OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis （AS）based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control， the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability， apoptosis rate， and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured， along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. Apolipoprotei n E-deficient （ApoE －/－ ） mice （AS model mice） fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group， atorvastatin group （2.6 mg/kg）， and low-， medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction （90， 180， 360 mg/kg）， respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group， with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically， once daily， for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta （assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root） and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue， as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， arginase-1 （Arg-1）， AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， phosphorylated AMPK （p-AMPK）， and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPAR-γ） in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that， at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL， the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability （ P ＜0.05）. The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10， 50， and 100 μg/mL， along with atorvastatin， significantly reduced apoptosis rates， CD86 fluorescence intensity， and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells， while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity （ P ＜0.05）. Animal experiment results showed that， compared with the model group， all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum， along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages， CD86 expression， and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated （ P ＜0.05）. Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization， increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages， thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨安罗替尼联合免疫检查点抑制剂（ICI）作为一线方案治疗晚期肺鳞状细胞癌（LUSC）的有效性及安全性。方法：采用单中心回顾性队列设计，连续纳入2018年10月至2023年12月福建省福州肺科医院收治的37例初治晚期LUSC患者。所有患者接受安罗替尼（剂量为8、10或12 mg/d，用药2周/停药1周）联合ICI治疗。主要终点为无进展生存期（PFS），次要终点包括客观缓解率（ORR）、疾病控制率（DCR）及治疗相关不良事件（TRAE）。结果：全组患者中位随访15.2个月，ORR达54.1%（20/37），DCR为97.3%（36/37），中位PFS为11.8个月（95%CI：8.3~NA），12个月PFS率为48.6%。探索性亚组分析显示：安罗替尼12 mg剂量组的中位PFS（未达到 vs 7.5个月，HR = 0.09，95%CI：0.01~0.67，P < 0.01）及ORR（100% vs 42.9%，P < 0.01）均显著优于8/10 mg组。分期分层显示ⅢB/ⅢC期患者ORR显著优于Ⅳ期（84.6% vs 41.7%，P = 0.02）。安全性方面，62.2%（23/37）的患者发生TRAE，以1~2级高血压[29.7%（11/37）]、手足综合征[21.6%（8/37）]为主，3例（8.1%）因3级TRAE终止治疗。结论：安罗替尼联合ICI作为晚期LUSC一线治疗方案具有良好的疗效前景和可管理的安全性。其中，12 mg剂量组在探索性分析中显示出更优疗效的潜在信号，早期分期患者ORR更高。该结果值得开展大规模前瞻性研究进行进一步验证。

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.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Depressive disorder is a kind of mental disorder characterized by persistent and significant depressed mood, with complex etiology and high recurrence rate. At present, more precise and effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still required. Increasing evidence suggests that hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and related pathways are involved in regulating the development and recovery of depression. HIF-1 enhances neuroplasticity, mitigates neuroinflammatory responses, alleviates oxidative stress, and modulates brain energy metabolism by influencing specific molecules associated with depression. This paper reviews pertinent domestic and international studies, examine the potential mechanisms of HIF-1 in the pathogenesis and progression of depression, and explore antidepressant treatment strategies targeting the HIF-1 signaling pathway. This article provides novel insights into elucidating the pathogenesis of depression and developing innovative therapeutic approaches.

Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Depressive disorder is a kind of mental disorder characterized by persistent and significant depressed mood, with complex etiology and high recurrence rate. At present, more precise and effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still required. Increasing evidence suggests that hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and related pathways are involved in regulating the development and recovery of depression. HIF-1 enhances neuroplasticity, mitigates neuroinflammatory responses, alleviates oxidative stress, and modulates brain energy metabolism by influencing specific molecules associated with depression. This paper reviews pertinent domestic and international studies, examine the potential mechanisms of HIF-1 in the pathogenesis and progression of depression, and explore antidepressant treatment strategies targeting the HIF-1 signaling pathway. This article provides novel insights into elucidating the pathogenesis of depression and developing innovative therapeutic approaches.

Objective:To develop a deep learning-based system for real-time recognition and classification of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and evaluate its ability to assist junior endoscopists.Methods:A total of 2 848 gastroscopy images from 832 patients with liver cirrhosis were selected from Digestive Endoscopy Center databases of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and the Second Hospital of Jingzhou from January 2015 to October 2023. This system referred to 3 endoscopic features of Baveno Ⅱ scoring system. Three models were developed respectively for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), mosaic-like pattern (MLP), and red marks (RM). The specific classification references were as follows: (1) GAVE model: 0 no, 1 yes; (2) MLP model: 0 no, 1 mild, 2 severe; (3) RM model: 0 no, 1 isolated, 2 fused. The classification results for endoscopic characteristics of PHG of 3 endoscopy experts were taken as the gold standard. The yolov8-m model was used for training. The training dataset, validation dataset, and test dataset were allocated at a ratio of 8∶1∶1. The test dataset was used to evaluate the performance of models and their auxiliary effects on endoscopists. The accuracy, recall, precision, specificity and Kappa coefficient were calculated. Results:The accuracy, recall, specificity of GAVE model were 96.0% (48/50), 87.5% (7/8) and 97.6% (41/42). There was no significant difference between its accuracy and the gold standard ( χ2=316.226, P=1.000). The precision of GAVE1 and GAVE0 were 87.5% (7/8) and 97.6% (41/42) respectively. The accuracy of MLP model was 84.1% (132/157), and there was no significant difference compared with the gold standard ( χ2=3.286, P=0.193). The precision and recall of MLP2 were 88.2% (15/17) and 75.0% (15/20). The precision and recall of MLP1 were 77.9% (60/77) and 88.2% (60/68). The precision and recall of MLP0 were 90.5% (57/63) and 82.6% (57/69). The accuracy of RM model was 87.9% (123/140), and there was no significant difference compared with the gold standard ( χ2=2.891, P=0.409). The precision and recall of RM2 were 94.7% (18/19) and 78.3% (18/23). The precision and recall of RM1 were 72.2% (26/36) and 81.3% (26/32). The precision and recall of RM0 were 92.9% (79/85) and 92.9% (79/85). The mean accuracy of the three junior endoscopists, with and without the assistance of the GAVE model, MLP model, and RM model, respectively increased from 95.3% to 99.3%, from 83.9% to 91.9%, and from 81.9% to 83.1%. The overall consistency analysis of the 3 junior endoscopists with the gold standard indicated that the consistency of the GAVE model before and after assistance was extremely strong (both an overall Kappa of 1.000); the consistency before assistance of the MLP model was moderate (with an overall Kappa of 0.601), which increased to extremely strong after assistance (with an overall Kappa of 0.964); and the consistency of the RM model before and after assistance was also relatively strong (with an overall Kappa of 0.792 before and 0.798 after). Conclusion:The deep learning system accurately identifies and classifies PHG features and significantly enhances diagnostic performance of junior endoscopists.