Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

ABSTRACT The complexity, heterogeneity, and evolution of tumors have driven a shift in the paradigm of treatment from monotherapy to multimodal synergistic therapy. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) have garnered substantial attention for their potential to construct synergistic therapy nanoplatforms owing to their precise programmability, inherent biological functions, and excellent biocompatibility. In this review, we systematically discuss the latest advances in tFNA‐based multimodal cancer therapy. We begin by introducing the structural characteristics and drug‐delivery strategies of tFNAs, focusing on innovative tFNA‐based bimodal and multimodal synergistic therapeutic regimens aiming to address key challenges in cancer treatment, such as multidrug resistance (MDR), tumor hypoxia, and immunosuppression. Finally, we systematically summarize general design principles for tFNA‐based multimodal therapy and analyze the core obstacles hindering its translational progress. Notably, the combination of intelligent response mechanisms and immune regulation functions emerges as a highly promising research direction, and the critical scientific and technological bottlenecks for its clinical application are also emphasized herein.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural vulnerabilities in the global health emergency workforce. Sustained monitoring of response competence dynamics is critical for maintaining health system resilience during protracted outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate trends and structural transitions in nurses' infectious disease emergency response competence during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the Healthcare Workers' Infectious Disease Emergency Response Competence Questionnaire, 3 repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted in February 2020, August 2021, and February 2023. The participants were matched in a 1:1:1 ratio by their demographic characteristics via propensity scores. Temporal trends were analyzed using ANOVA, and competence structure transitions were examined via network analysis. Three-wave analyses (n=2525 per wave) demonstrated a sustained decline in competence, from 4.05 (SD 0.63) in February 2020 to 3.81 (SD 0.66) in August 2021 and further to 3.70 (SD 0.66) in February 2023. All pairwise comparisons were statistically significant (all P<.001). Network analysis identified critical structural shifts in competence architecture: in February 2020, the core network node was T24 (emergency management of body fluid exposure; strength=1.764), whereas in August 2021 and February 2023, the core network node was T19 (acquisition of key information on emerging infectious diseases; strength=1.759 and 1.852, respectively). Network structure comparisons revealed significant differences between February 2020 and August 2021 (P=.01) and between February 2020 and February 2023 (P=.01), whereas the difference between August 2021 and February 2023 was not significant (P=.07). Despite accumulated pandemic experience, nurses' infectious disease response competence declined substantially, indicating systemic fragility during prolonged crises. However, this experience reshaped competence architecture, evolving from technical infection prevention toward higher-order competence in information integration and clinical decision-making under uncertainty. To rebuild resilience, phase-specific training programs are essential: early-phase training emphasizes infection prevention, whereas prolonged outbreaks focus on information identification and decision support. Additionally, standardized information platforms and psychological support are essential to manage ongoing pandemic pressures.

Current embryo selection is limited by fragmented morphological assessments, high resource demands of image-based Artificial Intelligence, and inadequate integration of clinical factors. This study aims to establish a unified multi-day assessment framework by developing an Improved Numerical Embryo Quality scoring index (INEQsi) and to provide a lightweight and robust tool for predicting embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes by integrating these standardized scores with clinical data through machine learning. This study developed a multidimensional embryo scoring system based on established embryo grading standards and integrated other clinical variables to build a machine learning prediction model. By systematically evaluating and comparing multiple algorithms for predicting embryo quality scores and post-implantation pregnancy outcomes, the best prediction model was ultimately determined. The random forest model with INEQsi achieved high accuracy in predicting embryo quality for both cleavage-stage (RMSE: 1.26) and blastocyst-stage embryos (RMSE: 1.11-1.13), extending its predictive capability to Day 3. It outperformed NEQsi in pregnancy prediction, with a sensitivity of 0.99-1.00 (95% CI) on Day 5 and 93% accuracy on Day 6. This study proposed a multitage embryo scoring system and combines it with machine learning to form a lightweight analytical framework. In this single-center retrospective analysis, the approach showed reasonable performance in assessing embryo quality and predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes, suggesting its potential as a supplementary tool in IVF decision-making where advanced imaging systems are not routinely used.

Membranous nephropathy (MN), a major cause of end-stage renal disease, has limited therapeutics due to unclear targets. MicroRNAs (miRs) play critical roles in various diseases, but their role in MN remains unknown. This study utilizes a series of public databases, bioinformatics tools, and validation methods to identify key miRs and molecular mechanisms involved in MN. The GEO, miRbase, and TargetScan databases, along with the R package, Bioinformatics and ImageGP platform, were utilized to identify biomarkers in MN. 13 upregulated differentially expressed miRs (DEmiRs) were found across datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that 58 miRs were strongly positively correlated with MN. Among these, 11 overlapping miRs were analyzed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method to identify 5 candidate hub miRs. A series of approaches, including target gene prediction, disease-related analysis, and machine learning, brought miR-206 and WT-1 into focus as biomarkers for MN. Then, the passive Heymann nephropathy rat model and the adriamycin-injured podocytes were developed to validate these analyses and explore potential mechanisms. The gene or protein expression of upregulated miR-206-3p and downregulated WT-1 was verified in apoptotic podocytes both invivo and invitro. Moreover, the C-MIP/Nephrin/PI3K pathway appeared to be the potential mechanism through which miR-206-3p targets WT-1 to mediate podocyte apoptosis in MN. Ultimately,inhibition of miR-206-3p restored WT-1 expression and attenuated podocyte apoptosis. In summary, this study sheds light on the role of miR-206-3p targeting WT-1 in MN and confirms its involvement in podocyte apoptosis via the C-MIP/Nephrin/PI3K pathway.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze disparities in healthcare services for Chinese transgender men across multiple dimensions: age, education level, economic status, and region. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined healthcare disparities among Chinese transgender men between November 2022 and May 2023. A structured questionnaire assessed four domains: demographics (age, education, income, and region); healthcare access; hormone therapy status and barriers; and medication practices. Participants were recruited through medical institutions and WeChat platforms, with snowball sampling used to augment recruitment. Data were analyzed using R software. Analyses employed descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and chi-square tests to evaluate group differences, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The study revealed patterns in healthcare access and hormone therapy utilization among Chinese transgender men. Transgender men with higher education levels predominantly obtained transgender-related information through digital peer networks. Transgender men with income reported heightened concerns about medication safety, whereas those without income emphasized affordability challenges. Furthermore, transgender men in central and western China demonstrated a greater reliance on online pharmacy purchases and expressed heightened concerns regarding medication efficacy. Conclusions: Healthcare access, hormone therapy choices, and medication procurement practices among Chinese transgender men require substantial improvement. This is particularly urgent for minors, individuals without a university education, those without a stable income, and residents of central and western regions.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important horticultural crop. The application of mechanical grafting technology enables the efficient, large-scale production of grafted tomato seedlings, which is of great significance for overcoming continuous cropping obstacles and boosting tomato yield. In this study, tomato cultivar ‘Juxiang 1809’ as the scion and ‘T17-2’ as the rootstock were used to systematically investigate the effects of red-blue light quality pretreatments on tomato grafted seedlings. The rootstock and scion seedlings were cultivated under white (W), pure red (R), pure blue (B), and five mixed red-blue lights (R7B1, R3B1, R1B1, R1B3, R1B7). Our results demonstrated that R3B1 (Red: Blue = 3:1) yielded the highest scion comprehensive score (2.06), promoting balanced growth with robust stem diameter (2.75 mm) and high aboveground dry weight (0.36 g). For rootstocks, R3B1 also excelled, driving optimal root development with maximum root area (26.32 cm2) and dry weight (0.046 g). Post-grafting, R3B1-pre-treated seedlings maintained vigorous growth with enhanced photosynthetic capacity (37.10) and biomass accumulation. These findings demonstrate that R3B1 light quality is highly effective. It optimizes both scion vigor and rootstock root architecture. This offers a practical light-regulation strategy. It is applicable to the production of high-quality, machine-compatible tomato grafted seedlings in controlled environments.

Exogenous cannabinoids are considered promising therapeutic candidates for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, robust pre-clinical evidence supporting its efficacy remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of exogenous cannabinoids in animal models of IBD. Controlled experimental studies involving animal models of IBD that evaluated the effects of exogenous cannabinoids compared to untreated models were included. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were searched up to August 26, 2025. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction, and the risk-of-bias assessment. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. Meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and random-effects models. The study was registered in INPLASY (INPLASY202540009). Twenty-seven pre-clinical studies involving 408 animals were included. Compared with controls, exogenous cannabinoids significantly reduced disease activity index (SMD = -3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.98 to -1.89; I2 = 83%) and histopathological score (SMD = -4.46; 95% CI: -6.37 to -2.54; I2 = 84%). It also decreased levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. However, substantial heterogeneity was noted across several outcomes. Exogenous cannabinoids show beneficial effects in pre-clinical IBD models, likely through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-enhancing mechanisms. These findings provide a supportive foundation for future translational research. Nevertheless, the overall certainty of the evidence is limited by unclear randomization, lack of blinding, high heterogeneity, and small sample sizes. Although some clinical trials have already begun exploring its therapeutic potential, further rigorous and standardized animal studies are needed to clarify mechanisms, optimize dosing, and reinforce the translational pathway.