core terms with standardized definitions.Conclusions This article introduces key terms such as reporting standards,external review,and research gaps across guideline development phases to promote concept application and deepen readers'understanding of guideline development.

Objective:To develop a vasectomy intention scale (VIS) and evaluate its reliability and validity for assessing men's intentions toward vasectomy.Methods:Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the VIS was developed through a process that included literature review, panel discussions, expert consultations, and a pilot survey. A total of 264 men seeking vasectomy consultation at the Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 2023 and December 2024 were recruited to assess reliability and validity of the VIS.Results:The VIS comprises 11 items across three dimensions: "background" factors, "stance and behavior" factors and "information" factors. The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.739). Correlations between each dimension and the total scale ("background" factors r=0.849, "stance and behavior" factors r=0.744, "information" factors r=0.440) exceeded inter-dimension correlations (ranging from 0.145 to 0.312), confirming robust construct validity. The vasectomy rates among men with different intention levels were 65.7% (92/140) in the high-intention group, 28.9% (33/114) in the moderate-intention group, and 0% (0/11) in the low-intention group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=43.42, P<0.001). Conclusion:The VIS exhibits strong reliability and validity, serving as a validated instrument for measuring the strength of men's vasectomy intentions.

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.