Objective To retrospectively analyze the impact of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) parameter optimization on the diagnostic accuracy for pulmonary nodules and their radiation exposure, and to provide a basis for balancing diagnostic performance and radiation safety. Methods Data from 300 high-risk individuals who underwent pulmonary LDCT screening at Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2023 and December 2024 were collected. Participants were divided into an optimized LDCT group (n = 150; 100 kV, 70-90 mA) and a traditional LDCT group (n = 150; 120 kV, 140-160 mA) based on scanning parameters. Baseline characteristics, radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy were compared between the two groups. Key factors influencing diagnostic accuracy were analyzed. Results In the optimized group, the volume CT dose index, dose-length product, and effective dose decreased by over 40% (t = 37.492, 35.351, and 35.262, respectively, all P<0.001). Similarly, tube voltage and current decreased significantly (t = 14.582 and 28.653, respectively, both P<0.001), while scan time showed no significant change (t = 0.321, P = 0.760). The overall image quality score of the optimized group was slightly lower than that of the traditional group (4.21 ± 0.43 vs. 4.38 ± 0.39; t = 3.587, P<0.001), but remained within the good-to-excellent range. Both groups demonstrated high diagnostic confidence (4.25 vs. 4.41; t = 3.361, P = 0.001) and high inter-evaluator consistency as indicated by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.82. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in sensitivity (94.83% vs. 96.43%; Z = 0.393), specificity (91.30% vs. 90.22%; Z = 0.292), accuracy (92.78% vs. 93.33%; χ² = 0.031), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.931 vs. 0.938; Z = 0.202) (all P>0.05). Diagnostic performance for<6 mm nodules showed no significant difference (P = 0.778). Multivariable analysis identified nodule size, solid density, lobulated margins, and image quality score as independent predictors of diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion Optimized LDCT can significantly reduce radiation exposure (by over 40%) while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for pulmonary nodules, including small nodules, and good image quality, making it suitable for lung cancer screening in high-risk populations.

Bronchial asthma （BA） is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages （LMs）， as important effector cells of the innate immune system， play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens， clearing harmful particles， and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 （pro-inflammatory） or M2 （anti-inflammatory） in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response， as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair （airway remodeling）， playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness， but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation， reduce airway mucus secretion， and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients， especially polysaccharides and saponins， can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages， inhibit inflammatory response in the airway， reduce airway remodeling， and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients， aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.

Bronchial asthma （BA） is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages （LMs）， as important effector cells of the innate immune system， play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens， clearing harmful particles， and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 （pro-inflammatory） or M2 （anti-inflammatory） in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response， as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair （airway remodeling）， playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness， but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation， reduce airway mucus secretion， and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients， especially polysaccharides and saponins， can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages， inhibit inflammatory response in the airway， reduce airway remodeling， and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients， aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of long intergenic non-coding RNA02086 （LINC02086） overexpression mediated macrophage polarization on the proliferation， migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. MethodsThe expression levels of LINC02086 in the human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 and human gastric cancer cell lines HCG-27， NCI-N87， and AGS were determined by qRT-PCR. Human acute monocytic leukemia cells （THP-1） were induced to differentiate into M0 macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate （PMA）. HGC-27 cells were infected with either LINC02086 overexpression lentivirus （OE-LINC02086） or its negative control lentivirus （Vector）， and the culture supernatants were collected as conditioned medium （CM1）. M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the infected HGC-27 cells， and the resulting supernatants were designated as conditioned medium 2 （CM2）. M0 macrophages were treated with CM1 alone or in combination with Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor IWR-1， forming the Vector+CM1， OE-LINC02086+CM1， and OE-LINC02086+CM1+IWR-1 groups， respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect mannose receptor C-type 1 （CD206） expression， and qRT-PCR was employed to measure mRNA levels of interleukin-10 （IL⁃10）， transforming growth factor-β （TGF⁃β）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and chemokine ligand 22 （CCL22）. Western blot was performed to evaluate protein expression of CD206， VEGF， and key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway—Wnt family member 3a （Wnt3a）， glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）， and β-catenin. HGC-27 cells were treated with CM2 alone or combined with IWR-1， establishing the Vector+CM2， OE-LINC02086+CM2， and OE-LINC02086+CM2+IWR-1 groups. CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation， and Transwell assays were conducted to assess migration and invasion capabilities. ResultsCompared with GES-1 cells， the expression levels of LINC02086 were upregulated in HCG-27， NCI-N87， and AGS cells （P < 0.05）， with the smallest increase observed in HCG-27 cells. Compared with Vector+CM1 group， the level of CD206 and the expression levels of IL⁃10， TGF⁃β， VEGF and CCL22 mRNA in macrophages stimulated by OE-LINC02086+CM1 increased （P<0.05）. Meanwhile， the expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin proteins in cells increased （P<0.05）， and the expression level of GSK-3β protein decreased （P<0.05）. However， co-treatment with IWR-1 markedly reversed the promoting effects of LINC02086 overexpression on the expression of M2 polarization markers， including CD206， IL⁃10， and TGF⁃β mRNA， in macrophages （P<0.05）， as well as its activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway （P<0.05）. Compared with Vector+CM2 group， HGC-27 cells infected with OE-LINC02086+CM2 had increased proliferation activity and increased number of migration and invasion cells （P<0.05）. However， the combined intervention of IWR-1 significantly reversed the promotion of LINC02086 overexpression on the proliferation， migration and invasion of HGC-27 cells （P<0.05）. ConclusionLINC02086 overexpression promotes the proliferation， migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway to mediate M2 polarization of macrophages.

ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) at a single-center children’s hospital in Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HBoV infection. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 19 537 hospitalized children with ALRTI at Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis was used to detect HBoV and 12 other common respiratory viruses /atypical pathogens. The positive detection rate, demographic characteristics (sex, age), temporal distribution (year, season) of HBoV, as well as the clinical characteristics of severe and non-severe pneumonia were analyzed. ResultsThe overall HBoV-positive rate was 2.57% (503/19 537), with 59.44% (299/503) being single infections and 40.56% (204/503) being co-infections. The positive detection rate was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (2.78% vs 2.33%, χ²=3.88, P=0.049). The highest infection rate was observed in toddlers, followed by infants (χ²=379.57, P<0.001). The positive rate peaked in 2021 and reached its lowest point in 2023 (χ²=45.49, P<0.001), with epidemics mainly prevalent in summer and autumn. The main clinical symptoms were cough (90.06%, 453/503), fever (75.94%, 382/503), and wheezing (39.96%, 201/503). Children with severe pneumonia showed a higher incidence of wheezing compared with the non-severe group (P<0.001), while underlying diseases and co-infections had no significant association with disease severity (P>0.05). ConclusionHBoV was an important pathogen of ALRTI in children, predominantly affecting infants and toddlers, with higher susceptibility in boys and seasonal peaks in autumn and summer. The main clinical manifestations included cough, fever, and wheezing, with wheezing being more prevalent in children with severe pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE To study the imaging characteristics of the normal cricoarytenoid joint.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on the upper airway CT images of 175 subjects with normal laryngoscopic findings.According to age groups,a qualitative evaluation was made of the calcification of the arytenoid cartilage(AC),the hyperplasia of the AC,and the degree of stenosis of the cricoarytenoid joint(CAJ).The study aimed to explore the changing trends of these factors with age.We evaluated the spatial position structures such as the length of the vocal cords(l-VC),the distance between the muscle process of the arytenoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage(d-MPCC),and the angle of the cricoarytenoid joint(a-CAJ).RESULTS There were differences in calcification of AC,hyperplasia of AC and stenosis of CAJ among different age groups.The calcification of AC(r=0.36,P<0.001),hyperplasia of AC(r=0.49,P<0.001)and stenosis of CAJ(r=0.54,P<0.001)the were positively correlated with age.Bilateral l-VC and a-CAJ were symmetry(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION The morphology of the CAJ was symmetrical in the normal population.It gradually underwent calcification,hyperplasia,and stenosis with age.Upper airway CT examination could evaluate the morphology and spatial position of the CAJ,providing an anatomical reference for clinical practice

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy combined with cervical rotation-traction manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Totally 84 CSR patients from the Orthopedics Department of Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 42 patients in each group. The treatment for both groups lasted for 14 d. VAS scale was used to assess pain levels before and after treatment, OASTCSR was used to evaluate cervical function, and NDI was used to assess cervical functional status; adverse reactions during treatment were observed and recorded, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 95.24% (40/42) in the treatment group and 80.95% (34/42) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.36, P=0.029). After treatment, the VAS score (1.60±1.21 vs. 2.91±1.12, t=-1.89), the OASTCSR score (5.17±2.14 vs. 9.31±3.82, t=-11.57), and the NDI score (9.17±2.13 vs. 13.36±3.45, t=-10.82) in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05). During the treatment period, neither group experienced any adverse reactions. Conclusion:The combination of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy and cervical rotation-traction manipulation can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients with CSR, and its efficacy is superior to the use of cervical rotation-traction manipulation alone.

Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.