ObjectiveTo identify potential influencing factors of urate crystal deposition at ankle/foot in patients with hyperuricemia （HUA）， and to analyze the predictive value of inflammatory indicators for urate crystal deposition in patients with different traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes， so as to provide potential reference for clinical risk assessment and individualized TCM intervention. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out with the enrollment of 231 HUA patients from The Third Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2021 and December 2024. The enrolled patients were further divided into a crystal deposition-positive group （143 cases） and a crystal deposition-negative group （88 cases） according to the results of dual-energy computed tomography （CT）. Sociodemographic data， living habits， serum uric acid levels， and inflammatory indicators of the enrolled patients were collcted， and TCM syndrome differentiation was performed. Furthermore， univariate analysis was used to compare inter-group differences in clinical characteristics. MMultivariate Logistic regression was applied to identify the influencing factors of urate crystal deposition. In addition， the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive efficacy of inflammatory indicators for crystal deposition across different TCM syndromes. ResultsThere were statistically significant inter-group differences in the proportion of males， age， body mass index， proportion of mental labor， rate of low water intake， and rate of high-sugar beverage consumption （P<0.05），whereas no significant difference in low exercise intensity was found between the two groups. Furthermore， compared with the negative group， the positive group had higher serum uric acid level， neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR）， and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio （PLR）， but lower systemic immune-inflammation index （SIRI） （P<0.05）. Regarding the distribution of TCM syndromes， the positive group was dominated by the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome （55/143，38.46%）， while the negative group was mainly characterized by the phlegm-turbidity obstruction syndrome （44/88，50.00%）. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that high-sugar beverage consumption， elevated NLR， and elevated PLR were risk factors for urate crystal deposition ［odd ratio （OR） = 8.002， 5.377， 1.034， respectively； 95% CI 1.572-40.732， 2.179-13.270， 1.013-1.054，all P<0.05］， while SIRI was a protective factor （OR = 0.869， 95% CI 0.778-0.971， P<0.05）. In the positive group， patients with the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome exhibited the highest NLR， while the lowest PLR and SIRI， showing statistically significant differences with those of other syndromes （all P<0.05）. In addition， ROC curve analysis indicated that for the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome， the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an area under the curve （AUC） of 0.901 （95% CI 0.850-0.951， P<0.01）， with a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 79.5%； for the blood stasis-heat obstruction syndrome， the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an AUC of 0.880 （95% CI 0.825-0.934， P<0.01）， with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 67.3%； for the liver-kidney Yin-deficiency syndrome， the single PLR model had an AUC of 0.842 （95% CI 0.731-0.952， P<0.01）， with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 84.0%. ConclusionUrate crystal deposition in HUA patients exhibits intimate associations with high-sugar beverage consumption as well as elevated NLR and PLR levels. Meanwhile， TCM syndrome differentiation has potential correlation with inflammatory characteristics. The inflammatory indicator-based prediction model constructed based on TCM syndromes exhibits good predictive value.

Immune-stimulating antibody drug conjugate (ISAC) can not only effectively solve the defects of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists by coupling antibodies with STING agonists through the targeting of antibodies, but also play a synergistic role with antibodies to further improve the efficacy of STING agonists. This review first provides a concise overview of the current research landscape of ISACs and STING agonists, systematically elaborates on evolving trends in STING agonist development, and subsequently summarizes the mechanistic advances in STING ISAC research. Special emphasis is placed on representative STING ISAC candidates in preclinical/clinical development. Finally, the future directions of STING ISACs are critically discussed with perspectives and recommendations, aiming to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for future investigations.

This study systematically examined the effects of atomization as a transdermal permeation enhancer on the transdermal delivery of active ingredients with different physicochemical properties and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Porcine ear skin served as an in vitro model, and skin permeation experiments were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Receptor fluids were collected at specific time points, and samples of the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis were separated and prepared. Quantitative and visualization methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography, fluorescence derivatization, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, were used to compare skin retention and transdermal permeation of adenosine (AD), tranexamic acid (TXA), calcein (CAL), and tocopheryl acetate (TA) under atomized and non-atomized conditions. Additionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were employed to analyze the mechanism behind the penetration enhancement caused by atomization. The findings showed that atomization increased skin retention within the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis, as well as the transdermal permeation of all four active ingredients to varying degrees. The most significant enhancement was observed for TXA, which has a relatively low molecular weight and moderate lipophilicity, while the enhancement effects for highly hydrophilic AD and highly lipophilic TA were comparatively limited; however, atomization significantly increased the skin retention of TA. TEWL results indicated that skin permeability increased within 4 hours after atomization and largely recovered within 8 hours. ATR-FTIR analysis suggested that atomization may facilitate transdermal delivery by disrupting the lipid order and keratin conformation in the stratum corneum.This study provides theoretical support and experimental references for the advancement of atomization transdermal delivery technology, as well as the design and development of related atomization products.

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is widely prevalent across the world. The life cycle of T. gondii involves definitive hosts (cats and felines), intermediate hosts (humans, livestock, and wild animals), and the environment (such as soil and water). The One Health concept brings together the health of humans, animals, and the environment, with aims to pursue the optimal health outcomes through coordinated management. Management of toxoplasmosis from a One Health perspective may provide key insights into formulation of interventions for toxoplasmosis control. This article reviews the complex biological characteristics and life cycle of T. gondii, as well as the importance of felines as definitive hosts in the transmission of toxoplasmosis, analyzes the epidemiology, ecological impact and economic burden of toxoplasmosis, and discusses the bottlenecks in diagnostic and monitoring systems, environmental management technologies, and One Health interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, toxoplasmosis control strategies are proposed based on the One Health concept, covering public health interventions, management of animal sources, multi-sector collaboration, and development of novel vaccines. These strategies provide insights into interruption of toxoplasmosis transmission and maintenance of the global public health security.

ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation is widely used in its clinical management. However, the biological basis underlying different TCM syndromes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic differences between qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and damp-heat syndrome (DHS) in CRC patients and to establish a “syndrome-differential protein-herbal component” network for exploring potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with syndrome-specific treatment strategies. MethodsTumor tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC, including 5 patients diagnosed with QBDS and 5 with DHS according to standardized TCM syndrome differentiation criteria. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two syndrome groups. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed to characterize the biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the identified DEPs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was further applied to screen key syndrome-related proteins and construct a core protein prediction model. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinities between representative herbal compounds, astragaloside IV and berberine, and the identified core proteins. Finally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed in HCT 116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines to validate the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds in vitro. ResultsA total of 44 DEPs were identified between QBDS and DHS tissues, including 21 upregulated and 23 downregulated proteins in the QBDS group relative to the DHS group. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these proteins were primarily associated with antiviral immune responses, regulation of inflammatory signaling, NF‑κB signaling pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and other biological processes relevant to tumor progression and host immune regulation. LASSO regression analysis identified eight core proteins with potential syndrome-specific significance. Among them, ST7, GPCPD1, and PODXL were closely associated with QBDS, whereas FAT1, GRB7, KRT7, MAFF, and MMP8 were associated with DHS. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions between astragaloside IV and QBDS-related proteins, with binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol, indicating stable binding activity. Berberine exhibited even lower binding energies and stronger binding specificity toward DHS-related core proteins. In vitro experiments further confirmed that both compounds inhibited CRC cell proliferation, while berberine displayed significantly greater anti-proliferative efficacy. The lowest 48 h IC₅₀ value of berberine reached 15.21 mg/L in CRC cells, indicating a stronger growth-inhibitory effect than astragaloside IV. ConclusionCRC patients with QBDS and DHS exhibit distinct proteomic characteristics, suggesting that different TCM syndromes possess unique molecular signatures. The identified core proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for syndrome differentiation, while astragaloside IV and berberine may exert therapeutic effects through targeting syndrome-specific molecular networks. These findings provide preliminary proteomic evidence supporting syndrome-guided precision integrative medicine in CRC and offer new insights into the biological basis of TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of ultrasound-guided foraminal electroacupuncture on neuronal apoptosis and motor function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty-six SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham operation group, a model group, and an ultrasound-guilded electroacupuncture group (electroacupuncture group), with 12 rats in each group. In the sham operation group, the spinal cord was exposed and then the incision was sutured without contusion. In the other two groups, SCI models were established using a modified Allen's impact method. On days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after modeling, the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture intervention at the T₉/T₁₀ and T₁₀/T₁₁ intervertebral foramen under ultrasound guidance, avoiding spinal cord injury. Stimulation parameters were dense-disperse wave at 2 Hz/100 Hz and 1-2 mA for each session. Following interventions on days 1, 3, 7, and 14, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score was assessed; the inclined plane test was used to assess hindlimb grip strength in rats. After the intervention, HE staining was used to observe spinal cord morphology; TUNEL staining was used to detect neuronal apoptosis; ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of Wnt-4, β-catenin, c-Myc, Bax, Bcl-2, and NeuN in spinal tissue; quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Wnt-4, β-catenin, c-Myc, Bax, Bcl-2, and NeuN. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.05), and reduced inclined plane angles (P<0.05) at all time points. Compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group exhibited increased BBB scores on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05), and higher inclined plane angles on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed disorganized spinal cord structure with increased inflammatory cells and necrotic neurons, higher number of apoptotic neurons in spinal tissue (P<0.05), elevated serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels (P<0.05), increased protein and mRNA expression of Wnt-4, β-catenin, c-Myc, and Bax (P<0.05), and decreased protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and NeuN in spinal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group had fewer inflammatory cells and apoptotic neurons in spinal tissue (P<0.05), reduced serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels (P<0.05), increased protein and mRNA expression of Wnt-4, β-catenin, Bcl-2, and NeuN (P<0.05), and decreased protein and mRNA expression of c-Myc and Bax in spinal tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided foraminal electroacupuncture could improve motor function in rats with SCI, potentially by regulating the expression of molecules related to the Wnt-4/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory responses.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture/methods* ; Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Ultrasonography ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics* ; Spinal Cord/metabolism*

The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans ; Herpes Zoster/therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Consensus ; Clinical Protocols

Antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacterial wound infections (WIs) impose major burdens on healthcare systems, exacerbated by ineffective therapies and stalled antibiotic development. Phage therapy and phage-derived enzymes have gained traction as potent alternatives, leveraging targeted bactericidal mechanisms to combat AR pathogens. In this review, we summarised the antimicrobial mechanisms of both phage therapy and phage-derived enzymes as antimicrobial therapy, and outlined recent advances in their use for in vitro , in vivo and clinical applications for WI management. In addition, we also highlights recent advancements in their development, driven by genetic engineering, chemical modifications, and artificial intelligence. Finally, we identified the potential barriers and challenges they may encounter in clinical practice and the corresponding strategies to address these issues. The entire review gives us a comprehensive understanding of the latest advances in phages and their derivative enzyme therapies for treating WIs, in the hope that research in this field will continue to improve and innovate, accelerating the transition from the laboratory to application at the bedside and ultimately improving the efficacy of treatment for AR bacterial WIs.
Humans ; Phage Therapy/methods* ; Wound Infection/drug therapy* ; Bacteriophages/enzymology* ; Enzyme Therapy/methods* ; Animals ; Bacterial Infections/therapy*