Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome （CP/CPPS） is a prevalent and complex condition in urology and one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain. Due to its prolonged duration and recurrent episodes，CP/CPPS significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Abnormal activation of the nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） pathway influences pathological processes such as the inflammatory response，oxidative stress，apoptosis，and tissue fibrosis in the body，thereby promoting the progression of CP/CPPS. Currently，Western medical therapies include antibiotics，pain relievers，α-blockers，and physiotherapy，yet they still fail to halt the pathological process of CP/CPPS. Research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） can modulate the NF-κB pathway through a multi-target and multi-pathway approach，effectively reducing prostate tissue damage and prostate index and alleviating pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. On the basis of existing studies，this paper systematically examines the intrinsic connection between CP/CPPS and the NF-κB pathway and summarizes the effects of TCM active ingredients （e.g.，emodin，quercetin，and gentiopicroside），extracts （e.g.，Oldenlandia diffusa extract），classical medidcinal pairs （e.g.，Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma），and compound prescriptions and Chinese patent medicines （e.g.，Qianliexiao decoction，Jiedu Huoxue decoction，Qianlie Shutong capsules） in treating CP/CPPS by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. The review of the research findings on treating CP/CPPS through this pathway aims to offer insights for clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of CP/CPPS，as well as to provide references for basic research and new drug development in this domain.

Objective: To investigate the effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in a rat model of insomnia and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: According to the random number table, 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, auricular point sticking, auricular bloodletting, and auricular bloodletting combined with sticking groups, with 12 rats per group. Insomnia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine. After establishing the insomnia model, 36 rats were treated once a day with auricular point sticking or bloodletting for 5 consecutive days. After the intervention, the general condition and body weight of rats were observed; the righting reflex test was used to detect the sleep latency and duration; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hypothalamic neuron cells; and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the GABA and glutamate content in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of rats, and Western blotting(WB) was used to detect GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, GAD65/67, GAT-1, and GABA-T protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats. Results: Compared with the blank control group, the model group had a lower body weight, a significantly shorter sleep duration (P<0.05), severe damage to the morphological structure of hypothalamic neurons with disordered cell arrangement, larger intercellular gaps, enlarged cell bodies, and a vacuolated appearance. All the intervention groups had significantly higher body weight and longer sleep duration than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the other intervention groups, the auricular point sticking group had a longer sleep duration (P<0.05), and the hypothalamic neuron cells in all intervention groups improved, with the auricular point sticking group showing more apparent improvement. The model group had a lower GABA and higher glutamate contents, and GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus were lower than in the blank control group. In contrast, GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression was higher, and GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression was lower (P<0.05). The serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting groups was higher, and the serum glutamate content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups was lower than in the model group. GABA ARα1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of each intervention group was significantly increased, and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups increased. GABA ARα1(IHC, WB), GABA ARγ2(WB), and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC, WB) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased, whereas GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARγ1(IHC) and GABA ARγ2(WB) protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting combined sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with in the inventation groups, the serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking group increased, the serum glutamate content decreased, GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus increased, and GABA ARα1(IHC), GAD65/67 protein expression increased. In contrast, GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Auricular therapy, particularly auricular point sticking, may have modulated the GABAergic system pathway by upregulating hypothalamic GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression while downregulating GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression to alleviate symptoms in an insomnia rat model.

Objective:To construct an evaluation system for the risk factors of PICC catheter malposition in patients with hematological diseases, providing a reference for the prevention of central venous access malposition in these patients.Methods:From July 2022, a literature review was conducted to retrieve literature published in database and website such as PubMed, Web of Science domestically and internationally related to the risk assessment system of PICC catheter malposition in hematology patients. After full-text screening and extraction, the articles were included in the system′s item pool. Through further discussions among the research group′s experts, in conjunction with evidence-based findings, the system′s consultation items were formulated. Using the Delphi expert consultation method, a standard for PICC catheter malposition risk assessment system applicable to hematology patients was ultimately formulated.Results:In this study, 25 experts were invited for consultation: 24 females and 1 male, with an average age of (48.36 ± 6.82) years. After two rounds of expert consultations and revisions, the risk factors for PICC catheter malposition in hematology patients were identified to include 4 first-level indicators: patient factors, treatment factors, catheter-related factors, and operational factors, along with 11 second-level indicators and 25 third-level indicators. The positive coefficients of the experts in the two rounds of consultations were 84% and 100%, respectively; the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.22 and 0.55 (both P<0.05); and the expert authority coefficient was 0.93. Conclusions:The risk assessment scale for PICC catheter malposition in patients with hematological diseases has high expert recognition and good consistency, and has clinical practice and guiding value.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of m6A methylation modification patterns in mRNA of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and its effect in the pathogenesis of the disease.Methods:From March 2022 to May 2023, five untreated MDD patients were assigned to the MDD group, and five healthy individuals were enrolled as the healthy control group at the First Psychiatric Hospital of Harbin.Microarray analysis was performed to determine the m6A modification profiles and gene expression patterns of mRNA in MDD. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted to elucidate the effect of m6A methylation in the development of depression. Finally, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation combined with quantitative PCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was used to validate the m6A methylation levels of key mRNAs (GRM4, CAMKK2). Data were analyzed using R software (version 4.2.0) with t-test and Fisher's exact test. Results:Significant differences in m6A-modified mRNAs were observed between MDD patients and healthy controls. A total of 513 mRNAs (180 hypermethylated and 333 hypomethylated) exhibited differential m6A modifications in MDD patients. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that hypermethylated mRNAs were primarily enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, while hypomethylated mRNAs were associated with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Additionally, a total of 350 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified (171 upregulated and 179 downregulated), enriched in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways. MeRIP-qPCR results demonstrated that the m6A methylation level of GRM4 in MDD patients (25.40±2.38) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (9.40±1.00) ( t=13.88, P<0.05), whereas the methylation level of CAMKK2 (19.63±6.60) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (30.51±7.20) ( t=2.48, P<0.05). Conclusion:The m6A modification expression profile is abnormal in patients with major depressive disorder, which may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of MDD, and the identification of key pathways may provide new clues and evidence for the development of more effective therapeutic targets for MDD.

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective:To study the comparative genomic characteristics of Marmota himalayana-derived (referred to as marmota-derived) Brucella abortus (B.ab). Methods:The species and types of one strain of marmota-derived Brucella and one strain of human-derived Brucella isolated from the brucellosis epidemic area in Qinghai Province in the same year were identified. Meanwhile, DNA was extracted for whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis (including phylogenetic tree construction, gene family clustering analysis, common/specific gene analysis, and genomic structural variation analysis, etc.). Results:Two Brucella strains from different hosts were identified as B.ab. By constructing a phylogenetic tree, the marmota-derived B.ab strain was grouped with strains from Heilongjiang Province and showed genetic correlation with strains from Russia. Human-derived B.ab strain was classified as a strain in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hebei Province, Beijing City, and Gansu Province. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the two strains belonged to the ST2 type. Multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) belonged to two new MLVA-8 and MLVA-11 genotypes, which were clustered in two subclusters of the same cluster and clustered with the strains from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Hebei Province. The pan-genome numbers of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab were 283 and 8, respectively; the number of core genes (common genes) was 68 and 2, respectively; and the number of unique genes was 3 and 4, respectively. The unique gene encoded proteins were inconsistent. In marmota-derived B.ab, the main ones were the ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, N-terminal acetyltransferase, and glucose/galactose transporter. The number of homologous genes of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab was 16 and 20, respectively; the number of translocation and inversion genes was 13 and 8, respectively; the number of deletion mutation genes was 11 and 14, respectively. Pathogenicity analysis showed that both strains had the mprF resistance gene, and the marmota-derived B.ab strain also carried bacitracin and macrolide resistance genes. Conclusions:Brucella exhibits cross-species genetic diversity. The proteins encoded by the unique genes of the marmota-derived B.ab mainly play a role in metabolic and epigenetic regulation. The strains cluster with B.ab strains from northern China, providing a reference for molecular epidemiology and pathogen tracing of B.ab infection.

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies for elderly patients with ground-glass opacity (GGO). Methods The imaging features and postoperative pathological findings of the elderly patients with pulmonary GGO receiving surgery in our hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an elderly patient group and a non-elderly patient group based on their age. Results Finally 575 patients were included in the study. There were 281 elderly patients, including 83 males and 198 females, with an average age of (67.0±5.3) years. There were 294 non-elderly patients, including 88 males and 206 females, with an average age of (49.1±7.3) years. Compared with the non-elderly patients, elderly GGO patients showed the following distinct clinical features: long observation time for lesions (P=0.001), high proportion of rough edges of GGO (P<0.001), significant pleural signs (P＜0.001) and bronchial signs (P＜0.001), and high proportion of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO (P<0.001), lobectomy type (P=0.013), and invasive lesions reported in postoperative pathology (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the average hospital stay between the two groups (P=0.106). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GGO diameter and GGO type were the main factors affecting the operation. Observation time, GGO diameter, GGO type and pleural signs were the main influencing factors for postoperative pathological infiltrative lesions. The cut-off value of GGO diameter in predicting infiltrating lesions was 10.5 mm in the elderly patients group. Conclusion The size and type of GGO are important factors in predicting invasive lesions and selecting surgical methods. Elderly patients with radiographic manifestations of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO lesions with a diameter greater than 10.5 mm should be closely followed up.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Purpose To explore the clinical manifestations,imaging features,and histopathological characteristics of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVL-BCL)involving the central nervous system(CNS).Methods Clinical and imaging data from 5 cases of IVL-BCL were collected.Immunohistochemical staining and FISH were performed to analyze their clinicopathological characteristics,with a comprehensive review of relevant literatures.Results All 5 pa-tients were elderly,with a male-to-female ratio of 4∶1,and an age of onset ranging from 53 to 67 years.The disease course varied from 4 months to 2 years.All patients had varying degrees of neurological damage symptoms.In this study,4 patients experienced varying degrees of weakness in the lower limbs.MRI findings were nonspecific,but all 5 patients showed evidence of cerebrovascular lesions.Histologically,the lesions were characterized by aggregates of lymphoid tumor cells within the lumens of small cerebral vessels,which could obstruct the lumens and cause ischemic and hypoxic changes.Tumor cells did not involve the extravascular brain parenchyma.Immunohistochemically,tumor cells widely expressed mature B-cell markers(CD19,CD20,CD79a,PAX5)with a high Ki67 proliferation index.All 5 patients received systemic chemotherapy after diagnosis,1 patient died,2 patients achieved clinical and physical symptom relief and were still under follow-up.2 patients were undergoing systemic examination before chemotherapy.Conclusion Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma involving the central nervous system is rare,and both clinical mani-festations and imaging examinations lack specific indicators.Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult and can only rely on diagnostic brain biopsy or pathological diagnosis after craniotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To screen the optimal regimen of acupuncture and moxibustion for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), so as to provide the evidences for clinical decision-making. METHODS: From 7 databases in Chinese and English i.e. the Full-Text Database of China Journal Network (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) and Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trial (RCT) articals of OSAHS treated with acupuncture and moxibustion were searched. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the modified Jadad scale, the evaluation index was established and the optimal regimen of acupuncture and moxibustion for OSAHS was screened by multi-index decision analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs were included, and the filiform needling therapy was optimal in treatment of OSAHS. The acupoints included Lianquan (CV23), Danzhong (CV17), Zhongwan (CV12), and bilateral Kongzui (LU6), Pishu (BL20), Fenglong (ST40), Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9) and Zhaohai (KI6). Zusanli (ST36) received the reinforcing method, Pishu (BL20) and Fenglong (ST40) were stimulated with the reducing technique, and the rest acupoints with the uniform reinforcing-reducing. Each acupoint was manually manipulated once every 10 min during the needle retention for 30 min. Acupuncture was delivered once a day, 5 times a week and for consecutive 4 weeks. Among the included literature, the severity of disease was not reported in detail, the filiform needling was the dominant intervention, the local acupoints such as Lianquan (CV23) and Panglianquan (Extra) were mainly selected. The apnea-hypopnea index and the minimum oxygen saturation were taken as the evaluation indexes, and the effect was evaluated in reference to the generally accepted standards. The attention to safety evaluation was insufficient, the report on methodology was not adequate and the quality was low. CONCLUSION Filiform needling is the dominant therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion for OSAHS, and the local acupoints are considered specially. But the quality of clinical research should be improved.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic