OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis. METHODS The core targets of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis were predicted through network pharmacology. Allergic rhinitis model of rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin mixture， and the rats were randomly divided into model group， loratadine group （positive control group， 0.9 mg/kg）， and low-， medium-， high-dose groups of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos （3， 6 and 12 g/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 healthy rats were used as the normal group. Each group of rats was intragastrically administered the corresponding liquid or normal saline once a day for 30 consecutive days. After the last administration， the behavioral scores of each group of rats were calculated， the levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE）， histamine， interleukin-4 （IL-4） in serum， and the protein expression levels of IL-6， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2） in nasal mucosa tissue were detected. The pathological morphology changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL-6， TNF and PTGS2 might play a key role in the intervention of allergic rhinitis by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos， and the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways might be the typical inflammatory signaling pathways intervened by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in allergic rhinitis. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group， the behavioral score， the levels of IgE， histamine and IL-4， and the protein expressions of IL-6， TNF-α and PTGS2 in each administration group were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）， and there was a dose-dependent relationship with the herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos （P＜ 0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos can effectively alleviate the symptoms of rats with allergic rhinitis， the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of the expressions of IL-6， TNF-α and PTGS2.

Objective The pathogenesis of EAP in rats based on the TLR4/NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway was explored.Methods Randomly divide 12 male SD rats into 4 groups using the number table,namely normal group(N),model group(M),Caspase-1 inhibitor group(Caspase-1),and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 group(NLRP3),with 3 rats in each group.After drug intervention,relevant indicators were observed by using HE staining,ELISA,WB methods.Results Compared with the N group,the M group rats had showed significant damage in prostate gland structure and infiltration of inflammatory cells.Compared with group N,the expression of TLR4,P-NF-κB P65,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase-1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 proteins in the prostate tissue of group M rats had increased(P<0.01).Compared with group M,the expression of TLR4,P-NF-κB P65,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase-1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 proteins in the NLRP3 and Caspase-1 groups had significantly reduced(P<0.01).The serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-17A,IL-18,IFN-γ,and TNF-α in group M rats had been significantly higher than those in group N(P<0.01).But the serum levels of IL-10 had been slightly lower and no statistical significance.The serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-17A,IL-18,IFN-γ,and TNF-α in group M rats had been lower than those in group N(P<0.01 or P<0.05),the serum IL-10 level had increased(P<0.01).Conclusion The activation of TLR4/NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling path-way promotes the occurrence and development of prostatitis in EAP rats.

Periodontitis constitutes the primary cause of tooth loss among adults in China. The disease is characterized by the high morbidity, which significantly impairs both oral and systemic health. As the key insights of initial periodontal therapy, subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) have been considered as simple, effective, and cost-efficient treatment approaches for managing periodontal inflammation. Substantial published evidences indicated that the majority of patients diagnosed with periodontitis could achieve lifelong retention of their natural teeth through standardized initial periodontal therapy, rigorous plaque control, and long-term supportive periodontal treatment. However, the proficiency in periodontal diagnosis and treatment among general dental practitioners in China is heterogeneous, with a notable scarcity of periodontists and a suboptimal level of SRP standardization. Drawing upon over four decades of clinical expertise from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology as well as comprehensive literature reviews, this paper meticulously outlines the standardized procedures for SRP, aiming at guiding clinicians to perform standardized SRP step by step, and thereby enhancing clinical efficacy of periodontal treatment, promoting periodontal health, and ultimately improving patients′ quality of life.

Objective To investigate the safety of robotic single-site hysterectomy(RSSH)for benign diseases.Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent RSSH or traditional transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site hysterectomy(LESSH)for benign indications from May 2024 to May 2025.The study was comprised of 24 patients in the RSSH group and 42 patients in the LESSH group.Perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups.Results All the surgeries were successfully completed in both groups without conversion or intraoperative/postoperative blood transfusion.The RSSH group had a longer operation time than the LESSH group[161.5(131.3,179.5)min vs.97.5(76.5,123.3)min,Z=-5.226,P＜0.001].However,there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss,pre-postoperative hemoglobin difference,postoperative pain score,maximum postoperative temperature,time to flatus,indwelling catheter duration,or postoperative hospital stay(P＞0.05).Conclusion RSSH for benign diseases has a safety profile comparable to traditional LESSH.

Objective:To explore the method for selecting characteristic prices of Chinese patent medicines based on informa-tion entropy theory.It involves analyzing the connotative differences among various price indicators and utilizing information entropy metrics to validate the scientific rigor of characteristic price selection so as to optimize the pricing model for Chinese patent medi-cines and improve the accuracy of price evaluation.Methods:A correlation analysis and information entropy calculation are con-ducted on the median price of the smallest preparation unit,average daily cost,and average course cost of TCM.It compares the information diversity and uncertainty of different pricing indicators.Results:The average daily cost exhibits the highest information diversity and uncertainty among all the pricing indicators examined.Conclusion:It is recommended that the average daily cost be used as the dependent variable for characteristic prices in TCM pricing research.This choice plays an important role in optimizing TCM pricing models and enhancing the accuracy of price evaluation.

Objective:To establish a scientific,systematic,and objective indicator system for the characteristic price variables of Traditional Chinese Patent Medicines(TCPM),providing a reference framework for the pricing mechanism of TCPM.Methods:The brainstorming method was initially used to screen related variable indicators.The Nominal Group Technique(NGT)and Delphi methods were applied to gather expert opinions,and SPSS 28.0 was employed for data statistical analysis.It led to the development of a TCPM characteristic price variable indicator system consisting of 6 dimensions,14 characteristic variables and 26 measurement indicators.Results:The authority coefficient of the experts exceeded 0.7,indicating the representativeness of the results.Expert opinions were generally concentrated.Based on the collected opinions and statistical analysis,the scope of selected TCPM characteristic price variables was preliminarily established.Conclusion:The TCPM characteristic price variable indicator system was initially developed.However,due to the complexity of the pricing mechanism and divergent expert opinions,further qualitative and quantitative research methods,along with a dynamic adjustment mechanism,are needed to verify and refine the system.

Objective:To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of pneumonia in patients with thoracic cancer treated with immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (RT).Methods:The clinic data of 265 patients with thoracic cancer who received RT and at least 2 cycles of immunotherapy at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2020 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment sequence: 100 patients with sequential immunotherapy after RT, 165 patients with RT after immunotherapy, including sequential RT after immunotherapy (119 cases) and concurrent RT with immunotherapy (46 cases). The occurrence and grading of treatment-related pneumonia were determined by clinical symptoms, signs, and chest CT findings. The relationship between interval time window of different treatment methods and pneumonia was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. χ2 test was used for univariate analysis of risk factors, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results:In the sequential immunotherapy after RT group, the incidence of pneumonia was 12.0% (12/100), with grade ≥2 pneumonia in 4.0% (4/100). The interval time between RT and immunotherapy, has a strong negative correlation with pneumonia incidence and grade ≥2 pneumonia incidence ( r=-0.88, -0.79; both P<0.001). When immunotherapy was initiated ≥7 weeks after RT, the incidence of pneumonia significantly decreased to 5% ( P=0.020), with no grade ≥2 cases. In the immunotherapy followed by sequential / concurrent RT cohort, the incidence of pneumonia was significantly higher in the concurrent subgroup compared with the sequential subgroup [65% (30/46) vs. 44.5% (53/119), P=0.027], and the comparison of the incidence of grade ≥2 pneumonia was the same [33% (15/46) vs. 14.3% (17/119), P=0.014]. The interval time window of RT after immunotherapy was strongly negatively correlated with the incidence of pneumonia and grade ≥2 pneumonia ( r=-0.77, -0.83; both P<0.001). When RT was initiated ≥4 weeks after immunotherapy, the incidence of pneumonia significantly decreased ( P<0.001). Pneumonia incidence differed significantly across RT target sites (intrapulmonary vs. extrapulmonary), total dose (<60 Gy vs. ≥ 60 Gy), and fractionation regimen (conventional vs. hypofractionation) ( P < 0.001, = 0.008, = 0.031), but was not associated with age, gender, smoking history, type of immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-programmed death-1 vs. anti-programmed death ligand-1), or the number of prior immunotherapy cycles (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified RT within the lung and interval time of RT after immunotherapy ≤ 4 weeks as independent risk factors for the incidence of pneumonia (both P < 0.001). Conclusions:The interval window between RT and immunotherapy is a critical determinant of pneumonia incidence. Delaying immunotherapy for more than 7 weeks after RT, or delaying RT for more than 4 weeks after immunotherapy, can significantly reduce the risk of radiation-related pneumonia.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial autophagy regulating the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in prostate tissue in experimental autoimmune prostatitis(EAP)rats and to provide a theoretical basis for the study of new drug development.Methods A numerical table of 40 SD male rats was randomly divided into 8 groups.Namely,normal group(N),model group(M),rapamycin group(RAP),rapamycin+mitochondrial autophagy inhibitor group(RAP+Mdivi-1),autophagy inhibitor group(3MA),mitochondrial autophagy inhibitor group(Mdivi-1),Caspase1 inhibitor group(Caspase1),NLRP3 inhibitor group(NLRP3),5 animals per group.After drug intervention,HE staining,immunofluorescence,colorimetry,and WB method were used to observe the relevant indexes.Results Compared with group N,the structural damage of prostate gland was obvious in group M.Compared with the M group,the prostate gland structure in RAP group,Caspase-1 group and NLRP3 group were improved.However,that in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group was not improved,and even destroyed more obvi-ously.Compared with group N,the co-expression of LC3-II and LAMP-1 was enhanced,mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased,ROS release level was significantly increased in prostate tissue of rats in group M.Com-pared with the M group,the above indexes in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly improved.However,the above indexes in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group became worse.Compared with group N,the protein expressions of DRP1,PINK1 and Parkin in prostate mitochondria of rats in group M were increased,and the protein expres-sions of OPA1 was decreased.Compared with group M,the protein expressions of DRP1,PINK1 and Parkin in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly increased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were sig-nificantly decreased.OPA1 protein expression was significantly decreased in the RAP group.The protein expression of Parkin in Caspase-1 group was decreased,but the protein expression of DRP1,OPA1 and PINK1 had no significant difference.Compared with group N,the protein expressions of LC3II/LC3I,Beclin1,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 in prostate tissue of rats in group M were increased,while the protein expres-sions of P62 was decreased.Compared with M group,LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 protein expressions in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly increased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were significantly decreased.Compared with M group,P62,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β and IL-18 protein expressions in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly decreased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were significantly increased.Compared with M group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 in Caspase-1 group were significantly reduced,but the protein expressions of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin1,and P62 were not statistically significant.Conclusions NLRP3 inflammatosome is involved in the progression of chronic prostatitis in EAP rats.Mitochondrial autophagy mediates the occurrence and development of prostatitis in EAP by regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in prostate tissue.

Gut microbiota,implicated in obesity,insulin resistance,depression,and cardiovascular risk,can be modulated by probiotics to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk.Vascular calcification(VC),a regulated process involving mineral deposits in vessels and valves,is a significant risk factor.Diet profoundly impacts both gut micro-biota and VC,influencing cardiovascular health via microbial metabolites.While the link between gut microbiota and VC is established,the precise dietary effects on vascular health remain unclear.This article reviews mecha-nisms through which dietary patterns shape gut microbiota and metabolites,influence VC and highlights directions for future research on VC diagnosis and treatment.

Coronary heart disease(CHD)is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in China,with a continuously growing patient population,presenting numerous challenges for personalized and precise treatment.Artificial intelligence(AI),leveraging its advantages in processing and analyzing medical data,integrates clinical information,imaging examinations,and various omics analyses to provide clinicians with accurate diag-nostic and treatment recommendations.AI plays a crucial role in risk prediction,diagnostic optimization,and the development of personalized treatment strategies.This article explores the applications of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of CHD,analyzing its contributions and challenges in risk prediction,diagnostic optimization,and treatment decision-making,while also envisioning its future developmental in the field of cardiovascular medicine.