Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a key clinical biomarker for diagnosing and managing anemia, ischemic stroke, perioperative blood loss, and chronic diseases such as renal failure. Traditional venous blood sampling remains the gold standard due to its high accuracy, but its invasive nature limits frequent testing, real time monitoring, and large scale screening. This has driven growing interest in non-invasive Hb detection technologies over the past decade. Among these, optical methods are the most promising because of their safety, potential for continuous monitoring, and compatibility with portable or wearable devices. This paper systematically reviews major advances in optical non invasive Hb detection from the last ten years. We focus on near-infrared spectroscopy branches—photoplethysmography (PPG) and dynamic spectrum (DS)—and also cover color analysis/RGB imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic spectroscopy. For each technology, we explain its detection principles, analyze advantages and limitations, and summarize optimization strategies reported in recent literature. PPG, based on pulsatile blood volume changes, underpins many commercial continuous monitors. However, its accuracy is constrained by motion artifacts, individual physiological variations (e.g., skin tone, tissue thickness), and low AC signal to noise ratio. In contrast, DS—an advanced derivative of PPG—uses a differential principle to extract absorbance changes between systolic and diastolic peaks. This theoretically eliminates interference from static tissues (skin, bone, venous blood) and common mode noise (e.g., ambient light), positioning DS as a more robust framework for high precision Hb quantification. Beyond spectral methods, color analysis/RGB imaging offers a hardware minimalist approach. By analyzing images of vascular rich, thin tissues (e.g., conjunctiva, nail beds, palms), it enables Hb estimation using smartphone cameras. Recent advances have shifted from manual RGB feature extraction to deep learning models and spectral super resolution that reconstruct hyperspectral data from RGB inputs, significantly improving screening accuracy. Our academic perspective emphasizes critical and integrative analysis. We highlight persistent challenges that hinder clinical translation: profound individual biological variability (skin optics, microvascular architecture), sensitivity to measurement conditions (pressure, ambient light), and a lack of standardized validation protocols and multi center trials. A central thesis is that no single optical method is universally superior; each involves trade offs between accuracy, complexity, cost, and practicality. Looking forward, we posit that the next performance leap will come from multimodal information fusion—combining PPG, electrocardiogram (ECG), bioimpedance, or different optical modalities to compensate for individual differences and environmental noise. AI and deep learning are essential not only for image analysis but also for automated, end to end feature extraction from complex waveforms like PPG sequences. Advancing hardware (tunable lasers, quantum dot LEDs, novel sensor designs) is crucial to improve signal fidelity and portability. Finally, we advocate for clinical scenario specific optimization and rigorous standardized evaluation frameworks to gain regulatory approval (e.g., FDA, NMPA) and achieve widespread clinical acceptance. In conclusion, this review synthesizes a decade of progress. Optical non-invasive Hb detection has evolved from proof of concept studies to emerging products and validated screening tools, but the journey toward reliable, clinic ready quantitative devices continues. The convergence of smarter algorithms, fused sensing modalities, and focused clinical validation offers the most promising path to transform this potential into routine medical practice, ultimately enabling personalized, continuous, and accessible hematological management.

The increasing prevalence of aging has led to a rising incidence of comorbidity of sarcopenia and obesity, posing significant burdens on socioeconomic and public health. Current research has systematically explored the pathogenesis of each condition; however, the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain unclear. This study reviews the current literature on sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population, focusing on their shared biological mechanisms, which include loss of autophagy, abnormal macrophage function, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced sex hormone secretion. It also identifies metabolic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, vitamin D metabolism abnormalities, dysregulation of iron metabolism, decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and gut microbiota imbalances. Additionally, this study also explores the important role of genetic factors, such as alleles and microRNAs, in the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. A better understanding of these mechanisms is vital for developing clinical interventions and preventive strategies.
Humans ; Sarcopenia/physiopathology* ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Insulin Resistance ; Comorbidity ; Vitamin D/metabolism* ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mitochondria ; MicroRNAs

Metal ion-promoted chemodynamic therapy(CDT) combined with photodynamic therapy(PDT) offers broad application prospects for enhancing anti-tumor effects. In this study, glycyrrhizic acid(GA), copper ions(Cu~(2+)), and norcantharidin(NCTD) were co-assembled to successfully prepare a natural small-molecule, carrier-free hydrogel(NCTD Gel) with excellent material properties. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, NCTD Gel responded to the tumor microenvironment(TME) and acted as an efficient Fenton reagent and photosensitizer, catalyzing the conversion of endogenous hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) within the tumor into oxygen(O_2), and hydroxyl radicals(·OH, type Ⅰ reactive oxygen species) and singlet oxygen(~1O_2, type Ⅱ reactive oxygen species), while depleting glutathione(GSH) to stabilize reactive oxygen species and alleviate tumor hypoxia. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NCTD Gel exhibited significant CDT/PDT synergistic therapeutic effects. Further safety evaluation and metabolic testing confirmed its good biocompatibility and safety. This novel hydrogel is not only simple to prepare, safe, and cost-effective but also holds great potential for clinical transformation, providing insights and references for the research and development of metal ion-mediated hydrogel-based anti-tumor therapies.
Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Animals ; Photochemotherapy ; Humans ; Mice ; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry* ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; Copper/chemistry* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Male

This study applied the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation(GRADE) system and the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine(Eff-iEC) to evaluate the evidence for 12 commonly used Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis, which are frequently recommended in guidelines or expert consensuses. The results showed that Xianling Gubao Capsules/Tablets were rated as C(low-level evidence) according to the GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) according to the Eff-iEC system. Jintiange Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by the GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by the Eff-iEC system. Gushukang Granules/Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zuogui Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qianggu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Jingui Shenqi Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Quanduzhong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AD~+B~+(low-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Epimedium Total Flavones Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AAB~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Yougui Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~(+ )(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qigu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BB~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Liuwei Dihuang Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Overall, the Eff-iEC system provides a more comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness evidence for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) than the GRADE system. However, it still has certain limitations that hinder its wider promotion and application. In terms of clinical evidence evaluation, both the Eff-iEC and GRADE systems reflect that the current clinical research quality on Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis is generally low. High-quality clinical trials are still needed in the future to further validate clinical efficacy.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoporosis/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use* ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of tibial transverse transport (TTT) combined with debridement in treating necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities who were treated with TTT from January 2021 to October 2023, including 28 males and 3 females, aged from 44 to 76 years old with an average of (57.58±8.79) years old. In-hospital mortality rate, amputation rate, length of hospital stay, hospitalization cost, number of surgeries, and inflammatory indicators before and after operation (white blood cells, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin), as well as wound healing and daily living ability were observed and compared. RESULTS: All 31 patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with an average of (6.61±2.46) months. All patients' wounds healed without recurrence. The wound healing time was (4.96±2.61) months, amputation rate of 31 patients was 3.22% (1/31), in-hospital mortality rate was 0%, the length of hospital stay was (27.10±24.51) days, the hospitalization cost was (107, 300 ± 83, 300) yuan, and the number of surgeries was (3.26±1.93) times. White blood cells, C-reactive protein and albumin before operation were (13.41±5.54) ×10⁹/L, (136.67±73.50) mg·L^-1 and (25.92±5.59) g·L^-11 respectively, and improved to (11.05±3.65) ×10⁹/L, (79.91±51.40) mg·L^-1, and (30.31±4.02) g·L^-1 at 2 weeks after operation, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in hemoglobin before and after operation (P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, 16 patients were able to take care of themselves, 12 patients were partially self-sufficient, and 3 patients were completely unable to take care of themselves. CONCLUSION TTT with debridement could achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing/mortality* ; Retrospective Studies ; Debridement ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Tibia/surgery*

PURPOSE: The rate of complications among patients undergoing surgery has increased due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. However, Omicron has shown decreased pathogenicity, raising questions about the risk of postoperative complications among patients who are infected with this variant. This study aimed to investigate complications and related factors among patients with recent Omicron infection prior to undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A historical control study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who underwent surgery during 2 distinct periods: (1) between Dec 12, 2022 and Jan 31, 2023 (COVID-19 positive group), (2) between Dec 12, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022 (COVID-19 negative control group). The patients were at least 18 years old. Patients who received conservative treatment after admission or had high-risk diseases or special circumstances (use of anticoagulants before surgery) were excluded from the study. The study outcomes were the total complication rate and related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on complications. RESULTS: In the analysis, a total of 847 patients who underwent surgery were included, with 275 of these patients testing positive for COVID-19 and 572 testing negative. The COVID-19-positive group had a significantly higher rate of total complications (11.27%) than the control group (4.90%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the OR was 3.08 (95% CI: 1.45-6.53). Patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-4 weeks (OR = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.59), p = 0.005), 5-6 weeks (OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04-0.59), p = 0.010), or ≥7 weeks (OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06-1.02), p = 0.069) prior to surgery had a lower risk of complications than those who were diagnosed at 0-2 weeks prior to surgery. Seven factors (age, indications for surgery, time of operation, time of COVID-19 diagnosis prior to surgery, C-reactive protein levels, alanine transaminase levels, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were found to be associated with complications; thus, these factors were used to create a nomogram. CONCLUSION Omicron continues to be a significant factor in the incidence of postoperative complications among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. By identifying the factors associated with these complications, we can determine the optimal surgical timing, provide more accurate prognostic information, and offer appropriate consultation for orthopedic surgery patients who have been infected with Omicron.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Nomograms ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Objective To observe the efficacy of self-made auxiliary reduction device combined with sinus tarsi approach(STA)in the treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ to Ⅳ calcaneal fractures.Methods A total of 40 patients with Sanders type Ⅱ to Ⅳ calcaneal fractures admitted to our hospital from January to June 2023 were selected and divided into the control group and the observation group by the random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.Patients in the control group underwent surgical treatment with the heel extensile lateral approach(ELA),while patients in the observation group underwent surgical treatment with the auxiliary reduction device combined with STA.The surgical-related indicators,postoperative complications and ankle-foot anatomical indicators of patients in the two groups were compared.The recovery of limb function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)ankle-hindfoot scale and Maryland foot function score.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time,postoperative incision drying time,or duration of postoperative pain between the two groups(P>0.05).The postoperative suture removal time of the patients in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of skin edge necrosis of incision and the total incidence of complications of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The B?hler angle and Gissane angle of patients in both groups increased after surgery compared with those before surgery(P<0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in the B?hler angle or Gissane angle after surgery of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The AOFAS score1 week after surgery of the patients in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant differences in the AOFAS scores or Maryland scores of patients at other time points between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The use of the auxiliary reduction device in surgical treatment with STA for Sanders type Ⅱ to Ⅳ calcaneal fractures can effectively restore the function of the foot and ankle,with short postoperative suture removal time and low incidence of postoperative complications.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among malignant tumors in China.Persistent subsolid nodules(SSNs)are closely associated with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.Artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging technology,is capable of performing in-depth analysis of large-scale imaging data through autonomous learning and possesses the ability to predict outcomes from new data,demonstrating great potential and application prospects in the assessment of SSNs.AI can not only effectively assist radiologists in diagnosis and treatment,but also improve work efficiency while reducing misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis rates.This review summarizes the recent applications and research progress of AI in the assessment of SSNs,to provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of SSNs.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on the pathway related to necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in a model rabbit of intervertebral disc degeneration;To explore its mechanisms in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods A intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model was established using the spinal instability method.Totally 40 model rabbits were randomly divided into model group,ibuprofen group and Bushen Huoxue Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups.Additionally,a normal control group and a sham-operation group were set up,with 8 rabbits in each group.Each treatment groups received the corresponding drugs via gavage for two consecutive weeks.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nucleus pulposus tissue,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure in nucleus pulposus cells,immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group showed a significant decrease in nucleus pulposus cells,disordered cell arrangement,reduced extracellular matrix,interrupted cell membrane continuity under transmission electron microscopy,organelle swelling,nuclear membrane disruption,partial chromatin loss,and positive expression of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the treatment groups showed an increased number of nucleus pulposus cells with orderly arrangement and more extracellular matrix,the ultrastructural damage of the cell membrane,organelle and nucleus in nucleus pulposus cells was partially restored under transmission electron microscopy,the positive expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ significantly increased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription medium-and high-dosage groups and the ibuprofen group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription may delay intervertebral disc degeneration of the model rabbit by inhibiting the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus cells,and promoting the generation of extracellular matrix components Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on pressure-induced necroptosis in human nucleus pulposus cells and the expressions of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway;To explore its potential mechanism in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods Human primary nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in vitro,and a model of nucleus pulposus cell degeneration was established using continuous load pressure method.After modeling,the nucleus pulposus cells were divided into model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and inhibitor group,blank serum,Bushen Huoxue Prescription containing serum and necroptotic apoptosis inhibitor(Nec-1)intervention were administered,respectively.Normal group nucleus pulposus cells were cultured routinely.AO/EB fluorescence dual staining method was used for detecting cell apoptosis,flow cytometry was used to detect the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-receptor interacting protein kinase(RIPK)1,p-RIPK3 and p-mixed lineage kinase domain like protein(MLKL),RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed more red fluorescence under AO/EB staining of nucleus pulposus cells,which were round and condensed,the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells increased(P<0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expression increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group had less red condensed chromatin in the nucleus pulposus cells,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group had a lower rate of necroptosis(P<0.05),while the inhibitor group showed a decreasing trend in necroptosis rate(P>0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL decreased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expressions decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription can alleviate pressure-induced damage to nucleus pulposus cells and inhibit necroptosis,thereby slowing the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.Its mechanism may be related to the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway mediated necroptosis.