Objective: Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data. Results: A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914]. Conclusion The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.

Objective Orosomucoid1 （ORM1） is a novel target in the quest for anti-fatigue pharmacotherapy. Preliminary investigations have illuminated oleuropein （OLE） as a promising candidate molecule, poised to enhance ORM1 expression. To elucidate the influence of OLE on ORM1 protein expression and assess its ramifications on muscle endurance. Methods The impact of OLE on ORM1 protein expressions within hepatocytes and liver tissue was meticulously quantified through Western blotting; the effects of OLE on muscle endurance were evaluated via the rotarod and forced swimming tests; glycogen content within liver and muscle tissues was determined utilizing a specialized kit; and PAS staining was employed to visualize glycogen deposition in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results OLE demonstrated a capacity to elevate ORM1 protein expression in hepatocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, concurrently prolonging the duration of swimming and rotarod performance in mice, also in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, OLE augmented ORM1 expression in liver tissue, elevated serum ORM1 levels, and enhanced glycogen reserves within the liver and muscle. Conclusion OLE may serve to amplify muscle endurance by elevating ORM1 levels in vivo and augmenting glycogen stores within skeletal muscle.

Objective To understand the individual radiation dose levels and changes of occupational external exposure among radiation workers in a steel group from 2020 to 2023, and to provide a basis for strengthening radiation protection in the group. Methods According to the Specifications for individual monitoring of occupational external exposure (GBZ 128-2019), individual monitoring was conducted using a thermoluminescent dosimeter, with each monitoring cycle lasting 90 days, totaling four cycles per year. Individual monitoring data of occupational external exposure among radiation workers in the steel group from 2020 to 2023 were collected for statistical analysis. Results A total of 5889 monitoring records were collected from radiation workers across 37 affiliated units of the steel group during the period of 2020-2023. The average annual effective dose was 0.150 mSv, the maximum annual effective dose was 3.84 mSv, and 0.3% monitored workers showed annual effective doses exceeding 1 mSv. The average annual effective dose in 2023 was 0.146 mSv, which was lower than in 2020 but higher than in 2021 and 2022 (Z = −6.657 to 14.129, P < 0.001). The number of monitored workers in industrial and medical sectors accounted for 86.9% and 13.1%, respectively. Their average annual effective doses were 0.152 mSv and 0.140 mSv, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = −7.969, P < 0.001). In the industrial sector, the average annual effective dose for the monitored workers in industrial radiography was significantly higher than other occupations (Z = −8.094, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in average annual effective dose among workers of different occupational categories in the medical sector (H = 67.040, P < 0.001). The average annual effective doses were relatively high for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. Additionally, the average annual effective doses for male and female radiation workers were 0.150 mSv and 0.152 mSv, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusion The average annual effective dose of radiation workers in the steel group was at low levels for four consecutive years, which meet the requirements of the national standard. However, to maintain the individual radiation dose levels of radiation workers as low as reasonably achievable, it remains necessary to strengthen radiation protection management in the steel group.

In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.

Objective: To develop a simple digital chylous plasma device and validate its ability to accurately, standardly, and non-destructively determine chylous plasma in blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals. Methods: A digital chylous plasma assessment device was designed and manufactured. This device was used to measure the chylous degrees of chylous plasma samples before freezing, after freeze-thawing, before viral inactivation, and after viral inactivation. The measured chylosity index values were categorized according to the requirements specified in Appendix A of the Chinese national standard GB 18469-2001 "Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Blood Components". This process established a digital standard for chylous plasma, enabling the identification of severe, moderate and mild chylous plasma, and non-chylous plasma. Results: The initial simple product of the digital chylous assessment device was successfully designed and manufactured. There was no significant difference in the degree of chylous plasma between pre-freezing 468.11±217.73 lux and post-thawing 538.91±273.39 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05), or between pre-viral inactivation 858.33±387.79 lux and post-viral inactivation 928.33±166.51 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05). The median of chylous degree values for plasma chylous index grades 0 to 6 were 45 lux, 250 lux, 620 lux, 835 lux, 1 130 lux, 1 390 lux, and 1 700 lux, respectively. The defined cutoff values/ranges for the chylous degree values corresponding to plasma chylous index grade 0 to 6 were ≤125 lux, 126-465 lux, 466-740 lux, 741-1 000 lux, 1 001-1 233 lux, 1 234-1 560 lux, and ≥1 561 lux. Conclusion: This study successfully developed the initial product of the digital chylous device and established digital standards for classifying chylous plasma. The device demonstrates the potential to meet the needs for assessment of chylous plasma in both blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals, thereby promoting the development and application of standardized, non-destructive chylous plasma assessment technology.

The theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility" was proposed by LI Gao in Clarifying Doubts about Damage from Internal and External Causes, which has important guiding significance for explaining the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). "Fire" refers to yin fire, a type of deficient fire transformed from the deficiency of the spleen and stomach, reflecting the pathological state of coexisting deficiency and heat patterns in patients with tumor after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. "Primordial qi" is the most fundamental essence of human life activities and serves as the source of all bodily qi. Based on the theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility" and Western medicine research, we found that excessive use of ICIs can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to excessive yin fire. When yin fire becomes excessive, it consumes and injures the primordial qi; when the primordial qi is depleted, it leads to more excessive yin fire and further deficiency of the spleen and stomach, forming a syndrome in which deficiency and excess coexist. Starting from the theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility, "combined with our team′s clinical practice and modern pharmacological research, this study explores the application characteristics of sweet-natured herbs for irAEs during ICIs therapy and interval periods, and summarizes the treatment principles, aiming to provide new perspectives and approaches for the prevention and treatment of tumor-related irAEs with traditional Chinese medicine.

It is proposed that cold qi-induced accumulation encapsulates the core pathogenesis of the inflammation-cancer transformation in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Cold pathogens may serve as the initiating factor. When first invading the intestines， cold pathogens obstruct the flow of qi； over time， the lingering cold impairs the middle jiao （焦）， eventually leading to the accumulation of cold-phlegm and blood stasis. Based on the progressive nature of this transformation， the process can be divided into three stages， active stage， remission stage， and carcinogenic stage. In the active stage， the main pathogenesis involves stagnation of cold qi and accumulation of damp-heat in the intestines； in the remission stage， cold qi impairs the spleen， disrupting its transport and transformation functions； and in the carcinogenic stage， the mechanisms include cold-induced accumulation， phlegm accumulation from cold， and stagnation of cold and blood stasis. Accordingly， the treatment strategies are proposed.In the active stage， regulating qi， relieving stagnation， and harmonizing cold and heat； in the remission stage， warming yang， dispersing cold， tonifying qi， and strengthening the spleen； and in the carcinogenic stage， promoting qi circulation， dispersing cold， resolving phlegm， activating yang， and eliminating stasis to remove accumulation. These approaches aim to interrupt the transformation of IBD into colorectal cancer.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated carcinogenesis （CAC） based on myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs）-related immunosuppressive microenvironment. MethodsA total of 140 six-week-old SPF FVB male mice were randomly divided into seven groups： Blank group， Shaoyaotang without model group （7.12 g·kg^-1）， model group， sulfasalazine group （0.52 g·kg^-1）， Shaoyaotang low-dose group （3.56 g·kg^-1）， Shaoyaotang medium-dose group （7.12 g·kg^-1） and Shaoyaotang high-dose group （14.24 g·kg^-1）， with 20 mice in each group. The blank control group and the Shaoyaotang without model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline （10 mg·kg^-1）， while the other five groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane （AOM） （10 mg·kg^-1）. After 1 week， the mice were given drinking water containing 2% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） for 1 week， followed by normal drinking water for 2 weeks. This cycle was repeated three times over a total period of 14 weeks to establish the CAC mouse model. Each group was administered gavage once daily for 2 weeks starting on the 14^th day of the experiment， followed by three times a week until the end of the experiment. The body weight of the mice was recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed on the 28^th and 98^th days of the experiment. After dissection， the colon length， colon weight， spleen weight， tumor size， and tumor number were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to assess the pathological morphology of colon tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs， regulatory T cells （Tregs）， CD4⁺ T cells， CD8⁺ T cells， and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell ratio in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 （PD-1）， programmed cell death ligand 1 （PD-L1）， phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase （p-AMPK）， phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB （p-NF-κB）， and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α （HIF-1α） in the colon tissue. ResultsOn day 14， compared with the blank group， the body weight of the model group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， reaching its lowest point on day 28 （23.39 ± 0.95 ） g. On days 28 and 98， compared with the blank group， the colon length in the model group was significantly shortened （P<0.01）， the colon index significantly increased （P<0.01）， the spleen index significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the tumor load significantly increased （P<0.01）. HE staining showed that in the model group， tumor cells， a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrates， goblet cell disappearance， and crypt loss were observed. In each dose group of Shaoyaotang， the damage to the colonic mucosa， inflammatory cell infiltration， and crypt structure destruction were alleviated. Compared with the model group， the body weight of mice in each dose group of Shaoyaotang increased. On day 98， the colon length was significantly increased （P<0.01）， the colon index significantly decreased （P<0.01）， the spleen index significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the tumor burden significantly decreased （P<0.01） in each Shaoyaotang dose group. On days 28 and 98， MDSCs and Tregs in the spleen of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， while CD4⁺ T cells and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell ratio were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The proportion of CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen and the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the colon tissues of mice in each Shaoyaotang dose group were significantly increased to varying degrees （P<0.05， P<0.01）. On days 28 and 98， the expression of p-AMPK-positive cells in the colon tissue of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， while the expression of p-NF-κB and HIF-1α was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. ConclusionShaoyaotang can regulate MDSC recruitment and modulate the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets to inhibit the occurrence and development of AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the AMPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.

Tumor immune homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state in which the body removes abnormal mutated cells in time to prevent tumor development without damaging other normal cells under the surveillance of the immune system. It is an important concept to understand the process of tumor development. Programmed cell death （PCD） is a kind of regulable cell death including various forms such as apoptosis， autophagy， pyroptosis， necrosis， and ferroptosis. It is regarded as an important way for the body to remove abnormal or mutated cells. In recent years， modern research has found that PCD has a bi-directional regulatory effect on carcinogenesis and tumor development. In the early stage of tumor formation， PCD can control tumor development in time by playing a specific immune clearance role， while in the later tumorigenic stage， PCD can promote the growth and development of tumor cells by forming a tumor-specific microenvironment， resulting in carcinogenic effects. Therefore， PCD is regarded as an important way to maintain tumor immune homeostasis. Based on the idea of ''supporting the vital Qi and cultivating the root'' by professors Yu Guiqing and Piao Bingkui， the team proposed the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'' and applied it to clinical tumor prevention and treatment. Based on the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins''， the research summarized the current progress of modern medical research on mechanisms related to PCD to explore the role of PCD in the regulation of tumor immune homeostasis. The article believed that the harmonious state of Qi movement was the basic condition for normal PCD to maintain tumor immune homeostasis， while the disorder of Qi movement and the evolution of tumor toxicity were the core processes of abnormal PCD and disorder of tumor immunity homeostasis， which led to the escape and development of tumor cells. Therefore， under the guidance of ''regulating Qi and removing toxins''， the idea of full-cycle prevention and treatment of tumors was proposed summarily. In the early stage of tumor formation， the method of ''regulating Qi movement and strengthening vital Qi'' was applied to reestablish tumor immune homeostasis and to promote the elimination of abnormal cells. In the late tumorigenic stage， the method of ''resolving toxins and dispelling evils'' was applied to reverse the specific microenvironment of tumors and inhibit the development of tumor cells， with a view to providing new theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of tumors through traditional Chinese medicine.