Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.

ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.

Ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic， non-specific intestinal inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is complex， involving interactions among genetic， immune， and environmental factors， and remains incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial damage can trigger the abnormal release of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns （mtDAMPs）， activating inflammatory pathways and thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in UC. Mitophagy， a core mitochondrial quality control mechanism， can clear damaged mitochondria and effectively reduce the abnormal release of mtDAMPs and the accumulation of harmful substances， thereby mitigating inflammatory damage resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier function and in the prevention and intervention of UC. Notably， the function of the spleen governing transportation and transformation in traditional Chinese medicine shares similarities with the role of mitochondria in energy transformation and substance metabolism. Furthermore， the pathological state of the spleen failing in transportation and transformation may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction， while the pathogenic characteristics of "endogenous turbid pathogen" align with the inflammatory cascade responses triggered by abnormal release of mtDAMPs. Based on this theoretical correlation， this paper aims to explore the correlation between the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "spleen dysfunction in essence distribution leading to endogenous turbid pathogens" and mitophagy. Using the correlation as an entry point， the potential role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of UC was elucidated. Additionally， by considering the epidemiological characteristics of UC in the Southwest region of China， a new thinking for the treatment of UC from the perspective of turbid pathogens was proposed based on the "fortifying the spleen and resolving turbidity" method to provide theoretical support and research enlightenment for further exploring the prevention and treatment of UC with traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu （GV 16） to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology， thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups （4-， 5-， 6-， 7-， 8-year-old groups）， 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu （GV 16） to the first underlying bony barrier （such as the lower edge of the occipital bone， the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra） were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section （0° ± 35°） and the sagittal section （40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal）. The correlation between the measured distance， age， and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections， the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu （GV 16） at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section， the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range， whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°； at measurement angles of 30° to 35°， the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu （GV 16） in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group （P＜0.05）. In the sagittal section， the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu （GV 16） was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group， and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°； it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu （GV 16） to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling， finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence， which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu （GV 16） in pediatric clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu （GV 16） to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology， thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups （4-， 5-， 6-， 7-， 8-year-old groups）， 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu （GV 16） to the first underlying bony barrier （such as the lower edge of the occipital bone， the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra） were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section （0° ± 35°） and the sagittal section （40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal）. The correlation between the measured distance， age， and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections， the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu （GV 16） at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section， the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range， whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°； at measurement angles of 30° to 35°， the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu （GV 16） in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group （P＜0.05）. In the sagittal section， the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu （GV 16） was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group， and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°； it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu （GV 16） to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling， finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence， which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu （GV 16） in pediatric clinical practice.

Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of Rehmannia glutinosa by various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel, MCI gel CHP-20, ODS, Toyopearl HW-40C, combined with TLC and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by modern spectroscopy techniques (NMR, MS, UV, IR), and identified as neomartynoside A (1), osmanthuside B₆ (2), martynoside (3), isomartynoside (4), (E)-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (5), caffeic acid (6), ferulic acid (7), and methyl caffeate (8). Compound 1 is a new phenylethanol glycoside, which was identified as neomartynoside A. Compound 2 was isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa for the first time. In addition, compounds 2, 6 and 7 significantly increased relative glucose consumption, showing potential hypoglycemic activity.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huangqi Gegentang （HGT） in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） through the application of proteomic techniques. MethodsThe rat model of T2DM was established by streptozotocin combined with a high-fat， high-sugar diet. Thirty-two male SD rats were randomized into four groups： blank， model， HGT （8.10 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and positive control （metformin hydrochloride， 76.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. After 6 weeks of drug intervention， the fasting blood glucose level was measured， and an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed. The area under the curve （AUC） was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to assess the level of glycated hemoglobin （GHbA1c） in the serum. The limulus amebocyte lysate assay was employed to measure the serum level of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. Pathological changes in the colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-6， and IL-1β in the colon tissue were quantified via Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Additionally， the protein and mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1）， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the colon tissue were assessed by Western blot and Real-time PCR， respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomics was employed to identify the differentially expressed proteins between the colon tissue samples from the blank， model， and HGT groups. Key proteins identified were subsequently validated by Western blot and Real-time PCR. Finally， bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group exhibited increased fasting blood glucose， AUC， and GHbA1c levels （P<0.01）， damaged colonic mucosal epithelial structure and inflammatory cell infiltration， up-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the colon and an increase in serum LPS content （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the colon （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the HGT group showed reductions in fasting blood glucose， AUC， and GHbA1c （P<0.01）， alleviated damage to the colonic mucosal epithelium， down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the colon， a reduction in serum LPS content （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the colon （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Proteomics analysis identified 70 differentially expressed proteins that exhibited a downward trend in the model group relative to the blank group and an upward trend in the HGT group relative to the model group. These findings were corroborated by Western blot and Real-time PCR， which confirmed that the protein and mRNA levels of mucin 2 （Muc2） and transforming growth factor （TGF）-beta receptor 1 （Tgfbr1） in the colon tissue were consistent with the proteomic data. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these 70 differentially expressed proteins identified were significantly enriched in multiple signaling pathways， among which the TGF-β and advanced glycation endproduct （AGE）/receptor for advanced glycation endproduct （RAGE） signaling pathways were closely associated with damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. This suggests that HGT may ameliorate intestinal mucosal barrier damage by regulating these pathways. ConclusionHGT potentially exerts anti-T2DM effects by influencing AGE/RAGE and TGF-β signaling pathways， thereby contributing to the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.