OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder （QDP） on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group （normal saline）， model group （normal saline）， dexamethasone group （2 mg/kg）， and QDP low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （200， 400， 800 mg/kg）， with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process， mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication， the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） of the mice was observed and counted； the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed； the levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， nitric oxide （NO）， total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） in the lung tissue of the mice were determined， and the level of interleukin-17 （IL-17） in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the total cell count， neutrophil count， lymphocyte count， and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue， and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）； the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize， with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway， nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， ferroptosis signaling pathway， and others. Further validation revealed that， compared with the model group， the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20， as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α， were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups （ P ＜0.05）. Conversely， the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） and heme oxygenase 1 （HO-1） were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway， activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway， regulating oxidative stress， and reducing inflammatory responses.

Background and aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is a common chronic condition that can lead to cancer due to its complex pathogenesis.Therapeutic agents targeting AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)activation have been suggested as potential treatments for metabolic disorders such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH).Rhizoma Atractylodis Mac-rocephalae(RAM)has been clinically used to treat obesity-related health problems,but its therapeutic effects on MAFLD and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.Therefore,this study was conducted to evaluate the function and underlying mechanism of RAM in the treatment of MAFLD.Methods:The effect of RAM decoction on MAFLD was evaluated using a high-fat diet(HFD)-induced MAFLD mouse model.In vitro studies were conducted using a palmitic acid/oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation model in the alpha mouse liver 12 cells and RAM-containing serum.The underlying mechanisms were elucidated through a combination of network pharmacology analysis,immunohis-tochemistry,western blotting,and polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results:Administration of RAM decoction significantly reduced body weight gain in MAFLD mice without changing food intake.The weights of the liver and inguinal adipose tissues were also reduced after RAM treatment.Additionally,RAM administration decreased serum levels of alanine aminotrans-ferase,aspartate transaminase,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and glucose,while reducing lipid droplet accumulation in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice.The underlying mechanisms included the activation of the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC),and inhibition of the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1(SREBP1).However,RAM did not alter the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α.Furthermore,the RAM-induced upregulation of phosphorylated AMPK,phos-phorylated ACC,and SREBP1 expression,as well as the downregulation of fatty acid synthase expression,were reversed by using an AMPK inhibitor.Conclusions:Through a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation,we demonstrated that RAM may exert therapeutic effects on MAFLD by inhibiting lipid synthesis and activating phosphorylated AMPK pathways.

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision surgical stabilization of rib fractures(SSRF)in the treatment of multiple rib fractures.Methods A retrospective comparison was carried out on clinical data of 73 patients who underwent multiple rib fractures surgery in our hospital from August 2023 to November 2024.Among them,31 patients underwent single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision SSRF(thoracoscopic group),while 42 patients underwent traditional open SSRF by using small incision muscle-preserving technique(open group).The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative blood loss,operation time,total chest tube drainage volume,pain relief time,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative complications,incision healing grade,and stability of internal fixation.Results Both groups successfully completed the surgery and were discharged.Compared to the open group,the thoracoscopic group had less intraoperative blood loss[(67.9±26.7)ml vs.(96.1±38.3)ml,t=-3.508,P=0.001],shorter pain relief time[(59.5±12.7)h vs.(67.9±13.9)h,t=-2.647,P=0.010],shorter postoperative hospital stay[(9.0±2.2)d vs.(10.3±2.5)d,t=-2.332,P=0.023],and better incision healing grade(Z=-2.867,P=0.004).The open group was superior to the thoracoscopic group in terms of operation time[(82.7±20.4)min vs.(116.6±30.6)min,t=5.350,P=0.000],total drainage volume of the chest tube[(417.5±116.5)ml vs.(575.2±191.4)ml,t=4.064,P=0.000],and incidence of encapsulated pleural effusion(2.4%vs.22.6%,χ2=5.532,P=0.019).There was no significant difference in the incidence of atelectasis and pulmonary infection between the two groups(P>0.05).All the patients were followed up for3-12 months after surgery,with an average of 6 months.They all recovered their ability to work within 3 months after surgery,with no obvious symptoms such as chest pain or tightness,no chest collapse or deformity,and no displacement or detachment of internal fixation devices.Conclusion Single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision SSRF is safe and feasible,and is especially suitable for posterior rib fractures that are difficult to expose and covered by the scapula or deep paraspinal rib fractures of the erector spinae muscle.

Objective:To identify and synthesize the best available evidence for the prevention and management of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative patients with gastric cancer.Methods:Following the hierarchical structure of the "6S Evidence Resource Pyramid" model, evidence was systematically retrieved from evidence-based databases, clinical guidelines and professional societies' websites, and comprehensive literature databases. Studies related to the prevention and management of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative gastric cancer patients were screened. Two researchers, both trained in evidence-based nursing, independently conducted quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and integration. The search covered literature published from database inception to February 25, 2025.Results:A total of 23 studies were included, comprising 2 clinical guidelines, 1 evidence summary, 2 systematic reviews, 4 expert consensuses, 9 randomized controlled trials, 1 quasi-experimental study, 1 cohort study, 2 analytical cross-sectional studies, and 1 case-control study. Based on 6 key aspects (including preparation by Medical staff before surgery, postoperative patient assessment, formulation of feeding, rehabilitation exercises, traditional Chinese medicine interventions, and management of enteral nutrition intolerance), a total of 26 best evidence recommendations were summarized.Conclusions:The evidence summarized in this study provides an evidence-based foundation for clinical medical staff, contributing to the reduction of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative patients with gastric cancer.

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision surgical stabilization of rib fractures(SSRF)in the treatment of multiple rib fractures.Methods A retrospective comparison was carried out on clinical data of 73 patients who underwent multiple rib fractures surgery in our hospital from August 2023 to November 2024.Among them,31 patients underwent single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision SSRF(thoracoscopic group),while 42 patients underwent traditional open SSRF by using small incision muscle-preserving technique(open group).The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative blood loss,operation time,total chest tube drainage volume,pain relief time,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative complications,incision healing grade,and stability of internal fixation.Results Both groups successfully completed the surgery and were discharged.Compared to the open group,the thoracoscopic group had less intraoperative blood loss[(67.9±26.7)ml vs.(96.1±38.3)ml,t=-3.508,P=0.001],shorter pain relief time[(59.5±12.7)h vs.(67.9±13.9)h,t=-2.647,P=0.010],shorter postoperative hospital stay[(9.0±2.2)d vs.(10.3±2.5)d,t=-2.332,P=0.023],and better incision healing grade(Z=-2.867,P=0.004).The open group was superior to the thoracoscopic group in terms of operation time[(82.7±20.4)min vs.(116.6±30.6)min,t=5.350,P=0.000],total drainage volume of the chest tube[(417.5±116.5)ml vs.(575.2±191.4)ml,t=4.064,P=0.000],and incidence of encapsulated pleural effusion(2.4%vs.22.6%,χ2=5.532,P=0.019).There was no significant difference in the incidence of atelectasis and pulmonary infection between the two groups(P>0.05).All the patients were followed up for3-12 months after surgery,with an average of 6 months.They all recovered their ability to work within 3 months after surgery,with no obvious symptoms such as chest pain or tightness,no chest collapse or deformity,and no displacement or detachment of internal fixation devices.Conclusion Single-port thoracoscopy combined with small incision SSRF is safe and feasible,and is especially suitable for posterior rib fractures that are difficult to expose and covered by the scapula or deep paraspinal rib fractures of the erector spinae muscle.

Objective:To identify and synthesize the best available evidence for the prevention and management of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative patients with gastric cancer.Methods:Following the hierarchical structure of the "6S Evidence Resource Pyramid" model, evidence was systematically retrieved from evidence-based databases, clinical guidelines and professional societies' websites, and comprehensive literature databases. Studies related to the prevention and management of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative gastric cancer patients were screened. Two researchers, both trained in evidence-based nursing, independently conducted quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and integration. The search covered literature published from database inception to February 25, 2025.Results:A total of 23 studies were included, comprising 2 clinical guidelines, 1 evidence summary, 2 systematic reviews, 4 expert consensuses, 9 randomized controlled trials, 1 quasi-experimental study, 1 cohort study, 2 analytical cross-sectional studies, and 1 case-control study. Based on 6 key aspects (including preparation by Medical staff before surgery, postoperative patient assessment, formulation of feeding, rehabilitation exercises, traditional Chinese medicine interventions, and management of enteral nutrition intolerance), a total of 26 best evidence recommendations were summarized.Conclusions:The evidence summarized in this study provides an evidence-based foundation for clinical medical staff, contributing to the reduction of enteral nutrition intolerance in postoperative patients with gastric cancer.

Background and aims:Kehuang(KH)capsule is an herbal medical product approved for the treatment of liver diseases,including liver injury,in China.However,the mechanism is still unclear.This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of KH capsule against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced acute liver injury(ALI)in a murine model.Methods:Mice were randomly divided into control,model(CCl4),CCl4+KH_Low and CCl4+KH_High group.Liver enzyme levels and histological changes were assessed to evaluate liver injury.Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues were measured.Additionally,network pharmacology was employed to explore the potential mechanisms of KH capsule.Results:KH capsule significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate amino-transferase(AST)levels,as well as the necrotic area in liver tissue.KH capsule also decreased the infil-tration of macrophages and neutrophils,thereby inhibiting the expression of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),and interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β).Furthermore,KH capsule decreased liver malondialdehyde(MDA)levels and increased superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity.The number of ter-minal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)-positive cells in liver tissue was also reduced.The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)proteins was significantly elevated,while the protein expression of cyto-chrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1)was significantly reduced.Mass spectrometry identified genistein,galangin,wogonin,skullcapflavone Ⅱ,and hispidulin as potential active ingredients of KH capsule.Network pharmacology analysis revealed enrichment in the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathways.Western blot analysis confirmed that KH capsule suppressed AKT,extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK),and p38 signaling.Conclusions:These findings suggest that KH capsule could exert protective effects against CCl4-induced ALI,with the inhibition of MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways playing a crucial role in its mecha-nism of action.

ObjectiveTo explore the function of DANCR during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells （hESC） toward definitive endoderm （DE）. MethodsThe in vitro DE differentiation system was established and its efficiency was verified. The correlation between the expression level of DANCR and DE differentiation process was detected. Using lentivirus system， we stably knocked down DANCR in hESC. The shDANCR hESC line was applied to DE differentiation， using qPCR and Western blot to detect the expression of DE marker genes SOX17 and FOXA2， and that of primitive streak marker genes Brachyury （T）， EOMES， MIXL1 and GSC. Dual luciferase reporter assay and qPCR were used to confirm the interaction between DANCR and the WNT pathway during DE differentiation. ResultsThe in vitro differentiation system mimicked DE differentiation efficiently. And the expression of DANCR was gradually downregulated during differentiation. DANCR was efficiently knocked down in the shDANCR hESC line （P < 0.001）. Compared with those in the control group， the expression levels of primitive markers Brachyury （T）， EOMES， MIXL1 and GSC， as well as DE markers SOX17 and FOXA2， were significantly decreased in shDANCR groups （P < 0.05）. Furthermore， the transcriptional activity of the WNT pathway in shDANCR groups was lower than that in the control group （P < 0.05）. And RNA levels of downstream genes of the WNT pathway， FZD5， FZD8， SFRP1， FRZB and ANKRD6， were significantly decreased in shDANCR groups （P < 0.05）. However， differences in protein levels of the TGFβ pathway effectors SMAD2/3 and p-SMAD2 were statistically insignificant in shDANCR and control groups （P > 0.05）. Forced activation of β-CATENIN rescued DANCR knock down-induced deficiency in DE differentiation. ConclusionsThe expression of DANCR decreases during DE differentiation. DANCR may promote DE differentiation through modulating the activity of the WNT pathway.

Objective To evaluate the effect of pacing in different parts of the ventricle on left ven-tricular mechanical asynchrony using myocardial metabolic imaging.Methods A total of 56 elderly patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation in our hospital from January to November 2023 were recruited and randomly divided into left bundle branch pacing(LBBAP)group and right ventricular pacing(RVP)group,with 28 patients in each group.Another 28 elderly patients who did not undergo pacemaker implantation surgery were selected as the control group.Within 1 week after pacemaker implantation,18F fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG)positron emission tomo-graphy(PET)/CT myocardial metabolism imaging was performed to analyze PET myocardial metabolism images and evaluate left ventricular mechanical synchrony.Results The LVEF was significantly higher in the control group than the LBBAP group and RVP group[(67.68±9.61)％vs(62.71±11.33)％vs(57.36±16.07)％,P=0.012],but no such difference was seen between the LBBAP group and the RVAP group(P＞0.05).The LBBAP group had obviously lower pat-tern standard deviation(PSD),phase histogram bandwidth(PHBW),entropy,summed motion score(SMS),summed thickening score(STS),extent of abnormal motion(Mot Ext)and thicken-ing extent(Thk Ext)when compared with the RVP group(P＜0.01).There were no statistical significant differences in the terms of PSD,PHBW,Entropy,SMS,STS,Mot Ext,and Thk Ext between the LBBAP group and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT myo-cardial metabolic imaging can be used to evaluate left ventricular mechanical synchrony in pacing different parts of the ventricle,and LBBAP can obtain better left ventricular synchrony parame-ters than RVP,similar to the control group.

Specific tumor-targeted gene delivery remains an unsolved therapeutic issue due to aberrant vascularization in tumor microenvironment (TME). Some bacteria exhibit spontaneous chemotaxis toward the anaerobic and immune-suppressive TME, which makes them ideal natural vehicles for cancer gene therapy. Here, we conjugated ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks encapsulating eukaryotic murine interleukin 2 (Il2) expression plasmid onto the surface of VNP20009, an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain with well-documented anti-cancer activity, and constructed a TME-targeted Il2 delivery system named Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella maintained the tumor-targeting feature of bacteria, and could be effectively phagocytosed by intratumoral macrophages, thus leading to the expression and secretion of IL2 in TME. The detailed analysis of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) showed that one dose of combinatorial Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella achieved synergistic actions on a potent remodeling of TIME, marked by the activation of cytotoxic T cells and M1-polarization of macrophages in TME, thus leading to significant anti-tumor effects in melanoma, orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma, and pulmonary metastasis models. More importantly, Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella exhibited high safety to major organs and hematopoietic systems. Taken together, we report a novel plasmid/ZIF-8@Salmonella system that simultaneously achieves effective TME-targeted delivery of therapeutic gene, as well as synergistic re-activation of TIME.