Objective: Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data. Results: A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914]. Conclusion The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.

Objective To analyze the correlations between the thoracic electrical impedance tomography(EIT)-derived parameters global inhomogeneity(GI),center of ventilation(COV),regional ventilation delay(RVD),and atelectasis in hospitalized patients,and to explore their effectiveness in evaluating atelectasis.Methods The clinical data of 140 hospitalized patients monitored by thoracic EIT between Sep.2024 and Jan.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were assigned to 2 groups based on chest computed tomography confirmation of atelectasis within the preceding short-term period during EIT monitoring:non-atelectasis group or atelectasis group.The algorithm software designed with MATLAB was used to acquire GI and COV.RVD was obtained through analysis with the Dr?ger EIT Data Analysis Tool 6.3 software,and patients'general data were concurrently documented.Comparative analysis of EIT-derived parameters between groups was conducted.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the correlations of GI,COV,and RVD with atelectasis,while receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of EIT-derived parameters in evaluating atelectasis.Results A total of 140 patients were enrolled,with 19(13.6%)cases presenting atelectasis.Compared to the non-atelectasis group,the atelectasis group demonstrated significantly higher proportions of male patients and cardiovascular disease and thoracic surgery(non-pulmonary)histories,lower body mass index(BMI),and alongside elevated GI and RVD values with reduced COV(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GI,COV,and RVD maintained independent associations with atelectasis after adjusting for age,gender,BMI,pleural effusion,and emphysema(odds ratio[OR]=1.39,95%confidence interval[CI]1.20-1.67;OR=0.85,95%CI 0.75-0.96;OR=1.22,95%CI 1.09-1.39;all P＜0.05).The area under curve(AUC)values of GI,COV,and RVD for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients were 0.82,0.80,and 0.82,respectively(while RVD demonstrated a higher AUC,its clinical applicability was influenced by respiratory patterns).Conclusion Thoracic EIT-derived parameters GI and COV demonstrate significant correlations with atelectasis and may serve as valuable indicators for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients.

Objective To explore whether the biopsy rate and the positive rate of biopsy during colonoscopy can serve as effective indicators for evaluating the diagnostic proficiency of endoscopists.Methods Total fifteen endoscopists from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University,Guiqian International General Hospital and No.958 Hospital of PLA Army were enrolled and served as the study subjects.According to their years of experience,gender and working hours,they were divided into a senior group(n=8)and a junior group(n=7),a male group(n=9)and a female group(n=6),and a morning period(08:00-12:00)and an afternoon period(13:00-18:00).The data of all patients examined by the aforementioned endoscopists between January 2023 and December 2023 were collected,including the basic demographics,colonoscopic results,biopsy outcomes and pathological diagnoses of the patients.ANOVA was used to analyze the differences in the biopsy rate and positive rate of biopsy existed among the endoscopists of different years of experience,gender and working at different periods(morning and afternoon).Additionally,multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the independent risk factors associated with positive rates of biopsy.Results The senior group had significantly lower biopsy rate[(5.73±0.81)%vs(6.89±0.97)%],but obviously higher positive rate of biopsy[(53.52±3.87)%vs(33.70±7.85)%]than the junior group(both P<0.01).The biopsy rate was notably higher during the morning working time period than the afternoon working time period in all the endoscopits[(6.76±1.11)%vs(5.53±1.57)%,P<0.05].Logistic regression analysis showed that the years of experience[(53.52±3.87)%vs(33.70±7.85)%,OR=92.187,95%CI:3.118～2 725.366,P<0.01)and working time[(48.35±10.50)%vs(37.80±10.65)%,OR=20.885,95%CI:1.266～344.602,P<0.05)were influencing factors for positive rate of biopsy.Conclusion The biopsy rate is low and positive rate of biopsy is high among the senior experienced endoscopists,while,opposite results are seen in the junior experienced clinicians,indicating correlation of biopsy rate and positive rate of biopsy with diagnostic proficiency of endoscopists.

As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.

Risks of food safety induced by small molecule drug residues in animal food and environment have become an increasing public concern,so it is necessary to develop highly sensitive and easy-to-operate techniques to detect small molecules.Herein,a metasurface plasma resonance(MetaSPR)sensor chip coupled with gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)was developed for detection of enrofloxacin(ENR)based on competitive immunoassay.The detection range of the sensor for ENR was 0.025-3.2 ng/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 20 pg/mL.The biosensor showed excellent performance including high selectivity,good stability,ease to operate and high throughput,etc.The developed method was applied to detection of ENR residues in real samples,with recoveies of 96.0% -105.0%.The proposed sensing strategy provided new technique reference for detection of other small molecules in the field of residue analysis in food safety and environment monitoring.

The major components of Olaflur raw material were characterized using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS).The results revealed that cetyl amine fluoride(C16-AmF),octadecene amine fluoride(C18:1-AmF),and octadecyl amine fluoride(Olaflur)were the main components.The contents of C16-AmF,C18:1-AmF,and Olaflur in oral care products were determined via ultra performance liquid chromatography-charged aerosol detector coupled with solid-phase extraction(SPE-UPLC-CAD).The oral care sample was dispersed evenly with a 50%ethanol aqueous solution,and then vortexed with ethanol.The supernatant was collected by centrifugation,concentrated to near dryness,and redissolved with ultrapure water.The re-dissolved sample was loaded onto a Poly-Sery HLB Pro SPE column for purification and elution.The acetonitrile eluate was collected and concentrated to 1.0 mL.Finally,a prepared test solution was separated on a Thermo Acclaim Surfactant Plus chromatographic column(2.1 mm×150 mm,3 μm).Acetonitrile and 100 mmol/L acetic acid-ammonium acetate aqueous solution(pH=4.8)were used as the mobile phases for gradient elution.The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min and cloumn temperature was maintained at 40℃.The sample was detected using a charged aerosol detector,and quantified using an external standard method.The experimental results indicated that the three organic fluorinated amines showed good linear relationship in their respective concentration ranges.The correlation coefficients(r)were greater than 0.99.The limit of detection(LOD)and the limit of quantification(LOQ)of C16-AmF were 2.0 and 8.0 μg/mL,respectively.The LOD and LOQ of C18:1-AmF were 2.0 and 8.0 μg/mL,respectively.The LOD and LOQ of Olaflur were 3.0 μg/mL and 10.0 μg/mL,respectively.The spiked recoveries of the three organic fluorinated amines were 84.3%-104.2%,with relative standard deviations(RSDs)of 4.93%-5.82%.The 28 batches of commercial oral care samples were detected by this method and the results indicated that three organic fluorinated amines were detected in 18 samples and the total content were 22.2-11477.8 μg/g.This method had high sensitivity and good reproducibility.It was suitable for verifying the authenticity of the claims of oral care products promoted with Olaflur as the main efficacy ingredient and selling point,and provided a valuable reference for establishing and improving the standard analytical method for Olaflur.

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of common cancer that seriously endangers human health.Designing methods for early,rapid,and accurate diagnosis of HCC has become the key point.Golgi protein 73(GP73),a novel potential biomarker for HCC,is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of HCC.In this study,a colorimetric sensor with rapidity,smplicity and high specificity was established for detection of GP73 based on peroxidase-like activity of hemin-reduced graphene oxide-manganese dioxide(H-rGO-MnO2).The H-rGO-MnO2-GP73Apt1 signal probe was synthesized by carboxyl of H-rGO-MnO2 nanozyme and amination of GP73 aptamer(GP73Apt1)though amide reaction.In the presence of GP73,the sulfhydryl-modifed GP73 aptamer(GP73Apt2),as the capture probe,and the signal probe both specifically recognized GP73,forming a sandwich structure(GP73Apt2-GP73-H-rGO-MnO2-GP73Apt1).This structure could catalyze the oxidation of H2O2 to produce hydroxyl radical(·OH),thereby oxidizing the colorless phthalenediamine(OPD)into the yellow 2,3-diaminophenazine(DPA).The quantitative detection of GP73 was achieved by measuring the characteristic absorbance of DPA at 450 nm.In the GP73 concentration range of 10-150 ng/mL,there was a good linear relationship between the DPA absorbance at 450 nm(A450 nm)and the GP73 concentration under optimal conditions.The linear equation was A450 nm=0.00321CGP73+0.8988,with the correlation coefficient(R2)of 0.9960 and the detection limit(LOD)of 5.38 ng/mL.The colorimetric sensor was applied to detection of GP73 in human serum samples,with recoveries of 88.4%?98.8%.This sensor showed high specificity,sensitivity,and stability,and had potential for clinical detection of GP73,providing a new approach for the early diagnosis of HCC.

Rare tumors pose significant challenges to clinical research, diagnosis, and therapy due to their low incidence, high molecular heterogeneity, and the lack of preclinical models.Conventional patient-derived cell lines and patient-derived tumor xenografts have significant limitations in recapitulating the characteristics of rare tumors. As an emerging in vitro biological model, organoids preserve the molecular characteristics of original tumors and possess high biological relevance, efficient amplification capabilities, and potential for personalized medicine applications. They have currently been applied in the research of various rare tumors. This review summarizes current research on organoid models of rare tumors derived from different tissue origins, and outlines current challenges and future development directions.

ObjectiveTo improve the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (A. membranaceus, Huang Qi), and to further develop and utilize it, fermentation technology was applied to the stem and leaf of A. membranaceus to enhance its immune function.MethodsIn this study, we fermented A. membranaceus stem and leaf (ASL) with probiotics and investigated its immune function. Firstly, we screened suitable strains for ASL fermentation and optimized the fermentation process. Secondly, we determined the antioxidant capacity of fermented ASL and its effect on inflammation in mouse monocyte-macrophage cell. Finally, the immunocompromised mice were treated with fermented ASL to investigate the changes in their immune ability.ResultsAmong the 10 selected probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum was the most suitable strain for ASL fermentation. After optimization of the fermentation process, the content of saponins in fermented ASL was significantly increased. The fermented ASL exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro. The in vivo immune efficacy improved by promoting the development of the spleen and thymus, as well as raising the immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels of in the serum.ConclusionThis study contributes to developing the non-medicinal parts of A. membranaceus, expands its medicinal resources, highlights the potential of fermentation technology to enhance these parts, and provides a reference for further development. Based on this approach, we can promote using non-medicinal parts of herbal medicines, minimize drug waste, and offer a reference for developing non-medicinal components in Chinese herbal medicines.