ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus（WAOF） and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus（CAOF） through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF， followed by microscopic identification， thin-layer chromatography（TLC） identification， moisture content（toluene method）， total ash， acid-insoluble ash， water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts（hot dipping method）， water-soluble protein， total polysaccharides and total flavonoids（ultraviolet spectrophotometry）， and volatile oil content（method A under general rule 2204）. The contents of five active components（protocatechuic acid， chrysin， kaempferol， tectochrysin and nootkatone） were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography（UPLC）， and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF， quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter， length， plumpness（diameter/length ratio）， and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation， TLC identification， moisture content， protocatechuic acid content， kaempferol content， odor， or antioxidant activity measured by 2，2ʹ-azino-bis（3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid）（ABTS） method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts， alcohol-soluble extracts， total polysaccharide content， water-soluble protein content， 100-grain weight， length， and total color difference（ΔE^*ab） compared to CAOF（P<0.01）. In contrast， CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash， acid-insoluble ash， content of total flavonoids， volatile oil content， chrysin content， tectochrysin content， nootkatone content， diameter， plumpness， lightness（L^*）， red-green chromaticity（a^*）， yellow-blue chromaticity（b^*）， and antioxidant activity measured by 1，1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl（DPPH） method compared to WAOF（P<0.01）. Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits， plumpness， L^*， a^*， and b^* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits， total flavonoids， volatile oils， nootkatone， chrysin， and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness， L^*， a^*， and b^* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality， and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.

ObjectiveTo understand the whole genome characteristics and the information for genetic evolution in the two coxsackievirus A2 (CVA2) strains isolated from patients with herpangina in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of herpetic angina. MethodsTwo CAV2 strains isolated from patients with herpetic angina in Shanghai were performed whole genome sequencing and analysis for phylogenetics, nucleotide homology, and evolution. ResultsA phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 region revealed that the two Shanghai strains both belonged to CVA2 genotype D, with the highest homology to OL357660, a strain from Yunnan. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) of the whole genome between the two Shanghai strains was 98.88%, and the ANI of the whole genome comparisons to other CVA2 genotype D strains and CVA2 genotypes A-C strains ranged from 84.64% to 97.42% and from 79.21% to 84.20%, respectively. The two Shanghai strains had low homology in the 3D region compared to the existing CVA2 strains. The phylogenetic analysis and sliding window nucleotide similarity analysis indicated that the two Shanghai strains and the Yunnan OL357660 strain might constitute a new genetic lineage. ConclusionThe two CVA2 strains isolated for the first time in Shanghai are assigned to genotype D (GenBank: PQ130039 and PQ130040), which is identical to the existing subtype prevalent in China. As represented by the Shanghai strains, a new CVA2 genetic lineage is been identified. This study has enriched the data on genetic evolution and genetic variation of CVA2 in Shanghai, indicating the requirement to strengthen surveillance for the epidemiological pattern of CVA2.

Local anesthetics (LAs), such as articaine (AT), exhibit limited efficacy in inflammatory environments, which constitutes a significant limitation in their clinical application within oral medicine. In our prior research, we developed AT-17, which demonstrated effective properties in chronic inflammatory conditions and appears to function as a novel oral LA that could address this challenge. In the present study, we further elucidated the beneficial effects of AT-17 in acute inflammation, particularly in oral acute inflammation, where mitochondrial-related apoptosis played a crucial role. Our findings indicated that AT-17 effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nerve cell apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. This process involved the inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production and the subsequent activation of the NRF2 pathway. Most notably, improvements in mitochondria-related apoptosis were key contributors to AT-17's inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. Additionally, AT-17 was shown to reduce mtROS production in nerve cells through the Na⁺/NCLX/ETC signaling axis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel local anesthetic that exhibits pronounced anesthetic functionality under inflammatory conditions by enhancing mitochondria-related apoptosis. This advancement holds considerable promise for future drug development and deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.

Stereotactic radiotherapy is widely favored because of its high treatment precision and less fractionations.ZND-A is a new domestic gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system.Herein the technical characteristics of ZND-A system are described in detail from the aspects of the treatment frame,gamma-ray module,collimator module,six-dimensional treatment couch module and image-guided system module,and the main parameters are compared with the mainstream gamma knife equipments at home and abroad.With reference to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST 1.1),the initial efficacy of the patients treated by the ZND-A system is analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the ZND-A system for providing a reference for the hospital clinical use of this type of gamma knife.

Objective To compare the midterm outcomes of the Bentall procedure versus isolated aortic valve replacement(AVR)in patients with bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)complicated with severe stenosis and ascending aortic dilation in order to assess the therapeutic value of these surgical approaches for this complex cardiac condition.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 96 eligible patients who underwent surgical treatment in our institute between January 2018 and December 2022.According to surgical approaches,they were divided into an AVR group(65 cases)and a Bentall group(31 cases).Demographic features,comorbidities,preoperative status,and echocardiographic parameters were collected in all patients.Propensity score matching(PSM)was applied in a 1:1 ratio to balance baseline characteristics.Perioperative indicators and follow-up data were compared and analyzed between matched cohorts after control of cofounding factors.Results After PSM,25 matched pairs were screened out and analyzed with comparable baseline data(all P>0.05).The Bentall group demonstrated significantly more superior intraoperative effective orifice area(EOA,2.69±0.47 vs 2.35±0.47 cm2,P=0.013)and EOA index(EOAI,1.69±0.30 vs 1.47±0.29 cm2/m2,P=0.010),and obviously longer cardiopulmonary bypass time[190.00(147.00,257.00)vs 101.00(88.50,124.50)min,P<0.01]and aortic cross-clamp time[141.00(120.00,166.00)vs 66.00(55.00,81.50)min,P<0.01]when compared with the AVR group.During a median follow-up of 28 months,the AVR group had notably larger aortic sinus diameter[32.00(30.00,34.00)vs 26.80(26.00,28.00)mm,P<0.01]and ascending aortic diameter[38.00(34.50,42.00)mm vs 26.00(26.00,28.00)mm,P<0.01],with ongoing dilation in the ascending aorta,while the Bentall group maintained stable dimensions.The Bentall group also showed statistically lower peak aortic valve pressure gradients[21.00(15.50,27.00)vs 25.00(19.50,31.00)mmHg,P=0.049].Conclusion Both Bentall procedure and AVR are effective in treatment of BAV complicated with severe stenosis and ascending aortic dilation.But,Bentall procedure offers advantages in hemodynamic optimization and aortic stability.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

Radiation-induced rectal injury (RRI) refers to inflammatory intestinal complications of patients with pelvic cavity, abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal tumor during or after radiotherapy, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, anal distension, bloody stool, etc. In severe cases, rectovaginal fistula, intestinal obstruction, canceration can occur, adversely affecting the quality of life of patients. The clinical factors of RRI involve total radiotherapy dose, tumor volume, radiotherapy mode and patient-related risk factors. The diagnosis mainly depends on imaging examinations (such as CT, MRI and ultrasound), endoscopy and laboratory examination. The mechanism of RRI is related to intestinal epithelial cell destruction, stem cell injury, microvascular changes and microbial flora imbalance. At present, there is no gold standard for RRI treatment, and the main measures include surgical treatment, internal medicine treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation, etc. In this article, the latest progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of RRI was reviewed.

Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a frequent complication following radiotherapy for thoracic and head-neck malignancies, which may lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture and perforation, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. With advancements in radiotherapy techniques — particularly the adoption of unconventional fractionation regimens, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and combined molecular targeted / immunotherapy — the incidence of RIEI has been increasing. In this review, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management strategies for RIEI were comprehensively summarized. Current therapeutic approaches have evolved beyond conventional anti-inflammatory and nutritional support to include novel interventions such as targeted therapy, free radical scavengers, and microbiota modulation, etc. Future research should prioritize the development of optimized, individualized prevention and treatment protocols to mitigate RIEI risk and improve patient prognosis.

The global incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is rising, with over 60% of patients presenting at a locally advanced stage. Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of HNC treatment, and advancements in modern techniques and concurrent chemotherapy have improved local control and survival rates of HNC patients. However, these benefits also bring challenges in the management of toxicities. Due to the proximity of salivary glands and tumors, especially the highly radiosensitive parotid and submandibular glands, this condition is among the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy. Radiation damages acinar cells and ducts, causing glandular atrophy, fibrosis, and reduced saliva secretion, thereby leading to xerostomia and related complications. The risk and severity of injury are associated with the radiation dose and volume affecting the glands. Prevention and management strategies emphasize precise radiotherapy planning, target optimization, and supportive care. Emerging multimodal imaging techniques offer potential for non-invasive prediction and early diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland injury. Future research in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and molecular biology aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms, such as signaling pathways and genomics, facilitating personalized strategies to mitigate radiotherapy-induced toxicities and enhance the quality of life of patients.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws (ORNJ) is among the most severe oral complications following radiotherapy for head and neck tumors. It is essentially a form of pathological necrosis of the jawbone induced by radiation therapy. ORNJ is defined as bone damage, primarily characterized by inflammation and necrosis, occurring in the jawbone within the irradiated area and accompanied by soft tissue injury, persisting for more than 3 months without spontaneous healing. Diagnosis requires exclusion of other potential etiologies, including primary tumor recurrence, medication-related osteonecrosis, and radiation-induced neoplasms of the jawbone, etc. In this review, recent advances in the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, classification and staging, dosimetric parameters, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of radiation-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws were summarized.