Autoimmune hepatitis （AIH） is an immune-mediated chronic liver inflammatory disease with unknown pathogenesis， and intestinal barrier dysfunction is considered an important factor. Meanwhile， there are sex and age differences in the incidence rate of AIH， suggesting that hormone may be involved in regulation. On this basis， this article focuses on the association between estrogen， intestinal barrier， and immune homeostasis， systematically reviews the evidence that estrogen deficiency disrupts intestinal barrier homeostasis， and further summarizes the potential mechanism of estrogen in regulating the development and progression of AIH via intestinal barrier.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xiaozhen Formula （消疹方） in preventing skin toxicity induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors （EGFRIs） in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled， multicenter clinical study was conducted. A total of 120 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC from seven centers were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment group （60 cases） or a control group （60 cases）. On the basis of EGFRI-targeted therapy， patients in the treatment group received Xiaozhen Formula granules， whereas those in the control group received Xiaozhen Formula placebo granules， both at 10 g twice daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The primary outcomes were the grading of skin toxicity evaluated using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events （NCI-CTCAE） version 5.0 and the incidence of rash. Secondary outcomes included the time to onset and time to resolution of the highest-grade rash， the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 （EORTC QLQ-C30） scores， the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale （HADS） scores， and disease control rate， together with safety assessments. ResultsBased on the full analysis set （FAS）， the incidence of skin toxicity in the treatment group was 18.33% （11/60）， significantly lower than 45.00% （27/60） in the control group （P＜0.01）， with the highest severity of skin toxicity in both groups was grade 2. Among patients who developed rash， the resolution rate in the treatment group was 90.91% （10/11）， higher than that 33.33% （9/27） in the control group. The median time to resolution was 15 days （95%CI： 8-17 days） in the treatment group and it was not reached in the control group； the distribution of time to resolution differed significantly between groups （P＜0.001）. After treatment， the treatment group had higher EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scale and global health status/quality-of-life scores， and lower symptom scale， single-item scores， as well as HADS-A， and HADS-D scores than the control group （P＜0.05）. In the FAS analysis， the disease control rate （DCR） was 85.0% （51/60） in the treatment group， lower than 100.0% （60/60） in the control group （P=0.003）， whereas no significant between-group difference was observed in the per-protocol set （PPS） analysis （P=0.464）. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups （P＞0.05）， and no definite safety signals related to the investigational drug were observed. ConclusionXiaozhen Formula can reduce the incidence of EGFRI-induced skin toxicity， and improve the outcome of rash regression， the patients' quality of life and psychological status in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in patients with sepsis, and to construct a nomogram prediction model. Methods A total of 360 patients with sepsis admitted from January 2020 to December 2025 were enrolled as study subjects. The risk factors for ICU-AW were identified by logistic regression analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed, and the model was validated. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, APACHE II score, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of immobilization, duration of sedation, and NLR were risk factors for the occurrence of ICU-AW (P<0.05), while ALB was a protective factor (P<0.05). A nomogram model was constructed based on these seven variables. After validation via Bootstrap resampling, ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.949 (0.929–0.969) and a corrected AUC of 0.942 (0.940–0.948), indicating good discrimination degree of the model. Hosmer-Lemeshow test for calibration curve revealed a chi-square value of 10.188 (P=0.252), suggesting that the predicted value of fitting was generally consistent with the actual value. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that when the threshold was in the range of 0.05–0.9, the model had a good net benefit. Conclusion The nomogram prediction model for sepsis ICU-AW based on seven indicators including age, APACHE II score, NLR, ALB, and the durations of mechanical ventilation, immobilization, and sedation exhibits good predictive efficiency and stability. This nomogram prediction model is helpful for the clinical rapid screening of ICU-AW high-risk groups in patients with sepsis, and meets clinical needs for early warning and precise prevention and control.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted coronary artery bypass(RACAB).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes from 252 consecutive patients who underwent RACAB in our center between April 2021 and August 2023. The internal mammary artery(IMA) was harvested using the skeletonized technique with the assistance of the robotic system. Then, graft-to-target vessel anastomoses were performed via a 4-6 cm left fifth intercostal thoracotomy. Coronary angiography or coronary CTA was routinely performed before discharge.Results:149 patients(59.1%) underwent multi-vessel coronary bypass. 140 patients(55.6%) underwent total arterial bypass grafting, with 131 patients(52.0%) undergoing RACAB with in situ bilateral IMA. IMA harvesting failed in 6 patients(1.6%). One patient(0.4%) was assisted by extracorporeal circulation, and 5 patients(2.0%) underwent re-thoracotomy postoperatively. The patency rate of grafts was 96.6%(449/465). The 12-month and 24-month survival rate were 97.8% and 96.5% respectively; The 12-month and 24-month MACCE-free survival rate were 95.2% and 92.6%, respectively.Conclusion:RACAB is safe and feasible. With the assistance of the robotic system, in situ bilateral IMA can be obtained and bypassed to all target vessels territory. Extended follow-up is warranted.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of tracking methodology on investigation of contamination incidents of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)specimens from the children.METHODS The onsite tracking was carried out for the contamination incidents of BALF specimens of the children through the tracking methodology,the quality control processes of cleaning and disinfection of bronchofiberscopes and the tracking routes were determined.The quality control process of cleaning and disinfection of bronchofiberscopes were evaluated,the existing risks were found out,and the specific improvement measures were formulated.RESULTS The onsite tracking was carried out for the incident of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)that was caused by the contamination of 12 BALF specimens from pediatrics department wards before and after Nov.1,2021.No.2180014C bronchofiber-scope without biological surveillance was determined as the high-risk point of contamination of BALF specimens,the monitoring procedure of cleaning and disinfection of the bronchofiberscopes was revised.The BALF specimens that were submitted from Dec.1,2021 to Dec.31,2021 were tracked,and no CRKP was detected among the 23 submitted specimens.Totally 12 bronchofiberscope specimens were collected for biological surveillance,and the qualified rate was 100.00％.The treatment rooms of pediatrics department,hand disinfection effect of health care workers of cleaning and disinfection rooms and disinfection effect of object surfaces were monitored,and the quali-fied rate was increased from 98.39％to 100.00％.CONCLUSIONS The tracking methodology is an effective tool for quality management and can be used for evaluation of quality process of cleaning and disinfection of bronchofi-berscopes,which may find out the causes for adverse events in a timely manner and raise the medical safety.

Objective To explore the imaging manifestations of Rosai-Dorfman disease(RDD)in children.Methods A total of 12 children with RDD confirmed by pathology were retrospectively enrolled,including 8 cases underwent non-contrast CT(NCCT)+contrast enhanced CT(CECT),2 cases underwent NCCT+CECT+non-contrast MR(NCMR)+contrast enhanced MR(CEMR),1 case underwent NCCT+NCMR and CEMR,while 1 case underwent NCCT and X-ray examinations.Imaging manifestations of RDD in children were observed.Results Among 12 cases,intranodal type RDD was found in 7 case,extranodal type RDD in 3 cases,and mixed type(with both lymph nodes and extranodal sites affected)RDD were noticed in 2 cases.In 7 cases of intranodal type RDD,NCCT and CECT showed multiple lymph node enlargements in both sides of the neck,with uniform isodensity on NCCT and mild-moderate progressive enhancement in 5 cases,while with low-density necrotic area and ring-shaped enhancement in 2 cases.Among 3 cases of extranodal RDD,the lesion in 1 case involved nasal cavity and posterior group of ethmoid sinuses on CT and MRI,which developed circular soft tissue mass centered on nasal septum with moderate heterogeneous enhancement,also compressed the adjacent bone with destruction.In another case of extranodal RDD,CT showed that the lesion involved left ilium and bilateral parietal bones,with bone destruction accompanied by obvious periosteal reaction and soft tissue mass,which was mildly enhanced.In the rest 1 case of extranodal RDD,CT and X-ray film showed that the lesion involved the upper segment of right femur and left parietal bone,with osteolytic destruction accompanied by layered periosteal reaction.The lesions in both 2 cases of mixed type RDD involved brain(1 case involved left parieto-occipital lobe,1 case involved bilateral temporal lobes,left frontal lobe and bilateral occipital lobes),presented as isodensity on CT and equal or slightly low signal intensity on T 1WI,equal-high mixed signal intensity on T2WI,some shaped like brain gyral with mild edema of surrounding tissue,and nodular or mass-like significant enhancement.RDD involvements of bilateral lung,mediastinum and hilar lymph nodes were also observed in the above 2 cases,chest CT showed multiple nodular or small patchy uniform high-density shadows in bilateral lungs,as well as enlarged mediastinum and hilar lymph nodes.Conclusion Imaging manifestations of pediatric RDD had certain specificity,being helpful to diagnosis.

Andrographolide sulfonate (AS) is a sulfonated derivative of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, and has been approved for several decades in China. The present study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic application and possible mechanisms of AS in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results indicated that administration of AS by injection or gavage significantly reduced the paw swelling, improved body weights, and attenuated pathological changes in joints of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the serum and ankle joints were reduced. Bioinformatics analysis, along with the spleen index and measurements of IL-17 and IL-10 levels, suggested a potential relationship between AS and Th17 cells under arthritic conditions. In vitro, AS was shown to block Th17 cell differentiation, as evidenced by the reduced percentages of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ T cells and decreased expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, without affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. This effect was attributed to the limited glycolysis, as indicated by metabolomics analysis, reduced glucose uptake, and pH measurements. Further investigation revealed that AS might bind to hexokinase2 (HK2) to down-regulate the protein levels of HK2 but not glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and overexpression of HK2 reversed the inhibition of AS on Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, AS impaired the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signals in vivo and in vitro, which was abolished by the addition of lactate. In conclusion, AS significantly improved adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Animals ; Th17 Cells/immunology* ; Diterpenes/pharmacology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Andrographis paniculata/chemistry* ; Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-17/immunology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality. METHODS: A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Adult ; Sperm Motility ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects* ; China ; Middle Aged ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Young Adult