ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules （XPC） in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free （SPF）-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling， SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group， a pinaverium bromide group （1.5 mg·kg^-1）， and low- and high-dose XPC groups （0.135 and 0.54 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage， while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day， and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier， intestinal motility， and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group， rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate， diarrhea grade， and Bristol score （P<0.01）. HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group， with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier， shedding and disappearance of microvilli， and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated （P<0.01）， and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated （P<0.01）. The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A （RhoA） and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 （ROCK2） in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain （MLC₂₀） were upregulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea， diarrhea-associated symptoms， and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically， high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea， promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure， significantly reduced congestion and edema， upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 （P<0.01）， decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）， significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate （P<0.01）， and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC₂₀ （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction， and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.

Pancreatic cancers (PCs) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis in the digestive system. Its main treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The early diagnosis rate of hidden onset of PCs is low, and most patients have already lost the opportunity to undergo surgery when diagnosed with PCs. Chemotherapy is still the main treatment for advanced PCs, but the use of chemotherapy drugs in PCs can easily lead to drug resistance. The most significant feature that distinguishes PCs from other tumors is its rich and dense matrix, which not only hinders drug penetration but also impedes the infiltration of immune cells. The above reasons have led to a very low survival rate of PCs patients. Therefore, drug delivery systems are very important in the diagnosis and treatment of PCs. They can improve drug delivery, enhance biological barrier penetration, reduce side effects, and combine multiple treatment methods. Therefore, the treatment prospects of PCs are very broad. Currently, drug delivery systems widely applied in PCs primarily include nanodrug delivery systems, tumor microenvironment-targeted drug delivery system, immunotherapy drug delivery system, gene therapy drug delivery system, and combination therapy drug delivery system that synergize multiple therapeutic modalities. Emerging drug delivery systems (DDSs) have revolutionized PCs treatment by addressing these challenges through multiple mechanisms. Nanoformulations improve drug solubility, prolong circulation time, and reduce systemic toxicity via passive/active targeting. Smart DDSs responsive to PCs-specific stimuli enable extracellular matrix degradation, tumor-associated fibroblasts reprogramming, and vascular normalization to enhance drug accessibility. Last but not least, carrier systems loaded with myeloid-derived suppressor cell inhibitors or T cell activators can reverse immunosuppression and potentiate immunotherapy efficacy. Advanced platforms co-deliver chemotherapeutics with immunomodulators, gene-editing tools, or sonodynamic agents to achieve synergistic antitumor effects. These platforms aim to address critical challenges in PCs treatment, such as enhancing drug bioavailability, overcoming stromal barriers, reprogramming immunosuppressive niches, and achieving multi-mechanistic antitumor effects. This article provides a systematic summary and prospective analysis of the current development status, latest cutting-edge advances, opportunities, and challenges of the above-mentioned drug delivery systems in the field of PCs therapy.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of 3.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general clinical data of 67 patients who underwent glioma surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical University. All patients received chemotherapy for more than one month post-surgery. Recurrence of glioma was diagnosed based on secondary surgery or pathological biopsy results as the gold standard. From 3 to 6 months post-surgery, computerized tomography was used to measure cerebral blood volume (CBV), three-dimensional arterial spin labeling was used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and relative CBF (rCBF), and diffusion-weighted imaging with and without contrast enhancement was used to measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software, and the t test or χ² test was used for inter-group comparisons based on data type. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the value of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in assessing postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma. Results Patients with high-grade gliomas showed significantly higher CBV and rCBF and significantly lower ADC compared to those with low-grade gliomas (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for grading glioma was 0.960, which was higher than those of individual indicators (0.790, 0.955, and 0.795, P < 0.05). The recurrence group had significantly higher CBV and rCBF and lower ADC compared to the non-recurrence group (P < 0.05). The AUC of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for predicting postoperative glioma recurrence was 0.965, which was significantly higher than those of individual indicators (0.729, 0.929, and 0.941, P < 0.05). CBV and rCBF were lower and ADC was higher in the effective treatment group than in the ineffective treatment group (P < 0.05). The AUC of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for evaluating glioma treatment efficacy was 0.985, which was higher than those of individual indicators (0.842, 0.898, and 0.961, P < 0.05). Conclusion The CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination has shown high diagnostic accuracy and predictive efficacy in the evaluation of postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma, which has important clinical application value.

This review described the potential health threats to the cardiovascular system from micro-nano plastics (MNPs) and their multifaceted toxicity mechanisms. The article reviewed the environmental distribution of MNPs, exposure pathways, and their toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, and summarized the specific mechanisms of MNPs involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy dysregulation. Meanwhile, the combined toxic effects of MNPs with other environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), including synergistic, antagonistic, and dual effects, were analyzed, and the potential risks of MNPs as carriers of microorganisms and toxic chemicals were pointed out. The widespread presence of MNPs and their complex toxicity mechanisms may make them important triggers for cardiovascular diseases, but current research still suffers from unbalanced studies across environmental systems, incomplete understanding of plastic properties, and limited knowledge of long-term biological effects. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of MNPs, the joint toxicity mechanisms with other pollutants, and the differential effects across population subgroups. It is suggested to accelerate plastic recycling technology innovation, promote biodegradable materials, and optimize waste treatment process to mitigate the potential threat of MNPs pollution to human health. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and in-depth research, combining innovative concepts from toxicology, public health policy, and environmental science, it is expected to provide new methods and approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with MNPs.

Background::Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main types of malignant tumor of the digestive system, and patient prognosis is affected by difficulties in early diagnosis, poor treatment response, and a high postoperative recurrence rate. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) has been widely used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of PDAC patients. Nevertheless, the production mechanism and potential role of CA19-9 in PDAC progression have not yet been elucidated.Methods::We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on six samples pathologically diagnosed as PDAC (three CA19-9-positive and three CA19-9-negative PDAC samples) and two paracarcinoma samples. We also downloaded and integrated PDAC samples (each from three CA19-9-positive and CA19-9-negative patients) from an online database. The dynamics of the proportion and potential function of each cell type were verified through immunofluorescence. Moreover, we built an in vitro coculture cellular model to confirm the potential function of CA19-9. Results::Three subtypes of cancer cells with a high ability to produce CA19-9 were identified by the markers TOP2A, AQP5, and MUC5AC. CA19-9 production bypass was discovered on antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs). Importantly, the proportion of immature ficolin-1 positive (FCN1+) macrophages was high in the CA19-9-negative group, and the proportion of mature M2-like macrophages was high in the CA19-9-positive group. High proportions of these two macrophage subtypes were associated with an unfavourable clinical prognosis. Further experiments indicated that CA19-9 could facilitate the transformation of M0 macrophages into M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions::Our study described CA19-9 production at single-cell resolution and the dynamics of the immune atlas in CA19-9-positive and CA19-9-negative PDAC. CA19-9 could promote M2 polarization of macrophage in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

BACKGROUND: The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes. METHODS: Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects. RESULTS: The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.
Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Pain ; Pain Management ; China

Amid ongoing reforms in the healthcare system and the pursuit of high-quality development in public hospi-tals,the significance of party building in leading the standardization of hospital party branches has become increasingly promi-nent.Taking a university's affiliated hospital as an example,this study comprehensively analyzes the current situation of Party building on the standardized construction of party branches within university-affiliated public hospitals using the SWOT method.Meanwhile,this paper proposes targeted strategies by assessing the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and challenges of party building leadership.These strategies are intended to refine the framework for the role of Party building in advancing the standard-ized construction of Party branches in university-affiliated public hospitals.

Objective:To investigate the distribution characteristics of urinary tract pathogens in patients with community-acquired urinary tract infection and their sensitivity to nenoxacin and levofloxacin.Methods:This prospective, multicenter clinical trial included patients with community-acquired urinary tract infection who were admitted to urological clinics at 9 clinical research centers from November 2021 to August 2022.Inclusion criteria: Patients aged 18-70 years with community-acquired acute uncomplicated cystitis(AUC), recurrent acute episodes of urinary tract infection(rUTI), and non-febrile complicated urinary tract infection(cUTI) with signs of urinary tract irritation and abnormal elevation of routine white blood cells in urine. Exclusion criteria: ①Patients who received effective antimicrobial therapy within 72 h before enrollment and lasted for more than 24 h. ②Fever (>37.3℃) or symptoms of upper urinary tract infection such as low back pain, tapping pain in the kidney area, etc. ③Indwelling urinary catheter. At the first visit, clean midstream urine samples were taken for bacterial culture, and the distribution characteristics of urinary pathogens of different types of urinary tract infections were analyzed. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) were measured for Gram-negative bacteria. The susceptibility of nenoxacin and levofloxacin to urinary tract pathogens was determined by disk diffusion method. Drug resistance rate, sensitivity rate were analyzed between different disease groups.Results:There were 404 enrolled patients from 9 hospitals, including 364 (90.1%) females and 40 (9.9%) males. A total of 177 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated, among which the highest proportion of Escherichia coli was 66.1% (117/177).Klebsiella pneumoniae was followed by 6.8% (12/177) and Streptococcus agalactis 5.1% (9/177). The bacterial spectrum distribution of AUC and rUTI were similar, and the proportions of Escherichia coli were 70.6% (85/119) and 65.9% (29/44), respectively. However, the proportions of Escherichia coli isolated from cUTI patients were only 28.6% (4/14) and Enterococcus faecalis 7.1%(1/14). The overall detection rate of ESBLs in Gram-negative bacteria was 30.9%(43/139). The sensitivity rate of nenoxacin was 74.6%(91/122), and the resistance rate was 25.4%(31/122). The overall sensitivity rate of levofloxacin was 44.9%(70/156) and the resistance rate was 36.5%(57/156). The rate of resistance of urinary tract pathogens to levofloxacin was 48.2% (27/56) in patients with previous urinary tract infection history, and 30.0% (30/100) in patients with no previous urinary tract infection history, the difference was statistically significant( P=0.023).The sensitivity rate of Gram-negative bacteria to nenofloxacin was 70.7% (65/92) and that to levofloxacin was 50.0% (46/92, P<0.001). The sensitivity of Gram-positive bacteria to nenofloxacin was 80.0% (16/20), and that to levofloxacin was 70.0% (14/20, P=0.009). Conclusions:The bacterial profile of out-patient community acquired urinary tract infection varies greatly according to different diseases. The proportion of Escherichia coli in AUC and rUTI patients is higher than that in cUTI. The detection rate of ESBLs in Gram-negative bacteria was lower than the domestic average.Patients with a history of urinary tract infection had a high risk of treatment failure with levofloxacin. The sensitivity of common urinary tract pathogens to nenofloxacin was higher than levofloxacin.

Objective To confirm the changes of pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation in children with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction. Methods The clinical data of the infants with UAPA undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction in our hospital from February 19, 2019 to April 15, 2021 were analyzed. Changes in pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation were followed up. Results Finally 5 patients were collected, including 4 males and 1 female. The operation age ranged from 13 days to 2.7 years. Cardiac contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed in all children, and 2 patients underwent pulmonary vein wedge angiography to confirm the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography and intraoperative direct pulmonary arterial pressure measurement indicated that all 5 children had pulmonary hypertension, with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 31.3±16.0 mm Hg. Pulmonary arterial pressure decreased immediately after pulmonary artery reconstruction to 16.8±4.2 mm Hg. The mean follow-up time was 18.9±4.7 months. All 5 patients survived during the follow-up period, and 1 patient had neo pulmonary artery stenosis or even occlusion and was re-operated. Conclusion Pulmonary artery reconstruction can effectively alleviate the pulmonary hypertension in children with UAPA. The patency of the neo pulmonary artery should be closely followed up after surgery, and re-pulmonary angioplasty should be performed if necessary.