OBJECTIVE To preliminarily investigate the antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， dexamethasone group （positive control）， and Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum 2∶1， 1∶1 and 1∶2 groups. Rats in each group were administered different ratios of the herb pair decoction [all at 18 g （crude drug）/kg]， dexamethasone suspension （0.5 mg/kg）， or normal saline intragastrically twice daily for seven consecutive days. Forty minutes after the last administration， medicated cerebrospinal fluid was collected to determine the content of effective components entering the brain. One and a half hours after the last administration， the nucleus tractus solitarius （NTS） was located using a stereotaxic apparatus. Histamine phosphate （1 μL） was injected into the NTS region at a constant rate of 1 μL/min using a 10 μL microsyringe to induce excitation of the respiratory center in rats； the blank group was injected with normal saline. The contents of neurotransmitters [nerve growth factor （NGF）， substance P （SP）， norepinephrine （NA）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） and acetylcholine （Ach）] in the medulla oblongata brain tissue were detected. The mRNA expressions of neurokinin-1 receptor （NK-1R）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and c-fos in the medulla oblongata， as well as the protein expressions of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos in the NTS region， were determined. RESULTS The main active components of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair entering the brain were ephedrine， pseudoephedrine， and methylephedrine. Compared with blank group， the contents of NGF， SP， NA， 5-HT and Ach， and the relative expression levels of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group （ P ＜0.01）. Compared with model group， Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair groups with different ratios significantly reduced the neurotransmitter contents and the relative expression levels of NK-1R， p38 MAPK， and c-fos mRNA and protein （ P ＜0.01）， with the 2∶1 Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair and 1∶1 mass ratios showing relatively better effects. CONCLUSIONS Ephedrae Herba alkaloids are the main active components in affecting the function of the respiratory center. The herb pair groups with a larger proportion of Ephedrae Herba exhibit stronger effects. Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair can reduce the excitability of the respiratory center by down-regulating the expression of the NK-1R/MAPK/c-fos pathway in the NTS and decreasing the abnormal release of neurotransmitters such as NGF and SP.

Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.

Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.

ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process.

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.

TAFRO syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology.It has low incidence rate and progresses rapidly,which poses a significant challenge for clinicians to make a timely diagnosis and provide reasonable treatment.This article retrospectively analyzed a 65-year-old male patient with iMCD-TAFRO admitted to Minhang Hospital,Fudan University,and visited the Department of Nephrology due to bilateral lower limb edema.The patient exhibited systemic edema,fever,and multiple enlarged lymph nodes.A comprehensive examination showed thrombocytopenia,renal dysfunction,elevated CRP levels,multiple serosal fluid accumulations,and bone marrow reticulin fibrosis.For further diagnosis and treatment,he visited the Hematology Clinic of Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University.Based on the clinical manifestations,the diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome was considered.After further lymph node pathological consultation,the diagnosis was confirmed as idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease(iMCD)-TAFRO syndrome.Later,the patient was transferred to the hematology department of Minhang Hospital,Fudan University.After 15 days of treatment with methylprednisolone,cyclosporine A,rituximab,and thrombopoietin,there was no significant improvement in the condition.Due to personal reasons,the patient discontinued further treatment and passed away 2 weeks later.

Aim To infer novel therapeutic and phar-macological targets related to lung cancer treatment through multiomics approaches,so as to provide new directions for developing more personalized and effec-tive treatment strategies.Methods Genome-wide as-sociation study(GWAS)data analysis,pan-cancer,single-cell,transcriptomics,and protein-protein interac-tion analysis were employed in this study.Results We analyzed biomarkers and therapeutic targets associ-ated with lung cancer.The study identified key bio-markers closely related to lung cancer progression and explored the interrelationships between these biomark-ers and viral infections.According to KEGG pathway annotation,the number of genes related to metabolic processes increased significantly.In particular,metab-olites such as alanine and isoleucine emerged as pivotal factors in therapeutic interventions.The IgD+CD24+and IgD+CD24-B cell subsets were identified as cen-tral elements in immune evasion and treatment re-sponse.Concurrently,the Lachnospiraceae and Prevo-tella were shown to modulate host immune responses and the tumor microenvironment by regulating short-chain fatty acid levels,thereby opening novel avenues for cancer research.Conclusions Through mul-tiomics analysis combined with transcriptomics and pro-teomics analysis,we identify several potential therapeu-tic targets for lung cancer,providing key insights for developing novel treatment strategies.

Objective:To investigate the effect of lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) on postoperative ileus (POI) in patients undergoing colonic surgery.Methods:Ninety patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colonic surgery in the same treatment group at the Nanjing First Hospital from March 2022 to August 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group using a random number table, with 45 patients in each group. The observation group received ultrasound-guided LSGB before anesthesia, while the control group received no intervention. Both groups received standardized anesthesia protocols and management after entering the operating room. The time to gastrointestinal motility recovery (first defecation time), first flatus time, first feeding time, number of cases requiring gastric tube decompression, postoperative hospital stay, number of cases with nausea and vomiting, intraoperative additional and titrated sufentanil dosage, remifentanil dosage, first patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) press time, sufentanil dosage at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively, and the number of analgesic pump presses were recorded.Results:Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter first defecation and flatus times, earlier first feeding time, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and fewer cases of nausea (all P<0.05). The observation group also had less intraoperative sufentanil supplementation and titration, later first PCIA press time (all P<0.05), and significantly fewer sufentanil dosages and analgesic pump presses at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:LSGB reduces the incidence of POI in colonic surgery patients, decreases opioid use, and shortens hospital stay.

Objective:To compare the differences in the evaluation of hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials using different detection methods and test media,and to explore a m ore reasonable testing plan for such products.Methods:Hemolysis tests were conducted on cellulose hemostatic materials using the absorbance measurement hemolysis method and hemoglobin concentration measurement hemolysis method in accordance with YY/T 1651.1-2019 standard.We compared the changes in hemolysis rate,pH value,and osmotic pressure under different experimental media.Results:Under the same experimental method,compared to SC,the hemolysis results using PBS as the extraction medium are smaller,and the changes in pH and osmotic pressure are closer to the normal range of human body changes.Conclusions:The changes in pH and osmotic pressure may be one of the reasons for the high hemolysis rate of cellulose hemostatic materials.Choosing PBS with buffering effect as the leaching medium may be more suitable for evaluating the hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials.

Objective:To explore the correlation between palm temperature,disease activity,and traditional chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods:80 RA patients(RA group)who were admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2024 were selected,they were divided into high group(DAS28 score＞5.1 score)and low to moderate group(2.6 score ≤ DAS28 score≤5.1 score)according to the 28 joint disease activity scores(DAS28).70 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations during the same period(control group)were selected.The palm temperature,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),and DAS28 scores between the control group and RA group were compared.The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels between low to moderate group and high group were compared.The correlation between palm temperature and disease activity,ESR,and CRP levels in RA patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The distribution of traditional chinese medicine syndrome types in RA patients was observed,the palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels of RA patients with different traditional chinese medicine syndrome types were compared.Results:The palm temperature,ESR,CRP levels,and DAS28 score in the RA group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels in the high group were higher than those in the low to moderate group(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis results showed that,the palm temperature of RA patients was positively correlated with DAS28 score,ESR,and CRP levels(P＜0.05).Among 80 RA patients,there were 17 cases(21.25％)of liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,23 cases(29.02％)of cold and dampness obstruction syndrome,14 cases(17.86％)of qi and blood deficiency syndrome,17 cases(21.47％)of damp heat obstruction syndrome,and 9 cases(11.52％)of phlegm and blood stasis obstruction syndrome.The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels of patients with Qi and blood deficiency syndrome,liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,and phlegm and blood stasis obstruction syndrome increased in sequence and were higher than those of patients with damp heat obstruction syndrome and cold and dampness obstruction syndrome(P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels between the groups of damp heat obstruction syndrome and cold and dampness obstruction syndrome(P＞0.05).Conclusion:There is a certain correlation between the palm temperature and disease activity and traditional chinese medicine syndrome types of RA patients.Regular observation of palm temperature,ESR,CRP levels,and DAS28 score is helpful for assessing the condition of RA patients.