Objective To evaluate the levels and changes in occupational individual external radiation dose in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City, and to provide a basis for radiation protection in such units. Methods Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to monitor individual radiation doses among radiation workers in 38 non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results From 2021 to 2023, a total of 3724 person-times were monitored in 38 non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City. The mean annual effective dose was 0.101 mSv in 2021, 0.060 mSv in 2022, and 0.094 mSv in 2023, with a three-year average of 0.085 mSv, all well below the occupational exposure limit of 1.0 mSv. Significant differences in mean annual effective doses were observed across occupations and sexes (P<0.05). Female workers received significantly lower mean annual effective dose than male workers. Workers in the cement manufacturing industry had a significantly higher mean annual effective dose compared to those in government institutions and industrial flaw detection practitioners (F = 2.913, P<0.05). No significant differences were found among workers exposed to unsealed radioactive sources, sealed radioactive sources, and radiation-generating equipment (F = 0.585, P>0.05). Conclusion The occupational individual external radiation doses in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City are at low levels. There are no significant differences in mean annual effective dose across different nuclear utilization units. However, differences in occupational roles between males and females significantly affect the mean annual effective dose.

Objective To explore the impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes (nPRLN) in N1 stage on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were screened from SEER database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was determined using X-tile software, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff value: a nPRLN≤optimal cutoff group and a nPRLN>optimal cutoff group. The influence of confounding factors was minimized by propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1 : 1. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients. Results A total of 1316 patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC were included, including 662 males and 654 females, with a median age of 67 (60, 73) years. The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was 3, with 1165 patients in the nPRLN≤3 group and 151 patients in the nPRLN>3 group. After PSM, there were 138 patients in each group. Regardless of before or after PSM, OS and LCSS of patients in the nPRLN≤3 group were superior to those in the nPRLN>3 group (P<0.001). N1 stage nPRLN>3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for OS [HR=1.52, 95%CI (1.22, 1.89), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR=1.72, 95%CI (1.36, 2.18), P<0.001]. Conclusion N1 stage nPRLN>3 is an independent prognostic risk factor for NSCLC patients in TxN1M0 stage, which may provide new evidence for future revision of TNM staging N1 stage subclassification.

Aging has emerged as a cutting edge and hotspot in global life science field， with anti-aging and geriatric disease prevention and treatment becoming critical issues urgently demanding solutions in international medical communities. In the face of the challenge of accelerating global population aging， in-depth exploration of aging mechanisms and the development of effective intervention strategies hold significant scientific and clinical value. This study supported by the national key research and development program of China， employed the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine as its guiding framework， focusing on the key scientific issue of the core traditional Chinese pathogenesis of aging， namely "depletion of kidney essence， deficiency of primordial Qi， and impairment of body and spirit". The treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney to replenish essence， harmonizing Yin and Yang， warming and invigorating primordial Qi， and nourishing the body and spirit" was established. Centered on holistic aging， systemic aging， and aging-related diseases， the research integrated multidisciplinary research approaches to construct multi-modal aging models and a multi-dimensional evaluation system， and it utilized multi-omics technologies to deeply analyze aging mechanisms. By systematically reviewing historical kidney-tonifying and anti-aging formulas and combining big data with artificial intelligence technologies， an information database of anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine substance was developed to reveal the differences and synergistic effects of various treatment methods and formulas on anti-aging. Based on this treatment method， the research integrated two millennia of kidney-tonifying medicinal experience to develop the innovative anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine， namely Bazhi Bushen capsules. It was validated that this capsule can delay holistic and systemic aging through multiple targets and mechanisms， thereby elucidating the scientific connotation of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine in guiding anti-aging research from multiple dimensions and providing robust support for leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to occupy the commanding heights of international anti-aging research.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×10⁷/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.

ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines（TCMs） for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining， providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched， and the contents such as source， dynasty， author， diagnosis， formula name， therapeutic method and efficacy， and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then， an Excel standardized database was established， and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis， Pearson correlation analysis， and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included， involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories， namely， expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis， high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification， Fu-organ dredging， aromatization and promoting blood circulation， followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs， such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm， clearing heat and purging the lungs， relieving cough and asthma， and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba， and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus， resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history， the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi"， focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification， Fu-organ dredging， and aromatization， emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ， eliminate toxins and pathogens， and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness， diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.

Diabetic nephropathy （DN） is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia， with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria， progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate， and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes， the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment， DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease （ESRD）. Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs， and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore， there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress， inflammatory responses， autophagy， and glycolysis， and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN， supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target， multi-component， and multi-pathway actions， along with minimal side effects， TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms， the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research， summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers， active constituents， Chinese patent medicines， and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN， aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.

ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines（TCMs） for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining， providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched， and the contents such as source， dynasty， author， diagnosis， formula name， therapeutic method and efficacy， and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then， an Excel standardized database was established， and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis， Pearson correlation analysis， and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included， involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories， namely， expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis， high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification， Fu-organ dredging， aromatization and promoting blood circulation， followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs， such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm， clearing heat and purging the lungs， relieving cough and asthma， and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba， and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus， resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history， the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi"， focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification， Fu-organ dredging， and aromatization， emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ， eliminate toxins and pathogens， and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness， diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the relative protein expression of the signaling pathway of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1)/ receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of this acupuncture technique for pain alleviation in PD. METHODS: Thirty female SD rats of SPF grade with normal estrous cycle were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. Using the intraperitoneal injection with estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin, PD model was prepared in the model group and the acupuncture group. In the acupuncture group, during model preparation, the intervention with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique was delivered simultaneously, 20 min each time, once daily for consecutive 10 days. On day 11, within 30 min after the intraperitoneal injection with oxytocin, the writhing reaction (latency, frequency and score) was recorded; the morphology of uterine tissue was observed with HE staining, the contents of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the serum were detected using ELISA method; the relative protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65, phosphorylation-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) was detected in the uterine tissue using Western blot method; and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 was detected with the quantitative real-time PCR employed. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score increased (P<0.01) in the rats; the endometrial epithelial cells showed massive degeneration and necrosis, with severe endometrial edema and widespread shedding, combined with neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content was dropped (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α elevated (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65, and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score were reduced (P<0.01) in the rats; there was less degeneration and necrosis of endometrial epithelial cells, with mild endometrial edema and very little neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content increased (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue were dropped (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique can alleviate the pain symptom of PD rats, and its action mechanism may be related to inhibiting the active expression of NOD1/RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the uterine tissue, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Animals ; Female ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Dysmenorrhea/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Acupuncture Analgesia ; Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein/metabolism* ; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying mechanism of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique for improving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia by regulating ferroptosis pathway. METHODS: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a Fer-1 group, 15 mice in each one. Except the blank group, the intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide (50·kg^-1·d^-1) was administered to establish the asthenospermia model in the mice of the rest 3 groups for 5 consecutive days. In the acupuncture group, "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique was operated in the mice, for 20 min each time; and in the Fer-1 group, Fer-1 solution (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. The interventions of these two groups were delivered once daily and for 2 consecutive weeks. The testicular wet weight was measured and the testicular coefficient was calculated. Using sperm quality detection system, the sperm quality was detected. With ELISA used, the contents of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum were detected. With HE staining, testicular and epididymal morphology was observed. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testes. Biochemical assay was conducted to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total iron ion (TFe) in the testicular tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial structure of the testis, while JC-1 staining was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential in the testicular tissue. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were employed to measure the mRNA and protein expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in the testicular tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the testicular wet weight and testicular coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the sperm concentration and sperm motility reduced (P<0.01), and the contents of T, FSH, and LH decreased in the serum (P<0.01); and the seminiferous tubules in the testis showed loose structure and deformed lumen, sperm cells were disorganized and the sperm numbers reduced; the tubular walls became thinner, and sperm numbers in the lumen less; the expression of ROS in testicular tissue, as well as the contents of MDA and TFe increased (P<0.01), and the content of GSH decreased (P<0.01); and the numbers of mitochondria reduced, the structure of cristae was serious damaged, and mitochondrial membrane potential level declined (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the acupuncture and Fer-1 groups showed the increase of testicular wet weight and coefficient (P<0.01), sperm concentration and motility (P<0.01), and the serum contents of T, FSH, and LH (P<0.01); and the improvements in testicular and epididymal histopathology; ROS expression and the contents of MDA and TFe decreased (P<0.01), and the content of GSH elevated (P<0.05); the mitochondrial structure and numbers were ameliorated and mitochondrial membrane potential rose (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 was higher (P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and FTH1 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 decreased (P<0.01) in the acupuncture and the Fer-1 groups; and the protein expression of SLC7A11 was higher in the Fer-1 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique may improve the reproductive capacity in the mice with asthenospermia by alleviating ferroptosis-induced cellular damage and ameliorating testicular function.
Animals ; Male ; Ferroptosis ; Mice ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Asthenozoospermia/metabolism* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Testis/metabolism* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism* ; Reproduction ; Testosterone/metabolism*