Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome， with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations， and it is characterized by complex disease conditions， difficult cure， and high mortality. Ferroptosis， a new type of programmed cell death， is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent， accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage， becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi， blood， and body fluid， which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi （heart Qi） is the root cause of CHF， and stagnation （phlegm turbidity and blood stasis） is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） plays an important role in the treatment of CHF， improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore， this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation， aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imposes a heavy burden on individuals, families, and society. This study analyzed the incidence and mortality trends of RA in China from 1990 to 2023 to provide epidemiological evidence for precise prevention and control. METHODS: Data on RA incidence, age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), deaths, and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in China by sex and age group from 1900 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends in ASIR and ASMR. An age-period-cohort model was constructed using R4.3.1 to evaluate longitudinal age trends and estimate relative risk (RR) values for period and cohort effects. RESULTS: In 2021, the number of RA cases, ASIR, deaths, and ASMR in China were 247 300, 13.70 per 100 000, 10 300, and 0.54 per 100 000, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR of RA increased annually among both females and males, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of 0.44% and 0.72%, respectively. Over the same period, ASMR declined in the total population and among females, with AAPCs of -0.78% and -1.19%, while the change in males was not statistically significant. Age-period-cohort analysis showed that the peak incidence occurred in women aged 60-64 years and men aged 75-79 years, and mortality increased with age. The period effect for incidence rose in both sexes, reaching 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.27] for females and 1.14 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.27) for males during 2017 to 2021, compared with 2002 to 2006. The mortality period effect RR exhibited a downward-upward-downward pattern, decreasing to 0.56 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.61) in females and 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.82) in males in 2017 to 2021. Cohort analysis indicated that the highest incidence risk occurred in individuals born during 2012 to 2016, while the cohort effect RR for female RA mortality showed a continuous decline beginning with the 1922 to 1926 birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS The incidence and mortality risks of RA in China have continued to decline. However, with the aging of the population, the incidence and mortality risks among the elderly have increased. Middle-aged women and elderly men should receive focused attention. Health authorities should strengthen education, prevention, and screening among middle-aged women and enhance disease monitoring in elderly populations to reduce the national burden of RA.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Cohort Studies ; Mortality/trends* ; Age Distribution ; Age Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adolescent

Esophageal carcinoma is a malignant disease with a high incidence rate and poor prognosis. The mitochondrial apoptosis pathway plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cell death and has become a focal point in current cancer therapeutics research. Various active components from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） can target the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to inhibit esophageal carcinoma， presenting as potential therapeutic agents for this disease. This paper summarizes relevant research on the inhibition of esophageal carcinoma by active components in TCM via targeting the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. It has been found that flavonoids （casticin， icariin， luteolin， kaempferol， hesperetin， deguelin， etc.）， terpenoids （oridonin， Jaridonin， artesunate， ethyl acetate fraction of pleurotus ferulatus triterpenoid， etc.）， alkaloids （matrine， swainsonine， etc.）， polyphenols （curcumin， epigallocatechin-3-gallate， corilagin， etc.）， steroids （α-hederin， polyphyllin Ⅵ， etc.）， phenols （optimized scorpion venom peptide CT-K3K7， gecko active polypeptide， etc.）， volatile oils （cinnamaldehyde， α -asarone， etc.） and other active components from TCM can target the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway， induce apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma cells， and inhibit their proliferation， invasion and migration by regulating oxidative stress， blocking the cell cycle， regulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK.

Objective To investigate the disparities in the activities of daily living(ADL)among older adults living in urban and rural areas of Sichuan Province,China and the influencing factors,and to provide a basis for promoting the health of older adults and formulating relevant policies.Methods Using data from the Seventh Health Services Survey of Sichuan Province,we enrolled 7 369 older adults from urban and rural areas and analyzed their ability to perform ADL and the relevant influencing factors.All participants were aged 60 years or older.Chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed to identify the influencing factors.Results The ADL impairment rate among older adults living in urban areas of Sichuan Province was 17.7％,which was higher than the rate of 13.8％among older adults living in rural areas.According to the results of logistic regression analysis,age≥80 years(odds ratio[OR]=3.725;95％CI,2.460-5.639),accidental injuries(OR=2.375;95％CI,1.597-3.532),and good sleep quality(OR=0.420,95％CI:0.289-0.612)were factors influencing ADL among older adults living in urban areas,while age ≥ 80 years(OR=1.867;95％CI,1.459-2.390),being married(OR=0.805;95％CI,0.664-0.976),accidental injuries(OR=1.936;95％CI,1.564-2.397),and participation in social activities(OR=0.417;95％CI,0.352-0.495)were factors influencing ADL among older adults living in rural areas.Conclusion There are differences in ADL impairment rates and the relevant influencing factors between urban and rural older adults in Sichuan Province.These findings underscore the need to consider urban-rural differences when adopting relevant policies and measures.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that poses a significant threat to public health. Advances in medical science and increased screening awareness have improved early-stage diagnosis rates, allowing more patients to undergo radical treatment at initial diagnosis. Concurrently, ongoing developments in treatment modalities have expanded the options available for both patients and clinicians. The challenge now lies in making informed decisions to achieve individualized precision medicine, which merits thorough exploration. This article aims to review the latest research on personalized treatment strategies for early-stage HCC, providing a reasonable reference and valuable insights for clinicians.

The liver is the most common anatomical site for hematogenous metastases of colorectal cancer. Hepatic resection is the preferred treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). However, a disappointingly small proportion of patients are deemed suitable for surgical resection upon initial consultation. Failure to adequately address these metastatic tumors results in a dire 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. In recent times, thermal ablation, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at controlling local tumor progression, has undergone rigorous validation and garnered recognition for its effectiveness and safety in managing CRLM. This article endeavors to review the advancements in research concerning thermal ablation in the treatment of CRLM, exploring its efficacy, safety profile, and the promising avenues for its clinical application.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that poses a significant threat to public health. Advances in medical science and increased screening awareness have improved early-stage diagnosis rates, allowing more patients to undergo radical treatment at initial diagnosis. Concurrently, ongoing developments in treatment modalities have expanded the options available for both patients and clinicians. The challenge now lies in making informed decisions to achieve individualized precision medicine, which merits thorough exploration. This article aims to review the latest research on personalized treatment strategies for early-stage HCC, providing a reasonable reference and valuable insights for clinicians.

The liver is the most common anatomical site for hematogenous metastases of colorectal cancer. Hepatic resection is the preferred treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). However, a disappointingly small proportion of patients are deemed suitable for surgical resection upon initial consultation. Failure to adequately address these metastatic tumors results in a dire 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. In recent times, thermal ablation, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at controlling local tumor progression, has undergone rigorous validation and garnered recognition for its effectiveness and safety in managing CRLM. This article endeavors to review the advancements in research concerning thermal ablation in the treatment of CRLM, exploring its efficacy, safety profile, and the promising avenues for its clinical application.

Hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases (HPBD) are often complicated. The diagnosis and treatment of HPBD involve many disciplines. The malignant degree of hepatobiliary pancreatic system is high, and the prognosis of patients is poor. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) brings specialists from different disciplines together to make a comprehensive and individualized treatment for patients. MDT is emerging in HPBD in recent years. MDT helps improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis. However, there are still some controversies and obstacles in the application of MDT for patients with HPBD. We reviewed the development, current status and experience of MDT in the field of HPBD, analyze the current controversy and obstacles, and providing reference for its future application.

Heart failure is a group of complex clinical syndromes that represent the final stage of cardiovascular disease development， characterized by an extremely high mortality rate. However， due to the complexity of the pathological mechanisms， an effective treatment method has not yet been found. Mitochondria are among the most critical organelles in cells， playing an essential role in energy supply and widely participating in various life activities， such as the regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The normal functioning of mitochondria is crucial for maintaining the body's normal life activities. In recent years， studies have found that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the occurrence and progression of various diseases， particularly closely related to the onset of heart failure. An imbalance in mitochondrial homeostasis is a key factor in cardiomyocyte death and the onset of heart failure. Mitochondrial autophagy， as a means of regulating mitochondrial homeostasis， is significant for the prevention and treatment of heart failure. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） therapy is a unique treatment approach in China now widely applied in clinical practice， demonstrating significant efficacy in treating heart failure， with unique advantages. Modern pharmacological research indicates that Chinese medicine monomers and compounds can target and regulate mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes， affect mitochondrial autophagy， and protect cardiomyocytes， though the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore， this paper explored the mechanisms of the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1）/Parkin pathway in mitochondrial autophagy and heart failure， reviewed the effects of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy on heart failure， and discussed the therapeutic effects of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy on heart failure in conjunction with TCM. This paper is expected to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of heart failure from the perspective of PINK1/Parkin regulation of mitochondrial autophagy.