Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.

Objective To observe the value of non-parallel transmission(non-PTX)reduced field-of-view(rFOV)echo planar imaging(EPI)sequence applied in diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)for displaying prostate lesions.Methods Conventional EPI-DWI and non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI were prospectively acquired in 30 patients with prostate lesions,including 22 cases of prostatic hyperplasia and 8 cases of prostate cancer.Subjective scoring of imaging quality,as well as objective evaluation on indexes including signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),contrast ratio(CR),contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and lesions'apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values were performed and compared between two kinds of DWI.Results The subjective score of non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI was higher than that of conventional EPI-DWI(P＜0.001).SNR,CR,CNR of non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI and lesions'ADC values measured on non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI were all higher than those of conventional EPI-DWI(all P＜0.05).Conclusion non-PTX rFOV-EPI DWI could display prostate lesions better than conventional EPI-DWI.

Objective To observe the effect of mild moxibustion at"Qihai","Guanyuan"and"Zhongji"on GnRH and its receptor in rats with gynecological cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome(CCBS);To explore the mechanism of moxibustion on reproductive function of gynecological CCBS.Methods Totally 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,moxibustion group,inhibitor group,inhibitor+moxibustion group and angonist group,with 8 rats in each group.The gynecological CCBS model was prepared by ice bath and adrenalin injection.GnRHant or GnRHa injection and mild moxibustion intervention were given to each treatment group.The score of CCBS symptoms and the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus were detected,the morphology of ovarian tissue and uterine tissue were observed by HE staining,serum reproductive hormones(GnRH,FSH,LH)and neurotransmitters(DA,GABA)contents were detected by ELISA,the expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR mRNA and protein in ovarian and uterine tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the symptom score of CCBS in model group was significantly increased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus was decreased,the ovarian follicles were decreased,and the endometrial epithelium was thinner and the structure was chaotic,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA decreased,DA content increased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the symptom score of CCBS in each intervention group were significantly decreased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus increased,ovarian follicles increased,endometrium thickened and glands increased,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA increased,DA content decreased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Moxibustion can regulate GnRH and its receptor and improve HPO axis function by regulating neurotransmitters,so as to improve the general state and reproductive function of gynecological CCBS model rats.

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)PET/CT in primary pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 9 patients with primary pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma who under-went 18F-FDG PET/CT examination were retrospectively analyzed,including lesion distribution,morphology,maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax),clinical symptoms and signs,gastroscopy finding,puncture pathological results,and serum tumor markers[carbohydrate antigen 72-4(CA72-4),cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA21-1),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbo-hydrate antigen 199(CA199)].Results Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of primary pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma after excluding gastrointestinal primary tumors through clinical evaluation.In all nine patients,18F-FDG PET/CT examination did not reveal any evidence of digestive system malignancies,and gastrointestinal microscopy was negative.Primary lesions were observed as masses or nodular types in 6 cases(5 in the left lung and 1 in the right lung),while 3 cases exhibited diffuse bilateral pulmonary involvement(manifested as multiple patchy opacities,nodules,ground-glass opacities,and consolidations).All pulmonary primary lesions showed increased 18F-FDG uptake,with SUVmax ranging from 2.7 to 12.8,mean 8.6±3.7.The six masses-or nodular-type primary lesions showed maximum diameters ranging from 2.1 to 10.5 cm,mean(5.23±3.06)cm.Four cases demonstrated hilar and mediastinal lymph node metastases,intrapulmonary metastases,and distant metastases,while 1 case showed only distant metastasis.Elevated levels of serum tumor markers were observed as follows:CA72-4 in 7 cases(10-273.3 U/mL),CEA in 7 cases(5-147.4 ng/mL),CA199 in 6 cases(31.22-4 364 U/mL),and CYFRA21-1 in 5 cases(8.31-99.7 ng/mL).Conclusion When pathological biopsy of a pulmonary lesion suggests primary pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma after excluding gastrointestinal primary tumors,and 18F-FDG PET/CT shows no gastrointestinal masses,this may support the diagnosis of primary pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maytansine on proliferation,migration,in-vasion,apoptosis and autophagy of human thyroid cancer C643 cells.Methods C643 cells were treated with different concentrations(0.049,0.195,0.781,3.125,12.5,50 and 200 μmol/L)of maytansine,the effect of maytansine on the proliferation of C643 cells was detected by the sulforhodamine B(SRB)method,and the concentration of subsequent experiments was determined.C643 cells in the logarithmic growth stage period were divided into the control group,low-dose group,mid-dose group and high-dose group.The effects of maytansine on migration and invasion abilities of C643 cells were detected by cell scratch and Transwell chamber assay;The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)fluorescent probe experi-ment;The apoptosis rate of C643 cells was detected by flow cytometry;The expression of proteins related to apoptosis or autophagy was detected by Western blot.Results Maytansine at concentrations of 0.049,0.195,0.781,3.125,12.5,50 and 200 μmol/L could in-hibit the proliferation of C643 cells(P<0.05),and exhibited a significant concentration time dependence.The half maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)at 24,48 and 72 h were 54.255,5.193 and 0.647 μmol/L,respectively;The cell scratch and Transwell chamber results showed that maytansine at concentrations of 0.1,1 and 10 μmol/L could reduce the migration and invasion abilities of C643 cells(P<0.05 and P<0.01).The fluorescence probe results showed that maytansine at concentrations of 0.1,1 and 10μmol/L could increase the intracellular ROS levels of C643 cells(P<0.01).The flow cytometry results showed that maytansine at concentrations of 0.1,1 and 10 μmol/L could concentration dependently increase the apoptosis rate of C643 cells(P<0.01).The Western blot results showed that with the increase of maytansine concentrations,the expression of Bax protein related to apoptosis in C643 cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.05),the expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ(P<0.05)and Beclin-1(P<0.01)increased,while the expression of p62 decreased(P<0.001).Conclusion Maytansine can inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of human thyroid cancer C643 cells,and induce the synergistic effect on apoptosis and autophagy by increasing intracellular ROS levels.

Compared with traditional gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, dienogest demonstrates several advantages, including a more favorable side effect profile, enhanced cost-effectiveness, and improved quality of life for patients. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical applications of dienogest in the management of endometriosis and its associated infertility. It explores the drug's mechanisms of action as a synthetic progestin, including its ability to inhibit the growth of endometriosis lesions and modulate local inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating symptoms and preserve ovarian function to enhance fertility outcomes. Future research should focus on validating the efficacy and safety of dienogest within assisted reproductive technology, ultimately providing more effective therapeutic options for individuals facing endometriosis-related infertility.

Objective To explore the effects of exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells(MSC-Exos)on the proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of esophageal cancer ECA109 cells.Methods Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured,exosomes were extracted and isolated,and identified by transmission electron microscopy.The nanoparticle size determination and protein characterization(TSG101,CD63)were measured by transmission electron microscope.There were the MSC-Exo group(MSC-Exos co-cultured with esophageal cancer ECA109 cells)and the blank control group(only esophageal cancer ECA109 cells),and cells were cultured for 0,24 and 48 h,respectively.CCK-8 proliferation test and scratch test were used to detect the proliferation and migration ability of esophageal cancer EAC109 cells in each group,respectively.After 48 h of culture,cell apoptosis and cell cycle changes were detected by flow cytometry.The protein expression levels of phosphoinositol 3-kinase phosphorylation(p-PI3K),rabbit phosphorylated protein kinase B phosphorylation(p-Akt)and β-catenin were detected by Western blot assay.Results After identification,the obtained MSC-Exos meeted the required standard.Transmission electron microscopy,particle size measurement and marker protein results confirmed that the extracted exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells meeted the identification criteria.At 0 h of cell culture,there were no significant differences in cell proliferation and migration healing rate between the two groups(P＞0.05).After 24 h culture,the cell proliferation ability was lower in the MSC-Exo group than that of the blank control group(P＜0.05).After 48 h culture,the cell proliferation and migration healing rate were lower in the MSC-Exo group than those of the blank control group(P＜0.05).The apoptosis rate of the MSC-Exo group was higher than that of the blank control group,and the proportion of G2+S phase cells was lower than that of blank control group(P＜0.05).The expression levels of p-PI3K,p-Akt and β-catenin protein were significantly lower in the MSC-Exo group than those in the blank control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion MSC-Exos can inhibit the proliferation and migration of esophageal cancer cells and promote cell apoptosis.The inhibitory effect of MSC-Exos on esophageal cancer cells may be related to inhibiting the activation of PI3K and Akt protein and the down-regulating expression of β-catenin protein.

Objective To observe the value of non-parallel transmission(non-PTX)reduced field-of-view(rFOV)echo planar imaging(EPI)sequence applied in diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)for displaying prostate lesions.Methods Conventional EPI-DWI and non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI were prospectively acquired in 30 patients with prostate lesions,including 22 cases of prostatic hyperplasia and 8 cases of prostate cancer.Subjective scoring of imaging quality,as well as objective evaluation on indexes including signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),contrast ratio(CR),contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and lesions'apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values were performed and compared between two kinds of DWI.Results The subjective score of non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI was higher than that of conventional EPI-DWI(P＜0.001).SNR,CR,CNR of non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI and lesions'ADC values measured on non-PTX rFOV-EPI-DWI were all higher than those of conventional EPI-DWI(all P＜0.05).Conclusion non-PTX rFOV-EPI DWI could display prostate lesions better than conventional EPI-DWI.

Objective To investigate the value of predicting microsatellite instability(MSI)status in endometrial cancer based on whole-tumor apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)histogram.Methods The data of 131 endometrial cancer patients who underwent preoperative MRI examination and were confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.According to the pathological immu-nohistochemical results,they were divided into microsatellite stability(MSS)group(103 cases)and MSI group(28 cases).The whole-tumor volume of interest(VOI)was outlined using ITK-SNAP software,and ADC histogram analysis was performed using uAI Research Portal software.The t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the differences between the two groups,and multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent predictors for the above parameters with differences.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The ADC histogram parameters that were statistically significant between groups were ADC10th,ADC90th,ADCmaximum,ADCmedian,ADCmean,ADCrange,ADCinterquartile range,ADCuniformity,ADCvariance,ADCenergy,ADCentropy,ADCtotal energy,ADCroot mean square,ADCmean absolute deviation,ADCrobust mean absolute deviation,all the above parameters were significantly smaller in the MSI group than in the MSS group.Further multifactorial logistic regression analysis results showed that ADCmedian[odds ratio(OR)=1.019,P=0.020]and ADCroot mean square(OR=0.977,P=0.005)were independent predictors of the MSI status in endometrial cancer.The results of ROC curve showed that the AUC of ADCmedian and ADCroot mean square for predicting MSI status were 0.699 and 0.731,respectively,and the AUC of combining the two parameters to predict MSI status was 0.760,with a sensitivity of 57.14%and a specificity of 86.41%.Conclusion The parameters of ADCmedian and ADCroot mean square based on whole-tumor ADC histogram can be used to predict the MSI status of endometrial cancer,and the combined use of these two parameters helps to improve the efficacy of predicting MSI.