To address the growing challenge of an increasing number of elderly lung cancer patients amidst China's aging population and to fill the gap in quality control standards for surgical treatment in this special population, this study aimed to develop a standardized surgical evaluation system for elderly lung cancer patients tailored to China's national conditions. The system was established through a literature review, integrated the pathophysiological characteristics of elderly patients, and was constructed following review, feedback, and revision by experts from multiple thoracic surgery centers. Employing a 100-point scoring system, it comprises three primary domains: physical infrastructure and geriatric adaptability foundational conditions (10 points); management level and perioperative care models (20 points); and technical proficiency and clinical outcomes (70 points). The system places a strong emphasis on geriatric adaptability, proposing specific, quantifiable indicators for age-friendly facility modifications, control of elderly-specific complications, multidisciplinary collaboration, and standardized perioperative management. It provides a convenient and measurable assessment tool for quality control in the surgical treatment of elderly lung cancer in China, which is expected to promote the standardization and homogenization of diagnosis and treatment.

ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation is widely used in its clinical management. However, the biological basis underlying different TCM syndromes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic differences between qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and damp-heat syndrome (DHS) in CRC patients and to establish a “syndrome-differential protein-herbal component” network for exploring potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with syndrome-specific treatment strategies. MethodsTumor tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC, including 5 patients diagnosed with QBDS and 5 with DHS according to standardized TCM syndrome differentiation criteria. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two syndrome groups. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed to characterize the biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the identified DEPs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was further applied to screen key syndrome-related proteins and construct a core protein prediction model. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinities between representative herbal compounds, astragaloside IV and berberine, and the identified core proteins. Finally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed in HCT 116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines to validate the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds in vitro. ResultsA total of 44 DEPs were identified between QBDS and DHS tissues, including 21 upregulated and 23 downregulated proteins in the QBDS group relative to the DHS group. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these proteins were primarily associated with antiviral immune responses, regulation of inflammatory signaling, NF‑κB signaling pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and other biological processes relevant to tumor progression and host immune regulation. LASSO regression analysis identified eight core proteins with potential syndrome-specific significance. Among them, ST7, GPCPD1, and PODXL were closely associated with QBDS, whereas FAT1, GRB7, KRT7, MAFF, and MMP8 were associated with DHS. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions between astragaloside IV and QBDS-related proteins, with binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol, indicating stable binding activity. Berberine exhibited even lower binding energies and stronger binding specificity toward DHS-related core proteins. In vitro experiments further confirmed that both compounds inhibited CRC cell proliferation, while berberine displayed significantly greater anti-proliferative efficacy. The lowest 48 h IC₅₀ value of berberine reached 15.21 mg/L in CRC cells, indicating a stronger growth-inhibitory effect than astragaloside IV. ConclusionCRC patients with QBDS and DHS exhibit distinct proteomic characteristics, suggesting that different TCM syndromes possess unique molecular signatures. The identified core proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for syndrome differentiation, while astragaloside IV and berberine may exert therapeutic effects through targeting syndrome-specific molecular networks. These findings provide preliminary proteomic evidence supporting syndrome-guided precision integrative medicine in CRC and offer new insights into the biological basis of TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapeutic strategies.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)can improve the muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of calf muscles in healthy young men,aiming to explore a new method for preventing and combating microgravity-induced muscle atrophy in space environments.Methods 40 healthy young men aged 18-35 years were randomly divided into a Control group(Pseudo Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)and a Experimental group(Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)in a 1∶1 ratio,with 20 participants in each group.In the Control group,the indicator light of the stimulator was covered,and the device was turned on,but the electrodes did not contact the skin,The device automatically turned offafter 3 seconds.In the Experimental group,the TEAS device was connected to the current and TEAS intervention was performed.The electrical stimulation waveform was a sperse-dense wave with a frequency of 4/20 Hz,and the intensity was determined by patient tolerance.The acupoints selected for electrical stimulation in both groups were bilateral Zusanli(ST36)、Liangqiu(ST34),Taixi(KI3),and Fuliu(KI7).Zusanli and Liangqiu were paired,and Taixi and Fuliu were paired.The intervention frequency was 30 min/time,1 time/day,6 days/week,for 2 weeks.The relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral calf muscles were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 0th,7th,and 14d day of the experiment.Results After 1 week of TEAS,compared with Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,compared with Control group,the relative peak torque at 60°/s and the relative peak torque at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles in the Experimental group were significantly increased(all P<0.05).After 2 weeks TEAS;compared with the Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles were significantly increased in the Experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS of Zusanli,Liangqiu,Fuliu and Taixi acupoints on the lower limbs for 2 weeks can effectively improve the maximum muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of the posterior calf muscles in healthy young men.

Objective:To analyze the differences in determination of fluoride level in drinking water by ion-selective electrode method and high-throughput rapid determination method.Methods:The precision test was carried out by using the two methods to measure two kinds of fluoride standard substances, water samples of external quality control assessment from 2021 to 2023 (two kinds each year) and the fluoride level in three drinking water samples (for 5 times/each sample). Accuracy testing was conducted by measuring the external quality control assessment water samples and the spiked recovery rates drinking water, and water samples were grouped (water fluoride ≤1.00, > 1.00 mg/L) and analyzed according to the "Hygienic Standards for Drinking Water" (GB 5749-85). SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the measurement results.Results:(1) The correlation coefficients ( r) of the working curves of the two methods were both > 0.990, meeting the quality control requirements. (2) In the precision test, when comparing the results of the two methods for detecting two kinds of fluoride standard substances, there was no statistically significant difference ( F = 0.36, 0.15, P = 0.564, 0.707), and the coefficients of variation ( CV) were all < 5%. The CV of the detection results of the external quality control assessment water samples and drinking water samples were < 5%. (3) In the accuracy test, when the fluoride concentration in water was ≤1.00 mg/L, there was no statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 0.49, P = 0.504). When the fluoride concentration in water was > 1.00 mg/L, there was a statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 24.75, P = 0.003). Conclusions:The ion-selective electrode method has the advantages of wide detection range and wide adaptability, while the high-throughput rapid determination method has high accuracy. Testing personnel can weigh and choose the appropriate determination method based on the actual laboratory conditions and sample concentration range.

Dark plum can be used to treat symptoms such as consumptive thirst due to deficiency-heat and chronic cough due to lung deficiency.Its active ingredients have auxiliary effects on lowering blood glucose,antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.Insulin resistance is mainly characterized by the weakening of the physiological effects of insulin in the body,with a relatively complex mechanism that can lead to various metabolic-related diseases and seriously affect health.The active ingredients of dark plum can improve insulin resistance by regulating insulin signaling pathways,endoplasmic reticulum stress,antioxidant stress,inflammatory signaling pathways,levels of related inflammatory mediators,and free fatty acid levels.By reviewing the relevant literature on the improvement of insulin resistance by the active ingredients of dark plum,this article summarizes and analyzes its mechanism of action,aiming to provide new ideas and scientific evidence for in-depth research on insulin resistance and the development and application of drugs.

Objective To study NF1 gene variations in 10 suspected cases of neurofibromatosis type I(NF1)and their parents,thereby providing a basis for genetic counselling,clinical diagnosis,and treatment of this disease.Methods A total of 10 patients diagnosed with,or suspected of having NF1 at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from March to December 2023 were selected as study subjects.Whole exome sequencing(WES)was performed to analyse NF1 gene mutations in the patients and their parents,with the findings validated by Sanger sequencing.Results Pathogenic mutations were identified in 6 of the 10 families,with the remaining 4 cases showing no pathogenic gene mutations.In Family 1,a de novo mutation,c.6505A>T,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 2,a de novo mutation,c.6705-3C>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 3,a de novo mutation,c.6853delT,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 4,a de novo mutation,c.2446C>T,was found in the NF1 gene.In Family 5,a paternal mutation,c.6067T>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 6,a paternal mutation,c.2991_2993dup,was detected in the NF1 gene.Conclusion The identification of new mutation sites enriches the mutation spectrum of the NF1 gene.This study provides important guidance for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis,offering crucial information for families with reproductive needs.

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death elicited by an imbalance in intracellular iron concentrations, leading to enhanced lipid peroxidation. In neurological disorders, both oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage can contribute to ferroptosis, resulting in nerve cell dysfunction and death. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) refers to a cellular pathway in which specific proteins are tagged with ubiquitin for recognition and degradation by the proteasome. In neurological conditions, the UPS plays a significant role in regulating ferroptosis. In this review, we outline how the UPS regulates iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and their interplay in neurological diseases. In addition, we discuss the future application of small-molecule inhibitors and identify potential drug targets. Further investigation into the mechanisms of UPS-mediated ferroptosis will provide novel insights and strategies for therapeutic interventions and clinical applications in neurological diseases.
Ferroptosis/physiology* ; Humans ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism* ; Nervous System Diseases/metabolism* ; Animals ; Ubiquitin/metabolism* ; Iron/metabolism*

Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, crucial in maintaining normal physiological functions. Recent studies have identified iron ions as a significant factor in initiating the ferroptosis process, a novel mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxide accumulation. The iron metabolism pathway is one of the primary mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, as it maintains iron homeostasis within the cell. Numerous studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in iron metabolism can trigger the Fenton reaction, exacerbating oxidative stress, and leading to cell membrane rupture, cellular dysfunction, and damage to tissue structures. Therefore, regulation of iron metabolism represents a key strategy for ameliorating ferroptosis and offers new insights for treating diseases associated with iron metabolism imbalances. This review first summarizes the mechanisms that regulate iron metabolic pathways in ferroptosis and discusses the connections between the pathogenesis of various diseases and iron metabolism. Next, we introduce natural and synthetic small molecule compounds, hormones, proteins, and new nanomaterials that can affect iron metabolism. Finally, we provide an overview of the challenges faced by iron regulators in clinical translation and a summary and outlook on iron metabolism in ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future exploration and optimization of iron metabolism regulation strategies.