ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxuetang （DBT） in the treatment of vascular dementia （VAD）. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group， model group， DBT low-， medium-， and high-dose groups， and the donepezil group. Except for the sham-operated group， rats in all other groups underwent bilateral common carotid artery ligation. After successful modeling， DBT was administered at doses of 9.2， 18.4， 36.8 g·kg^-1 for the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups， respectively， while the donepezil group received 3 mg·kg^-1 donepezil solution by gavage once daily. After 4 consecutive weeks of drug treatment， rats underwent the Morris water maze test， novel object recognition test， Nissl staining to observe hippocampal neurons， and immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression of neuronal nuclear protein （NeuN） in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to assess the expression of PTEN-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， Parkin， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ （LC3Ⅱ）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p22^phox and p47^phox in hippocampal tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and total antioxidant capacity were measured to evaluate oxidative stress levels. ResultsIn the Morris water maze test， escape latency changed significantly over time in all groups except the model group. Compared with the sham-operated group， the model group showed significantly prolonged escape latency （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in the DBT groups and the donepezil group exhibited significantly shorter escape latency （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The number of crossings over the original platform was significantly reduced in the model group compared with the sham-operated group （P<0.01）， whereas rats in the DBT and donepezil groups showed significantly increased platform crossings compared with the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the sham-operated group， exploration time of new objects was significantly reduced in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， exploration time of new objects increased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups and the donepezil group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while no significant change was observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the high-dose DBT group， rats in the donepezil group had significantly prolonged escape latency and reduced platform crossings and new-object exploration time （P<0.05）. Nissl staining showed decreased density of healthy neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in the model group， with loss of Nissl bodies and nuclear atrophy or disappearance. In the high-dose DBT group， neuronal density in CA1 and CA3 increased， with neurons arranged closely and displaying normal morphology. Immunofluorescence showed that compared with the sham-operated group， the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the VAD model group was significantly decreased（P<0.01）， compared with the VAD model group， the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the high-dose DBT group was significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the sham-operated group， the expression of PINK1， Parkin， LC3Ⅱ， and Bax proteins was significantly increased（P<0.01）， while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the VAD model group（P<0.01）. Compared with the VAD model group， the high-dose DBT group showed significantly decreased expression of PINK1， Parkin， LC3Ⅱ， and Bax proteins（P<0.01）and significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression（P<0.01）. The medium-dose DBT group exhibited significantly reduced expression of Parkin， LC3Ⅱ， and Bax proteins（P<0.05，P<0.01） and significantly increased Bcl-2 expression（P<0.01）， while no statistically significant differences were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial pyknosis， thickened cristae， increased electron density， and the presence of mitochondrial autophagy in the model group. In contrast， hippocampal neurons in the high-dose DBT group contained abundant mitochondria with intact morphology， clear cristae， and uniform matrix. Compared with the sham-operated group， total antioxidant capacity， SOD activity， and GSH levels were significantly decreased， while MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant levels （SOD， GSH） increased significantly， and MDA decreased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups （P<0.01）， while no significant changes were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the sham-operated group， mRNA expression of p22^phox and p47^phox was significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， expression of p22^phox and p47^phox was significantly decreased in the DBT groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionDBT may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy， thereby improving learning and memory abilities and treating VAD.

Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by the gradual decline of muscle mass，strength，and function，and its occurrence and development are related to multiple factors，involving several signaling pathways. Among them，the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway，as a key pathway regulating cellular growth，survival，and metabolism，plays an important role in the formation and development of sarcopenia. Its abnormal activation or deactivation may lead to an imbalance in muscle protein metabolism，resulting in muscle atrophy and reduction. Modern medicine is still in the exploratory stage of treatment for sarcopenia. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM），with its multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics，has shown increasing advantages in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. In recent years，various monomers， extracts，and compound formulas of TCM have been proven to effectively prevent and treat sarcopenia by promoting muscle cell protein synthesis，reducing protein degradation，inhibiting cell apoptosis and inflammatory response，and improving mitochondrial function. This paper reviewed the improvement effects of TCM on sarcopenia based on the PI3K/Akt pathway and explored its specific action mechanisms， aiming to provide new insights for the treatment of sarcopenia with TCM.

At present, the treatment of sepsis depends largely on non-specific methods, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Stem cells have garnered significant attention in the treatment of various diseases due to their unique biological properties. Stem cells enhance sepsis survival through mechanisms such as reducing bacterial burden, modulating inflammation, and ameliorating organ dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that stem cells can increase the survival rate of sepsis patients through multiple pathways such as reducing the bacterial load of the host, regulating inflammatory homeostasis, and improving multi-organ dysfunction. Their derivatives, exosomes, can also alleviate the imbalanced immune response in sepsis patients. Recent advances in stem cell-based therapies for sepsis were summarized in this paper.

Progress in biomimetic membrane systems has enabled the extensive application of cell membranes in constructing nano-drug delivery systems. These biological membranes endowed the delivery systems with advantages, including superior biocompatibility, precision targeting capabilities, and long circulation. Platelet membranes, owing to their distinctive biological properties, have emerged as exceptional natural materials for nano-drug delivery systems and have continuously promoted the development of the delivery systems in the field of disease treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the biological characteristics and molecular basis of platelet-associated membranes, various coated systems and methods, and systematically summarizes the research progress of platelet-related membrane delivery systems in the treatment of tumors, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and thrombotic diseases. It also analyzes the application challenges in the biomedical field and looks forward to the future development direction.

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan on acne based on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway. MethodsA rat ear acne model was established in SD rats， and the rats were divided into a blank group， a model group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan （7.15， 14.30， 28.60 g·kg·d^-1）， with six rats in each group. After the administration for 14 consecutive days， morphological changes in the rats' auricles were observed， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to examine the pathological changes in the acne-affected ear tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the ear tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-3， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， JNK， and p38 MAPK in the ear tissue. Additionally， Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein levels of Caspase-3， Bcl-2， Bax， JNK， and p38 MAPK in the ear tissue. The active components and key targets of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan in the treatment of acne were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Molecular docking was then employed to evaluate the interactions between the main active components and the key targets. ResultsThe results of the animal experiment demonstrated that compared with those in the blank group， rats in the model group exhibited redness， swelling， thickening， hardening， dryness， and roughness of the auricle. The surface showed sebaceous scales and desquamation， accompanied by acne-like lesions such as papule-like elevations or cysts. Histopathological changes included keratinization， epidermal thickening， dermal collagen fiber degeneration and necrosis， subcutaneous muscle degeneration and necrosis， inflammatory cell infiltration， and fibrous tissue proliferation. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， Caspase-3， Bax， JNK， and p38 MAPK were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while those of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， the modified Danggui Shaoyaosan groups showed marked improvement in acne-like lesions of the auricle， with varying degrees of histopathological damage reduction. Additionally， the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， Caspase-3， Bax， JNK， and p38 MAPK in the tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while those of Bcl-2 were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the key compounds in modified Danggui Shaoyaosan responsible for its effects in treating acne may include acacetin， kaempferol， luteolin， quercetin， wogonin， and baicalein. These compounds exerted their effects by modulating core targets such as TNF， IL-1β， Caspase-3， and Bcl-2， thereby alleviating inflammation and apoptosis and ultimately improving acne symptoms. ConclusionModified Danggui Shaoyaosan may exert its therapeutic effects on acne by inhibiting the activation of the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway， thereby alleviating inflammation and apoptosis.

Purpose: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare. Methods: This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024. Results: We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse. Conclusion In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is an essential tool for tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic tumors. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) by cytologists ensures diagnostic accuracy. However, the universal application of the ROSE is limited by its availability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of determining the end of the procedure based on the results of in-room cytological evaluation by trained endosonographers (IRCETE). Methods: A training course focusing on the cytological interpretation of common pancreatic tumors was provided to the three endosonographers. After training, the decision to terminate EUS-FNB was made based on IRCETE results. The diagnostic accuracy, concordance rate of diagnostic categories, and sample adequacy were compared with those determined by board-certified cytologists and macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE). Results: We enrolled 65 patients with solid pancreatic tumors, most of whom were malignant (86.2%). The diagnostic accuracy was 90.8% when the end of the procedure was determined based on IRCETE, compared to 87.7% and 98.5% when determined by MOSE and cytologists, respectively (p=0.060). Based on the cytologists’ results, the accuracy of IRCETE in diagnostic category interpretation was 97.3%. Conclusions In the absence of ROSE, IRCETE can serve as a supplementary alternative to MOSE in determining the end of tissue sampling with a high accuracy rate.

The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis （GS/CACM 337-2023） was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13^th， 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology， pharmacy， and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine （pulmonary diseases） and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung， acute bronchitis， and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations， efficacy evaluation， usage， dosage， drug combination， and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions， give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid， and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.

Risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) can assist healthcare professionals in assessing the likelihood of PPCs occurring after surgery, thereby supporting rapid decision-making. This study evaluated the merits, limitations, and challenges of these models, focusing on model types, construction methods, performance, and clinical applications. The findings indicate that current risk prediction models for PPCs following lung cancer surgery demonstrate a certain level of predictive effectiveness. However, there are notable deficiencies in study design, clinical implementation, and reporting transparency. Future research should prioritize large-scale, prospective, multi-center studies that utilize multiomics approaches to ensure robust data for accurate predictions, ultimately facilitating clinical translation, adoption, and promotion.

Sarcopenia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle strength and quality， often accompanied by adverse outcomes such as falls， loss of function and weakness. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is complex， and studies have shown that dysfunction due to impaired mitochondrial quality control is an important pathological factor in the occurrence and development. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has been widely favoured for regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and preventing sarcopenia by virtue of its multi-target and multi-pathway advantages. They can play a role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by regulating the mitochondrial quality control system to inhibit the occurrence of mitochondrial oxidative stress， regulate the balance of mitochondrial dynamics， inhibit mitochondrial autophagy， promote mitochondrial biosynthesis， resist the occurrence of mitochondrial apoptosis， and maintain the mitochondrial calcium and protein homeostasis. Based on this， the paper reviewed the relationship between mitochondrial quality control and sarcopenia， as well as the mechanism of TCM in intervening the mitochondrial quality control system to treat sarcopenia， in order to provide a new idea for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by TCM and to a theoretical basis for the clinical research on TCM intervention in sarcopenia.