Objective To explore the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure (HF), and the mediating role of serum metabolites, in order to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of 731 types of immune cells and 1 400 metabolites on HF. We selected valid instrumental variables and conducted statistical analyses using R software. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger analysis and weighted median method. The stability of the results was assessed through tests such as Cochran’s Q test. Results Our research found a negative causal relationship between PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ and HF. Sensitivity analysis supported this result. The reverse MR analysis did not find an effect of HF on PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+, indicating that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might play a unidirectional role in reducing the risk of HF. Further mediation MR analysis showed that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might influence the risk of HF onset by regulating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), with a mediation effect ratio of 6.7%. Conclusion PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ may reduce the risk of HF by elevating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), which provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of HF.

Puji Xiaoduyin， a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic， was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula （the Second Batch）-Han Medicine， published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name， historical origin， drug dosage， herb origin， processing methods， decocting methods， function， and clinical applications. Additionally， this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were： Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma （20.65 g each）， Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g， Scrophulariae Radix， Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium， and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （8.26 g each）， Forsythiae Fructus， Arctii Fructus， Isatidis Radix， and Lasiosphaera Calvatia （4.13 g each）， Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma （2.891 g each）， Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix （8.26 g each）. These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose， including 20.65 g of the powder， was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag， the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula， Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat， removing stagnation and dissipating mass， the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic， pestilence， red and swelling head， face， and neck， dry mouth and tongue， as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory， dermal， ophthalmologic， otolaryngologic， and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases， with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps （66 times）， followed by tonsillitis （28 times）. In conclusion， the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.

Puji Xiaoduyin， a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic， was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula （the Second Batch）-Han Medicine， published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name， historical origin， drug dosage， herb origin， processing methods， decocting methods， function， and clinical applications. Additionally， this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were： Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma （20.65 g each）， Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g， Scrophulariae Radix， Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium， and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （8.26 g each）， Forsythiae Fructus， Arctii Fructus， Isatidis Radix， and Lasiosphaera Calvatia （4.13 g each）， Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma （2.891 g each）， Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix （8.26 g each）. These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose， including 20.65 g of the powder， was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag， the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula， Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat， removing stagnation and dissipating mass， the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic， pestilence， red and swelling head， face， and neck， dry mouth and tongue， as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory， dermal， ophthalmologic， otolaryngologic， and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases， with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps （66 times）， followed by tonsillitis （28 times）. In conclusion， the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.

Objective: To evaluate the operational efficiency of a single-center platelet genotype database in HLA genotype-matched platelet search and applcation, and to compare the efficiency among different matching strategies, hospitals, and between first-time versus repeat application modes. Methods: Data on platelet genotype-based matching applications from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, at our center were collected. Four time intervals were defined according to the workflow: the time from clinical hospital application to blood center receipt confirmation (Δt ); the time from blood center confirmation to completion of platelet gene database search (Δt ); the time from completion of database searching to availability of compatible platelet products (Δt ); and the time from clinical hospital application to availability of compatible platelet products (Δt ). Applications were classified as first-time or repeat based on application history, and as speed-priority matching strategy or classical matching strategy based on matching approach, with efficiency differences compared across the groups. Results: A total of 1 051 valid matching applications were included. The median values of Δt , Δt , Δt , and Δt were 6.2 h, 0.1 h, 0.2 h, and 11.5 h, respectively. Overall, 55.9% of genotype-based matches resulted in compatible platelets being available on the same day. The median Δt of the speed-priority strategy was significantly shorter than that of the classical strategy (5.2 h vs 39.6 h, P<0.001). Median Δt differed significantly among hospitals (P<0.001), with the shortest being 4.4 h. The median Δt for repeat applications was 6.9 h, significantly shorter than that for first-time applications (27.7 h, P<0.001). Conclusion: The platelet gene database demonstrates sufficient efficiency in HLA genotype-matched platelet searching and application to meet clinical demands. Optimizing matching strategies and hospital application workflows may shorten the time for obtaining compatible platelets.

Objective: To deeply explore the systemic management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions, providing practical pathways for achieving oral health equity. Methods: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Based on a comprehensive design integrating literature review and theory, an interview guide was developed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis who were from underdeveloped regions and attended the Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University between November 2025 and February 2026. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data analysis employed Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results: Through interview with 20 participants, three core themes were extracted, encompassing eight sub-themes: individual cognitive-behavioral dilemmas (cognitive limitations and passive coping, inefficient and superficial self-management, and economic and psychological barriers to seeking care); systemic and environmental structural obstacles (distrust in primary healthcare capabilities, and the limited buffering effect and constraints of medical insurance); and the need for health empowerment and support systems (authoritative knowledge and management skill guidance, aspirations for access to high-quality specialized medical resources, and sustained and reminder-based remote support). Conclusion Patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions face a multidimensional dilemma composed of limited health literacy, poor adherence to health behaviors, weak primary care service capacity, uneven medical insurance coverage, and insufficient high-quality specialized medical resources. Patients’ health literacy should be advanced through innovative health education, primary care capacity should be strengthened for periodontal disease prevention and treatment, and it is recommended to prioritize the inclusion of initial periodontal therapy in outpatient coordination or chronic disease management, and a remote medical support system based on digital technology should be established.

ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the receptor for advanced glycation end products（RAGE）-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3） signaling pathway mediates mitochondrial injury in striosome/matrix compartment neurons under dopaminergic depletion in Parkinson's disease （PD）. MethodsA 6-hydroxydopamine （6-OHDA）-induced rat model of PD was established and treated with the RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1. Immunohistochemistry， double immunofluorescence staining， transmission electron microscopy （TEM）， Western blotting， and quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） were performed to evaluate RAGE and STAT3 expression as well as mitochondrial ultrastructure alterations in the striosome/matrix compartment. ResultsThe density of RAGE-positive structures and the protein expression level of RAGE in the striosome/matrix compartment were significantly increased in PD rats compared with controls （P<0.05）. Immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated widespread STAT3 expression in striatal neurons， while the number of NeuN/STAT3 double-positive cells was significantly elevated in the PD group （P<0.05）. Western blotting and qRT-PCR further confirmed significant upregulation of STAT3 protein and mRNA expression in PD rats （P<0.05）. TEM analysis revealed marked mitochondrial abnormalities in PD neurons， including reduced mitochondrial density， enlarged mitochondrial area， decreased cristae number， cristae membrane disruption， and outer membrane damage （all P<0.05）. Notably， FPS-ZM1 treatment partially reversed these mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations. ConclusionActivation of the RAGE-STAT3 signaling pathway contributes to mitochondrial structural disruption in striosome/matrix compartment neurons in PD. These findings suggest that the striosome/matrix compartment may represent a novel pathological target for investigating mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration in PD.

To evaluate the analytical performance of a specific IgE (sIgE) quantitative detection system and explore the clinical application effect of dust mite extract and component detection. The fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method was used to verify the analytical performance of sIgE for house dust mite (D1), dust mite (D2) extracts, and their components (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 10, and Der p 23), including precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), linear range, and interfering factors. This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 50 patients with allergic rhinitis and 50 patients with allergic asthma diagnosed at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected, along with 70 apparently healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in the hospital as the healthy control group. The positive rates of each sIgE component in the three groups were compared, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for diagnosing dust mite allergy was plotted. The results showed that the fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method for detecting sIgE demonstrated good repeatability and intermediate precision within the range of 0.1-100 kU/L. The LoB, LoD, and linear range all met the specified requirements. Except for Der p 10, which was interfered by the presence of conjugated bilirubin and free bilirubin (exceeding 40 mg/dl), the detection of other allergens was not significantly affected by common endogenous substances. In healthy individuals, 10% had positive sIgE for dustmite extract; in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients, the positive rates were 70% and 82%, respectively. The double positive rate of D1 and D2 in the healthy group was 8.6%, while in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients, it was 66% and 70%, respectively. When 0.35 kU/L was used as the threshold, the sensitivity of sIgE for dust mite extract to predict component positivity was 100%, specificity was 61.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 80.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. When the threshold was optimized to 0.78 kU/L, the sensitivity was 96.8%, specificity was 92.1%, PPV was 95.2%, and NPV was 94.6%. In conclusion, the repeatability, intermediate precision, LoB, LoD, linear range, and anti-interference ability of the fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method for detecting sIgE meet the requirements of laboratory quality management. This ensures detection quality, meets clinical needs, and can be used for the auxiliary diagnosis of allergic diseases.

Objective:To establish and optimize an autoverification system for thyroid function test reports of 5 items using historical test data.Methods:Based on the docoment' Autoverification of Clinical Laboratory Quantitative Test Results′, CLSI AUTO 10-A and AUTO 15 guidelines, an autoverification system for thyroid function test reports of 5 items was established combining with manual verification experience. A total of 193 860 thyroid function test reports of 5 items in 2021 were collected for the assessment of the original system. Totally 210 097 thyroid function test reports of 5 items in 2022 and 299 198 reports in 2023 were collected for the optimization of the autoverification system. There were 160 666 thyroid function test reports of 5 items from the first half of 2024 for the manual and autoverification comparison after optimization.Results:The pass rate of the autoverification system based on original thyroid function report in 2021 was 69.56%(134 849/193 860). The optimized system utilizing historical data from 2022 and 2023 covered 21 pattern rules and established verification for different patterns including range rules, delta check rules, and review rules. Taking manual verification as the standard for the data from the first half of 2024, the sensitivity and specificity of the optimized system were 100% (499/499) and 81.57% (130 646/160 167), respectively, with a false-negative rate of 0. The concordance rate between autoverification and manual verification was 81.63% (131 145/160 666), and the pass rate was 81.32% (130 646/160 666).Conclusion:Establishing and optimizing the autoverification system for thyroid function tests of 5 items using historical test data, and formulating verification rules for different patterns can be applied to clinical practise, which not only ensures the accuracy of test reports but also improves work efficiency, allowing continuously optimized and perfected of the system.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 0-2 h high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) cutoff recommended by the guidelines for the rule-out and rule-in diagnosis of suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients of different age groups.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of 4 050 suspected NSTEMI patients who visited the Chest Pain Center of Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who visited from January 2020 to April 2021 (2 650 patients) were included as derivation cohort, and those who visited from May to December 2021 (1 400 patients) were included as validation cohort. The diagnostic performance of the guideline-recommended hs-cTnT 0-2 h cutoff for the rule-out and rule-in of NSTEMI diagnosis was compared among subgroups of patients aged ≤60, >60-70, and >70 years in the derivation group. Rule-out sensitivity, negative predictive value, and rule-out proportion, rule-in specificity, positive predictive value, and rule-in proportion were assessed. Cutoffs were established for subgroups with relatively lower diagnostic performance and validated in the validation group. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days after patient visit were used as the outcome, and survival curves were plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests were used to analyze the incidence of MACE.Results:The sensitivity for ruled-out NSTEMI using the guideline-recommended 0-2 h cutoff in the subgroups of patients aged ≤60, >60-70, and >70 years in the derivation group was 100%; the negative predictive value was 100%; the ruled-out rates were 47.6% (331/696), 45.9% (491/1 070), and 28.5% (252/884), respectively. The specificity for ruled-in NSTEMI was 88.3%, 90.9%, and 86.4%, respectively; the positive predictive values were 55.3%, 59.3%, and 58.2%, respectively; the ruled-in rates were 22.6% (157/696), 19.5% (209/1 070), and 27.0% (239/884), respectively. With a requirement of sensitivity and negative predictive value >99%, the ruled-out cutoff for the subgroup of patients aged >70 years in the derivation group was established as 0 h hs-cTnT <6 ng/L or 0 h hs-cTnT<22 ng/L and 0-2 h Δhs-cTnT <5 ng/L, which increased the ruled-out rate of the subgroup aged >70 years to 45.6% (403/884). In the validation group, 42.2% (196/465) patients could be ruled-out. The incidence of MACE within 30 days for ruled-out patients aged >70 years using the established cutoff was 0.Conclusion:The diagnostic performance for the ruled-out and ruled-in diagnosis using the guideline-recommended 0-2 h hs-cTnT cutoff are relatively consistent across different age groups, but the ruled-out rate for patients aged >70 years is lower than for those aged ≤60 and >60-70 years. The ruled-out cutoff established in this study can be used to improve diagnostic performance of thus indicator on suspected NSTEMI patients.

AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous residue determination of 11 plant growth regulators(PGRs)in Renshen Guben preparations,and to conduct a risk assessment.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40 ℃ thermostatic ACQUITY UPLC ? Waters HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1％formic acid(containing 5 mmol/L ammonium formate)flowing at 0.30 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electro spray ionization was employed in both positive and negative ion scanning,with multiple reaction monitoring mode.The chronic and acute exposure risk values of the detected PGRs were calculated and assessed based on residue levels,health guidance values,and exposure estimates.RESULTS Eleven PGRs exhibited good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2 ≥ 0.990),whose average recoveries were 70.0％-120.0％,with RSDs all below 12.0％.In both oral liquid and pill forms,mepiquat chloride showed the highest average residue levels,while sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate exhibited the highest acute risk value(0.765 7,0.908 1)and chronic risk value(0.023 1,0.027 0).CONCLUSION Although PGRs residues are detected in Renshen Guben preparations,all levels remained within safe limits.