ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

Work serves as a critical means of obtaining resources, facilitating personal growth, realizing self-worth, and engaging in social interactions. However, work-related diseases pose significant threats to workers’ health and productivity, and impose considerable economic burdens. This article categorized work-related diseases into six major types, including musculoskeletal disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, digestive system diseases, reproductive system diseases, and non-specific respiratory diseases, and summarized their risk factors, assessment methods, policy regulation, and prevention and control measures. Current research in this field predominantly relies on cross-sectional studies, which present limitations in causal inference and potential risks of bias. Future studies should expand sample sizes, optimize research designs, and establish multidimensional evaluation systems to comprehensively assess the health and economic impacts of work-related diseases. It is recommended to enhance the translation of research findings into practice, thereby providing a scientific basis for the occupational health protection system and promoting the well-being and sustainable development of the working population.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle function, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsFrom February, 2024 to July, 2025, 40 female patients with SUI were recruited from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and advertisements. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received conventional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, and the experimental group received functional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, for eight weeks. The data of pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG), 1-hour urine pad test and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I-QOL) were collected before and after training. The compliance rate was counted after training. ResultsOne case dropped down in the control group and three cases dropped down in the experimental group. After treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength increased in both groups (|Z| > 3.317, P < 0.01), the pre-resting average value, sustained contraction average value and durable contraction average value of sEMG improved in the control group (|t| > 2.731, P < 0.05), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t > 9.215, P < 0.001) and the I-QOL score significantly increased (|t| > 13.229, P < 0.001) in both groups; compared with the control group, the pelvic floor muscle strength significantly increased (Z = -2.281, P = 0.023), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t = 4.215, P < 0.001), the I-QOL score significantly increased (t = -4.501, P < 0.001), and the compliance rate significantly increased (Z = -2.798, P < 0.01) in the experimental group . ConclusionFunctional pelvic floor muscle training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with SUI.

Objective: To investigate the incidence and independent risk factors of adverse events (AEs) associated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and to provide evidence to support the safe use of TPE in clinical practice. Methods: This retrospective study included 167 allo-HSCT recipients who underwent a total of 385 TPE procedures between March 2022 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of TPE-related AEs. Baseline characteristics, plasma exchange parameters, and clinical features were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariable Firth logistic regression were performed to identify independent risk factors for AEs. Results: A total of 385 TPE procedures were performed in 167 allo-HSCT patients, and 33 patients (19.8%) experienced TPE-related AEs. Among the 33 patients who experienced AEs, allergic reactions were the most common (n=18, 54.5%), followed by blood pressure fluctuations (n=11, 33.3%) and hypocalcemia (n=4, 12.1%). Most AEs were classified as grade II (n=23, 69.7%), and no grade IV (fatal) events were observed. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the incidence of AEs among different hematocrit (HCT) categories (<20%, 20%-30%, and>30%) (Fisher's exact test, P=0.022). Although the overall difference was statistically significant, none of the pairwise comparisons remained significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted P>0.0167). Multivariable Firth logistic regression identified higher HCT levels, analyzed as a continuous variable (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13, P=0.020), and TPE performed for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (OR=9.21, 95% CI: 1.25-78.00, P=0.030) as potential independent risk factors for TPE-related AEs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that HCT had an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.57-0.77) for predicting AEs, with an optimal cutoff value of 24.5%, a sensitivity of 60.6%, and a specificity of 75.4%. Using this cutoff, the AEs rate was significantly higher in patients with HCT≥24.5% than in those with HCT<24.5% (37.7% vs 11.4%, P<0.001). Conclusion: A-mong allo-HSCT patients receiving TPE, allergic reactions were the predominant AEs. Higher HCT levels and TPE performed for CRS may be associated with an increased risk of AEs. HCT≥24.5% may help identify patients requiring intensified monitoring, although its discriminatory ability is moderate (AUC=0.67) and it should not be used as a standalone criterion for clinical decision-making. Findings regarding the CRS subgroup require validation in larger cohorts. Optimizing extracorporeal circuit priming and strengthening peri-procedural monitoring may help improve the safety of TPE.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which modified Guishenwan alleviates inflammation in the rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）/nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） pathway. MethodsAccording to the random number table method， 60 SPF female SD rats were randomized into a normal group （n=10） and a modeling group （n=50）. The normal group received routine feeding， while the modeling group was administrated with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage for 21 days for the modeling of PCOS. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model， diane-35 （0.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， high- （16.04 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium- （8.02 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low- （4.01 g·kg^-1·d^-1） dose modified Guishenwan groups. The drug intervention groups were administrated with modified Guishenwan at corresponding doses by gavage， and the normal group and model group were given equal volumes of normal saline. All the groups were continuously treated for 28 days. After treatment， Gram staining of vaginal smears was employed to observe the estrous cycle in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， estradiol （E₂）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， testosterone （T）， and progesterone （PROG） in the plasma， as well as interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in the plasma and ovarian tissue. The LH/FSH ratio was calculated. The morphological changes in the ovarian tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of extracellular-regulated protein kinase （ERK）， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， p38 MAPK， NF-κB p65， IκBα， p-JNK， p-ERK， p-p38 MAPK， p-NF-κB p65， and p-IκBα in the ovarian tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA levels of ERK， JNK， p38 MAPK， NF-κB p65， and IκBα in the ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group was in the estrus phase， with an increase in the number of ovarian vesicles and decreases in granulosa cells and corpus luteum formation （P<0.05）， and lowered levels of FSH and E₂ and elevated levels of LH， T， and LH/FSH in the plasma （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose modified Guishenwan recovered the estrous cycle， increased the generation of granulosa cells and corpus luteum， reduced the number of vesicles， elevated the levels of FSH and E₂， and lowered the levels LH， T， and LH/FSH （P<0.05， P<0.01） in a dose-dependent manner. High-dose modified Guishenwan demonstrated the best therapeutic effect. Therefore， subsequent experiments for exploring the treatment mechanism were conducted in the normal group， model group， and high-dose modified Guishenwan group. The results showed that compared with the model group， high-dose modified Guishenwan lowered the levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， and IL-10 and elevated the level of IL-10 in the plasma and ovarian tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of p-ERK， p-JNK， p-p38 MAPK， p-NF-κB p65， and p-IκBα， while up-regulating the protein level of IκBα （P<0.01）. At the same time， the mRNA levels of ERK， JNK， p38 MAPK， and NF-κB p65 in the high-dose modified Guishenwan group were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Guishenwan can improve the ovarian function in rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole and has anti-inflammatory effects， which may be related to inhibition of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery. Methods A computer-based search of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and CNKI was conducted to collect studies on postoperative AL risk prediction model for esophageal cancer from their inception to October 1st, 2023. PROBAST tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and applicability of the model, and Stata 15 software was utilized for meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 literatures were included covering 25 AL risk prediction models and 7373 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.670-0.960. Among them, 23 prediction models had a good prediction performance (AUC>0.7); 13 models were tested for calibration of the model; 1 model was externally validated, and 10 models were internally validated. Meta-analysis showed that hypoproteinemia (OR=9.362), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR=7.427), poor incision healing (OR=5.330), anastomosis type (OR=2.965), preoperative history of thoracoabdominal surgery (OR=3.181), preoperative diabetes mellitus (OR=2.445), preoperative cardiovascular disease (OR=3.260), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy (OR=2.977), preoperative respiratory disease (OR=4.744), surgery method (OR=4.312), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR=2.424) were predictors for AL after esophageal cancer surgery. Conclusion At present, the prediction model of AL risk in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery is in the development stage, and the overall research quality needs to be improved.

This study established a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint of Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas and screened its potential differential components for producing areas by chemometrics. Furthermore, the content of the above differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas was measured and compared. Then, the geoherbalism markers(geo-markers) that can be used to distinguish Dao-di and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma were excavated by chemometrics. In fingerprint studies, a total of 27 common peaks were determined, and the fingerprint similarity for 37 batches of Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples from different producing areas was above 0.968. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was capable of distinguishing Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan and from three other provinces, as well as Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from Dujiangyan) and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from other producing areas) in Sichuan province. Meanwhile, 14 potential differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different provinces and 16 potential differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas in Sichuan were screened by the variable importance in projection(VIP) analysis under OPLS-DA. The reference standards were used to identify 10 potential differential components in the common peaks, and subsequent content determination verified that the content of the above 10 potential differential components was different among different producing areas. Then, the OPLS-DA and VIP analysis were performed with the content of the 10 potential differential components as variables. The results showed that Z-ligustilide, chlorogenic acid, and the ratio of butylidenephthalide/senkyunolide A were the geo-markers that can distinguish Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan and Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Shaanxi, Hebei, and Jiangxi, while Z-ligustilide, n-butylphthalide, and the ratios of Z-ligustilide/senkyunolide A and butylidenephthalide/senkyunolide A were the geo-markers that can distinguish Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from Dujiangyan) and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from other producing areas) in Sichuan province. This study elucidated the differences in material basis of Dao-di and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma based on fingerprinting and content determination combined with chemometrics, which provides a reference for the study of material basis of Dao-di traditional Chinese medicine.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Chemometrics/methods* ; Quality Control

Good endometrial receptivity is an essential factor for embryo implantation,and gene expression in endometrial tissue during the window of implantation(WOI)is closely related to receptivity.Transcriptome sequencing technology enables the identification of gene expression profiles of endometrium during different menstrual phases,as well as microRNAs and long-chain non-coding RNA sequences involved in regulating gene expression.Combining this technology with bioinformatics analysis provides a better understanding of specific gene expression during the receptive period and offers technical support for studying its regulatory mechanism.Moreover,gene expression profiles of the endometrium during different menstrual phases hold significant clinical application value for accurately assessing endometrium receptivity in infertility patients and those with repeated implantation failure,thereby guiding individualized embryo transfer strategies.This review summarizes the progress of transcriptome sequencing in evaluating human endometrial receptivity and discusses future research directions.This review aims to understand the complex molecular mechanisms of endometrial receptivity formation and regulation from the transcriptional level,in order to improve the implantation rate of embryos in assisted reproductive technology and reduce the abortion rate.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which curcumin improves behavioral deficits in mice with Parkinson's disease(PD)through fecal microbiota transplantation.Methods A subacute model of PD in mice was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP).Fecal microbiota from both the model group and the curcumin(Cur)-treated group(80 m g/kg)were collected and analyzed.The experiment involving fecal microbiota transplantation was structured into four distinct groups,fecal microbiota solvent transplantation group(FMTcon),model fecal microbiota transplantation group(FMTmodel),MPTP-induced model group(model),and model group subjected to fecal microbiota transplantation following curcumin treatment(model+FMTCur).The motor skills of the mice were assessed by using rod rotation,pole climbing experiment,and open field tests.Immunofluorescence techniques were employed to observe the expression tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain.Additionally,the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the midbrain of mice was analyzed,alongside the protein expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3).Results The subacute PD animal model in mice was successfully established,and fecal microbiota were separated and gathered.The model group exhibited significant motor impairment,as evidenced by a shortened rod rotation time(P＜0.05),prolonged pole climbing time(P＜0.05),significantly reduced total movement distance within the open field(P＜0.001),and decreased time spent in the central zone(P＜0.01).The relative expression level of TH+neurons in the substantia nigra was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).Moreover,mRNA expression of TNF-α in the midbrain increased significantly(P＜0.01),along with significant elevations in protein expression of NF-κB(P＜0.001),phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB)(P＜0.01),NLRP3(P＜0.001),and Caspase-1(P＜0.01).The transplanted model microbial group(FMTmodel)also exhibited motor impairment,manifested by a trend of shortened rod rotation time,prolonged pole climbing time,a significant decrease in total movement distance within the open field(P＜0.01),and a trend of shortened time spent in the central zone.The relative expression level of TH+neurons in the substantia nigra decreased significantly(P＜0.05).Additionally,mRNA expression of TNF-α in the midbrain increased significantly(P＜0.01),along with notable elevations in the protein expression of NF-κB(P＜0.05),and Caspase-1(P＜0.01).Treatment with curcumin in the fecal microbiota transplantation group of mice(model+FMTCur)showed improvements in motor abilities,evidenced by shortened pole climbing time(P＜0.05),significantly prolonged rod rotation time(P＜0.01),and extended time spent in the central zone(P＜0.05).The relative expression level of TH+dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra increased significantly(P＜0.05).Moreover,mRNA expression of TNF-α in the midbrain decreased significantly(P＜0.01),along with notable reductions in the protein expression of NF-κB(P＜0.001),p-NF-κB(P＜0.01),NLRP3(P＜0.05),and Caspase-1(P＜0.01).Conclusion Fecal microbiota transplantation in PD model mice can induce behavioral deficits,damage TH+neurons in the substantia nigra,and trigger neuroinflammation in the brain.Subsequent curcumin treatment can ameliorate these deficits,reverse damage to TH+neurons,reduce neuroinflammatory factors,and decrease the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways.This preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin may improve Parkinsonian behavioral deficits in mice by modulating the gut microbiota.