OBJECTIVE To preliminarily investigate the antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， dexamethasone group （positive control）， and Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum 2∶1， 1∶1 and 1∶2 groups. Rats in each group were administered different ratios of the herb pair decoction [all at 18 g （crude drug）/kg]， dexamethasone suspension （0.5 mg/kg）， or normal saline intragastrically twice daily for seven consecutive days. Forty minutes after the last administration， medicated cerebrospinal fluid was collected to determine the content of effective components entering the brain. One and a half hours after the last administration， the nucleus tractus solitarius （NTS） was located using a stereotaxic apparatus. Histamine phosphate （1 μL） was injected into the NTS region at a constant rate of 1 μL/min using a 10 μL microsyringe to induce excitation of the respiratory center in rats； the blank group was injected with normal saline. The contents of neurotransmitters [nerve growth factor （NGF）， substance P （SP）， norepinephrine （NA）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） and acetylcholine （Ach）] in the medulla oblongata brain tissue were detected. The mRNA expressions of neurokinin-1 receptor （NK-1R）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and c-fos in the medulla oblongata， as well as the protein expressions of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos in the NTS region， were determined. RESULTS The main active components of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair entering the brain were ephedrine， pseudoephedrine， and methylephedrine. Compared with blank group， the contents of NGF， SP， NA， 5-HT and Ach， and the relative expression levels of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group （ P ＜0.01）. Compared with model group， Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair groups with different ratios significantly reduced the neurotransmitter contents and the relative expression levels of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos mRNA and protein （ P ＜0.01）， with the 2∶1 Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair and 1∶1 mass ratios showing relatively better effects. CONCLUSIONS Ephedrae Herba alkaloids are the main active components in affecting the function of the respiratory center. The herb pair groups with a larger proportion of Ephedrae Herba exhibit stronger effects. Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair can reduce the excitability of the respiratory center by down-regulating the expression of the NK-1R/MAPK/c-fos pathway in the NTS and decreasing the abnormal release of neurotransmitters such as NGF and SP.

Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.

Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.

Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy and identify differences between haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (Haplo-MSC) and umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSC) in mice with bone marrow acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Methods Eight-to ten-week-old CB6F1 mice were exposed to 8 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation to establish a bone marrow-type ARS model.The mice were then randomly assigned to three groups: the Haplo-MSC group (haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells combined with MSCs), the UCB-MSC group (umbilical cord blood stem cells combined with MSCs), and a saline control group. The survival rate, peripheral blood cell counts, pathological changes in target organs, colony formation of bone marrow cells, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. Results All mice in the saline control group died within 14 days, with a median survival time of 8.9 days. The 30 day survival rate was 65% in the Haplo-MSC group and 60% in the UCB-MSC group. The Log-rank test showed no significant difference in survival time between the two transplantation groups (P=0.561). At 28 days post-transplantation, no significant differences were observed in WBC, PLT, RBC, or Hb counts between the two groups (P=0.151, 0.733, 0.856, and 0.300, respectively). Pathological changes in bone marrow cells showed that bone marrow failure occurred later in the UCB-MSC group than in the Haplo-MSC group. In contrast, the Haplo-MSC group exhibited faster hematopoietic stem cell engraftment. Furthermore, the numbers of CFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-GEMM differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the Haplo-MSC and UCB-MSC regimens promoted hematopoietic engraftment and reconstitution in mice with lethal-dose radiation-induced bone marrow ARS. However, the onset of bone marrow failure was delayed in mice treated with the UCB-MSC regimen. In contrast, mice treated with the Haplo-MSC regimen showed faster engraftment.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.

Objective:To review the clinicopathological features of TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcino-ma(TFE3-RCC)with venous tumor thrombus(VT)(TFE3-VT),to explore treatment strategies and to prognostic characteristics,and to provide diagnostic and therapeutic references for TFE3-VT patients.Methods:Patients who underwent surgery at Department of Urology,Peking University Third Hospital from January 2013 to January 2024 were enrolled,including three cohorts:Pathologically confirmed TFE3-VT patients,TFE3-RCC patients without VT(TFE3-non-VT),and non-TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma patients with VT(non-TFE3-VT).Clinical history,imaging data,pathological data,and follow-up records were collected.Primary and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS),respectively.(1)Baseline characteristics were compared between the TFE3-VT and TFE3-non-VT patients.Normally distributed continuous variables were expressed as mean±SD and compared using Student's t-test;non-normally distributed variables were expressed as M(P25,P75)and analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test;categorical variables were described as frequency and percentage[n(％)]and compared by x2 test or Fisher's exact test.(2)Clinical history,radiological presenta-tions,surgical data,and histopathological features of the TFE3-VT patients were comprehensively charac-terized.(3)Survival analysis was performed for the TFE3-VT patients.Follow-up data of the TFE3-VT patients were described in detail,and their survival outcomes were compared with the TFE3-non-VT and non-TFE3-VT patients.When compared with the TFE3-non-VT counterparts,Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate PFS and OS curves among:(1)the TFE3-RCC patients across clinical stages Ⅰ-Ⅳ;(2)TFE3-VT versus TFE3-non-VT cohorts;(3)stage Ⅲ subgroups of the TFE3-VT and TFE3-non-VT patients.Intergroup survival differences were statistically evaluated using Log-rank tests.For comparisons with the non-TFE3-VT patients,a 1∶1 propensity score matching(PSM)was implemented to balance baseline characteristics between the two cohorts.Post-matching Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare PFS and OS between the matched groups,with Log-rank tests employed to determine statistical significance of survival disparities.All statistical analyses were conducted with R software(v 4.2.3),and two-tailed P＜0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The study included 45 TFE3-RCC patients:13 TFE3-VT and 32 TFE3-non-VT cases.Additionally,523 non-TFE3-VT patients were enrolled.Among the 13 TFE3-VT patients,9 were female(69.2％)and 4 male(30.8％),with a mean age of(37.9±14.4)years,mean BMI of(22.2±3.5)kg/m2,median age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index(aCCI)of 1.0(0.0,1.0),and preoperative creatinine level of(75.3±15.9)μmol/L;tumors were located in the left kidney in 7 patients(53.8％)and right kidney in 6(46.2％);preoperative distant metastasis(M1 stage)was present in 6 patients(46.2％),while 7(53.8％)showed no metastasis;VT distribution by Mayo level comprised 7 cases(53.8％)at level 0,1 case each at levels Ⅰ and Ⅳ(7.7％respectively),and 2 cases each at levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ(15.4％respectively);surgical approaches comprised open surgery(n=2,15.4％),laparoscopic surgery(n=6,46.1％),and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery(n=5,38.5％);mean operative time was(273±79)min,and intraoperative blood loss was(722±570)mL;mean maximum tumor diameter was(10.8±2.4)cm.All the 13 patients underwent TFE3 protein immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining,with 7 confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH).Tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred in 11 patients(84.6％),and 9(69.2％)patients died during follow-up.Median PFS was 4 months(1 year PFS rate:31％),and median OS was 13 months(1 year OS rate:54％).Survival analysis of 45 TFE3-RCC pa-tients revealed statistically significant differences in PFS and OS across all the clinical stages(P＜0.001).The TFE3-VT patients exhibited significantly worse PFS and OS than the TFE3-non-VT patients(P＜0.001),with persistent significance in stage Ⅲ subgroup analysis(P＜0.05).After PSM,TFE3-VT pa-tients showed significantly inferior PFS compared with non-TFE3-VT(P=0.01),though no significant difference was shown between the OS curves(P=0.11).Conclusion:TFE3-VT predominantly occurs in young females with frequent preoperative metastases.Strongly-positive staining of TFE3 protein in IHC stai-ning and red-green split signals in FISH tests are reliable diagnostic markers.TFE3-VT patients exhibit in-ferior survival compared with TFE3-non-VT patients and earlier progression than non-TFE3-VT patients.

Objective::This study aimed to assess the impact of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor treatment immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 5-10 d after the procedure.Methods::The early PCSK9 inhibitor thERapy Following pErcutaneous Coronary inTervention (PERFECT) trial is a prospective randomized controlled trial. From January 2021 to December 2023, 32 patients with anterior STEMI from Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital were enrolled in the PERFECT trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the PCSK9 inhibitor group ( n = 16) or the control group ( n = 16), and their baseline data were collected. Patients in the PCSK9 inhibitor group (ie, alirocumab group) received a subcutaneous injection of PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab, 75 mg) immediately after PCI based on conventional treatment. In the control group, patients received only conventional treatment. The primary endpoint was the MSI measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI. The secondary endpoints included the left ventricular ejection fraction measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI and the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Safety endpoints included any clinical adverse events that occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. Results::Baseline data during admission showed no intergroup significance. No significant difference in MSI (55.54% ± 14.80% vs. 44.72% ± 15.42%, P = 0.056) and left ventricular ejection fraction (51.24% ± 8.91% vs. 44.99% ± 8.84%, P = 0.060) was observed. Additional, there was no significant difference in the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB ((12.97 ± 5.67) h vs. (14.31 ± 7.04) h, P = 0.557) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T ((21.03 ± 12.46) h vs. (21.44 ± 9.99) h, P = 0.920) between the 2 groups. During the 6-month follow-up period, only 1 patient in the PCSK9 inhibitor group developed cerebral hemorrhage 6 months after PCI. Conclusions::Early treatment with alirocumab did not exhibit a significant increase in MSI at 5-10 d in patients with anterior STEMI. Larger trials are necessary to evaluate the impact of early administration of PCSK9 inhibitors after myocardial infarction.