OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) for ameliorating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolomics. METHODS: Thirty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and an EA group, with 10 rats in each one. Except in the normal group, the intraperitoneally injection with streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes mellitus model in the rest groups. In the EA group, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP6), "Pishu" (BL20) and "Shenshu" (BL23), and electric stimulation was attached to "Zusanli" (ST36)-"Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Pishu" (BL20)-"Shenshu" (BL23), on the same side, with continuous wave and a frequency of 2 Hz, for 10 min in each intervention. The intervention measure of each group was delivered once every 2 days, 3 times a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Body weight, random blood glucose (RBG), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) before intervention, and in 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, separately, as well as sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) of the sciatic nerve after intervention were measured. Metagenomic sequencing (MS) was used to analyze gut microbiota and screen for differential species. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to detect the differential metabolites in plasma, and the metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the differential metabolites. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to assess the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolomics. RESULTS: After 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, when compared with the model group, the EA group showed the increase in body weight, TWL, MWT (P<0.01), and the decrease in RBG (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, SCV and MCV, as well as Chao1 index were dropped in the model group (P<0.01), and those were elevated in the EA group when compared with those in the model group (P<0.01). The dominant bacterial phyla of each group were Firmicutes (F) and Bacteroidota (B), the ratio of them (F/B) in the model group was lower than that of the normal group (P<0.05), and F/B in the EA group was higher when compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). In comparison with the normal group, the relative abundance increased in Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis and Segatella-copri (P<0.05); and it decreased in Ligilactobacillus, Eubacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor, Ligilactobacillus-murinus (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the relevant abundance of the above mentioned gut bacteria was all ameliorated in the EA group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the three groups, 120 differential metabolites were identified and enriched in 28 key metabolic pathways, such as glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid, of which, glycerophospholipid was the most significantly affected pathway in EA intervention. Spearman correlation analysis showed that 6 phosphatidylcholine metabolites were significantly positively correlated with Pseudoflavonifractor and were negatively with Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis, Segatella-copri; 5 phosphatidylethanolamine metabolites were significantly negatively correlated with Pseudoflavonifractor and positively correlated with Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis, Segatella-copri. CONCLUSION EA may regulate metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid, modulate specific gut microbiota such as Pseudoflavonifractor, Prevotella, and Segatella, and the co-expressed differential metabolites like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, thereby reducing blood glucose and protecting nerve function, so as to relieve the symptoms of DPN of rats.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Diabetic Neuropathies/microbiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Metabolomics ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe type of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a leading etiology of end-stage liver disease worldwide, posing significant health and economic burdens. microRNA-320 (miR-320), a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved miRNA, has been reported to regulate lipid metabolism; however, whether and how miR-320 affects MASH development remains unclear. By performing miR-320 in situ hybridization with RNAscope, we observed a notable downregulation of miR-320 in hepatocytes during MASH, correlating with disease severity. Most importantly, miR-320 downregulation in hepatocytes exacerbated MASH progression as demonstrated that hepatocyte-specific miR-320 deficient mice were more susceptible to high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet (HFHC) or choline-deficient, amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-induced MASH compared with control littermates. Conversely, restoration of miR-320 in hepatocytes ameliorated MASH-related steatosis and fibrosis by injection of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) carrying miR-320 in different types of diet-induced MASH models. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-320 specifically regulated fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) production in hepatocytes by inhibiting regulator factor X1 (RFX1) expression. Notably, knockdown of Rfx1 in hepatocytes mitigated MASH by enhancing FGF1-mediated AMPK activation. Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of hepatic miR-320 supplementation in MASH treatment by inhibiting RFX1-mediated FGF1 suppression.

Objective:To understand the cognition of the family caregivers of terminal cancer patients on digital health intervention, to clarify their actual needs, and to analyze the obstacles to their acceptance of digital health intervention, so as to develop a digital health intervention plan for the family caregivers of terminal cancer patients.Methods:From February 2024 to March 2024, the family caregivers of 16 patients with terminal cancer in Hunan Cancer Hospital Pain Hospice Ward were selected by objective sampling, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed in a semi-structured manner about the cognition and needs of digital health intervention, and the interview contents were sorted and analyzed using the Colaizzi7 step method.Results:A total of 16 family caregivers of terminal cancer patients, 4 males and 12 females, aged 26-55 years, were interviewed. Four themes were distilled from the interview results: family caregivers of terminally cancer patients agree on the importance of digital health interventions; lack of awareness of digital health interventions; expectations of digital health interventions; and possible confounders affecting digital health interventions.Conclusions:The family caregivers of terminal cancer patients had insufficient awareness of digital health intervention, but all showed affirmation of the development of digital health intervention services. It is recommended to actively improve the basic conditions of digital health services, strengthen publicity, raise the level of awareness of the family caregivers, and positively overcome the relevant interfering factors, so as to gradually promote the development of digital health services.

The liver has a strong regenerative capacity that ensures patient recovery after hepatectomy and liver transplantation.The portal system plays a crucial role in the dual blood supply to the liver,making it a significant factor in hepatic function.Several surgical strategies,such as portal vein ligation,associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,and dual vein embolization,have high-lighted the portal system's importance in liver regeneration.Following hepatectomy or liver trans-plantation,the hemodynamic properties of the portal system change dramatically,triggering regeneration via shear stress and the induction of hypoxia.However,excessive portal hyperperfusion can harm the liver and negatively affect patient outcomes.Furthermore,as the importance of the gut-liver axis has gradually been revealed,the effect of metabolites and cytokines from gut microbes carried by portal blood on liver regeneration has been acknowledged.From these perspectives,this review outlines the molecular mechanisms of the portal system's role in liver regeneration and summarizes therapeutic strategies based on the portal system intervention to promote liver regeneration.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemic characteristics and influencing factors of acute conjunctivitis caused by human adenovirus（HAdv）in Yantian District of Shenzhen City， Guangdong Province from 2014 to 2022， and to provide evidence for formulating effective prevention and control measures. MethodsDescriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis （AHC） cases reported from the Chinese disease prevention and control information system. Etiological characteristics of laboratory-confirmed cases were analyzed， and a case-control study method of test-negative design （TND） was conducted as well. According to the result of HAdv detection， analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of morbidity. ResultsA total of 1 005 AHC cases were reported in Yantian District， Shenzhen City from 2014 to 2022， with an average annual incidence rate of 49.49/10⁵. The incidence rate ranged from 4.67/10⁵ to 117.28/10⁵. The peak incidence occurred from July to October each year， with a male-to-female ratio of 1.42∶1. The median （P₂₅，P₇₅） age of onset was 29（12，40） years. A total of 716 eye swabs were collected for etiological detection from 2014 to 2022. HAdv positive detection rate was 36.45% （263/716）， Cox 24v positive detection rate was 0.28% （2/716）， while EV70 was not detected. The longest viral shedding time in eye swabs was 10 days， with a median of 2 days. The highest HAdv positive detection rate （47.47%） was observed when the sampling-to-onset interval was 4‒5 days， and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.05）， with a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Multivariate logistic regressing analysis showed that aged 18‒ years， and average temperature higher than 24.90 ℃ 3 days before onset （P<0.05） were the risk factors for acute HAdv conjunctivitis. ConclusionAHC in Yantian District， Shenzhen City showed a low level of prevalence from 2014 to 2022， with HAdv being the predominant pathogen. The peak period of viral shedding occurred on the 4th to 5th day after symptom onset， suggesting the importance of adherence to strict home isolation for infected persons. Aged18‒ years and average temperature increased 3 days before onset are associated with an increased risk of adenoviral conjunctivitis. It is recommended to strengthen personal protection and keep doing a good job of AHC surveillance and early warning， so as to timely prevent the outbreaks of AHC.

AIM:To investigate the effect of Bushen formulae(BHF)on bone metabolism and its possible mechanism in ovariectomized rats with high salt intake.METHODS:According to the random number table method,80 SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham group,ovariectomy(OVX)group,medium-high-salt diet(MSD)group,high-salt diet(HSD)group,BHF group,BHF with normal saline(BHF+NS)group,BHF+MSD group,and BHF+ HSD group,with 10 rats in each group.After modeling,different diets and BHF formula interventions were administered,and the concentrations of sodium chloride added to MSD group and HSD group were 2%(w/w)and 8%(w/w),respective-ly.The dose of BHF was 7.8 g·kg-1·d-1,once a day,and the treatment lasted for 12 weeks.Bone density,bone microar-chitecture,bone parameters,bone metabolism biomarkers,bone histopathological changes,the expression of epithelial sodium channel α(ENaCα),Na-Cl cotransporter(NCC),and voltage-gated chloride channel 3(ClC-3)proteins in bone tissue were detected in each group.RESULTS:Compared with sham group,the rats in OVX group had reduced bone density and destroyed bone microstructure.Compared with OVX group,the bone microstructure in MSD and HSD groups was more significantly damaged,while the levels of bone formation markers,bone glycoprotein(BGP)and type Ⅰ procolla-gen N-terminal peptide(PINP),were significantly increased in HSD group(P<0.05).Moreover,the levels of bone re-sorption markers,such as amino-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type Ⅰ collagen(NTX),carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type Ⅰ collagen(CTX)and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRACP),were significantly in-creased(P<0.05),indicating that bone metabolism was in high-conversion state.High-salt diet accelerated the structural destruction of bone trabeculae,and Western blot results showed that high-salt diet caused decreases in the protein expres-sion levels of ENaCα and ClC-3 and an increase in the protein expression level of NCC in femoral tissues(P<0.05).After BHF intervention,the expression of relevant ion channels caused by high salt could be regulated to different degrees.CONCLUSION:Bushen formulae could differentially regulate the expression of relevant ion channels ENaCα,ClC-3,and NCC induced by high salt to different degrees,which has certain ameliorative and therapeutic effects on the imbalance of bone metabolism.

Objective To evaluate the effect of Internet-based psychosocial intervention for primary caregivers of patients with terminal stage cancer.Methods The relevant randomized controlled trials of Internet-based psychosocial intervention for primary caregivers of patients with terminal stage cancer were systematically searched from 10 databases,such as Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,CNKI,PubMed,Embase and CINAHL and etc.The search period was from the establishment to December 18,2023,and 2 investigators screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted data.Cochrane Manual 5.1.0 was used to assess the quality of the literature.Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 software.Results A total of 9 pieces of the literature including 592 primary caregivers were included.Meta-analysis showed that Internet-based psychosocial intervention reduced the level of anxiety and depression for primary caregivers of patients with terminal stage cancer[MD=-1.64,95％CI(-2.68,-0.59),P=0.002]and the burden of care[SMD=-0.39,95％CI(-0.60,-0.18),P＜0.001],and improved quality of life[SMD=0.25,95％CI(0.01,0.48),P=0.040];further research is needed to explore the effect of reducing the level of distress[MD=-0.88,95％CI(-1.91,0.16),P=0.100].Conclusion The Internet-based psychosocial intervention is effective in improving the anxiety,depression and the burden of care of the primary caregivers of patients with terminal stage cancer,and it can improve the quality of life;further research is needed to explore the level of distress reduction.

Tumor immunotherapy is revolutionizing the treatment approach for cancer,and has significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in various types of cancer patients.The mechanism of action for immune checkpoint inhibitors involves blocking the interaction between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1),thereby reactivating the anti-cancer activity of cytotoxic T cells and exerting an immune-mediated anti-cancer effect.However,the PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody has a clinical efficacy rate of only about 10％-30％,and can also cause severe treatment-related adverse reactions such as immune myocarditis.Small molecule compounds have several advantages in terms of pharmacokinetics,such as better oral bioavailability,higher penetration into relevant tissues and tumor cells,and reasonable half-life.Currently,the development of small-molecule tumor immunotherapeutic drugs has become a highly active research field in cancer immunotherapy.This article aims to summarize the recent advancements in small molecule research for tumor immunotherapy over the past five years,including PD-L1 small molecule inhibitors,PD-L1 degraders based on proteolysis-targeting chimeras,and lysosome-targeting chimeras technologies,and discuss the future directions for the development of small molecule inhibitors,providing new theoretical references for tumor immunotherapy.

Objective    To explore the application value of synchronous CT-guided percutaneous biopsy followed by radiofrequency ablation in the diagnosis and treatment of lung tumors. Methods    The clinical data of 21 patients with lung tumors were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 13 females aged 68 (51, 73) years. A total of 24 lesions underwent CT-guided percutaneous biopsy and concurrent radiofrequency ablation. The effectiveness and safety of this protocol were analyzed. Results    All 21 patients successfully completed the procedures. The diameter of 24 lesions was 17.0 (13.3, 19.0) mm. Biopsy specimens met the requirements of pathological diagnosis, and the effectiveness of specimens was 100.0%. The incidence of small amount of pneumothorax/pleural shrinkage after procedures was 19.0% (4/21) and the incidence of tension pneumothorax was 4.7% (1/21). There was no obvious bleeding or other complications. Conclusion    Synchronous CT-guided percutaneous biopsy followed by radiofrequency ablation combines two interventional techniques, which is safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of lung tumors, and it is worthy of popularization and application in clinic.