Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy has been known to ameliorate the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), although its mechanism remains unclear. The paper reviews the articles on acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for FGIDs in recent 5 years, and it is revealed that acupuncture-moxibustion therapy can alleviate FGIDs symptoms through regulating gastrointestinal motility, modulating visceral hypersensitivity, improving the impaired gastric-duodenal mucosal barrier and inflammation, balancing intestinal microbiota, and adjusting the gut-brain axis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy remains unknown for FGIDs, the specific disease target is not identified, and the interaction among various molecules is not elucidated adequately. The researches in the future should employ advanced technologies and methodologies to comprehensively and deeply explore and clarify the mechanism of acupuncture- moxibustion therapy for FGIDs.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/microbiology* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Of 38 newborn rats from 4 healthy SPF pregnant rats, 12 neonatal rats were randomly selected in a normal group. IBS-D model was prepared by the combined measures for the rest rats, including neonatal maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress. Twenty-four successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each one. In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37), 20 min each time, once daily and for 7 consecutive days. Separately, before acetic acid enema (aged 35 days), after modeling (aged 45 days) and after intervention (aged 53 days), the body mass, loose stool rate (LSR) and and the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were observed in the rats of each group. After intervention (aged 53 days), using HE and PAS staining, the morphology of duodenum was observed, the length of villus and the depth of crypt were measured, the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt was calculated; and the numbers of mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells were counted. With ELISA adopted, the contents of γ-interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in duodenal mucosa of rats were detected. The proportion of T cell subsets in duodenal mucosa was detected using flow cytometry. The microvilli and tight junctions of duodenal mucosal epithelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the integrity of duodenal mucosa observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, for the rats in the model group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the proportion of CD₈⁺ T subset were all reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa decreased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were all elevated (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs rose (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was irregular, the villi got shorter, sparse and scattered, with uneven density. The morphology of epithelial cells was destroyed and the tight junctions damaged, with larger spaces. When compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa increased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset, and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were reduced (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs was dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was more regular, the villi were grew, got longer and arranged regularly, with even density. The morphology of epithelial cells was slightly destroyed, and the tight junctions partially damaged. CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) can reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats and relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. Its effect mechanism may be related to the repair of small intestinal mucosal immune barrier and the improvement in the immune function in IBS-D.
Animals ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/immunology* ; Rats ; Moxibustion ; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology* ; Female ; Diarrhea/therapy* ; Intestine, Small/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective To investigate and analyze the occupational stress levels and influencing factors among radiation workers in China, and provide a reference for alleviating occupational stress and promoting mental health. Methods Using the general situation questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and radiation protection knowledge questionnaire, a convenience sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 243 radiation workers in Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The average score of Effort-Reward Imbalance was 0.97 ± 0.22, and 100 (41.15%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers of different ages, working years in radiation positions, monthly incomes, daily sleep durations, and daily working hours (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified daily working hours as a factor contributing to occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress among radiation workers in China is relatively severe. It is recommended to pay attention to the associated risks and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce the impact of occupational stress.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of tirofiban in the treatment of branch atheromatous disease(BAD)in elderly patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 215 elderly BAD patients admitted to our department from June 2021 to June 2023.According to their treatment,they were divided into tirofiban group 1(55 cases)and control group 1(160 ca-ses).Using propensity score matching in a ratio of 1∶1 algorithm for adjustment,the differences in baseline features between the two groups were eliminated,and there were finally 53 cases in the tirofiban group 2 and 53 cases in the control group 2 after matching.The NIHSS scores before treatment and at 24 h and 7 d after treatment were collected.All of them were followed up for 90 d,and modified Rankin scale(mRS)was applied to evaluate the prognosis.Results The tirofiban group 1 had significantly lower NIHSS score at 24 h and 7 d after treatment and shorter length of hospital stay than the control group 1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),so were in the tirofiban group 2 than the control group[3(1,4)vs 3(2,6),1(0,3)vs 1(1,4),8(6,10)d vs 9(8,11)d,P＜0.05].The proportion of mRS score ≤1 was obviously larger in the tirofiban group 1 than the control group 1(P＜0.01).The tirofiban group 2 obtained notably larger proportions of mRS score≤1 and≤2(71.7％vs 43.4％,P=0.003;79.2％vs 60.4％,P=0.034),and smaller proportion of mRS≥4(5.7％vs 20.8％,P=0.045)when compared with the control group 2.Logistic regression analysis indicated that in the patients without diabetes and those non-smoking,tirofiban was associated with increased good outcomes(OR=0.266,95％CI:0.090-0.788,P=0.017;OR=0.341,95％CI:0.107-0.931,P=0.046).Conclusion Tirofiban may effectively improve the clinical outcomes in the elderly BAD patients.But further randomized controlled trials are needed for verification.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF)in the tumor microenvironment regulate key pathways in prostate cancer stem cells(PCSCs).Methods An in vitro co-culture system of CAF and PCSC was established to observe the effects of CAF on PCSC proliferation and sphere formation.Prostate cancer stem cells were treated with CAF conditioned medium pre-treated with Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 and SDF-1 neutralizing anti-body(MAB310).Western blot was used to detect the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,CD133 and CD44 in PCSCs.And PCR was used to detect the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,TCF,and LEF mRNA.TOPflash/FOPflash dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to detect the effects of SDF-1 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity in PCSCs.Results ELISA results showed that the secretion of Wnt3a and SDF-1 in CAF supernatant was significantly higher than that in WPMY-1 cells(P＜0.05).The A value of PCSCs co-cultured with CAF at a 1∶6 ratio was significantly higher than that of the PCSC-only group(P＜0.0 1),and CAF promoted sphere formation in PCSCs(P＜0.05).Western blot results showed that CAF-CM significantly increased the relative expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,CD133 and CD44 in PCSCs(P＜0.01).Compared to CAF-CM,CAFanti-Wnt-CM significantly reduced the expression of β-catenin,CD133 and CD44(P＜0.01).CAFanti-SDF-1-CM also significantly inhibited the expression of CXCR4,β-catenin,CD133 and CD44(P＜0.01).PCR results showed that CAFanti-SDF-1-CM inhibited the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4 and downstream Wnt signaling effectors TCF and LEF(P＜0.01).Dual-luciferase reporter assay results showed that luciferase activity in the CAFanti-SDF-1-CM group was significantly lower than that in the CAF-CM group(P＜0.05).Conclusion CAF reg-ulates the stemness of PCSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathways.CXCR4 may enhance the mainte-nance of stemness by activating β-catenin.

Objective: To analyze the current status of clinical trial registration for childhood and adolescent obesity, so as to provide insights for the registration and implementation of related trials. Methods: ClinicalTrials.gov and the ChiCTR database were searched for obesity related clinical trial registrations up to 1 June 2025. Data included basic characteristics (registration region, date, funding source, status, sample size), trial design features, participant demographics, interventions, outcome measures, methodology, and reporting quality. Statistical and descriptive analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 1 450 registered studies were included, covering 59 regions globally. North America hosted the highest number of registrations (876, 60.41%), with the United States accounting for the largest share (771, 53.17%). The earliest registered study dated to 1985, while 2016 saw the highest annual registrations ( n =87). Funding sources predominantly originated from universities (834 studies, 57.52%). Currently, completed trials accounted for the majority (1 003 trials, 69.17%). Globally, the majority of studies employed sample sizes within the 11-50 range (331 studies, 22.83%). Interventional studies predominated in design type (1 186, 81.79%), predominantly employing randomized parallel group controlled trials. Main interventions included comprehensive lifestyle interventions, physical activity and exercise interventions, and diet and nutrition interventions. High frequency outcome indicators primarily involved body composition and anthropometric measurements, metabolic and biochemical indicators, etc. Methodology and reporting quality required improvement. Conclusions The registration of clinical trials related to childhood and adolescent obesity globally shows a positive development trend, but issues of regional imbalance and methodological limitations exist. It is necessary to strengthen clinical trial registration norms, optimize study designs, and focus on the innovation of interventions and the systematicity of outcome indicators.

Objective To explore the clinical safety of plasma exchange(PE)combined with early continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)and its effects on coagulation and immune functions in patients with polytrauma and hypermyoglobinemia.Methods A non-randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 patients with severe polytrauma and myoglobinemia hospitalized in our department from January 2021 to December 2024.Based on different blood purification,the patients were divided a control group(CRRT)combined with conventional basic treatment,n=30)and an observation group(PE+CRRT and conventional basic treatment,n=30).Biochemical indicators(myoglobin,Mb),inflammation-related indicators,peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets,coagulation indicators,clinical-related indicators,and scores were observed and compared between the 2 groups before and after treatment.Results After 1,2 and 3 d of treatment,the levels of Mb,creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme(CK-MB),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),K+,C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),IL-6 and D-dimer(D-D),and white blood cell(WBC)count were significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.05).Among them,the observation group obtained obviously lower levels of all above indicators than the control group at the 3 time points(P<0.05).Additionally,notably shorter average length of total hospital stay,shorter average length of trauma intensive care unit stay,and lower score of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)was observed in the observation group than the control group(P<0.05).There were no statistical differences in coagulation function indicators or T lymphocyte subsets between the 2 groups.No complications occurred.Conclusion For patients with polytrauma and hypermyoglobinemia,early application of PE+CRRT can effectively reduce serum myoglobin level,improve serum biochemical inicators,renal function and inflammatory status,and maintain homeostasis,but shows no effect on immune or coagulation functions.This approach is worthy of promoting in clinical practice.

Objective:To compare the prognostic performance of six trauma scoring systems—Injury Severity Score (ISS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health EvaluationⅡ (APACHE Ⅱ), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Prehospital Index (PHI), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and the Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, Speech (CRAMS) score—in predicting 28-day mortality among patients with severe trauma in Southwest China.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 479 patients with severe trauma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between January 2018 and October 2023. Inclusion criteria were: ① age ≥16 years; ② Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16; ③ admission within 24 hours post-injury. Exclusion criteria included: ① severe underlying chronic conditions; ② burns or electrical injuries; ③ incomplete clinical data. Based on 28-day outcomes, patients were stratified into a survival group ( n=424) and a death group ( n=55). All patients received standardized resuscitation and damage control interventions. Prehospital scores (PHI, RTS, CRAMS) were recorded at admission. In-hospital scores (ISS, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA) were calculated using the worst physiological parameters within the first 24 hours. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for group comparisons. Discriminative ability was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), with pairwise comparisons using DeLong's test. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate net clinical benefit. Results:The RTS and CRAMS scores were significantly higher in the survival group, whereas ISS, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA, and PHI scores were significantly lower in the death group (all P<0.05). The AUC values for predicting 28-day mortality, in descending order, were: APACHE Ⅱ (0.917), RTS (0.897), SOFA (0.873), PHI (0.848), CRAMS (0.831), and ISS (0.708). No significant difference in AUC was found between APACHE Ⅱ and RTS ( P=0.325). DCA showed that across most decision thresholds, both APACHE Ⅱ and RTS provided greater net clinical benefit than "treat-all" or "treat-none" strategies and other scores. Conclusions:Among the six scoring systems, APACHE Ⅱ demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy for 28-day mortality in severe trauma patients, though its efficacy was comparable to RTS. DCA confirmed their superior clinical utility. A two-phase assessment strategy—using prehospital RTS for rapid triage followed by in-hospital APACHE Ⅱ for dynamic monitoring—is recommended to optimize clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in Southwest China.

Time rhythm and the immune system play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)believes that the circulation of qi and blood in lung meridian follows the principle of"yang during the day,yin at night",which has a defensive function to protect the body from external pathogens.Qi stagnation in lung meridian and impaired qi and blood circulation can lead to the invasion of external pathogens,exacerbating allergic reactions,especially during the active period of the lung meridian,when the immune system is most sensitive to allergens.Based on this,this paper proposes the concept of"bidirectional regulation among meridian,time rhythm,and immune system",and in combination with TCM theory of midnight-noon and ebb-flow doctrine,analyzes the fluctuations of allergic rhinitis symptoms and the temporal changes of meridian qi and blood,and reveals the rhythmic relationship between meridian activity and immune response.This paper combines existing clinical and experimental studies to support this hypothesis,integrating the time dimension into traditional TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment,offering a more individualized treatment approach.This concept not only provides novel scientific evidence for TCM treatment of allergic rhinitis,but also offers theoretical support for optimizing treatment timing and intervention strategies.