ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

AIM To explore the effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis(CLF).METHODS 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.063 g/kg)and the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group(4.8 g/kg),with 5 rats in each group.Except for those of the normal group,the rats of all other groups had open surgery of common bile duct ligation,followed by the gavage of corresponding drug two days later,and the procurement of the samples after gavage in the third week.The rats had their degree of liver fibrosis observed by HE and Masson stainings;their levels of serum total bile acid(TBA),alkaline phosphatase(AKP),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBil)measured by the kit;their hepatic percentage of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 positive cells detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining;their.hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR;their levels of helper T cell 1(Th1)and helper T cell 2(Th2)in peripheral blood detected by flow cytometry,and their ratio of Th1/Th2 calculated as well.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either ursodeoxycholic acid or Dahuang Lingxian Recipe displayed well-ordered liver cells,hepatic lobules and hepatic cords;a small amount of fatty degeneration;significantly reduced connective hyperplasia of hepatic fibers;significantly narrowed fibrous cords;a small amount of blue fibrous septa;greatly improved pathological injuries including inflammatory infiltration of central vein and portal area;decreased levels of serum TBA,TBil,AKP,γ-GT,ALT and AST(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA(P＜0.05);and increased counts of Th1 cells in peripheral blood,decreased counts of Th2 cells,resultsing increased Th1/Th2 ratio(P＜0.05).And an even better effect was observed in the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group.CONCLUSION Dahuang Lingxian Recipe can reduce or reverse CLF by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through maintaining Th1/Th2 cell immune balance via the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the impact of the duration of protracted abstinence(PA)treatment on the level of impulsivity among heroin addicts and to analyze the mediating effect of impulsive cognition between abstinence duration and impulsive behavior.Methods Thirty-six heroin addicts undergoing PA treatment(PA group)and forty matched healthy controls(HC)(HC group)were recruited.Demographic information was collected via questionnaires,and impulsive cognition assessments were conducted.Participants completed the GO/NOGO task to collect data on impulsive behavior.Intergroup differences were compared using the independent sample t-test,and multiple linear regression analysis and mediating effect analysis were performed on the PA group.Results The PA group exhibited significantly higher scores on motor impulsivity,non-planning impulsivity,and total impulsivity compared to the HC group.Additionally,the PA group demonstrated significantly increased NOGO error rate during the GO/NOGO task compared to the HC group(P＜0.001).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that abstinence duration had a significant negative impact on total impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity(P＜0.001).Mediating effect analysis found a partial mediation effect of total impulsivity between abstinence duration and NOGO error rate(P＜0.001).Conclusion The PA treatment has a significant impact on the level of impulsivity among heroin addicts.Impulsive cognition play a partial mediating role between abstinence duration and impulsive behavior.These results provide an important theoretical and practical basis for optimizing PA treatment programs.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in northwest China; however, the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure during sand-dust storms (SDS) remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PM exposure on SDS days and COPD hospitalization risk in arid regions. METHODS: Data on daily COPD hospitalizations were collected from 323 hospitals from 2018 to 2022, along with the corresponding air pollutant and meteorological data for each city in Gansu Province. Employing a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression, we analyzed 265,379 COPD hospitalizations. RESULTS: PM exposure during SDS days significantly increased COPD hospitalization risk [relative risk ( RR) for PM _2.5, lag 3:1.028, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.021-1.034], particularly among men and the elderly, and during the cold season. The burden of PM exposure on COPD hospitalization was substantially high in Northwest China, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a positive correlation between PM exposure during SDS episodes and elevated hospitalization rates for COPD in arid and semi-arid zones in China. This highlights the urgency of developing region-specific public health strategies to address adverse respiratory outcomes associated with SDS-related air quality deterioration.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/chemically induced* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Adult ; Sand ; Air Pollution

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Objective:To construct a prediction model for postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluate its predictive performance.Methods:A retrospective case control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 1 120 TBI patients admitted to Changde Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University from May 2019 to December 2024. The patients were divided into the training set ( n=784) and verification set ( n=336) at a ratio of 7∶3. Based on the Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOS-E) at discharge, the training set was stratified into favorable prognosis group ( n=335, GOS-E 5-8 points) and poor prognosis group ( n=449, GOS-E 1-4 points). The two groups in the training set were compared in terms of general baseline indicators, TBI-related clinical indicators, and admission laboratory blood test results. Univariate analysis and Lasso regression analysis were employed to screen risk factors associated with postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors and construct a regression equation. The regression equation was presented using R language to create a visual nomogram for predicting postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients. In both the training set and verification set, the predictive performance of the model was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), plotting calibration curves, and performing decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:The results of the univariate analysis indicated that the age, Charlson complication index (CCI), time from trauma to admission, time from trauma to operation, cause of injury, abbreviated injury scale (AIS) (head and neck), injury severity score (ISS), admission Glasgow coma scale (GCS), admission pupil responsiveness, multiple craniocerebral injuries, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, decompressive craniotomy, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion, traumatic cerebral infarction, postoperative delayed bleeding, epilepsy seizures, as well as the following admission tested results including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil percentage, percentage of lymphocytes, albumin, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), international standardized ratio (INR), glutamic aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and blood glucose were statistically different between the two groups in the training set ( P<0.05). Lasso regression analysis suggested 14 risk factors of age, CCI, cause of injury, head and neck AIS, ISS, admission GCS, admission pupil responsiveness, multiple craniocerebral injuries, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma, intraoperative blood loss, admission platelet count, admission albumin, admission blood glucose for postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis. The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03, P<0.01), CCI ( OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.02, 2.09, P<0.05), head and neck AIS ( OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.11, 1.85, P<0.01), ISS ( OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.39, 3.35, P<0.01), admission GCS ( OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.19, 2.13, P<0.01), intracerebral hematoma ( OR=4.41, 95% CI 2.15, 9.44, P<0.01), intraoperative blood loss ( OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.00, 1.09, P<0.05), admission platelet count ( OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.97, 0.99, P<0.01), admission blood glucose ( OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.02, 1.15, P<0.05) could be the main risk factors to construct a prediction model for postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients. Meanwhile, a regression equation was constructed: Logit[ P/(1- P)]=-2.4+ 0.02×"age"+0.38×"CCI"+0.36×"head and neck AIS"+0.77×"ISS"+0.47×"admission GCS"+1.48×"intracerebral hematoma"+0.05×intraoperative blood loss-0.02×admission platelet count+0.08×admission blood glucose. In the training set, the predictive model for poor postoperative in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients achieved an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.84, 0.89), with a Youden′s index of 0.57, sensitivity of 73.70%, and specificity of 83.00%. In the verification set, the model showed an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.76, 0.85), with a Youden′s index of 0.63, sensitivity of 65.20%, and specificity of 77.90%. In the training set, the Brier score for the calibration curve was 0.14 (95% CI 0.13, 0.16). In the verification set, the Brier score for the calibration curve was 0.18 (95% CI 0.15, 0.20). The DCA diagram indicated that the nomogram prediction model provided high clinical net benefit for predicting postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients. Conclusion:The prediction model for postoperative poor in-hospital prognosis in TBI patients, constructed based on age, CCI, head and neck AIS, ISS, admission GCS, intracerebral hematoma, intraoperative blood loss, admission platelet count, and admission blood glucose, exhibits good predictive performance.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices combined with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for facial rejuvenation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 female patients aged 28-70 (41.3±7.9) years, who received facial rejuvenation treatment at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the control group (received only micro-focused ultrasound treatment, n=30) and the combined group (received both micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection, n=30). Additionally, patients were further categorized into four subgroups based on the type of micro-focused ultrasound device used: Peninsula Microultra? (PM) device group ( n=15), Intelligent Ultrasound? (IU) device group ( n=15), PM device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15), and IU device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15). The severity of facial wrinkles was assessed using the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the Merz aesthetic scale (MAS), and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse event rates were also recorded. Results:At 6 months post-treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower WSRS and MAS scores than the control group (both P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups regarding WSRS and MAS scores (all P>0.05). Self-reported GAIS improvement was 56.7% (17/30) for the control group and 80.0% (24/30) for the combined group, with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.015). The physician-assessed GAIS improvement was 70.0% (21/30) for the control group and 96.7% (29/30) for the combined group, again with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.007). No significant differences were found in self-reported or physician-assessed GAIS improvement between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups (all P>0.05). No severe adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabbing, purpura, bruising, scarring, peripheral facial paralysis, allergies, muscle weakness, dysphagia, or dysphonia, were observed in any patient. Conclusion:The combination of micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection for facial rejuvenation is more effective than micro-focused ultrasound alone, while there are no significant differences in efficacy between the two micro-focused ultrasound devices.

AIM To explore the effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis(CLF).METHODS 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.063 g/kg)and the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group(4.8 g/kg),with 5 rats in each group.Except for those of the normal group,the rats of all other groups had open surgery of common bile duct ligation,followed by the gavage of corresponding drug two days later,and the procurement of the samples after gavage in the third week.The rats had their degree of liver fibrosis observed by HE and Masson stainings;their levels of serum total bile acid(TBA),alkaline phosphatase(AKP),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBil)measured by the kit;their hepatic percentage of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 positive cells detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining;their.hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR;their levels of helper T cell 1(Th1)and helper T cell 2(Th2)in peripheral blood detected by flow cytometry,and their ratio of Th1/Th2 calculated as well.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either ursodeoxycholic acid or Dahuang Lingxian Recipe displayed well-ordered liver cells,hepatic lobules and hepatic cords;a small amount of fatty degeneration;significantly reduced connective hyperplasia of hepatic fibers;significantly narrowed fibrous cords;a small amount of blue fibrous septa;greatly improved pathological injuries including inflammatory infiltration of central vein and portal area;decreased levels of serum TBA,TBil,AKP,γ-GT,ALT and AST(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA(P＜0.05);and increased counts of Th1 cells in peripheral blood,decreased counts of Th2 cells,resultsing increased Th1/Th2 ratio(P＜0.05).And an even better effect was observed in the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group.CONCLUSION Dahuang Lingxian Recipe can reduce or reverse CLF by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through maintaining Th1/Th2 cell immune balance via the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the current situation and correlation between mental health and stressors of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine, and to provide empirical support for improving student mental health.Methods:An online questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 587 fresh graduate students with master's degree in clinical medicine from 65 training institutions in China. SPSS 26.0 was used to compare and analyze the measurement data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the mental health using Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the current status of stressors. The influence factors and correlation between mental health and stressors were analyzed by means of differentiation analysis and correlation analysis.Results:The SCL-90 overall mean score as well as the scores of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, terror, anxious, psychoticism, and hostility of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine were all higher than the national norm ( P<0.05). Among the participants, 58.21% (2 088/3 587) exhibited varying degrees of symptoms listed in the SCL-90. Students from families with low per capita income and low parental education level have more prominent psychological problems. The top three stressors perceived were job seeking, research tasks, and self-ability. Students with positive SCL-90 symptoms reported significantly higher perceived stress in all three stressor dimensions compared to their symptom-negative counterparts ( P<0.001), indicating a significant correlation between mental health status and stressors. Conclusions:The mental health status of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine is concerning and warrants focused attention from educational authorities, academic institutions, and families.