The welfare and ethics of laboratory animals are the ethical principles and behavioral norms that need to be followed in conducting animal-based scientific research, breeding and managing laboratory animals, and supervising and regulating such activities. The level of protection of laboratory animal welfare and ethics is closely related to the development of science and technology, which has become a widely recognized international consensus. At present, Guangdong Province is accelerating the construction of a high-level science and technology innovation province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Guangdong Province should rely on its advanced governance capacity in the field of laboratory animal science and technology ethics to promote the high-quality development of its laboratory animal science and technology sector. Based on the management laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms of laboratory animals in China, this paper explores the optimization of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system, which includes the institutional guarantees, responsibility systems, ethical review and supervision mechanisms, and education and outreach. Through methods such as literature research, questionnaire surveys, and interview investigations, an empirical study of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in Guangdong Province has been conducted. Analysis of literature and research results shows that Guangdong Province has basically established a laboratory animal management system, collaboration mechanism, supervision mechanism, and education and training system that meet the current requirements of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in China. However, there are still problems such as an incomplete laboratory animal science and technology ethics supervision mechanism, an underdeveloped operation mechanism of review institutions, insufficient attention paid by laboratory animal units to the ethical review of animal experiments, inconsistent ethical review standards, and a lack of professional ethical education and training for ethics review personnel. Therefore, optimization measures such as improving the laboratory animal science and technology ethics review system, strengthening supervision and inspection, further strengthening the accountability of responsible entities, formulating review norms, and enhancing hierarchical and classified education and training are proposed, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the normalized and long-term governance of laboratory animal science and technology ethics in Guangdong Province.

Hepatic fibrosis （HF） is an abnormal repair process that occurs after chronic liver injury. It is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver， resulting in fibrous tissue hyperplasia， which may further develop into cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Currently， there is a lack of specific anti-HF drugs in clinical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has advantages in the treatment of HF， including multi-component and multi-target interventions with high safety， and can significantly delay the progression of HF. It has therefore become a current research hotspot. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， as a key transcription factor involved in antioxidant stress， can effectively intervene in the progression of HF by activating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes and detoxification genes. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which active components of Chinese medicine （such as flavonoids， polysaccharides， and saponins） and TCM compound prescriptions （such as Haobie Yangyin Ruanjian prescription and Biejia Xiaozheng pills） exert anti-fibrotic effects through activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway， including enhancing antioxidant capacity， inhibiting inflammatory responses， reducing hepatocyte apoptosis， improving mitochondrial function， and inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. In addition， this article points out the current shortcomings in research based on the Nrf2 signaling pathway and proposes corresponding suggestions to promote related studies. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-HF Chinese medicine targeting Nrf2.

OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/Caspase-1/gasdermin D （GSDMD） pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula （HQHF） inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis （MASH）. METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups： Control group （10% blank serum）， Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide （LPS）]， HQHF-L group （2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， HQHF-M group （5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， and HQHF-H group （10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS）. After 24 h of routine culture post-administration， cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy； localization and expression of gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA； mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group， the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology （cell membrane bulging and pore formation）， increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane （ P ＜0.05）， significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the Model group， the HQHF-L， HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology， reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N （ P ＜0.05）， significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis， and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Background: Obesity is defined as a condition in which excessive fat accumulates in subcutaneous adipose tissue and other tissues due to metabolic disorders, leading to an increase in body weight. As of 2006, 31.6% of the Mongolian population aged 15–64 years were overweight or obese, of whom 21.8% were overweight and 9.8% were obese. By 2019, this proportion had increased to 49.4% being overweight or obese, including 30.9% overweight and 18.5% obese. These figures indicate that the Mongolian population has become affected by the obesity epidemic. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of scientifically validating the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding for obesity through a clinical experimental research approach. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding in patients with obesity. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a clinical experimental research using a descriptive study design at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) International School of Mongolian Medicine, the Central Hospital of Mongolian Medicine and the Second Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Hospital of Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, PRC, from July 2025 to January 2026. A total of 76 adult participants were enrolled based on the following inclusion criteria: If the participant is female, she must have regular menstrual cycles, confirmed diagnosis of obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m², or waist circumference >94 cm for men and >80 cm for women, or waist-to-hip ratio >0.95 for men and >0.85 for women), and willingness to participate voluntarily. Participants received catgut embedding at acupoints Zhongwan (CV12), Xiawan (CV10), Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Daimai (GB26), Daheng (SP15), Tianshu (ST25) and Huaroumen (ST24) once every 14 days for a total of two sessions. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed by comparing body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference, selected metabolic parameters (GLU, HDL, LDL, CHOL, TG), and depression scores (Beck Depression Inventory) before treatment and 30 days after the intervention. Result: After acupoint catgut embedding, participants showed statistically significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference (p=0.0001). HDL increased from 1.62 ± 14.77 mmol/L to 1.80 ± 0.64 mmol/L and LDL increased from 2.21 ± 0.55 mmol/L to 2.57 ± 0.84 mmol/L, both showing statistically significant increases (p=0.0001). Total cholesterol increased slightly from 4.36 ± 0.88 mmol/L to 4.43 ± 0.8 mmol/L, but this change was not statistically significant (p=0.24). Triglycerides decreased from 1.45 ± 0.68 mmol/L to 1.30 ± 0.62 mmol/L, representing a statistically significant improvement (p=0.005). Fasting glucose increased from 4.17 ± 0.66 mmol/L to 4.66 ± 0.62 mmol/L (p=0.0001). Depression assessment showed that before the study, 17 participants (22.4%) had no depression, 19 (25.0%) had mild depression, 12 (15.8%) had moderate depression, and 28 (36.8%) had severe depression. After treatment, 36 participants (47.4%) had no depression, 20 (26.3%) had mild depression, 8 (10.5%) had moderate depression, and 12 (15.8%) had severe depression. Conclusion 1. Acupoint catgut embedding for obesity reduces body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference. 2. Acupoint catgut embedding increases HDL-C, LDL-C and fasting glucose levels and decreases triglyceride levels. 3. Acupoint catgut embedding reduces the severity of depression.

Background: Adhesion small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common complication following abdominal surgery and can significantly impair postoperative recovery. This condition necessitates the exploration of more effective therapeutic approaches. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) combined with acupuncture in the management of postoperative ileus secondary to adhesion-related small bowel obstruction. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 47-year-old female patient who developed postoperative ileus. The therapeutic intervention consisted of a combined regimen of traditional herbal pharmacotherapy and electroacupuncture. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on the resolution of symptoms and the restoration of gastrointestinal function. Result: Following the administration of the integrated treatment, the patient exhibited a marked reduction in abdominal pain. Objective clinical improvement was noted through the successful restoration of intestinal peristalsis and the normalization of flatus and defecation. Conclusion The findings of this case study suggest that Traditional Mongolian Medicine, particularly when integrated with electroacupuncture, may be an effective and viable modality for promoting the recovery of gastrointestinal motility in patients with adhesion-related small bowel obstruction.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the prevalence of CF and compassion satisfaction (CS) among OBGYN resident physicians in selected hospitals in Manila and identify the associated contributory factors

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 OBGYN residents using the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5), which measures CS and CF—further divided into burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS). Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed using Jamovi software. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals. Associations between variables were determined using independent t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Most residents scored moderate levels in CS (68.6%), BO (72.4%) and STS (73.3%). Significant associations were found between all three subscales and most work-related factors such as hours of sleep per day, working hours per week and frequency of being called in during offduty hours. Marital status and parity were also significantly associated with higher BO and STS scores.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the presence of CF among OBGYN residents with reported associations with work and personal factors. These findings emphasize the need for institutional interventions to support the well-being of resident physicians, especially in demanding clinical environments.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Empathy ; Gynecology ; Fatigue ; Hospitals ; Personal Satisfaction ; Physicians ; Prevalence ; Obstetrics ; Compassion Fatigue

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of the combined concentrated liquid extract of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root (P. lobata, Ge Gen) and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis, Zhi Ju Zi) against ethanol-induced liver damage in vitro, using a human hepatoma cell line G2 (HepG2) cell model. Methods: HepG2 cells were cultured in medium containing 4% ethanol to establish a model of alcoholic liver damage. The cells were then treated with the combined extract obtained via cryogenic extraction. Biochemical assays and Western blot analyses were performed to assess the levels of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway was examined to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the extract. Results: Treatment with the extract contributed to a significant reduction in the release of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the ethanol-treated HepG2 cells; promoted the elevated expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses; and showed strong free radical-scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. In addition, by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, treatment promoted increases in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its downstream targets, subsequently inhibiting apoptosis. Moreover. inflammatory responses were mitigated, as indicated by reductions in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, and we detected reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, thereby indicating hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion The combined P. lobata root and H. dulcis extract was established to have notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively alleviating ethanol-induced liver damage in vitro. These findings highlight the potential applicability of this extract as a candidate for treating alcoholic liver disease.

Background: Meniere's disease is a condition caused by disturbances in the auditory and vestibular systems. It is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus. In the United States, the prevalence of Meniere's disease has been found to be 84 cases per 100,000 women and 56 cases per 100,000 men. Regionally, it is more common in less populated areas, and research has confirmed that the prevalence increases with higher household income. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional medicine treatments and therapies for Meniere's disease. Results: The patient is a 43-year-old male, with symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and tinnitus. Since 2023, he has sought care at the Central Hospital of Mongolian Medicine, where he received traditional medicine treatments including herbal therapy and other traditional therapies on three occasions. As a result, the frequency of dizziness has decreased and other clinical symptoms have improved. Conclusion Traditional medicine treatments have been shown to be effective in managing Meniere's disease by extending the interval between relapses, improving quality of life, and significantly reducing clinical symptoms.

Background: The craniofacial region is one of the most frequently injured parts of the human body, with mandibular fractures being the most common type of facial skeletal injury. The leading causes of mandibular fractures include traffic accidents, falls, interpersonal violence, and sports-related injuries. In Mongolia, mandibular fractures are prevalent, with a higher incidence among males. However, to date, no national-level analysis of mandibular fractures has been conducted. This study aims to comprehensively examine mandibular fractures in Mongolia by identifying demographic factors and causes of injury. Aim: To determine the incidence and causes of mandibular fractures recorded in Mongolia over the past ten years. Materials and Methods: This study collected data on mandibular fractures recorded in the Health Development Center of Mongolia between 2014 and 2023. Cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) code S02.6. Information on patient age, gender, and hospital diagnosis was collected, along with the cause of injury, classified according to ICD-10 codes. Patient age was categorized based on the classification system of the National Statistics Office. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.00 software, employing the chi-square test for data analysis. Results: During the study period, a total of 2,872 patients were diagnosed with mandibular fractures, with the highest incidence occurring in the 20-40 age group. The average patient age was 31.1±12 years. Males were 5.6 times more likely to sustain mandibular fractures compared to females. The primary causes of injury were interpersonal violence (42%), mechanical trauma (17%), falls (16%), and traffic accidents (15%). Conclusion Between 2014 and 2023, 2,872 cases of mandibular fractures were recorded in Mongolia, with the majority occurring in individuals aged 20-40 years. The leading causes of mandibular fractures were interpersonal violence, mechanical trauma, falls, and traffic accidents. Specialized trauma care services were accessed differently in urban and rural areas.