Objective:To explore the application effects of the blended teaching methodology of "teaching-selection-investigation-analysis-presentation-discussion" in Medical Immunology. Methods:Eight-year program clinical medical students who were enrolled at Peking Union Medical College in 2016, 2017, and 2018 were selected as the research subjects. An anonymous questionnaire survey was used to analyze students' multidimensional evaluations of the new teaching methodology. The percentage of frontier hotspot topics in the "Immunology Forum" was used to analyze the students' mastery of cutting-edge knowledge in immunology. The number of "Immunology Forum" related "College Students Innovative Training Plan Program" from 2020 to 2023 was used to analyze the effectiveness of this new teaching method in cultivating students' scientific research and innovation abilities. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software, and the normality of all continuous variables was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test.Results:The questionnaire survey showed 100.00% satisfaction with the course and 95.90% recognition of the new teaching method. More than 90% of students agreed that the new teaching method improved their learning ability, research ability, innovation ability, internal drive, and academic communication ability. The average proportion of hotspot topics in the "Immunology Forum" was 90.37%±7.12%, which was significantly higher than the proportion of non-hotspot topics (5.67%±3.12%). The average number of topics related to "Immunology Forum" in the "College Students Innovative Training Plan Program" was 17.67±1.15 per session, which was significantly higher than the number of topics not related to "Immunology Forum" (8.00±1.73).Conclusions:The blended teaching methodology of "teaching-selection-investigation-analysis-presentation-discussion" can help students timely grasp the cutting-edge knowledge of immunology, cultivate their learning ability, internal drive, academic communication ability, innovation ability, and research ability, and lay a foundation for students to further explore their scientific research and innovation activities.

AIM To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on intestinal mucosa in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS The UC mouse models established by sodium dextran sulfate were allocated into different groups and administered with sulfasalazine(200 mg/kg)or aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma(3.9,7.8 g/kg)by gavage,respectively.The mice had their changes of body weight,defecation patterns,disease activity index(DAI)and colon length recorded;their colon tissue pathological alterations and goblet cell quantification analyzed through HE and AB-PAS staining;their ROS levels in colon tissue measured via ELISA;their mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines,Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway components and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway regulators in colon tissue assessed by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of Nrf2/HO-1 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway verified by immunohistochemistry;and their ZO1 and Occludin tight junction proteins in colon tissues quantified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose Cimicifugae Rhizoma aqueous extract group demonstrated significantly increased body weight,colon length and DAI scores(P＜0.01);mitigated intestinal mucosal barrier damage;reduced ROS levels in colon tissue(P＜0.01);suppressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in colon(P＜0.01);elevated expressions of tight junction protein ZO1 and Occludin in colon tissue(P＜0.05);upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 in colon tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1(P＜0.05);and reduced expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components(ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD)in mRNA and protein(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION The aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma exerts protective effects against UC through dual mechanisms involving redox regulation and pyroptosis inhibition by reducing ROS level via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and attenuating NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway inhibition,and thereby synergistically preserves the structural and functional integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier and mitigates UC progression.

Objective:To explore the effect of Simo decoction improving the low duodenal inflammation and protecting the du-odenal mucosal barrier in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods:Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group(10 rats)and model group(50 rats),and the modeling rats were prepared by multivariate intervention method.After successful modeling,the modeling rats were randomly divided into model group,Simo decoction high-dose,medium-dose,low-dose group and mosapride group,with 10 rats in each group.The high-dose,medium-dose,and low-dose groups of Simo decoction were ga-vage given 5.62 g/kg,2.81 g/kg,and 1.40 g/kg,respectively,and the mosapride group was gavage given 0.305 mg/kg of mosapride,and the control group and model group were gavage given the same amount of distilled water for 14 days.The body weight of rats was observed;gastric emptying rate and small bowel propulsion rate were measured;transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of duodenal epithelial cells;ELISA detected serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22;Western blot and immunohistochemis-try were used to detect the expressions of protease-activated receptor 2(PAR-2)and tight junction protein(ZO-1,claudin-1)in the duodenum.Results:Compared with the control group,the body weight,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate of the model group were significantly reduced(P<0.01),transmission electron microscopy showed widening of the duodenal epithelial cell space,serum IL-17A and IL-22 levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of PAR-2 in duodenal tissue was in-creased,and the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were downregulated(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in Simo decoction high-dose,medium-dose and mosapride group were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the contents of IL-17A and IL-22 in serum decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of PAR-2 in duodenal tissues was down-regulated,the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1 was significantly increased(P<0.01).The low-dose group of Simo soup could improve weight loss(P<0.01),reduce IL-17A content and PAR-2 expression,and increase ZO-1 and claudin-1 expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the effect on other indexes was not obvious.Conclusion:Simo decoction may reduce low-grade duodenal in-flammation to repair the mucosal barrier by down-regulating the levels of IL-17A and IL-22 and the expression of PAR-2,and up-regu-lating the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1,so as to exert the effect of FD treatment.

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Objective:To explore the application effects of the blended teaching methodology of "teaching-selection-investigation-analysis-presentation-discussion" in Medical Immunology. Methods:Eight-year program clinical medical students who were enrolled at Peking Union Medical College in 2016, 2017, and 2018 were selected as the research subjects. An anonymous questionnaire survey was used to analyze students' multidimensional evaluations of the new teaching methodology. The percentage of frontier hotspot topics in the "Immunology Forum" was used to analyze the students' mastery of cutting-edge knowledge in immunology. The number of "Immunology Forum" related "College Students Innovative Training Plan Program" from 2020 to 2023 was used to analyze the effectiveness of this new teaching method in cultivating students' scientific research and innovation abilities. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software, and the normality of all continuous variables was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test.Results:The questionnaire survey showed 100.00% satisfaction with the course and 95.90% recognition of the new teaching method. More than 90% of students agreed that the new teaching method improved their learning ability, research ability, innovation ability, internal drive, and academic communication ability. The average proportion of hotspot topics in the "Immunology Forum" was 90.37%±7.12%, which was significantly higher than the proportion of non-hotspot topics (5.67%±3.12%). The average number of topics related to "Immunology Forum" in the "College Students Innovative Training Plan Program" was 17.67±1.15 per session, which was significantly higher than the number of topics not related to "Immunology Forum" (8.00±1.73).Conclusions:The blended teaching methodology of "teaching-selection-investigation-analysis-presentation-discussion" can help students timely grasp the cutting-edge knowledge of immunology, cultivate their learning ability, internal drive, academic communication ability, innovation ability, and research ability, and lay a foundation for students to further explore their scientific research and innovation activities.

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Objective To explore the effects of home-based exercise rehabilitation on cardiac structure, valvular function, and exercise capacity in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods 49 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from January 2024 to February 2025 were enrolled. They were divided into an exercise group (n＝25) or a non-exercise group (n＝24) based on participating or not in home-based rehabilitation after TAVR. The exercise group received 12 weeks of home-based exercise training (aerobic exercise plus resistance training every week); the non-exercise group received routine care. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to assess cardiac structural parameters before discharge (T0) and after 12 weeks of exercise (T1). Functional outcomes including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were compared between the two groups. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effect of home-based rehabilitation on echocardiographic parameters. Patients were stratified by baseline 6MWT (＜240 m as low-function subgroup, ≥240 m as high-function subgroup) to compare exercise-related outcomes between subgroups. Results At T1, the exercise group had a longer 6MWT distance than the non-exercise group (P＝0.012). The linear mixed-effects model showed that after 12 weeks of exercise, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased in the exercise group but slightly increased in the non-exercise group, with a significant difference in changes over time between the two groups (P_interaction＝0.030). The exercise group also showed greater improvement in effective orifice area index (P_interaction＝0.028) and effective orifice area (P_interaction＝0.042) than the non-exercise group. Subgroup analysis revealed that in the low-function subgroup, the exercise group showed greater improvement in the 6MWT (P_interaction＝0.035) and the effective orifice area index (P_interaction＝0.046) compared to the non-exercise group; in the high-function subgroup, the exercise group showed greater improvement only in LVEDD compared to the non-exercise group (P_interaction＝0.046). Conclusions Home-based exercise rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, optimizes left ventricular remodeling, and enhances valvular function in patients with severe AS after TAVR, with greater benefits observed in patients with lower baseline 6MWT.

Objective:To explore the effect of Simo decoction improving the low duodenal inflammation and protecting the du-odenal mucosal barrier in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods:Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group(10 rats)and model group(50 rats),and the modeling rats were prepared by multivariate intervention method.After successful modeling,the modeling rats were randomly divided into model group,Simo decoction high-dose,medium-dose,low-dose group and mosapride group,with 10 rats in each group.The high-dose,medium-dose,and low-dose groups of Simo decoction were ga-vage given 5.62 g/kg,2.81 g/kg,and 1.40 g/kg,respectively,and the mosapride group was gavage given 0.305 mg/kg of mosapride,and the control group and model group were gavage given the same amount of distilled water for 14 days.The body weight of rats was observed;gastric emptying rate and small bowel propulsion rate were measured;transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of duodenal epithelial cells;ELISA detected serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22;Western blot and immunohistochemis-try were used to detect the expressions of protease-activated receptor 2(PAR-2)and tight junction protein(ZO-1,claudin-1)in the duodenum.Results:Compared with the control group,the body weight,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate of the model group were significantly reduced(P<0.01),transmission electron microscopy showed widening of the duodenal epithelial cell space,serum IL-17A and IL-22 levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of PAR-2 in duodenal tissue was in-creased,and the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were downregulated(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in Simo decoction high-dose,medium-dose and mosapride group were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the contents of IL-17A and IL-22 in serum decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of PAR-2 in duodenal tissues was down-regulated,the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1 was significantly increased(P<0.01).The low-dose group of Simo soup could improve weight loss(P<0.01),reduce IL-17A content and PAR-2 expression,and increase ZO-1 and claudin-1 expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the effect on other indexes was not obvious.Conclusion:Simo decoction may reduce low-grade duodenal in-flammation to repair the mucosal barrier by down-regulating the levels of IL-17A and IL-22 and the expression of PAR-2,and up-regu-lating the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1,so as to exert the effect of FD treatment.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

AIM To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on intestinal mucosa in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS The UC mouse models established by sodium dextran sulfate were allocated into different groups and administered with sulfasalazine(200 mg/kg)or aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma(3.9,7.8 g/kg)by gavage,respectively.The mice had their changes of body weight,defecation patterns,disease activity index(DAI)and colon length recorded;their colon tissue pathological alterations and goblet cell quantification analyzed through HE and AB-PAS staining;their ROS levels in colon tissue measured via ELISA;their mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines,Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway components and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway regulators in colon tissue assessed by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of Nrf2/HO-1 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway verified by immunohistochemistry;and their ZO1 and Occludin tight junction proteins in colon tissues quantified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose Cimicifugae Rhizoma aqueous extract group demonstrated significantly increased body weight,colon length and DAI scores(P＜0.01);mitigated intestinal mucosal barrier damage;reduced ROS levels in colon tissue(P＜0.01);suppressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in colon(P＜0.01);elevated expressions of tight junction protein ZO1 and Occludin in colon tissue(P＜0.05);upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 in colon tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1(P＜0.05);and reduced expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components(ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD)in mRNA and protein(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION The aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma exerts protective effects against UC through dual mechanisms involving redox regulation and pyroptosis inhibition by reducing ROS level via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and attenuating NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway inhibition,and thereby synergistically preserves the structural and functional integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier and mitigates UC progression.