ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） under disease-syndrome combination， thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations （≥2 times/year） and infrequent acute exacerbations （<2 times/year） according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression， and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）. ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group （1 196 cases） and infrequent acute exacerbations group （833 cases） were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors： body mass index （BMI）， hospitalization days， number of smoking years， place of residence， use of noninvasive ventilators， oxygen-demanding therapy， liver cirrhosis， use of systemic glucocorticosteroids， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome （phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung）. The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set （AUC=0.748） and validation set （AUC=0.774）. ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD， integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome， constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.

ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted， collecting clinical data from 17，831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group （11,646 cases）， and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group （6185 cases）. Propensity score matching （1∶1 matching） was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate， and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms （rectal bleeding， degree of prolapse） and secondary symptoms （anal distension， anal edema， wound secretion and exudation， anal stenosis， residual skin tags， perianal itching， and anal pain） measured on days 7， 28， and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching， 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge， the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding ［OR=5.786， 95%CI （3.092，10.827）］， degree of prolapse ［OR=4.510， 95%CI （1.649，12.333）］， and anal edema ［OR=3.188， 95%CI （1.295，7.845）］ compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge， the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding ［OR=5.237， 95%CI （1.077，25.464）］ and anal pain ［OR=11.697， 95%CI （1.186，115.336）］ （P＜0.05）. Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% （8/726）， while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% （10/444）， with no statistically significant difference between the two groups （P＞0.05）. ConclusionBased on real-world data， TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement， particularly in terms of hemostasis， reducing swelling， and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.

Triatoma rubrofasciata is currently the most widely distributed species of Triatoma worldwide, and it is also widespread in southern China. T. rubrofasciata has been proven to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, and is one of vectors transmitting Chagas disease, which poses a potential risk for transmission of imported Chagas disease in China. Findings from latest studies have shown that T. rubrofasciata naturally infects T. lewisi, T. conorhini, and T. rangeli, which undoubtedly increases significant risks of and challenges to trypanosomiasis control in China. This article briefly describes the species of T. rubrofasciata-transmitted trypanosomes, and summarizes the epidemiological characteristics of trypanosomiasis, so as to provide insights into T. rubrofasciata-transmitted trypanosomiasis surveillance and control, and prevention of trypanosomiasis development and transmission in China.

Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

To construct a subgenomic replication subsystem of foot-and-mouth disease virus(FM-DV)carrying fluorescent protein(UnaG),the full-length cDNA plasmid of FMDV was employed as the template.A few of structural and non-structural protein genes of FMDV were removed by double-enzyme digestion.By substituting reporter gene sequences expressing the green fluorescent protein UnaG for specific structural protein sequences of FMDV,FMDV-UnaG replicators were successfully created.After PCR and sequencing,linearized FMDV-UnaG replicons were transfected into BSR/T7 cells expressing T7 RNA polymerase,and the fluorescence signal was observed through fluorescence microscopy and laser confocal technique.The results demonstrated that the constructed FMDV-UnaG replicons could effectively express UnaG protein,and the protein colo-calized with FMDV 3A protein.Additionally,Western blot and RT-qPCR also detected that the replicator RNA could express the non-structural proteins of the virus and replicate autonomously in BSR/T7 cells,respectively.In conclusion,the successful construction of FMDV-UnaG sub-genomic replicators offers a favorable tool for further research on the replication and translation mechanism of FMDV and the development of vaccine vectors.

AIM:This study investigates the antidepressant mechanism of Jieyu-Anshen formula combined with selenium in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)mice through network pharmacology and animal experiments.METHODS:Potential drug targets were identified using the TCMSP,Genecards,and STRING databases.A protein-pro-tein interaction network was then constructed,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Ge-nomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses and molecular docking validation.Sixty male KM mice were divided into six groups:control,model,selenium,Jieyu Anshen formula,selenium+Jieyu Anshen formula,and fluoxetine.Depression-like behav-iors were assessed using the tail suspension test,forced swimming test,and elevated plus-maze test.Enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure hippocampal levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-1β,5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and dopamine(DA).Histopathological changes in the hippocampus were ex-amined using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Additionally,protein expression levels of nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65),phospho-NF-κB-p65(p-NF-κB p65),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),and selenoprotein S(SelS)were detected through immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS:Jieyu-Anshen formula combined with selenium significantly improved depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice,reduced inflammatory cytokine(IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β)levels,restored the levels of 5-HT and DA,and inhibited NF-κB signal-ing pathway activation.CONCLUSION:Jieyu Anshen formula combined with selenium significantly improved depres-sion-like behaviors in CUMS mice,potentially by improving hippocampal morphology,modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway,suppressing inflammatory factor expression,and enhancing hippocampal 5-TH and DA levels.

Objective To systematically retrieve,evaluate and summarise the best available evidence on prevention and management of diagnostic blood loss in critically ill adult patients and to provide guidance for standardising diagnostic blood sampling in clinical practice.Methods A structured evidence question was created using the PIPOST framework(Population,Intervention,Professional,Outcome,Setting and Type of evidence).Guided by the"5S"levels-of-evidence pyramid,a top-down systematic search was conducted on databases of BMJ Best Practice,UpToDate,the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI)EBP Database,GIN,SIGN,RNAO,NICE,Medlive Guideline,WHO,National Blood Authority(Australia),National Health Commission of China,Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMbase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Wanfang Data,CNKI,VIP,and SinoMed.Searched literature included clinical decision aids,guidelines,evidence summaries,systematic reviews Meta analysis,RCTs,quasi-experimental,cross-sectional,cohort studies and expert consensus/opinions.Search period covered between 1st January 2015 and 10th February 2025.Quality appraisal,evidence extraction,synthesis and grading were performed according to JBI and GRADE approaches.Results Nineteen articles were retrieved including five guidelines,five systematic reviews,one RCT,two quasi-experimental studies,two cross-sectional studies,one professional standard and three expert consensuses.A total of 26 recommendations were extracted and they were organised into five domains:education and training,blood-sampling assessment,frequency of sampling,strategies to minimise blood volume drawn,and quality control.Conclusion This evidence summary provides the best current guidance for preventing and managing iatrogenic blood loss caused by diagnostic testing in critically ill adults,providing evidence-based basis for standardizing blood tests by medical staff.

Objective To conduct a comprehensive review on application status and future development prospects of proton therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma.Methods A total of 218 literatures were retrieved from PubMed and CNKI database using the search terms"pediatric medulloblastoma,proton therapy,radiotherapy"(English)and"儿童髓母细胞瘤,质子治疗,放射治疗"(Chinese),with a publication timeframe from January 1,2004,to June 1,2025.Inclusion criteria were as follow:(1)proton therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma;(2)radiotherapy for pediatric medulloblastoma;(3)proton therapy for pediatric brain tumors;(4)development and applications of proton therapy.Exclusion criteria were as follow:(1)outdated literatures;(2)redundant or highly similar studies.After screening,89 literatures met the inclusion criteria.Results Compared with conventional treatments such as surgery,photon therapy,and chemotherapy,proton therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma significantly reduced acute toxicity and long-term side effects including cognitive dysfunction,endocrine disorders,and hearing loss.Additionally,proton therapy exhibited favorable cost-effectiveness.In the future,the therapeutic outcomes would be further enhanced through the optimization of proton therapy techniques,treatment planning,and equipment.Conclusion With ongoing technological advancements and growing clinical experience,proton therapy is expected to become one of the standard treatment modalities for pediatric medulloblastoma.

Objective To investigate the preventive efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)combined with Kangfuxin liquid on radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients underwent radiotherapy.Methods A total of 90 breast cancer patients were randomized into the control group(45 cases,rhGM-CSF alone)and the observation group(45 cases,rhGM-CSF+Kangfuxin liquid).Both groups received radiotherapy.The incidence of radiation dermatitis,the time of first occurrence,the healing time and severity of radiation dermatitis(graded by RTOG criteria)were compared between the two groups.Skin growth factors[epidermal growth factor(EGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)]were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)before radiotherapy and 2 weeks after radiotherapy.The quality of life of patients was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 V3.0 questionnaire.Results The incidence of radiation dermatitis was significantly lower in the observation group(35.56%,16/45)than that in the control group(68.89%,31/45,P＜0.05),and the first occurrence time of dermatitis was later,the healing time was shorter,and the severity grade of dermatitis was lower(P＜0.05).Two weeks after radiotherapy,levels of EGF,bFGF,TGF-β and the scores of QLQ-C30 increased in both groups,and those of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Combining rhGM-CSF with Kangfuxin liquid can effectively prevent radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients by reducing incidence and severity,delaying onset time,accelerating healing,and improving quality of life.

Objective To compare the dosimetric differences between volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)and intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)in the irradiation of chest wall and upper and lower clavicle regions after radical mastectomy for breast cancer.Methods A total of 100 patients who were scheduled to receive radiotherapy after radical mastectomy were included and selected as research subjects.Patients were divided into the VMAT group and the IMRT group by random number table method,with 50 cases in each group.The target dose parameters,exposure dose of organs at risk,monitor unit(MU)and treatment time were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistical differences in V95 and V110 between the VMAT group and the IMRT group(P＞0.05).The D2%in the VMAT group was lower than that of the IMRT group,while D98%and D50%were higher in the VMAT group than those in the IMRT group(P＜0.05).Target area uniformity and target area conformity were better in the VMAT group than those in the IMRT group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in mean cardiac dose(Dmean)and ipsilateral lung V5 and V10 between the VMAT group and the IMRT group(P＞0.05).The heart V20 and V30,contralateral lung Dmean,maximum spinal cord dose(Dmax),contralateral breast Dmean,ipsilateral lung Dmean,V20,V30 and mean MU were lower in the VMAT group than those in the IMRT group,and the treatment time was shorter than that in the IMRT group(P＜0.05).Conclusion In the irradiation treatment of chest wall and upper and lower clavicle regions after radical mastectomy,VMAT demonstrates superior dosimetric characteristics and higher treatment efficiency compared with IMRT,particularly in terms of target area uniformity,target area conformity and exposure doses to organs at risk.