Consensus method is not only a common technical approach to the formulation of the acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines, but also an important way to form the recommended treatment protocols of acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines. Based on the theory of implementation science, the paper explores the influencing factors of consensus-reaching to acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines, and puts forward methodological suggestions on the consensus method performed in the formulation of acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines, so as to advance the rational application of consensus method and enhance the scientificity and transparency of acupuncture-moxibustion guidelines.
Moxibustion/standards* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/standards* ; Consensus ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants widely distributed in the environment. Epidemiological studies have shown that PFAS exposure is closely associated with liver dysfunction and an increased risk of liver cancer. Some animal and cell experiments have also revealed its hepatotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity; however, the related carcinogenic mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Objective To explore the potential molecular mechanism of PFAS-induced liver cancer, identify the key causal genes, and specifically evaluate the causal association and expression changes of KMT2C in this process, as well as the binding stability between KMT2C and PFAS, and to provid a theoretical basis for mechanistic studies and molecular target discovery in PFAS-related liver cancer. Methods Toxicity prediction was performed on six representative PFAS. Potential target genes of PFAS were identified by integrating results from SwissTargetPrediction, STITCH, and TargetNet databases. Liver cancer-related genes were retrieved from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection of PFAS targets and liver cancer-related genes was used to obtain core genes. A compound-gene-disease regulatory network was constructed, and a protein–protein interaction network was established using STRING database. A core gene network was visualized based on node degree values. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore biological functions and enriched signaling pathways. Subsequently, two-sample Mendelian randomization was employed to assess potential causal relationships between candidate genes and hepatocellular carcinoma, enabling the identification of key genes. Molecular docking analysis using AutoDock was conducted to evaluate the binding stability between KMT2C and PFAS, and TCGA data were used to validate the differential expression of KMT2C between hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues. Results PFAS exhibited multisystem toxicity and posed significant risks of liver injury and carcinogenesis. A total of 266 PFAS target genes and 2923 liver cancer-related genes were identified, with 61 intersecting genes obtained. The enrichment analysis revealed that these intersecting genes were primarily involved in epigenetic regulation, nuclear receptor signaling pathways, and apoptosis-related pathways including TGF-β FoxO and Notch, suggesting their roles in diverse tumor-related biological processes. The two-sample Mendelian randomization results showed a significant negative causal association between KMT2C and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR=0.68, P <0.05). The molecular docking results demonstrated that all tested PFAS exhibited favorable binding to the KMT2C protein, with binding energies below –5.0 kcal·mol⁻¹. KMT2C was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (unpaired P=0.025; paired P=8.38 × 10⁻⁴). Conclusion The KMT2C protein is found to stably bind with all six PFAS, exhibiting strong structural affinity. A causal relationship is identified between KMT2C and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. TCGA data indicate that KMT2C is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and it may serve as a key regulatory target in PFAS-related liver cancer.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

Non-communicable diseases(NCDs),including cardiovascular diseases,cancer,metabolic diseases,and skeletal diseases,pose significant challenges to public health worldwide.The complex pathogenesis of these diseases is closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory damage.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),a critical transcription factor,plays an important role in regulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses to protect the cells from oxidative damage and inflammation-mediated injury.Therefore,Nrf2-targeting therapies hold promise for preventing and treating NCDs.Quercetin(Que)is a widely available flavonoid that has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.It modulates the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation.Que modulates mitochondrial function,apoptosis,autophagy,and cell damage biomarkers to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation,highlighting its efficacy as a therapeutic agent against NCDs.Here,we discussed,for the first time,the close association between NCD pathogenesis and the Nrf2 signaling pathway,involved in neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs),cardiovascular disease,cancers,organ damage,and bone damage.Furthermore,we reviewed the availability,pharmacokinetics,pharmaceutics,and therapeutic applica-tions of Que in treating NCDs.In addition,we focused on the challenges and prospects for its clinical use.Que represents a promising candidate for the treatment of NCDs due to its Nrf2-targeting properties.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

Objective:To investigate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cine sequences in determining the range of tumor motion in radiotherapy, providing a basis for the precise delineation of the target volume in motion for radiation therapy.Methods:A modified chest motion phantom was placed in a MRI scanner, and a water-filled sphere was used to simulate a tumor. True fast imaging with steady precession (TrueFISP) MRI cine sequences from Siemens were used to capture the two-dimensional motion images of the simulated tumor. The phantom experiments were divided into three modes: head-foot motion mode, rotation motion mode, and actual respiratory waveform mode. In the head-foot motion mode, respiratory motion period (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 s), amplitude (5, 10 and 15 mm), and respiratory waveform of the simulated tumor (sin and cos4) were set, resulting in a total of 36 motion combinations. In the rotation motion mode, a cos4 waveform was used for respiration, with respiratory periods of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 s, head-foot motion set amplitudes of 5, 10 and 15 mm, and anterior-posterior (AP) and left-right (LR) motion set amplitudes in three combinations ([2.5, 2.5] mm, [2.5, 5.0] mm, [5.0, 5.0] mm), resulting in a total of 54 motion combinations. In the actual respiratory waveform mode, respiratory waveforms of 5 randomly selected patients from Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were obtained. Under each motion combination, TrueFISP cine images (30 frames, with an acquisition time of 11 s per frame) were obtained. The code was used to automatically identify the two-dimensional coordinates of the center of the simulated tumor in each image, and sin and cos4 functions were separately employed to fit the tumor position in the motion direction, thereby obtaining the fitted motion period and amplitude. The difference between the maximum and minimum values of the tumor's center coordinates in the head-to-foot direction is taken as the range of movement, referred to as the calculated amplitude. For the actual respiratory waveform, the distance between the measured maximum and minimum positions is used to calculate the amplitude.Results:In the head-foot motion mode, the fitted amplitudes of both sin and cos4 waveforms deviated from the set amplitudes by 0-0.51 mm, with relative deviations of 0%-4.2%. The deviation range between the calculated amplitudes and the set amplitudes of the two waveforms were 0.08-0.94 mm, with relative deviations of 1.1%-6.3%. In the rotation motion mode, the fitted amplitudes deviated from the set amplitudes by 0-0.61 mm, with relative deviations of 0%-6.2%. And the deviation range between the calculated amplitudes and the set amplitudes were 0.16-0.94 mm, with relative deviations of 0%-6.3%. In the actual respiratory waveform motion mode, the deviation range between the calculated amplitudes and the set amplitudes were 0.10-0.48 mm, with relative deviations of 2.2%-8.6%.Conclusion:TrueFISP cine sequences show minimal deviations in determining the range of tumor head-foot motion and effectively captures the tumor's movement state, thereby providing important support for the precise definition of the tumor movement target area during radiotherapy .

Objective To develop a time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay kit for the rapid,accurate and quantitative detection of S100B protein in serum and to evaluate its performance.Methods The test strip was prepared using time-resolved fluorescent microsphere-labeled anti-S100B polyclonal antibody and rabbit IgG antibody,labeling pads,sample pads,S100B nitrocellulose films and absorbent paper,and an S100B time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay kit was obtained by assembling the cartridge.The performance of the kit developed was evaluated by standard curve,accuracy,minimum detection limit,linear interval,specificity,reproducibility and stability.The reference intervals of 199 pieces of healthy human serum and plasma samples from a certain region were detected with the kit,and the clinical performance of the kit and Roche Elecsys S100 kit was tested by synchronous blind method to assess the consistency of the results of the two kits for 142 samples.Results The S100B time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay kit had the standard curve beingy=(1.133 02+1.752 24)/[1+(x/1.082 20)×(-0.603 52)]-1.752 24,R2=0.999 08 and the linear range being[0.05,30]ng/mL,which met the requirements of the relative deviation of the accuracy within±15％,the minimum detection limit not hgier than 0.05 ng/mL,the relative deviation of specificity within±15％and the coefficient of variation of intra-and inter-batch difference less than 15％.The stability test results indicated that the kit was valid for 12 months at 2-30 ℃ conditions.The reference intervals of serum and plasma samples measured by the kit were both lower than 0.3 ng/mL.Clinical trials showed that the results by the kit and Roche Elecsys S100 Assay Kit were in high agreement(Kappa=0.906 1＞0.80)and met the requirements.Conclusion The kit developed detects the concentration of S100B protein in serum quickly,accurately and quantitatively,and provides references for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases,autoimmune diseases,cerebrovascular diseases and etc.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):47-55]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of lung recruitment maneuvers combined with individualized positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP) on the degree of postoperative atelectasis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.Methods:One hundred and forty-three elderly patients, aged ≥65 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-30.0 kg/m 2, scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery, were assigned to either individualized PEEP combined with recruitment maneuvers (group Ⅱ) or fixed PEEP (group Ⅰ) using a random number table method. PEEP was maintained at 6 cmH 2O starting from the beginning of procedure until the end of the procedure in group I. Individualized PEEP titration was performed after induction of anesthesia in group Ⅱ. The primary outcome measure was the 12-zone lung ultrasound score at 15 min after tracheal extubation. Other outcome measures were the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications within 7 days after surgery, Quality of Recovery-15 scale score on 3rd day after surgery, rate of unplanned admission to intensive care units, length of hospital stay, incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia, usage rate of intraoperative vasoactive drugs, and incidence of postoperative hypotension. Results:Compared with group Ⅰ, the lung ultrasound score, driving pressure and postoperative pulmonary complications were significantly decreased, the dynamic lung compliance was increased ( P<0.05 or 0.01), and no significant changes were found in the other parameters in group Ⅱ ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Individualized PEEP combined with recruitment maneuvers can reduce the degree of postoperative atelectasis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

AIM To analyze the metabolites of nobiletin in rats in vivo based on characteristic ions.METHODS Ten rats were assigned into administration group and control group,and given intragastric administration of the 0.5％CMC-Na suspension of nobiletin(250 mg/kg)and 0.5％CMC-Na solution,respectively,after which plasma,urine and feces were collected,solid phase extraction method was adopted in pretreatment,UHPLC-HRMS analysis was performed.The candidate metabolites were systematically described according to diagnostic product ions,chromatographic retention time,accurate molecular weight and neutral loss fragments,after which accurate metabolites were obtained in the established metabolite data set with-CH3(m/z 15)characteristic ions as a baits.RESULTS A total of 64 metabolites were identified,whose main metabolic pathways were glucuronidation,sulfation,hydrogenation and their compound reactions.CONCLUSION This experiment elucidates the metabolites of nobiletin in rats in vivo,which provides a new reference for its further development.