ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction （小青龙汤， XD） in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group， a model group， a loratadine group， low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups， and low-， medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder （麻黄汤合苍耳子散， MDCP） groups. Except for the control group， rats were administered with ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection， nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of saline， whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/（kg·d） of loratadine. The low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7， 5.4， and 10.8 g/（kg·d）， respectively. The low-， medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43， 4.86， and 9.72 g/（kg·d）， respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage， nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day， serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR （RT-qPCR） and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin （TSLP） and OX40 ligand （OX40L） in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group， total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased （P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia， thickened basement membranes， and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE， IL-4， and IL-13， as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa， were significantly elevated in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced； the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group， the low- and medium-dose XD groups， and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced； and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group， all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa （P＜0.01）. All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L （P＜0.05）. The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA， and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway， thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction （小青龙汤， XD） in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group， a model group， a loratadine group， low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups， and low-， medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder （麻黄汤合苍耳子散， MDCP） groups. Except for the control group， rats were administered with ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection， nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of saline， whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/（kg·d） of loratadine. The low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7， 5.4， and 10.8 g/（kg·d）， respectively. The low-， medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43， 4.86， and 9.72 g/（kg·d）， respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage， nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day， serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR （RT-qPCR） and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin （TSLP） and OX40 ligand （OX40L） in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group， total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased （P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia， thickened basement membranes， and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE， IL-4， and IL-13， as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa， were significantly elevated in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced； the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group， the low- and medium-dose XD groups， and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced； and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group， all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa （P＜0.01）. All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L （P＜0.05）. The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA， and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway， thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.

Purpose: In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis. Methods: Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed. Results: Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus. Conclusion Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.

Aim To investigate the potential role and related mechanisms of protein phosphatase 2Cm(PP2Cm)overexpression in atorvastatin-induced insu-lin resistance.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice,fibro-blast growth factor 21 knockout(FGF21-KO)mice,and wildtype(WT)mice were raised for 12 weeks to construct models.Groups included atorvastatin,con-trol,atorvastatin+PP2Cm overexpression(OE),FGF21-KO+vehicle,FGF21-KO+PP2Cm OE,WT+vehicle,WT+PP2Cm OE.Body weight,fasting blood glucose levels,fasting insulin levels,and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests(IPGTT)were measured in 4,8 and 12 weeks.The concentrations of branched-chain a-mino acids(BCAA)in cells,tissues and serum,as well as the mRNA and protein expression of BCAA cat-abolic enzymes,were determined by qRT-PCR,Western blot and ELISA after atorvastatin treatment.Further-more,the effects of PP2Cm overexpression on these in-dicators were explored,and the FGF21 was verified in vivo and in vitro.Results Atorvastatin induced insu-lin resistance in mice,altered insulin,glucose tolerance and increased BCAA levels.PP2Cm overexpression mitigated these changes.In the Atorvastatin+PP2Cm OE group,FGF21 mRNA,protein and concentration were all significantly upregulated.Regardless of PP2Cm overexpression,the knockout of FGF21 signifi-cantly increased BCAA expression levels,both fasting insulin and blood glucose levels were significantly high-er than those in WT group.Conclusions FGF21 may be an important regulator of PP2Cm involved in atorv-astatin-induced insulin resistance.PP2Cm overexpres-sion alleviates the effects of atorvastatin-induced insulin resistance by regulating FGF21.

Objective:To evaluate the safety of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in patients with advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC), and its impact on tumor response rate and disease-free survival (DFS).Methods:This prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study enrolled patients with advanced (Stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ) TBSCC from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. Patients received 2-3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab, 5-FU, and cisplatin, followed by definitive surgery. Postoperatively, patients received 6 cycles of pembrolizumab combined with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and safety indicators. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AE) were assessed using the National Cancer Institute′s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, version 22.0.Results:From August 2021 to April 2024, 16 patients with advanced TBSCC were enrolled (13 males and 3 females), with a median age of 54 years and a median follow-up time of 2.32 years. Following neoadjuvant therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) was 64.3% (9/14), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 92.9% (13/14). The 2-year DFS rate was 86.6%. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) included leukopenia (56.3%, 9/16), nausea and vomiting (50.0%, 8/16), diarrhea, oral mucositis, and elevated liver function tests (25.0%, 4/16). One patient (6.25%) experienced a grade 3 adverse event.Conclusion:Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-chemotherapy significantly enhances objective response rate and disease-free survival in advanced TBSCC.

Purpose To explore the forensic pathological features of deaths caused by craniocerebral injury in traf-fic accidents,in order to provide forensic practitioners with a more rigorous approach to identification.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 225 autopsy reports of traffic accident fatalities resulting from craniocerebral in-jury.The causes of death were classified,tabulated,and analyzed.Results Among the 225 autopsy reports,the main causes of death included primary brain injury,secondary brainstem injury,and complications.The main types of injuries craniocerebral injuries observed were skull fractures,cerebral hemorrhage,cerebral contusion,cerebral edema and so on.Conclusion The occurrence of craniocerebral injury is related to factors such as age,vehicle,collision speed,and road conditions,and there is an inherent regularity to these factors.Forensic practitioners should combine comprehesive and systematic pathological examinations,clinical data,and the inherent regularities of related factors to make objective,comprehensive,and accurate determinations of the cause of death in traffic accident-related craniocere-bral injuries.

Objective:This study was aimed to explore the preference and heterogeneity in community health management service model selection among older patients with multiple chronic diseases,and to provide scientific evidence for optimizing the model.Methods:A multi-stage stratified and convenience sampling approach was adopted.A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 360 elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases from six regions in Jiangsu Province.The Mixed Logit Model was used to analyze service selection preferences and willingness to pay,while the Latent Class Logit Model was applied to explore heterogeneity among patient groups.Results:Patients showed a stronger preference for a service model featuring"twice-monthly visits,medication guidance+lifestyle counseling,and face-to-face consultations,"with willingness to pay values of 170.18 CNY,162.90 CNY,and 112.70 CNY,respectively.Willingness to pay decreased as out-of-pocket costs increased.Heterogeneity analysis identified three distinct preference groups,with statistically significant differences in urban-rural distribution,income levels,and health insurance types.Conclusions and suggestions:Medication and lifestyle guidance are the most valued components of community health management services among older patients with multiple chronic diseases.Patients'demographic and socioeconomic characteristics have a structural influence on their service preferences,highlighting the need to tailor service provision to different population groups.It is recommended to enhance medication guidance capacity at the primary care level,especially in rural areas;promote physical medicine integration to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of lifestyle guidance provided by primary healthcare personnel;strengthen digital infrastructure and streamline service processes to moderately increase the frequency of face-to-face consultations;and improve the integration of medical insurance and public health funding mechanisms to enhance service accessibility and equity.

An assay was established for detection of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile by combining microfluidic chip analysis with immunochromatography,and its performance was evaluated and compared with those of the Xpert C.difficile/Epi and VIDAS CD AB tests.Primer pairs were designed according to the tcdB and tpi genes in C.difficile.The specificity,limit of detection,reproducibility,and stability were evaluated.A total of 215 stool samples from patients with diarrhea were collected and tested in parallel with the Xpert C.difficile/Epi,VIDAS CDAB,and our assay.C.difficile was isolated from samples,and the tcdB gene was identified when discrepant results were obtained from the three above assays.Our assay showed no cross-reaction with other diarrhea-associated pathogens.Its reproducibility was 100％in testing of two standard plasmids containing tcdB and tpi genes at two concentrations(105 and 102 copies/μL).Two standard plasmids were detected after the PCR and immunochromatography reagents had been stored for 3,6,9,and 12 months,and all the results were posi-tive.The limit of detection was 10 copies/μL for toxigenic C.difficile.Testing of 33 samples positive for C.difficile with our assay(33/215,15.3％)yielded findings statistically coherent with those of the Xpert C.difficile/Epi test(kappa value=0.965).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of our assay,with respect to Xpert C.difficile/Epi as the standard,were 94.3％,100.0％,100.0％,and 98.9％;these values were significantly higher than those of VIDAS CDAB(60.0％,98.9％,91.3％,and 92.7％)(Kappa=0.714,OR=157.50,95％CI:62.03-847.28,P=0.013).In conclusion,our newly developed assay is specific,stable,and reproducible,and may be used for rapid and accu-rate detection of toxigenic C.difficile.The assay could be used for C.difficile infection screening in outpatient and emergen-cy,community medical service center,and epidemiological settings.

Objective:To construct and evaluate a training program for cardiovascular nurse specialists based on a core competency framework.Methods:Among 61 trainees participating in the first training class for cardiovascular nurse specialists organized by a provincial nursing society, a training program focusing on the nine core competencies for cardiovascular nurse specialists was implemented, which consisted of 4-week theoretical and 4-week practical training. The effectiveness of the training program was evaluated using the Kirkpatrick model. Data analyses were performed by using SPSS 26.0. Categorical data were presented as the number of cases; continuous variables in normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation; and continuous variables in non-normal distribution were presented as median (interquartile range) and compared using non-parametric tests.Results:At the reaction level, the satisfaction rates of trainees with the theoretical and practical sections of the training program were 98.36% (60/61) and 95.08% (58/61), respectively. At the learning level, the comprehensive assessment score of the trainees was (83.01±3.39) points, and all of them successfully obtained their completion certificates, with a pass rate of 100.00% (61/61). At the behavior level, the core competencies for cardiovascular nurse specialists were significantly improved after training [the total score increased from 291.00 (254.00, 334.25) to 410.50 (354.50, 433.00), P<0.001]. At the results level, at six months after training, there were significant increases in the number of participants engaging in cardiovascular care practices, clinical nursing education and guidance, leadership roles, and research projects within their units as well as the number of individuals achieving career advancement (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The trainees are highly satisfied with the core competency-focused cardiovascular nurse training program, which can improve core competencies and cardiovascular nursing capabilities, expand the scope of cardiovascular nursing services, and foster the sustained advancement of the participants.

Objective:This study was aimed to explore the preference and heterogeneity in community health management service model selection among older patients with multiple chronic diseases,and to provide scientific evidence for optimizing the model.Methods:A multi-stage stratified and convenience sampling approach was adopted.A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 360 elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases from six regions in Jiangsu Province.The Mixed Logit Model was used to analyze service selection preferences and willingness to pay,while the Latent Class Logit Model was applied to explore heterogeneity among patient groups.Results:Patients showed a stronger preference for a service model featuring"twice-monthly visits,medication guidance+lifestyle counseling,and face-to-face consultations,"with willingness to pay values of 170.18 CNY,162.90 CNY,and 112.70 CNY,respectively.Willingness to pay decreased as out-of-pocket costs increased.Heterogeneity analysis identified three distinct preference groups,with statistically significant differences in urban-rural distribution,income levels,and health insurance types.Conclusions and suggestions:Medication and lifestyle guidance are the most valued components of community health management services among older patients with multiple chronic diseases.Patients'demographic and socioeconomic characteristics have a structural influence on their service preferences,highlighting the need to tailor service provision to different population groups.It is recommended to enhance medication guidance capacity at the primary care level,especially in rural areas;promote physical medicine integration to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of lifestyle guidance provided by primary healthcare personnel;strengthen digital infrastructure and streamline service processes to moderately increase the frequency of face-to-face consultations;and improve the integration of medical insurance and public health funding mechanisms to enhance service accessibility and equity.