The rupture of carotid vulnerable plaques is the core pathological basis for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However， the insufficient alignment between existing animal models and the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine has limited research progress. In this study， biomedical databases in China and abroad were systematically searched， and the modeling mechanisms and evaluation systems of carotid vulnerable plaque animal models were systematically assessed based on diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine. Analysis of the clinical correspondence indicated that existing animal models can be categorized into four types： simple high-fat diet， surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding， genetic engineering combined with high-fat feeding， and drug induction combined with high-fat feeding. Among these， the compound strategy of surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding has become the current mainstream approach， showing good concordance with western medicine. The study found that the double balloon injury rabbit model and the ApoE^-/- mouse carotid artery tandem constriction combined with high-fat feeding model demonstrated a high degree of clinical correspondence with both traditional Chinese and western medicine in terms of vulnerable plaque imaging and pathological features. Nevertheless， existing models still face significant technical limitations in faithfully simulating plaque pathology and in translating findings to clinical applications. To address these challenges， integrating complex comorbidity mechanism construction， multimodal dynamic mechanism monitoring， and collaborative evaluation systems of traditional Chinese and western medicine could enable the development of highly concordant carotid vulnerable plaque disease-syndrome combination animal models. Such models would provide a reproducible experimental platform for targeted drug development to regulate plaque stability and for individualized precision treatment， as well as a theoretical basis for innovation in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.

Swine enteric coronaviruses(SeCoV),such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV),and porcine delta coronavirus(PDCoV),cause severe diarrhea in piglets,resulting in substantial losses in pig farming.In this study we establish a triple fluorescence reverse transcription-quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method for the simultaneous de-tection of PEDV,TGEV,and PDCoV.The specific primers and probes for each target virus were designed based on conserved sequences from the PEDV M gene,the TGEV ORF 1b gene,and the PDCoV ORF 1b gene respectively.Following the optimization of parameters and conditions,a triple RT-qPCR method was successfully established to simultaneously detect PEDV,TGEV,and PD-CoV.The developed assay exhibits strong specificity for these three pathogens without any cross-reaction with other common porcine viruses like CSFV,PCV2,PoRVA,PRV,and PRRSV.The de-tection limit of linear templates for pTOPO-PEDV 128,pTOPO-TGEV 116,and pTOPO-PDCoV 125 recombinant plasmids were 16.835,17.610 and 17.020 copies/μL,respectively.The intra group and inter group coefficients of variation were less than 5％,with no significant differences observed(P＞0.05).Moreover,the detection consistency rate of the developed RT-qPCR was compared with standard method and showed 100％agreement.Out of 35 small intestine tissue samples,17 tested positive for PEDV,resulting in a positive rate of 48.57％(17/35).The tests for TGEV and PDCoV yielded negative results,and no mixed infections were detected.Based on the above results,the tri-ple RT-qPCR method established is specific,sensitive,stable,and rapid,and can be used for clinical detection and differential diagnosis of PEDV,TGEV,and PDCoV simultaneously,providing a method for the detection and epidemiological investigation of porcine diarrhea coronaviruses.

To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P＜0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P＜0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P＜0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P＜0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in thymic T follicular helper cells (TFH) and its significance in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods Fifteen MG patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Myasthenia Gravis Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected as a MG group, including 7 males and 8 females, aged 12-30 years. Twelve patients who underwent partial thymectomy to optimize surgical field exposure during cardiac surgery at Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected as a control group, including 5 males and 7 females aged 20-35 years. Thymus single cell suspension was obtained by grinding the thymus tissue, and flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of α7nAChR in TFH cells. The thymus cell suspension was purified using density gradient centrifugation, followed by immunomagnetic bead separation to obtain CD4+T cells. CXCR5 antibody and coupled magnetic beads were added to isolate TFH cells. Real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to further investigate the expression of α7nAChR in TFH cells. Results Compared with the control group, the proportion of thymic TFH cells in the MG group was significantly increased (P<0.05), along with significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of α7nAChR within these cells (P<0.01). Conclusion The findings suggest that there is a reduced expression of α7nAChR within thymic TFH cells in MG patients, leading to weakened immunosuppressive function which may indirectly contribute to disease onset and progression.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment schemes of patients with severe Japa-nese spotted fever(JSF),and provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of severe JSF.Methods Data of JSF patients who admitted to Yichang Central People's Hospital from April 2022 to September 2024 were collected,and severe patients were selected for analysis.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics,as well as treatment schemes were investigated.Results A total of 19 JSF patients were admitted,including 10 mild cases and 9 severe cases.All 9 severe cases(100％)had a history of outdoor activities.All patients presented with multiple organ dysfunc-tion besides symptoms such as fever,rash,fatigue,poor appetite,and scab.Laboratory examination results were as follows:white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage elevated in 5(55.6％)and 9(100％)cases,respective-ly;lymphocyte percentage and platelets decreased in 9(100％)and 8 cases(88.9％),respectively;C-reactive pro-tein increases significantly in 9 cases(100％);alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased in 9 cases(100％)and 8 cases(88.9％),respectively;total protein,albumin,and albumin/globulin ratio decreased in 6 cases(66.7％)and 9 cases(100％),respectively;blood sodium and blood calcium decreased in 3(33.3％)and 9 cases(100％),respectively;urea elevated in 8 cases(88.9％);creatinine,lactic dehydrogenase and α-hydroxybu-tyrate,and creatine kinase isoenzyme elevated in 6(66.7％),9(100％),and 4 cases(44.4％),respectively.In terms of treatment,all patients were treated with doxycycline combined with other antimicrobial agents.Six pa-tients(66.7％)received tracheal intubation for ventilator-assisted ventilation;8 patients(88.9％)received infusion of blood products such as platelets and plasma;9 patients(100％)received infusion of albumin and support treat-ment such as liver and stomach protection,water and electrolyte balance maintenance,et al;6 patients(66.7％)were finally cured.Conclusion Severe JSF not only causes typical symptoms such as fever,rash,and scab,but also leads to multiple organ dysfunction.Timely application of doxycycline supportive treatment for various organs can help patients get through the critical period and receive effective treatment.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens among the population in the region,and provide reference for epidemic prevention and control.Methods A total of 11 065 patients who visited the hospital from March 2023 to February 2024 due to respiratory infections and underwent nucleic acid testing for 13 respiratory pathogens were selected.The infection status and epidemio-logical characteristics of pathogens in people with different genders,and ages,and in different seasons were an-alyzed.Results The total positive rate of nucleic acid detection of 13 respiratory pathogens in 11 065 patients was 57.05%,and the infections were mainly caused by single pathogen and two pathogens.The positive rate of males was 56.53%,the positive rate of females was 57.73%,and there was no statistically significant difference in positive rates between males and females(P>0.05).The positive rates of infant group(79.20%),preschool group(79.57%),and adolescent group(70.18%)were significantly higher than those of middle-aged and young group(35.61%)and elderly group(32.26%,P<0.05).The positive rates in spring,summer,autumn,and winter were 43.34%,49.91%,64.69%,and 59.80%,respectively,with statisti-cally significant differences(P<0.05),and the positive rates were higher in autumn and winter.The top five positive rates of 13 respiratory pathogens were mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP),human rhinovirus(HRV),in-fluenza A virus(Flu A),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),human metapneumovirus nucleic acid(HMPV).Conclusion Respiratory pathogen infections in the region are mainly caused by single pathogen and two pathogens.The high-risk population for infection is infants,preschool children,and adolescents.The high inci-dence seasons for infection are autumn and winter.The pathogens with high incidence of infection are MP,HRV,Flu A,RSV,HMPV,etc.

Objective To observe the effects of Shenfu Injection on ferroptosis-related factors and oxidative stress-related indexes in rat cardiomyocytes treated with isoproterenol;To explore its mechanism in treating chronic heart failure.Methods Isoproterenol was used to induce rat H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group,and treated with corresponding intervention.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of cellular mitochondria,ferrous ion fluorescent probe was used to detect Fe2+content in cells,flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular contents of ROS and Lipid-ROS;colorimetry was used to detect the contents of MDA,GSH,SOD and GSH-Px in cells;Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11,p53,COX2 and Nrf2 in cells.Results Compared with the normal group,the survival rate of H9c2 cells in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),with cell swelling and rupture,mitochondrial shrinkage,decreased quantity and disordered arrangement,more damaged mitochondria,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells significantly increased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the survival rates of H9c2 cells in Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group significantly increased(P<0.01),there was a larger number of normal mitochondria and a more complete structure,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenfu Injection can reduce p53 expression,weaken its inhibitory effect on SLC7A11,thereby promoting GPX4 expression,inhibiting ferroptosis,reducing lipid peroxide accumulation,increasing cellular antioxidant capacity,and alleviating myocardial cell oxidative damage.

Methodological quality assessment is a pivotal link between primary studies and reliable evidence-based practice,and an essential pathway for operationalizing the core principles of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition).A prevalent challenge in practice,however,is the conflation of appraising methodological robustness(risk of bias assessment)with verifying reporting transparency(adherence to reporting guidelines).This paper systematically addresses this fundamental challenge,beginning with a clear distinction between the essence and boundaries of these two concepts.On this basis,the article provides a comprehensive review of mainstream quality assessment tools,covering the methodological features and evolutionary trajectory of numerous instruments for interventional(e.g.,RoB 2,ROBINS-I),observational(e.g.,NOS,the JBI/SIGN/NIH series),secondary(e.g.,AMSTAR 2),and other specific types of studies such as health economic evaluations.Furthermore,a complete case study is used to illustrate the practical application of the ROBINS-I tool.The paper's central thesis advocates for an"appraisal-informed design"philosophy,urging a conceptual shift from the retrospective critique of existing literature to the prospective quality control of new research by internalizing appraisal standards as design principles,while also exploring the emerging paradigm of artificial intelligence in assisting assessment.This paper provides a comprehensive methodological reference for researchers and practitioners to prudently select appropriate assessment tools and to conduct rigorous critical appraisals of pharmacoepidemiological evidence.

Methodological quality assessment is a pivotal link between primary studies and reliable evidence-based practice,and an essential pathway for operationalizing the core principles of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition).A prevalent challenge in practice,however,is the conflation of appraising methodological robustness(risk of bias assessment)with verifying reporting transparency(adherence to reporting guidelines).This paper systematically addresses this fundamental challenge,beginning with a clear distinction between the essence and boundaries of these two concepts.On this basis,the article provides a comprehensive review of mainstream quality assessment tools,covering the methodological features and evolutionary trajectory of numerous instruments for interventional(e.g.,RoB 2,ROBINS-I),observational(e.g.,NOS,the JBI/SIGN/NIH series),secondary(e.g.,AMSTAR 2),and other specific types of studies such as health economic evaluations.Furthermore,a complete case study is used to illustrate the practical application of the ROBINS-I tool.The paper's central thesis advocates for an"appraisal-informed design"philosophy,urging a conceptual shift from the retrospective critique of existing literature to the prospective quality control of new research by internalizing appraisal standards as design principles,while also exploring the emerging paradigm of artificial intelligence in assisting assessment.This paper provides a comprehensive methodological reference for researchers and practitioners to prudently select appropriate assessment tools and to conduct rigorous critical appraisals of pharmacoepidemiological evidence.