Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in enhancing the efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). Methods The effects of huaier on the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier function in MKN45-bearing mice were analyzed by using 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and IHC. UPLC-MS and network pharmacology, as well as in vivo experimental approaches, were employed to investigate the key bioactive constituents of huaier systematically and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which huaier exerts therapeutic effects against GC. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway was detected in cancer cells and tissues via Western blot analysis. The safety profile of huaier combined with OXA was verified through serum biochemistry and HE-stained tissue section analyses. Results Huaier inhibited the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced lipid droplet deposition, and ultimately enhanced the sensitivity to OXA in the treatment of GC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of huaier in gastric cancer treatment by enhancing chemosensitivity and provides novel insights into its systemic therapeutic effects through molecular mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a major health and economic burden worldwide, with disproportionate effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Surveillance in high-risk populations, typically using semiannual ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing, has been shown to be cost-effective by enabling earlier detection and improving survival. Yet, its overall value is reduced by poor adherence and the limited sensitivity of ultrasound, particularly in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease. Emerging approaches—including abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging, multi-biomarker models (e.g., gender, age, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP), and liquid biopsy assays such as methylated DNA markers—demonstrate greater diagnostic accuracy and potential economic advantages compared with conventional methods. Integration of artificial intelligence into imaging may further enhance efficiency and reduce downstream costs. Moving toward precision surveillance, guided by individualized risk stratification that incorporates etiology, fibrosis stage, and molecular profiles, can optimize allocation of resources and maximize cost-effectiveness at the population level. Interventions to improve adherence, including mailed outreach and behavioral economic incentives, have shown both clinical benefit and cost savings, underscoring the role of implementation science. Because socioeconomic disparities influence both access and outcomes, economic models must explicitly address equity to achieve sustainable impact. Future research should prioritize prospective trials that evaluate not only clinical performance but also the real-world cost-effectiveness of novel technologies and stratified surveillance strategies. For LMICs, adapting proven models into affordable, context-appropriate programs is essential. By combining prevention, precision risk assessment, innovative technologies, and equitable implementation, HCC surveillance can deliver both clinical and economic value, reducing the global burden of disease.

It is proposed that although allergic rhinitis manifests primarily in the nasal orifices， its root lies in deficiency of the lung and spleen and insecurity of the lung defensive qi， while deficiency of healthy qi with latent pathogen， triggering by external stimuli， and constraint of defensive yang constitute the key pathogenesis. The onset of disease is not caused solely by newly contracted external pathogens. Rather， on the basis of insecurity of the lung-defense qi， external stimuli such as wind-cold and abnormal qi， dust mites， pollen， and sudden climatic changes， activate the latent pathogen， resulting in constraint of defensive yang， disharmony between nutritive and defensive qi， impaired diffusion of lung qi， failure to contain body fluids， and dysfunction of the nasal orifices. The disease progression can be summarized as following steps， deficiency of healthy qi with latent pathogen， activation by external stimuli， constraint of defensive yang， dysfunction of the nasal orifices， incomplete elimination of the pathogen and incomplete recovery of healthy qi. The general therapeutic principle is to consolidate the defensive qi and vent the latent pathogen while regulating the lung and nasal orifices simultaneously. The empirical prescription Xingui Fangzhi Decoction （辛桂防芷汤） is used as the basic formula and modified dynamically according to the attack and remission stages. During the attack stage， treatment focuses on dispelling wind and cold， regulating defensive qi， and venting the latent pathogen； during the remission stage， it emphasizes supplementing qi， consolidating the defensive exterior， and reinforcing the spleen to resolve the latent pathogen.

Objective: To explore the associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with next day affective states in junior and senior high school students, so as to provide a reference for promoting affective health in the population. Methods: From March to April 2026, 137 junior and senior high school students aged 12-17 years were recruited from two junior and senior high schools in Tianjin using convenience sampling. The ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer was used to continuously monitor 24 hour activity behaviors, and screen sedentary time (SST) and non-screen sedentary time were distinguished in combination with daily time use diaries. Daily affect levels in junior and senior high school students were collected via the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form, with moods classified into high /low arousal positive affect and high /low arousal negative affect. Bayesian multilevel compositional data analysis and isotemporal substitution analysis were employed to explore the associations and substitution effects of sedentary behavior and 24 hour activity behaviors with next day affective states in junior and senior high school students. Results: Bayesian multilevel modeling showed that the associations between 24 hour movement behaviors and nextday affect in junior and senior high school students were mainly evident at the within person level. SST was associated with lower next day high arousal positive affect ( β =-0.15) and low arousal positive affect ( β = -0.11 ), and with higher high arousal negative affect ( β =0.12); light physical activity (LPA) was associated with higher high arousal positive affect ( β =0.13), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with lower low arousal negative affect ( β =-0.06) (all P <0.05). Dose response analysis showed that, at the within person level, the substitution effect between SST and LPA was the most pronounced. As the duration of reallocating SST to LPA increased from 10 min to 60 min, high arousal positive affect ( β =0.020-0.123) and low arousal positive affect ( β =0.010-0.061) showed upward trends, while high arousal negative affect ( β =-0.061 to -0.010) showed a downward trend (all P <0.05); although low arousal negative affect presented a decreasing trend, it did not reach statistical significance at any time point ( β =-0.041 to -0.007, all P >0.05). Among the other substitution relationships, reallocating SST to MVPA was accompanied by a decrease in low arousal negative affect ( β =-0.033 to -0.005 ), and reallocating SST to sleep was accompanied by a decrease in high arousal negative affect ( β =-0.029 to -0.005) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The associations between 24 hour activity behaviors and next day affect in junior and senior high school students are mainly evident at the within person level. Reallocating an individual s daily SST to LPA or MVPA can improve next day affective states in junior and senior high school students.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of gastrodin against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal mice and explore the role of GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling in mediating its effect. METHODS: Twenty-four 9- to 11-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into 4 groups for sham operation, HIBD modeling by right common carotid artery ligation and subsequent exposure to hypoxia for 1 h, or gastrodin treatment at 100 or 200 mg/kg before and at 1 and 2 days after modeling. The mice then underwent neurological assessment (Zea-Longa scores), and the cerebral cortical penumbra tissue were collected for HE and Nissl staining, detection of ferroptosis biomarkers and protein expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 with Western blotting and immunofluorescence co-localization, and observation of mitochondrial ultrastructure with electron microscopy. In cultured HT22 neuronal cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2 h, the effects of pretreatments with 0.5 mmol/L gastrodin, 10 μmol/L RSL3 (a GPX4 inhibitor), alone or in combination, were analyzed on expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins, cellular Fe²⁺, ROS, lipid peroxidation, MDA, and GSH levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), and cell viability. RESULTS: Gastrodin treatment at the two doses both significantly ameliorated HIBD and neurological deficits of the mice, reduced mitochondrial damage and Fe²⁺, MDA and ROS levels, increased GSH level, and upregulated GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions. In HT22 cells, gastrodin pretreatment obviously attenuated OGD-induced ferroptosis and improved cell viability and mitochondrial function. Co-treatment with RSL3 potently abrogated the inhibitory effects of gastrodin on Fe²⁺, ROS, BODIPY-C11, and MDA levels and attenuated its protective effects on GSH level, cell viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS Gastrodin provides neuroprotective effects in neonatal mice with HIBD by suppressing neuronal ferroptosis via upregulating the GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/drug therapy* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase ; Glucosides/pharmacology* ; Animals, Newborn ; Benzyl Alcohols/pharmacology* ; Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

By reviewing modern research and integrating clinical practice， this paper elucidates the correlation between the traditional Chinese medicine theory of pathological accumulation from collateral obstruction and gap junction intercellular communication （GJIC）， as well as its theoretical connotation and clinical application in tumor prevention and treatment. Physiologically， gap junction and collateral channels share similarities in structural distribution， substance exchange and information transmission. Pathologically， metabolic coupling mediated by dysfunctional gap junction resembles collaterals stagnation， forming the basis of tumor pathogenesis. The establishment of heterotypic gap junction parallels collateral hyperactivity， contributing to tumor metastasis. The post-translational modifications （PTMs） disorder of connexins is similar to the deficiency of collaterals， serving as a driver of tumor progression. Clinically， tumor treatment should follow the pathomechanism of collateral obstruction leading to pathological accumulation. In the early stage， detoxifying and unblocking collaterals can restore intercellular communication and inhibit tumorigenesis； in the progressive stage， calming hyperactivity and suppressing aberrant collateral pathways can prevent metastasis by interrupting heterotypic gap junction formation； and in the terminal stage， supporting vital qi and modulating PTMs of connexins can help delay tumor progression.

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep characteristics, physical activity patterns, with depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students, so as to provide reference for student mental health promotion. Methods: From September to November 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 7 954 college students aged 18-22 years from 9 universities in Shanghai, Hubei, and Jiangxi. Assessments were conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate physical activity, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the impact of sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns on depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity among college students. Results: The detection rates for depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms were 25.67%, 35.39%, and 23.15%, respectively. Factors such as gender, grade, household registration, parental education level, annual family income, family structure, and dietary habits were all associated with the detection rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ2=4.41-118.39, P<0.05). Physical activity patterns, sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleepwake characteristics were also associated with the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (χ2=9.66-627.70, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 had the highest risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidity (OR=1.93, 1.85, 1.88, P<0.05). Compared to regular physical activity patterns, insufficient physical activity patterns were associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms (all OR=1.18, P<0.05). Further stratified analysis results showed that the risk of depression, anxiety and their comorbidity increased in college students who stayed up late and slept less than 7 h, went to bed before midnight and slept less than 7 h, or went to bed before midnight and slept more than 7 h but did not have sufficient physical activity (P<0.05). Conclusions Sleep characteristics and physical activity patterns significantly affect depressive and anxiety symptoms in college students. Universities should strengthen sleep management and implement flexible physical activity interventions to help students establish healthy lifestyles.

Objective Exploring the clinical efficacy of using autologous rib cartilage grafting to reconstruct finger hemiarticular defects.Methods From August 2022 to February 2024,for 6 patients with hemiarticular surface defects in the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints of 8 fingers,costal cartilage was used for joint remodeling and transplantation to reconstruct the hemiarticular surface defects of the fingers.All 8 joint transplants in 6 patients were two-stage surgeries.In the first stage,antibiotic bone cement was used to fill the space-occupying lesions,and in the second stage,costal cartilage joint remodeling was performed to reconstruct the finger joint defects.Postoperative follow-up and assessment of fracture healing according to Paley fracture healing scoring criteria.Outpatient and WeChat follow-up,upper limb function is evaluated according to the upper limb functional assessment standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society.Record VAS pain score.Results In this group,there were a total of 6 patients with 8 cases of hemiarticular defects.Among them,2 patients had two joint surgical sites,while the remaining 4 patients had a single joint surgical site.There were 2 cases of metacarpophalangeal joint head defects,2 cases of proximal articular surface defects,3 cases of proximal articular head defects,and 1 case of thumb proximal articular head defect.After surgery,8 out of 6 patients'hand wounds healed successfully.All patients were followed up for 6-12 months postoperatively,with an average of 9 months.The VAS pain score(affected finger)for the last follow-up was 0-2 points,with an average of 0.6 points.According to Paley's scoring criteria,all 6 patients had excellent fracture healing.According to the evaluation criteria for upper limb functional assessment of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society,3 cases were rated as excellent,3 cases were rated as good,and 2 cases were rated as fair.Conclusion For patients with half joint defects on one side of the finger,rib rib cartilage was used for joint reconstruction,which significantly improved the joint shape and function at the defect site,and reduced joint pain scores.