Objective: To investigate the microbial mechanisms of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤, BXXXD) in the treatment of esophageal precancerous lesions. Methods: A total of 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 6) and a 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-exposed group (n = 24). Esophageal precancerous lesions were induced by providing the 4-NQO-exposed group with 4-NQO in drinking water (100 μg/mL) for 17 consecutive weeks, whereas control group received sterile drinking water. After model establishment, the mice in 4-NQO-exposed group were further randomized into model group and three BXXXD-treated groups: low-dose (BXXXD-L, 3.7 g/kg), medium-dose (BXXXD-M, 7.4 g/kg), and high-dose (BXXXD-H, 14.8 g/kg) groups (n = 6 per group). During the subsequent intervention period, mice in control and model groups were gavaged with sterile water, while mice in BXXXD groups were gavaged once daily with the corresponding dose of BXXXD aqueous extract for 4 weeks. Histopathological changes in esophageal tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The fecal and esophageal microbiota were profiled via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing to evaluate bacterial diversity, community structure, and co-occurrence networks. BXXXD chemical fingerprints were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole QExactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) level was quantified by targeted metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Transcriptomic analysis of esophageal tissues was performed to assess gene expression profiles. Results: Compared with model group, BXXXD-M group exhibited reduced mucosal hyperplasia and more orderly epithelial cell arrangement, with superior therapeutic effects in comparison with both BXXXD-L and BXXXD-H groups (P < 0.01). Microbiota analysis revealed that BXXXD increased the abundance of beneficial Enterococcus and reduced pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella in the esophagus. In the gut, BXXXD elevated the relative abundance of beneficial taxa, including Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium. Targeted metabolomics showed that BXXXD significantly reduced total serum SCFA level (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that BXXXD downregulated the expression of genes associated with the progression, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer, which were identified as kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (Klk6), defensin beta 4 (Defb4), family with sequence similarity 3 member B (Fam3b), carboxypeptidase A4 (Cpa4), serum amyloid A1 (Saa1), and chitinase-like 1 (Chil1) (P < 0.05). Conclusion BXXXD may reduce the expression levels of esophageal cancer-related genes and improve esophageal precancerous lesions through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Background Lead is a typical persistent environmental pollutant that can accumulate in bones for decades. During pregnancy, alterations in calcium metabolism promote the mobilization of bone lead, resulting in secondary exposure; however, the mechanisms by which pregnancy-associated bone lead mobilization affects maternal renal function remain unclear. Objective To investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in pregnancy-related bone lead mobilization-induced renal injury. Methods Newly weaned female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control or a lead-exposed group administered either 0.05% sodium acetate or 0.05% lead acetate in drinking water. Following a 4-week lead exposure and a 4-week washout period, the females were co-housed with healthy age-matched males for mating. Rats were sacrificed at early (gestational day 3) and late (gestational day 17) pregnancystages, respectively. Renal histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining staining. Mitochondria-related indicators, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and energy metabolism, were measured. Differential metabolites were identified using serum metabolomics. Results Renal injury in the lead-exposed pregnant rats progressed in a time-dependent manner, characterized by degeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells, glomerular hyaline changes, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the treatment factor (lead exposure) and the temporal factor (gestational stage) on renal injury (P<0.001). Further analysis of mitochondrial function-related indicators in late-pregnancy renal tissue revealed that the lead exposure group exhibited significantly increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P<0.05), accompanied by a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities (P<0.05); regarding inflammatory markers, levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were elevated (P<0.01), whereas interleukin-33 (IL-33) was decreased in the lead-exposed group (P<0.05); energy metabolism-related indicators, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activities, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, and V activities, were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the lead-exposed gorup. The typical differential metabolite N-methylisoleucine, identified through serum metabolomics analysis, was negatively correlated with blood lead levels, kidney injury scores, and IL-1β, while positively correlated with catalase (CAT) activity and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase. Conclusions Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a critical role in renal injury induced by bone lead mobilization during late gestation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of sequential tenofovir alafenamide fumarate （TAF） therapy versus the regimen of entecavir （ETV） combined with TAF in chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients experiencing low-level viremia （LLV） after ETV therapy， as well as their impact on virologic response， liver and renal function， and blood lipid levels. MethodsA total of 217 CHB patients with LLV after ETV treatment who were admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled， and according to the treatment regimen， they were divided into TAF group （180 patients receiving sequential TAF therapy） and combined group （37 patients receiving ETV+TAF therapy）. The propensity score matching （PSM） method was used to match the patients at a ratio of 1∶1， and finally 37 patients were included in each group to balance the baseline confounding factors. The two groups were compared in terms of hepatitis B virus DNA （HBV DNA） clearance rate， hepatitis B envelope antigen （HBeAg） clearance rate， liver and renal function parameters （liver stiffness measurement ［LSM］， platelet count ［PLT］， aspartate aminotransferase ［AST］， alanine aminotransferase ［ALT］， and creatinine ［Cr］）， blood lipid levels （total cholesterol ［TC］， triglyceride ［TG］， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ［HDL-C］， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ［LDL-C］）， and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the paired t-test was used for comparison within each group； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter 48 weeks of treatment， compared with the TAF group， the combined group had significantly higher HBV DNA clearance rate （86.49% vs 59.46%， χ²=6.852， P=0.009） and HBeAg clearance rate （59.46% vs 35.14%， χ²=4.391， P=0.036）. After treatment， compared with the TAF group， the combined group had significantly lower levels of LSM （7.01±1.50 kPa vs 7.90±1.68 kPa， t=2.404， P=0.019）， AST （18.02±2.28 U/L vs 21.12±2.85 U/L， t=5.166， P<0.001）， and ALT （19.85±3.86 U/L vs 22.00±3.90 U/L， t=2.383， P=0.020） and significantly higher levels of PLT ［（218.35±42.60）×10⁹/L vs （192.82±44.13）×10⁹/L， t=2.532， P=0.014］ and Cr （70.92±6.54 μmoL/L vs 67.60±6.13 μmoL/L， t=2.253， P=0.027）. After treatment， there was a slight increase in the level of TC in both the TAF group （5.60±0.89 mmol/L vs 5.18±0.85 mmol/L， t=2.076， P=0.041） and the combined group （5.45±0.80 mmol/L vs 5.02±0.83 mmol/L， t=2.269， P=0.026）. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the TAF group and the combined group （21.62% vs 18.92%， χ²=0.084， P=0.772）. ConclusionFor ETV-treated CHB patients experiencing LLV， compared with sequential TAF therapy， the ETV+TAF combined therapy can effectively increase virologic response rate， alleviate liver fibrosis， and improve liver function， whereas sequential TAF therapy has less impact on renal function. Sequential or combined therapy with TAF may induce a slight increase in the level of TC， which should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

Currently, the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encounters substantial technical challenges, necessitating the urgent development of innovative evaluation methods for key quality attributes. This study proposes the construction of a quality assurance system centered on key quality attributes, with systems biology and chemical biology serving as its core components: utilizing multi-omics technologies to systematically analyze the core functional modules of TCM, integrating pharmacological approaches to precisely identify key bioactive components; applying chemical biology to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between components and their targets, while screening for quality markers associated with specific functions and clinical indications; establishing an integrated quality control system based on quality markers and biological potency to ensure comprehensive quality management from raw herb materials through to finished products. Additionally, it emphasizes the formulation of compatibility rules grounded in TCM theory, integrates clinical practice and multi-dimensional value assessments, and establishes a novel quality evaluation model with distinct TCM characteristics.This offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to ensuring the safety and efficacy of TCM while facilitating the high-quality development of the TCM industry.

Digital government refers to the wide application of digital technology in government management and services, promoting the optimization of government governance processes, model innovation, and performance enhancement, and building a new form of digital and intelligent government operation. Laboratory animal management is an important national foundational and strategic support work. It is closely related to digital government construction, and is not only an important part of digital government construction but also a typical application of government digital transformation in the field of science and technology. Digital transformation empowering laboratory animal management is a new proposition of government governance in the digital age, and research on its systematic and holistic reform is crucial. Through digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, the government can optimize approval process, strengthen in-process and post-event supervision, and promote regional coordination, thereby improving laboratory animal management capacity and service levels. In addition, laboratory animal data sharing contributes to government scientific decision-making and industry supervision. This article summarizes the experience and practices of domestic leading regions in recent years, reviews the background and development process of digital transformation of laboratory animal management in Jiangsu Province, describes the current status of such digital transformation in Jiangsu Province across areas including digital infrastructure, data sharing, and government services, analyzes existing challenges in top-level design, data governance, and data sharing, and, focusing on institutional mechanisms, government functions, data governance, and support systems, puts forward corresponding transformation ideas, frameworks, and pathways and provides an outlook. Thereby it provides a reference for the high-quality development of laboratory animal management in Jiangsu Province and other regions.

Objective To analyze the predictive value of different obesity indicators on acute cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods A total of 310 patients with TIA admitted to Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March 2022 to September 2025 were selected and classified into non-event group (276 cases) and cerebral infarction group (34 cases) based on acute cerebral infarction within 90 days. The basic data and obesity-related indicators [body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, body adiposity index (BAI), conicity index (C-index) and a body shape index (ABSI were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to screen the independent influencing factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive efficiency. Results The age, proportions of concurrent hypertension and concurrent diabetes mellitus, ABCD2 score, waist-to-hip ratio, ABSI, C-index, BMI and BAI in the cerebral infarction group were older or higher than those in the non-event group, and the symptoms duration was longer (P<0.05). The above indicators were all related factors for acute cerebral infarction in patients with TIA within 90 days (P<0.05), and ABSI and ABCD² score were independent influencing factors (P<0.05). The prediction model was manifested as Logit (P)=− 4.205 + 0.482 × ABCD² score + 1.120 × ABSI × 100. ABSI and ABCD2 score had predictive value on the occurrence of acute cerebral infarction (P<0.05), and the predictive efficiency of combined model was higher than that of single indicator (P<0.05). Conclusion Among different obesity indicators, ABSI has the highest value on predicting recent acute cerebral infarction in TIA. The prediction model based on ABSI and ABCD2 score exhibits the best predictive efficiency.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in the treatment of mild to moderate female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and to analyze the related clinical factors affecting the therapeutic efficacy of i-PRF. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A total of 29 FPHL patients with Sinclair grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, who attended the outpatient clinics of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University and Peking University Third Hospital from March 2024 to April 2025, were enrolled. All patients received i-PRF treatment once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 sessions, with follow-up up to 24 weeks. Standardized clinical photographs were taken at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Trichoscopic examination was performed to measure the non-vellus target area hair count (TAHC) and hair diameter (HD) in the target area, and all adverse events were recorded. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the intergroup differences in efficacy for categorical influencing factors; Spearman rank correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation between continuous influencing factors and efficacy; and multiple linear regression (enter method) was performed to identify independent influencing factors of efficacy. Results: A total of 27 patients completed the trial. At week 12, TAHC significantly increased from 112 (105, 120) hairs/cm at baseline to 128 (110, 150) hairs/cm , with a median increase of 12 (5, 28) hairs/cm and a median growth rate of 10.5 (4.2, 24.5)% (P=0.045); hair diameter significantly increased from 42.5 (39.8, 45.2) μm to 52.0 (47.0, 58.0) μm, with a median increase of 7.5 (3.0, 12.5) μm and a median growth rate of 18.0 (7.5, 29.0)% (P<0.001). At week 24, TAHC further significantly increased to 141 (125, 158) hairs/cm (P<0.001), with a median growth rate of 24.8 (18.5, 32.0)%; hair diameter continued to improve to 55.0 (50.0, 61.0) μm (P=0.008), with a median growth rate of 21.5 (16.0, 27.0)%. The overall incidence of adverse events was 10.34% (3/29), mainly presenting as mild scalp pruritus and transient headache, without severe adverse effects. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline TAHC was an independent influencing factor for i-PRF efficacy (P<0.05), while age, BMI, disease duration, Sinclair grade, family history of AGA, and baseline HD showed no significant independent effect on efficacy in this model (P>0.05). Conclusion: This preliminary study indicates that i-PRF can improve hair density and hair shaft diameter in patients with FPHL with a favorable safety profile. Patients with FPHL and lower baseline TAHC may achieve greater clinical improvement.

Objective To analyze the genomic characteristics of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) isolated from industrial circulating cooling water in workplace. Methods A total of 20 L. pneumophila strains isolated from industrial circulating cooling water collected from eight chemical enterprises were selected as the research subjects. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the strains, followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, virulence factor profiling, and antibiotic resistance gene detection. Results The dominant MLST typing among the 20 L. pneumophila strains was ST2. Serogroup 1 (Lp1) strains exhibited high genetic diversity. Strains from different enterprises showed substantial genomic diversity, suggesting possible inter-enterprise dissemination. Each isolate harbored 175-295 virulence genes; among them, virulence genes were identified, and 139 genes were detected in all the 20 strains. These genes primarily included those related to the Dot/Icm type Ⅳ bacterial secretion system, flagellar synthesis and motility, and type Ⅳ pili. The number of virulence genes carried by L. pneumophila strains of different ST types differed (P<0.01), with unidentified sequence types harboring more virulence genes than other STs (P<0.01). A total of four resistance genes were predicted, including aminoglycoside phosphotransferase-encoding gene APH(9)-Ia, carbapenemase-encoding gene OXA-29, and efflux pump genes-encoding genes LpeA and LpeB, with detection rates of 100.00%, 100.00%, 10.00%, and 10.00%, respectively. These genes may confer resistance to cephalosporins, penicillins, and aminoglycosides, and all strains were multidrug resistance. Conclusion L. pneumophila isolated from industrial recirculating cooling water exhibits high genetic diversity, strong pathogenicity, and significant multidrug resistance potential.

Objective To systematically evaluate the similarities between six-gene-modified pig red blood cells and human red blood cells in multiple dimensions, including cell morphology, hematological parameters, microbial safety and serological compatibility, and to verify the feasibility of using six-gene-modified pig red blood cells as an alternative for blood transfusion in cases of traumatic hemorrhage. Methods Blood samples from O-type human donor, six-gene-modified O-type pig and wild-type O-type pig were collected. The pig gene-modified phenotype was identified by flow cytometry. The morphology was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy and the diameter was measured. Hematological tests, including blood routine, osmotic fragility test, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) content and partial pressure of oxygen at 50% hemoglobin saturation (P50), were conducted to assess the deformability of red blood cells. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to screen for zoonotic viruses, and cross-matching was performed using column gel method, condensation amine method and saline tube method. Results The six-gene-modified pig red blood cells successfully knocked out the α-Gal, Neu5Gc and Sda antigens and expressed hCD55. Wild-type pig red blood cells expressed these three antigens but did not express human complement regulatory proteins. All three types of red blood cells presented a biconcave discoid morphology. The diameter of O-type human red blood cells was larger than that of the six-gene-modified porcine red blood cells and wild-type pig red blood cells (all P < 0.05). The average red blood cell volume and average red blood cell hemoglobin of O-type humans were higher than those of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells, and the distribution width-variable coefficient of O-type human red blood cells was lower than that of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the permeability fragility, ATP content, 2,3-DPG content, P50 and red blood cell deformability indicators of the three types of red blood cells (all P > 0.05). The screening for zoonotic viruses in human and animal cells of the six-gene-modified pigs and wild-type pigs was negative. The cross-matching results showed that in the column gel method and condensation amine method, the primary and secondary sides of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells did not agglutinate with human red blood cells, while the wild-type pig red blood cells agglutinated with human red blood cells in all cross-matching methods. Conclusions The six-gene-modified pig red blood cells are highly similar to human red blood cells in terms of morphology, key hematological parameters, energy metabolism, oxygen-carrying capacity, mechanical properties, microbial safety and serological compatibility, providing an experimental basis for the clinical transformation of xenotransfusion.

In recent years, remarkable advances have been made in lung transplantation regarding donor evaluation, perioperative support, and immune regulation, laying a foundation for improving the long-term survival of recipients. The rational application of extended criteria donor lungs and the popularization of ex vivo lung perfusion technology have enhanced the utilization efficiency and safety of marginal donor lungs. Refined assessment of risk factors such as donors’ smoking history and infectious status has reduced the incidence of primary graft dysfunction and postoperative infection. In terms of recipient management, individualized assessment systems have been gradually optimized. The standardized application of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques have effectively alleviated perioperative injuries. The optimization of postoperative immunosuppressive regimens and advances in rejection monitoring technologies have further improved the long-term survival of grafts. Nevertheless, chronic graft dysfunction and recurrent or refractory infections remain the major bottlenecks restricting long-term prognosis. Future research should focus on expanding donor sources, improving the repair quality of marginal donor lungs, promoting precise immunosuppression and anti-infection strategies, and comprehensively enhancing the long-term survival rate and quality of life of lung transplant recipients.