ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction （YQSH） on carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice， and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps （NETs）. MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， positive drug silybin （SF） group （55 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， YQSH-L group， YQSH-M group， and YQSH-H group （8.325， 16.65， 33.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively），n=6 in each group. Except for the control group， mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl₄ to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling， each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 （CXCL1）， CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase （NE） and myeloperoxidase （MPO） positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO， NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultsCompared with the control group， the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition， and the liver elasticity， CXCL1， CXCL2， CXCL5 expression， neutrophil level， and MPO， NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover， the liver elasticity was reduced （P<0.01）. The protein expression （P<0.01） and mRNA level of CXCL1， CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased（P<0.05，P<0.01）. The neutrophil level was decreased （P<0.01）， the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased（P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the levels of MPO， NE and CitH3 were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines （CXCL1， CXCL2， CXCL5）， reduction of neutrophil infiltration， and inhibition of NETs generation.

ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction （YQSH） on carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice， and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps （NETs）. MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， positive drug silybin （SF） group （55 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， YQSH-L group， YQSH-M group， and YQSH-H group （8.325， 16.65， 33.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively），n=6 in each group. Except for the control group， mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl₄ to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling， each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 （CXCL1）， CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase （NE） and myeloperoxidase （MPO） positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO， NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultsCompared with the control group， the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition， and the liver elasticity， CXCL1， CXCL2， CXCL5 expression， neutrophil level， and MPO， NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover， the liver elasticity was reduced （P<0.01）. The protein expression （P<0.01） and mRNA level of CXCL1， CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased（P<0.05，P<0.01）. The neutrophil level was decreased （P<0.01）， the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased（P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the levels of MPO， NE and CitH3 were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines （CXCL1， CXCL2， CXCL5）， reduction of neutrophil infiltration， and inhibition of NETs generation.

Purpose: Metastatic rectal cancer (mRC) is a highly lethal and complex disease that demands a multidisciplinary treatment approach. However, the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT) for de novo mRC remains controversial and uncertain. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined medical records from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for patients with histologically confirmed de novo mRC diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2020. All patients received standard systemic therapy and radical surgery when feasible. The primary outcome, overall survival (OS), was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox regression model. Results: Among 271 patients included in the analysis, 117 received RT and 154 did not. The median OS was significantly longer in the RT group compared with the non-RT group (27.8 months vs. 21.9 months; P=0.046). Multivariate analysis identified several independent predictors of OS: age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–2.27; P=0.001), primary tumor resection (HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.90–3.61; P<0.001), M1b or M1c disease (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.44–2.69; P<0.001), and receipt of RT (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.94; P=0.036). Conclusion RT significantly improves OS in patients with mRC, underscoring its role in treatment strategies. These findings support its inclusion in therapeutic protocols and highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to confirm and extend these results.

To report two cases of psychiatric symptoms associated with zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, and raise clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect. Two male patients with epilepsy treated with zonisamide were retrospectively analyzed. Case 1 (25 years old) developed acute emotional and behavioral abnormalities (e.g., insomnia, aggression, incoherent speech) after switching from sodium valproate to zonisamide (200 mg/day). Case 2 (48 years old) had long-term zonisamide use (≥5 years) with persistent treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, command hallucinations). Clinical courses, medication adjustments, and symptom responses were documented. In Case 1, psychiatric symptoms resolved after discontinuing zonisamide and switching to sodium valproate, with improved mood stability and reduced impulsivity. In Case 2, despite escalating antipsychotic medications (risperidone, clozapine), psychotic symptoms persisted, likely due to ongoing zonisamide use. Both cases highlighted zonisamide’s potential to exacerbate or induce psychiatric manifestations, possibly via mechanisms involving sodium/calcium channel inhibition and neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g., dopamine, serotonin). Zonisamide can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Clinicians should monitor for mental health changes during zonisamide treatment and consider drug discontinuation or substitution with alternative antiepileptics (e.g., sodium valproate) if psychiatric adverse effects emerge. Awareness of this association is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and optimize epilepsy management.

ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of dual-task training (DTT) on mobility and balance in stroke patients. MethodsCNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) on DTT in stroke rehabilitation from inception to June, 2025. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. ResultsA total of eleven RCT involving 517 stroke patients were included, and the scores of PEDro scale were four to eight. DTT was more effective on the score of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (MD = 3.70, 95%CI 1.88 to 5.53, P < 0.001) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD = 3.04, 95%CI 1.58 to 4.49, P < 0.001), fall incidence (OR = 0.32, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.87, P = 0.025), gait speed under a single-task condition (MD = 0.08, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.12, P = 0.002), gait speed under a dual-task condition (MD = 0.13, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.16, P < 0.001), Timed Up and Go Test time (MD = -2.78, 95%CI -3.85 to -1.72, P < 0.001), and score of modified Barthel Index (MD = 4.77, 95%CI 1.88 to 7.66, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that motor-motor DTT was more effective than cognitive-motor DTT on BBS scores and single-task gait speed. ConclusionsDTT can improve mobility and balance in stroke patients, especially with motor-motor tasks.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual case teaching integrating standardized patients (SP) and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in enhancing students' clinical thinking and practical skills in experimental exercise therapy course.Methods:In April 2023, 52 students from the 2021 cohort and 54 students from the 2022 cohort of the Rehabilitation Therapy undergraduate program at Xinjiang Medical University were selected and divided into the experimental group and control group according to their classes. In the shoulder joint mobilization experimental class of the exercise therapy course, virtual SP teaching was performed in the experimental group of both cohorts. For the control group, student-led SP teaching was performed in the 2021 cohort, while the traditional "lecture + demonstration" method was used in the 2022 cohort. Upon completion of teaching, theoretical exams, case analysis, practical exams, and a teaching satisfaction survey were conducted on the students. Data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-square test in SPSS 25.0. Results:In both cohorts, the experimental group had similar theoretical exam scores ( P=0.207 and P=0.097, respectively) to the control group, but had higher practical exam scores ( P=0.013 and P=0.002, respectively) than the control group. In the case analysis exam, the experimental group scored higher than the control group in the 2022 cohort ( t=2.84, P=0.006) but similarly to the control group in the 2021 cohort ( t=1.53, P=0.132). All students believed that virtual SP teaching was most engaging. In terms of understanding complex concepts, increasing active participation, and fostering clinical thinking, the 2022 cohort was more satisfied with virtual SP teaching, whereas the 2021 cohort experienced no significant difference between virtual SP teaching and student-led SP teaching. In addition, the 2021 cohort found that student-led SP teaching was more helpful for improving doctor-patient communication skills. Conclusions:The application of virtual SP teaching in the experimental exercise therapy course effectively enhances students' practical skills and case analysis capabilities, contributing greatly to their overall clinical management thinking.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of high-resolution magnetic resonance black blood technology imaging (MRBTI) and CT angiography (CTA) in detecting carotid plaque in predicting stroke.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 135 patients with carotid artery disease diagnosed and treated in Handan Central Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022, all patients underwent cervical MRBTI and CTA examinations. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used as the gold standard to compare the diagnostic value of the two detection methods for carotid plaque properties. Patients were followed up for 2 years and divided into stroke and non-stroke according to the result of follower-up. Imaging indexes of the two groups were compared, and the predictive value of MRBTI combined with CTA for stroke was evaluated by receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The relevant data of 134 patients were included in statistical analysis. For severe carotid stenosis and ulcerative plaques, the accuracy of CTA examination was 85.11% and 84.91% separately, that of MRBTI examination was 91.49% and 92.45%, the combined examination was 95.74% and 96.23%, and the above three examination methods was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The detection accuracy rates of CTA for mild, moderate carotid artery stenosis and smooth, irregular plaque, were 73.08%, 86.89%, 73.91% and 86.21%, those of MRBTI detection were 92.31%, 91.80%, 86.96% and 93.10%, and those of combined detection were 100.00%, 98.36%, 100.00% and 98.28%, the combined detection was higher than those of CTA and MRBTI alone ( P<0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the level of tube wall area between the stroke patients and the non-stroke patients ( P>0.05), but the total vascular area and lumen area in stroke patients were significantly higher than those in non-stroke patients: (103.48 ± 22.48) mm 2 vs. (92.51 ± 16.26) mm 2, (46.18 ± 11.03) mm 2 vs. (41.32 ± 10.52) mm 2, and normal wall index was significantly lower: (0.54 ± 0.12) mm 2 vs. (0.61 ± 0.09) mm 2 ( P<0.05); ROC curve analysis showed that MRBTI combined with CTA had the best predictive efficacy for stroke, with area under the curve (AUC) value as high as 0.82, and its sensitivity (79.00%) was significantly higher than that predicted by MRBTI indexes (total vascular area, lumen area and normal wall index) (51.90%, 39.50%, 56.80%) or CTA (30.90%) alone, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of MRBTI and CTA can improve the diagnostic efficiency of carotid artery disease and the prediction efficiency of stroke, and can be used as an auxiliary examination means of DSA to provide a more reliable clinical basis for the assessment of plaque characteristics in patients with carotid artery disease and the prediction of stroke.

Objective:To investigate the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and high-sen-sitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) on the risk of digestive system malignancy.Methods:The pro-spective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 93 928 participants who participated health examination in 9 hospitals at Tangshan, including Kailuan General Hospital Affiliated to North China University of Science and Technology et al, in 2006 were selected. According to the presence or absence of DM and the level of Hs-CRP, all participants were divided into 4 groups, including the DM(-)CRP(-) group defined as absence of DM and Hs-CRP ≤3 mg/L, the DM(-)CRP(+) group defined as absence of DM and Hs-CRP>3 mg/L, the DM(+)CRP(-) group defined as presence of DM and Hs-CRP ≤3 mg/L, and the DM(+)CRP(+) group defined as presence of DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L. The data of participants were collected by a fixed team of physicians. The first physical examination in 2006 was taken as the starting point for follow-up. The end event of follow-up was defined as the occurrence of digestive system malignancy or death, and the follow-up was up to December 31, 2021. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinical data among the 4 groups of participants; (2) the incidence and cumulative incidence rate of digestive system malignancy in participants; (3) influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy; (4) the combined influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy; (5) sensitivity analysis. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the one-way analysis of variance. For pairwise comparison, least significant difference test was used for homogeneity of variance, and Dunnett′s T3 test was used for heterogeneity of variance. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data among multiple groups was conducted using the chi-square test, and Bonferroni test was used among multiple comparisons. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot cumulative incidence curve, and Log-rank test was used for cumulative incidence rate analysis. The Cox proportional risk model was used for multivariate analysis. All models were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results:(1) Comparison of clinical data among the 4 groups of participants. Of the 93 928 participants, there were 70 743 cases in the DM(-)CRP(-) group, 14 644 cases in the DM(-)CRP(+) group, 6 425 cases in the DM(+)CRP(-) group, and 2 116 cases in the DM(+)CRP(+) group. There were significant differences in gender, age, fasting blood glucose, Hs-CRP, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, marrital status, smoking, drinking, high school degree or above, physical exercise, high salt diet, high fat diet, positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen, fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, gallstone, taking hypoglycemic drugs, taking lipid-lowering drugs among the 4 groups of participants ( P<0.05). (2) The incidence and cumulative incidence rate of digestive system malignancy in participants. At the end-up of follow-up, 2 008 cases developed digestive system malignancy in the 93 928 participants, including 717 cases of colorectal cancer, 456 cases of liver cancer, 396 cases of gastric cancer, 195 cases of esophageal cancer, 144 cases of pancreatic cancer, 65 cases of gallbladder cancer or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 35 cases of small bowel cancer. The cumulative incidence rates of digestive system malignancy were 2.19%, 2.42%, 2.86%, 3.59% in participants of the DM(-)CRP(-) group, DM(-)CRP(+) group, DM(+)CRP(-) group, DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively, showing a significant difference among the 4 groups ( χ2=31.72, P<0.05). (3) Influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy. After adjusting for the confounding factors of the participants, results of multivariate analysis showed that DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L were independent influencing factors for the incidence of digestive system malignancy ( hazard ratio=1.32, 1.19, 95% confidence interval as 1.13-1.56, 1.06-1.33, P<0.05). Futher analysis showed that there was a significant difference in interaction between DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L ( P<0.05). (4) The combined influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malign-ancy. After adjusting for confounding factors, results of multivariate analysis showed that using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of digestive system malignancy increased in the DM(-)CRP(+) group, DM(+)CRP(-) group, and DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively ( hazard ratio=1.14, 1.23, 1.79, 95% confidence interval as 1.01-1.29, 1.02-1.48, 1.38-2.31, P<0.05). In the site-specific analysis of digestive system malignancy, using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of liver cancer increased in the DM(-)CRP(+) group ( hazard ratio=1.37, 95% confidence interval as 1.07-1.75, P<0.05), the risk of incidence of liver cancer and pancrea-tic cancer increased in the DM(+)CRP(-) group ( hazard ratio=1.60, 1.74, 95% confidence interval as 1.16-2.21, 1.00-3.02, P<0.05), the risk of incidence of small bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer increased in the DM(+)CRP(+) group ( hazard ratio=5.05, 2.31, 2.23, 95% confidence interval as 1.57-16.21, 1.00-5.31, 1.54-3.24, P<0.05). (5) Sensitivity analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors of excluding 3 types of participants (103 cases of digestive system malignancy within 1 year of follow-up, 2 370 cases of taking glucose-lowering drugs, and 915 cases of taking lipid-lowering drugs), results of multivariate analysis showed that using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of digestive system malignancy increased in the DM(+)CRP(-) group, and DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively ( hazard ratioexcluding cases of digestive system malignancy within 1 year of follow-up=1.26, 1.66, 95% confidence interval as 1.04-1.52, 1.26-2.18, P<0.05; hazard ratioexcluding cases taking glucose-lowering drugs=1.23, 1.75, 95% confidence interval as 1.02-1.49, 1.31-2.33, P<0.05; hazard ratioexcluding cases taking lipid-lowering drugs=1.24, 1.80, 95% confidence interval as 1.03-1.49, 1.39-2.34, P<0.05). Conclusions:DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L are independent influencing factors for the incidence of digestive system malignancy. There is an interation and synergistic effect between DM and Hs-CRP to promote the incidence of digestive system malignancy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, emphasizing the utmost importance of early diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and pro-gnostic assessment. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), as an innovative liquid biopsy biomarker, has demonstrated unique advantages in HCC management. The authors systematically summarized recent advances in the application of ctDNA for early diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of HCC, focusing on its advantages and clinical application value in precision medicine.

Objective:To study whether the bone age of the left and right limbs in children was consistent when the ossification ratio was measured by ultrasound,and to compare this consistency between ultrasound bone age of left and right limbs,and the bone age that was determined by X-ray. Method:A total of 526 children aged 3 to 18 years,who were treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from October 2022 to November 2023,were retrospectively included. The ossification ratios of the left and right ulna,radius,and femur of these children were measured by using ultrasound to calculate the bone age of ultrasound. Simultaneously,all children underwent X-ray examination on left-hand for bone age within two weeks before and after the ultrasonic examination for bone age. The differences in ossification ratios of the ulna,radius and femur of dual sides in assessing bone age by using ultrasound were compared,and the differences of assessing bone age among left ultrasound,right ultrasound and X-ray were further compared. Results:In the ultrasound test,Ossification rate of the left ulna was 48.0％,Less than 49.5％ on the right side,The difference was statistically significant (W=25425.5,P<0.001),the left femoral ossification rate was 77.0％,Higher than 76.0％ on the right side,The difference was statistically significant (W=57829,P=0.041). The overall ossification rate of the left ulna,radius,and femur was 184.0％,Below 185.0％ on the right side,The difference was statistically significant (W=46314.5,P<0.001). The ultrasound bone age of the left limb was 10.1 years,Below 10.3 years on the right,The difference was statistically significant (W=67958.5,P<0.001). The median X-ray bone age of the included children was 10.2 years between ultrasound bone age and X-ray bone age (P>0.05). Conclusion:There is difference in the bone age between left and right side of limbs in assessing bone age by using ultrasound to detect ossification ratio. Therefore,the left and right sides should be assessed by using ultrasound to assess bone age.