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”.

ObjectiveTo explore the driving forces for oncology nurses’ participation in palliative care work， thereby providing a theoretical basis for the improvement of education and training， incentive mechanisms， and other aspects of the palliative care nursing staff. MethodsEmploying a qualitative research method， semi-structured interviews lasting 40-60 minutes were conducted with 14 nurses who had participated in palliative care work. The interview data were analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method. ResultsInternal positive driving forces were job interest， empathy， and a sense of professional responsibility， while the negative was low psychological resilience. External positive driving forces included high work support， professional identity， mutual benefits for nurses and patients， and positive patient attitudes， whereas negative driving forces comprised busy routine clinical work， lack of a reward and incentive system， and bland or negative patient attitudes. ConclusionIt is essential to provide a flexible platform for the enhancement of nurses’ professional capabilities in palliative care， intensify the publicity of palliative care and death education； intervene and guide nurses’ negative emotions， improve and implement relevant incentive systems， and standardize the job recognition and scope of responsibilities of palliative care nurses.

OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect and potential mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳ a （chsⅣ） on renal function in diabetic nephropathy （DN） model rats. METHODS DN rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Thirty-six model rats were randomly divided into model group （i.g. administration of normal saline， high-fat diet）， chsⅣ low-dose and high-dose groups （i.g. administration of 90， 180 mg/kg chsⅣ， high-fat diet）， with 12 rats in each group. Additionally， 10 normal rats were set as the control group （i.g. administration of normal saline， regular diet）. From the 5th to the 12th week after streptozotocin injection， they were given intragastric administration of relevant drug or normal saline， once a day. After the last medication， the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine and urine protein as well as the levels of reduced glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissues were measured. Additionally， the insulin resistance index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin， periodic acid-Schiff， and Masson staining techniques were employed to examine the histopathological alterations in the renal tissue. The expressions of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot methods. RESULTS Compared with model group， the histomorphological of renal tissues in the chsⅣ low- and high-dose groups were significantly improved， with significant decreases in renal histological scores， mesangial expansion index， and glomerulosclerosis scores （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， urine protein and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance， as well as MDA content， the expression levels of Notch1， Notch intracellular domain， hairy and enhancer of Split 1 and Delta-like protein 1 in renal tissue were all significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. The levels of GSH and SOD in renal tissue were significantly elevated （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the improvement in these indicators was significantly more pronounced in the chsⅣ high-dose group compared to the chsⅣ low-dose group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ChsⅣ can ameliorate renal pathological damage and functional impairment in DN rats. Its underlying mechanisms include restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity， attenuation of renal oxidative stress， and suppression of aberrant Notch signaling pathway activation.

Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

BackgroundCurrent studies on the relationship between depressive symptoms and the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality mostly focus on the elderly population or high-risk groups with chronic diseases. The long-term impact of depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged people on the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality still lacks systematic assessment， and the relevant evidence is insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the association between depressive symptoms and the risks of stroke and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged adults， thereby expanding the risk evidence in this age group and providing epidemiological basis for early identification of high-risk individuals and the development of targeted intervention strategies. MethodsBased on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey （NHANES） database （2009–2018）， a total of 14 947 young and middle-aged respondents aged 18 to 64 were included as the research subjects. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline （RCS） models were employed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and stroke. Cox proportional hazards model， RCS model， and Kaplan-Meier （K-M） survival curves were used to clarify the relationship between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality risk. To verify the robustness of main findings， sensitivity analysis was conducted stratified by gender， hypertension， diabetes， hyperlipidemia， body mass index （BMI）， and age. ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed that compared with the non-depressed group， the risk of stroke in the mild depression group increased by 53.50% （OR=1.535， 95% CI： 1.147–2.053）， while the moderate-to-severe depression group showed the highest risk with a 132.90% increase （OR=2.329， 95% CI： 1.733–3.129）. RCS analysis indicated an approximately linear dose-response relationship between PHQ-9 score and the risk of stroke （P_{for non-linearity}=0.089）， with stroke risk increasing as PHQ-9 scores rose. As the PHQ-9 score increased， the risk of stroke also showed an upward trend. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that compared with the non-depressed group， the risk of all-cause mortality in the mild depression group increased by 48.80% （HR=1.488， 95% CI： 1.164–1.902）， and the moderate-to-severe depression group had a 70.60% increased risk （HR=1.706， 95% CI： 1.310–2.221）. RCS analysis showed a linear dose-response relationship between PHQ-9 scores and all-cause mortality risk （P_{for non-linearity}=0.440）. K-M curves indicated that as the severity of depressive symptoms increases， the risk of all-cause mortality gradually rises （P<0.05）. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the associations between depression symptoms and risks of stroke and all-cause mortality were not modified by gender， hypertension， diabetes， hyperlipidemia， BMI， or age， demonstrating robust findings. ConclusionAmong the young and middle-aged population， both mild and moderate-to-severe depression were associated with increased risks of stroke and all-cause mortality， with the moderate-to-severe depression group showed more pronounced risk elevations. A positive dose-response relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and these risks.

OBJECTIVE To screen a single matrix， prepare dissolving microneedles of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids（PHTF-MN）， and characterize it while evaluating its analgesic effects.METHODS Using microneedle morphology and puncture rate as evaluation indicators， the matrix was screened from polyvinyl alcohol （PVA）， polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 （PVP K30）， PVP K90， and sodium hyaluronate with relative molecular weights of 15 000 and 60 000 （HA 1.5w and HA 6w ）. PHTF-MN was prepared by the layer-by-layer casting method with the selected matrix， and the appearance and morphology， total flavonoid content， mechanical properties， puncture performance， dissolution properties， and drug release behavior of the obtained PHTF-MN were characterized. Using male BALB/c mice as test subjects and aspirin （ASA） as a positive control， the analgesic effects of the microneedles were evaluated using a formalin-induced pain model.RESULTS Blank microneedles prepared with 30% HA 1.5w exhibited optimal surface flatness and the membrane puncture rate （through 4 layers of parafilm membrane） reaching 78%. The PHTF-MNs （with PHTF contents of 10， 20， 30， 40， and 50 mg/g in the matrix） exhibited uniform arrays and intact tips， with RSDs for total flavonoid contents all below 7% （ n ＝8）. The single-needle puncture forces were 1.46 and 1.07 N （with PHTF contents of 30 and 50 mg/g in the matrix， respectively）. The skin penetration rate approached 100%， with visible puncture marks in the stratum corneum and drug residue （with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix）. After 30 min of fixation， the needles had almost completely dissolved， and the skin retention rates all exceeded 90% （with PHTF contents of 10， 30， and 50 mg/g in the matrix， respectively）. The cumulative release within 8 h was （134.64±2.03） μg/cm 2 ， and the fit to the first-order kinetic equation （ R 2 ＝0.950 1） was highest （with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix）. Low- and high-dose PHTF-MN （containing 85.26 and 145.03 μg of total flavonoids per patch， respectively； 1 patch/day） significantly shortened the cumulative time of phase Ⅱ pain response in mice （ P ＜0.05）， with pain inhibition rates （43.67% and 59.78%） comparable to those of ASA （53.70%）.CONCLUSIONS PHTF-MN using HA 1.5w as a single matrix was successfully prepared. This formulation features a simplified preparation process， uniform drug loading， favorable mechanical properties， resistance to fracture， and rapid dissolution. Its drug release behavior conforms to a first-order kinetic model， and its analgesic effect is comparable to that of ASA.

ObjectiveThis study examined KCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure and their association with readmission within 6 months. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1 109 patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure at a tertiary hospital in Nanchang， China， between August 2020 and July 2025. KCCQ scores were assessed at six time points： day 3 after admission， discharge， and 1， 2， 3， and 6 months after discharge. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns of change in KCCQ scores. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between trajectory membership and readmission risk. ResultsDuring follow-up， 229 patients were readmitted， accounting for 20.6% of the cohort. Four KCCQ trajectories were identified： persistently declining scores （n=228， 20.6%）， persistently improving scores （n=110， 9.9%）， stable intermediate scores （n=545， 49.1%）， and stable high scores （n=226， 20.4%）. Compared with the stable intermediate group， the persistently declining group had a higher risk of readmission in the fully adjusted model （OR=2.099， 95% CI： 1.027–4.315， P=0.043）， whereas the stable high-score group had a lower risk （OR=0.260， 95% CI： 0.127–0.494， P<0.001）. The association between the persistently improving trajectory and readmission was not statistically significant （OR=0.614， 95% CI： 0.306–1.154， P=0.147）. ConclusionsKCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure show marked heterogeneity and are associated with readmission within 6 months. A persistently declining trajectory is associated with higher readmission risk， whereas a stable high-score trajectory is associated with lower risk. Longitudinal monitoring of KCCQ score changes may help inform post-discharge risk stratification and follow-up management in patients with heart failure.

ObjectiveThis study examined KCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure and their association with readmission within 6 months. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1 109 patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure at a tertiary hospital in Nanchang， China， between August 2020 and July 2025. KCCQ scores were assessed at six time points： day 3 after admission， discharge， and 1， 2， 3， and 6 months after discharge. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns of change in KCCQ scores. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between trajectory membership and readmission risk. ResultsDuring follow-up， 229 patients were readmitted， accounting for 20.6% of the cohort. Four KCCQ trajectories were identified： persistently declining scores （n=228， 20.6%）， persistently improving scores （n=110， 9.9%）， stable intermediate scores （n=545， 49.1%）， and stable high scores （n=226， 20.4%）. Compared with the stable intermediate group， the persistently declining group had a higher risk of readmission in the fully adjusted model （OR=2.099， 95% CI： 1.027–4.315， P=0.043）， whereas the stable high-score group had a lower risk （OR=0.260， 95% CI： 0.127–0.494， P<0.001）. The association between the persistently improving trajectory and readmission was not statistically significant （OR=0.614， 95% CI： 0.306–1.154， P=0.147）. ConclusionsKCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure show marked heterogeneity and are associated with readmission within 6 months. A persistently declining trajectory is associated with higher readmission risk， whereas a stable high-score trajectory is associated with lower risk. Longitudinal monitoring of KCCQ score changes may help inform post-discharge risk stratification and follow-up management in patients with heart failure.

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent and insidious inflammation of the endometrium caused by various pathogens. Most patients exhibit mild or no apparent symptoms, leading to frequent underdiagnosis in clinical practice. However, CE has gained significant attention due to its association with reduced endometrial receptivity, interference with embryo implantation, and increased risks of pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and intrauterine infections. The relationship between CE and common uterine pathologies remains unclear, and research in this area is still in its early stages. Previous research suggests that in endometrial polyp (EP) patients, CE may promote polyp formation by inducing a local inflammatory microenvironment and significantly elevate postoperative recurrence rates. The incidence of CE is notably higher in endometriosis (EMs) patients compared to healthy individuals. Postoperative adhesion recurrence rates rise substantially for intrauterine adhesion patients with concurrent CE. The high prevalence of CE in submucosal fibroid cases suggests that chronic inflammation may drive fibroid pathogenesis via abnormal activation of stromal stem cells. The co-occurrence of adenomyosis and CE suggests that inflammatory microenvironments may harm the endometrial-myometrial interface, facilitating ectopic gland infiltration. Additionally, in CE combined with endometrial hyperplasia (EH), inflammation-mediated dysregulation of cell cycle markers may heighten the risk of malignant transformation.