The construction of experimental animal models plays an important supporting role in research into the mechanisms of action of Chinese medicines.There have been increasing reports of the construction and evaluation of animal models of spleen deficiency;however,the construction method have involved different standards and there has been insufficient objectification of the evaluation indexes.In this review,we summarize the construction and evaluation method of animal models of spleen deficiency from the aspects of animal selection,model establishment,macroscopic characterization,behavioral experiments,and objective indexes of spleen deficiency,with a view to providing theoretical guidance for the construction of experimental animal models of spleen deficiency and references for the selection of animal model platforms for spleen deficiency.

Objective This study aimed to develop an experimental animal platform for evaluating the feasibility and safety of intelligent acupuncture robots and to lay the foundation for further research.Methods Six 2-month-old Guangxi Bama miniature pigs were used as experimental subjects for acupuncture verification after anesthesia.First,manual acupuncture verification was carried out.Six acupoints were selected for each experimental animal and the needles were left for 20 min after the lifting,inserting,and twisting manipulation.Before and after controls were included.The experiment was carried out for 28 days,and each experiment was conducted once every 2 days for a total of 10 times.After verification of manual acupuncture,a point 10 mm from each of the six selected acupoints was selected,with a total of 12 points,and acupuncture operations were carried out on the experimental animals using the intelligent acupuncture module of the acupuncture robot at different frequencies and angles,to further verify the stability and feasibility of the animal platform.Results Routine safety-related blood indicators and blood biochemistry indicators after the procedure were normal and stable compared with those before the procedure.The average heart rate of the animals was 124 beats/min,the average blood pressure was 87/36 mmHg,and the average body temperature of was 36℃at a room temperature of 25℃,with no significant change in body temperature during and after the experiment.On the basis of this experimental platform,acupuncture manipulation using the intelligent acupuncture module of the acupuncture robot was completed successfully,with no abnormalities related to acupuncture such as bending,breaking,or stagnation of needles during the experimental process,and the experimental animals showed no obvious abnormalities.Conclusions This study established a stable experimental animal platform for evaluating the feasibility and safety of acupuncture carried out by intelligent acupuncture robots,based on the existing experimental method of miniature pigs.These result lay a foundation for further research related to the use of intelligent acupuncture robots.

Objective:To characterize the biomechanics of distal dynamic locking and distal static locking of proximal femur bionic nails (PFBN) in fixation of intertrochanteric fractures by a finite element analysis.Methods:The CT image data from the hip to the upper tibia from an adult male volunteer were used to establish a three-dimensional model of the femur by Mimics 20.0 and Geomagic 2013 which was processed further into a model of Evans type I intertrochanteric fracture by software NX 12.0. With reference to the internal fixation parameters commonly used, 4 models of PFBN fixation were established: distal single transverse nail dynamic locking (model A), single oblique nail dynamic locking (model B), single nail static locking (model C) and double nail dynamic locking (model D). Abaqus 6.14 software was used to load and analyze the internal fixation stresses and displacements of fracture ends.Results:Under a 2100N loading, the peak stress was located upon the main nail in the 4 models. The smallest peak stress upon the main nail was in Model D (161.9 MPa), decreased by 15.9% compared with model A (192.5 MPa), by 15.6% compared with model B (191.9 MPa), and by 0.9% compared with model C (163.3 MPa). The peak stress upon the fixation screw was the largest in model A (95.3 MPa), the smallest in model B (91.5 MPa), and 91.5 MPa and 92.2 MPa in models C and D, respectively. The overall displacements of the implants, in a descending order, were 10.14 mm in model A, 10.10 mm in model B, 10.09 mm in model C, and 10.05 mm in model D. Similarly, the displacements of fracture ends were 0.125 mm in model A, 0.121 mm in model B, 0.110 mm in model C, and 0.098 mm in model D.Conclusion:Compared with dynamic locking, distal static locking of PFBN provides a better mechanical stability and reduces stress concentration upon internal fixation.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of two procedures in thoracoscopic anterior mediastinal tumor resection. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent thoracoscopic anterior mediastinal tumor resection at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the 910th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force from October 2016 to January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach: a modified approach group (bilateral intercostal ports+two subcostal ports) and a classic subxiphoid approach group (one subxiphoid port+two subcostal ports). Perioperative data and postoperative improvement of myasthenia gravis (MG) subgroup were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 55 patients were included, including 27 males and 28 females with a mean age of (49.4±15.1) years. There were 23 patients in the modified approach group and 32 patients in the classic subxiphoid approach group. The modified approach group had shorter operation time [(129.0±20.5) min vs. (148.9±16.7) min, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss [(63.0±16.6) mL vs. (75.0±10.8) mL, P<0.001], shorter postoperative drainage tube removal time [(3.1±0.4) d vs. (3.9±0.6) d, P<0.001] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [(4.2±0.4) d vs. (5.0±0.6) d, P<0.001), and lower proportion of intraoperative cardiac dysfunction [4 (17.4%) vs. 14 (43.8%), P=0.040]. There was no statistical difference in maximum diameter of tumor resected [(4.5±1.7) cm vs. (4.0±0.9) cm, P=0.193] and postoperative drainage volume [(396.4±121.5) mL vs. (399.9±161.3) mL, P=0.932]. There was 1 patient of perioperative collateral injury in the modified approach group (pericardial injury), and 6 patients in the classic subxiphoid approach group (1 patient of diaphragm injury, 1 patient of liver contusion, 4 patients of pericardial injury). There was no statistical difference in pain scores at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery (P>0.05). The postoperative improvement of MG symptoms in the modified approach group was better than that in the classic subxiphoid approach group at 1 year after surgery (complete stable remission rate: 77.8% vs. 50.0%; effective rate: 100.0% vs. 91.6%). No conversion to open chest surgery occurred in either group, and there were no postoperative rehospitalizations or deaths related to surgery within 30 days after surgery in both groups. Conclusion The modified approach is safe and controllable with more open surgical field and more reliable complete resection range than the classic subxiphoid approach group.

Objective To compare the short-term clinical effects of unilateral dual-channel endoscopic discectomy(UBED)and percutaneous endoscopic intervertebral discectomy(PEID)in the treatment of L5S,Lumbar disc herniation,LDH.Methods From January 2019 to January 2021,a total of 57 cases of L5S,LDH treated by UBED or PEID were analyzed retrospectively,including 30 cases in UBED group and 27 cases in PEID group.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy times,postoperative hospitalization days and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.The visual analogue scale(VAS)and oswestry disability index(ODI)were used to compare the postoperative quality of life of the two groups,and the modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy in the last follow-up.Results The operation time of UBED group and PEID group was(75.30±8.44)minutes and(68.37±4.63)minutes,respectively,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).VAS and ODI of 1 week,3 months,1 year and 1.5 years after surgery in 2 groups were significantly decreased compared with those before surgery,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).The VAS score of low back pain in UBED group was higher than that in PEID group[(3.87±1.14)points vs(2.70±0.67)points]at 1 week after surgery(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI at the other time points(P＞0.05).There was no statistical difference in the results of modified MacNab criteria in the last follow-up(P＞0.05).There were 2 cases of dural tear in PEID group,1 case of dural tear in UBED group and 1 case of temporary nerve root injury in PEID group after operation,all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion Compared with PEID,UBED has a longer operation time,more trauma and more obvious low back pain in the short term after operation.The short-term curative effect of the two operations on L5S1 LDH is similar,the incidence of complications is low,and the times of fluoroscopy are few.Both operations are safe and effective.

The use of checkpoint-blockade antibodies is still restricted in several malignancies due to the modest efficacy, despite considerable success in anti-tumor immunotherapy. The poor response of cancer cells to immune destruction is an essential contributor to the failure of checkpoint therapy. We hypothesized that combining checkpoint therapy with natural-product chemosensitizer could enhance immune response. Herein, a targeted diterpenoid derivative was integrated with the checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4) to improve immunotherapy using thermosensitive liposomes as carriers. In vivo, the liposomes enabled the co-delivery of the two drug payloads into the tumor. Consequently, the regulatory T cell proliferation was restrained, the cytotoxic T cell infiltration was enhanced, and the profound immunotherapeutic effect was achieved. In addition, the immunotherapeutic effect of another clinically used checkpoint antibody, anti-PD-1, also benefited from the diterpenoid derivative. Of note, our mechanism study revealed that the targeted diterpenoid derivative increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to immune attack via THBS1 downregulation and the resultant destruction of THBS1-CD47 interaction. Collectively, co-delivering THBS1 inhibitor and checkpoint blockade is promising to boost cancer immunotherapy. We first time discovered that THBS1 suppression could strengthen checkpoint therapy.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the template for protein biosynthesis and is emerging as an essential active molecule to combat various diseases, including viral infection and cancer. Especially, mRNA-based vaccines, as a new type of vaccine, have played a leading role in fighting against the current global pandemic of COVID-19. However, the inherent drawbacks, including large size, negative charge, and instability, hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. Lipid carriers are distinguishable and promising vehicles for mRNA delivery, owning the capacity to encapsulate and deliver negatively charged drugs to the targeted tissues and release cargoes at the desired time. Here, we first summarized the structure and properties of different lipid carriers, such as liposomes, liposome-like nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, exosomes and lipoprotein particles, and their applications in delivering mRNA. Then, the development of lipid-based formulations as vaccine delivery systems was discussed and highlighted. Recent advancements in the mRNA vaccine of COVID-19 were emphasized. Finally, we described our future vision and perspectives in this field.

Immune imbalance is believed to play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria.While Th1/Th2 imbalance used to be considered as the main contributing factor of the development of chronic urticaria.Recently,Th17/Treg imbalance is found to be an important immune mechanism leading to the development of chronic urticaria.To be more specific,according to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)'s comprehensive understanding of the etiology of chronic urticaria.it is generally believed that the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria is due to a lack of innate endowment,a lack of solidity of the body surface,and repeated exposure to six pathogenic factors.Another possible reason lies with dietary disorders that generate heat and wind or chronic illness and weakness and loss of nourishment of qi and blood.Therefore,in terms of the treatment,from the perspective of sthenia syndrome,it is advisable to remove the wind and disperse the pathogenic factors and clear the dampness and heat.From the perspective of asthenia syndrome,it is advisable to nourish the qi and blood and support the righteousness.As for mixed excess and deficiency,both support the healthy atmosphere and dispel the pathogenic factors are important.Regarding the effects of TCM on the balance of Th17/Treg in chronic urticaria and immune diseases,it mainly involved herbal compounding,herbal active ingredients and single herbs.However,the research attention has been drawn to investigating the role of TCM in the treatment of chronic urticaria and various immune diseases based on the research outcomes in modern pharmacological research.This can not only provide scientific evidence for TCM treatment of chronic urticaria,but also bring benefits to more patients with immune diseases.Therefore,the author reviews the recent research progress of TCM on the effects of Th17/Treg immune imbalance in chronic urticaria and other immune diseases by explaining the effects of Th17 and Treg cells in chronic urticaria.

【Objective】 To construct a prediction model of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk in the general population by using nomogram in order to explore the independent risk factors of severe OSA and guide the early diagnosis and treatment. 【Methods】 We retrospectively enrolled patients who had been diagnosed by polysomnography and divided them into training and validation sets at the ratio of 7∶3. Patients were divided into severe OSA group and non-severe OSA group according to apnea hypopnea index (AHI)>30. Variables entering the model were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model (Lasso), and logistic regression (LR) method. Then, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to establish the nomogram, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the discriminative properties of the nomogram model. Finally, we conducted decision curve analysis (DCA) of nomogram model, STOP-Bang questionnaire and Berlin questionnaire to assess clinical utility. 【Results】 Through single factor and multiple factor logistic regression analyses, the independent risk factors for severe OSA were screened out, including moderate and severe sleepiness, family history of hypertension, history of smoking, drinking, snoring, history of suffocation, sedentary lifestyle, male, age, body mass index (BMI), waist and neck circumference. Lasso logistic regression identified smoke, suffocation time, snoring time, waistline, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and BMI as predictive factors for inclusion in the nomogram. The AUC of the model was 0.795 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.769-0.820] . Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated that the model was well calibrated (χ²=3.942, P=0.862). The DCA results on the visual basis confirmed that the nomogram had superior overall net benefits within a wide, practical threshold probability range which displayed the nomogram was higher than that of STOP-Bang questionnaire and Berlin questionnaire, which is clinically useful. The Clinical Impact Curve (CIC) analysis showed the clinical effectiveness of the prediction model when the threshold probability was greater than 82% of the predicted score probability value. The prediction model determined that the high-risk population with severe OSA was highly matched with the actual population with severe OSA, which confirmed the high clinical effectiveness of the prediction model. 【Conclusion】 The model performed better than STOP-Bang questionnaire and Berlin questionnaire in predicting severe OSA and can be applied to screening. And it can be helpful to the early diagnosis and treatment of OSA in order to reduce social burden.

Paclitaxel is the first-line chemotherapy drug for a variety of cancers. However， the paclitaxel resistance greatly reduced the efficacy in the later treatment stage， which seriously increased the mortality and recurrence rate of cancer and limited the clinical application of paclitaxel. At present， Chinese medicine compound prescription， proprietary Chinese medicine， and Chinese medicine injection are widely used as the adjuvant chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of cancer in clinic. Chinese medicine has shown unique advantages in improving the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and the prognosis of chemotherapy， and reducing the toxic and side effects. However， the specific mechanism and effective monomer composition of Chinese medicine for reversing the resistance of chemotherapy drugs are unclear， and the application of Chinese medicine in different types of cancer is also limited， which are worthy of further exploration. This review summarized the composition of Chinese medicine monomer with synergistic antitumor effect combined with paclitaxel in recent years. The specific mechanism and pharmacological activities of Chinese medicine monomer reversing paclitaxel resistance were classified. This review found that through acting on the membrane transport protein， Chinese medicine monomer promoted the accumulation of paclitaxel in tumor cells， inhibited the expressions of protein and metabolic enzyme related to multidrug resistance and the metabolism of paclitaxel， and regulated the levels of apoptosis genes and factors and apoptosis-related pathways to promote the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on cell proliferation. Chinese medicine monomer also significantly improved paclitaxel chemotherapy sensitivity by regulating the expression levels of micro ribonucleic acid （microRNA） and long non-coding ribonucleic acid RNA （lncRNA）， inhibiting the characteristics of tumor stem cells and tumor metabolic reprogramming， improving tumor microenvironment， and triggering tumor cell death autophagy and oxidative stress response. This review provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the specific anti-tumor mechanism of Chinese medicine monomer combined with paclitaxel， which is of great significance for the development of new Chinese medicine and the clinical research of the drugs combined with paclitaxel， and has certain value for the application of Chinese medicine combined with other chemotherapy drugs.