ObjectiveTo systematically synthesize the illness experiences and unmet needs of patients with stroke during the rehabilitation phase. MethodsQualitative studies focusing on the illness experiences and needs of stroke patients in the rehabilitation period were retrieved from the databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang data and VIP. The search timeframe was from database inception to December, 2024. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A meta-synthesis method was adopted to categorize and integrate the findings. ResultsA total of ten studies were included. Forty-nine themes were extracted and further grouped into ten categories, which were finally integrated into three overarching themes: negative illness perceptions, multifaceted rehabilitation motivations and unmet multidimensional needs. ConclusionPatients with stroke undergo complex physical and psychological experiences during rehabilitation and present diverse and multidimensional needs.

ObjectiveTo systematically synthesize the illness experiences and unmet needs of patients with stroke during the rehabilitation phase. MethodsQualitative studies focusing on the illness experiences and needs of stroke patients in the rehabilitation period were retrieved from the databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang data and VIP. The search timeframe was from database inception to December, 2024. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A meta-synthesis method was adopted to categorize and integrate the findings. ResultsA total of ten studies were included. Forty-nine themes were extracted and further grouped into ten categories, which were finally integrated into three overarching themes: negative illness perceptions, multifaceted rehabilitation motivations and unmet multidimensional needs. ConclusionPatients with stroke undergo complex physical and psychological experiences during rehabilitation and present diverse and multidimensional needs.

ObjectiveTo systematically synthesize the illness experiences and unmet needs of patients with stroke during the rehabilitation phase. MethodsQualitative studies focusing on the illness experiences and needs of stroke patients in the rehabilitation period were retrieved from the databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang data and VIP. The search timeframe was from database inception to December, 2024. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A meta-synthesis method was adopted to categorize and integrate the findings. ResultsA total of ten studies were included. Forty-nine themes were extracted and further grouped into ten categories, which were finally integrated into three overarching themes: negative illness perceptions, multifaceted rehabilitation motivations and unmet multidimensional needs. ConclusionPatients with stroke undergo complex physical and psychological experiences during rehabilitation and present diverse and multidimensional needs.

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.

Objective To observe the effect of mild moxibustion at"Qihai","Guanyuan"and"Zhongji"on GnRH and its receptor in rats with gynecological cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome(CCBS);To explore the mechanism of moxibustion on reproductive function of gynecological CCBS.Methods Totally 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,moxibustion group,inhibitor group,inhibitor+moxibustion group and angonist group,with 8 rats in each group.The gynecological CCBS model was prepared by ice bath and adrenalin injection.GnRHant or GnRHa injection and mild moxibustion intervention were given to each treatment group.The score of CCBS symptoms and the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus were detected,the morphology of ovarian tissue and uterine tissue were observed by HE staining,serum reproductive hormones(GnRH,FSH,LH)and neurotransmitters(DA,GABA)contents were detected by ELISA,the expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR mRNA and protein in ovarian and uterine tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the symptom score of CCBS in model group was significantly increased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus was decreased,the ovarian follicles were decreased,and the endometrial epithelium was thinner and the structure was chaotic,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA decreased,DA content increased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the symptom score of CCBS in each intervention group were significantly decreased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus increased,ovarian follicles increased,endometrium thickened and glands increased,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA increased,DA content decreased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Moxibustion can regulate GnRH and its receptor and improve HPO axis function by regulating neurotransmitters,so as to improve the general state and reproductive function of gynecological CCBS model rats.

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the combined ac-tion of high-fat diet-induced obesity and the aflatoxin B1(AFB1)on hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.Thirty-six rats of similar weight and 4 weeks old were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 9 rats in each group:the blank control group(basal diet),the AFB1 group(0.4 mg/kg AFB1+basal diet),the HFD group(high-fat diet),and the HFD+AFB1 group(high-fat diet+0.4 mg/kg AFB1).Histological changes and lipid deposition were observed via hematox-ylin-eosin(HE)staining and Oil Red O staining.Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation-relat-ed factors were measured using commercial assay kits.The relative protein expression levels of factors involved in the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway were assessed by Western blot analysis.The HE staining results showed that in the AFB1 group,the liver cells exhibited widespread watery de-generation,with shrunk and ruptured nuclei,inflammatory cells infiltration,and increased fibrosis.In the HFD group,liver cell fatty degeneration was observed,with cytoplasmic lipid droplet infil-tration.In the portal area,liver fibrosis was seen,with liver cell necrosis and inflammatory cell in-filtration in the fibrotic area,accompanied by lipofuscous granules.When HFD was applied to the AFB1 group,the abnormal state of liver interstitial and interstitial spaces was further aggravated,and a large number of lipid droplets appeared.The Oil Red O staining results showed that there were large numbers of dark red lipid droplets in the liver tissue of the HFD group,which were fused in strands.In the AFB1 group,lipid droplets could also be observed in the liver tissue of rats,but the number and degree were significantly less than those in the HFD group.The number and degree of red lipid droplets in the liver tissue of rats in the HFD+AFB1 group were higher than those in the AFB1 group and the HFD group.HFD exacerbated AFB1-induced oxidative stress by elevating ROS,MDA levels,and decreasing the expression of antioxidant stress factors such as CAT,SOD,Nrf2,HO-1,NQO1,and GCLC.Furthermore,the combined effect of HFD and AFB1 further significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2,IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in the body.In summary,HFD treatment significantly exacerbated liver oxidative stress and in-flammatory responses in rats exposed to AFB1 through the Nrf2-keap1 signaling pathway.

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the combined ac-tion of high-fat diet-induced obesity and the aflatoxin B1(AFB1)on hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.Thirty-six rats of similar weight and 4 weeks old were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 9 rats in each group:the blank control group(basal diet),the AFB1 group(0.4 mg/kg AFB1+basal diet),the HFD group(high-fat diet),and the HFD+AFB1 group(high-fat diet+0.4 mg/kg AFB1).Histological changes and lipid deposition were observed via hematox-ylin-eosin(HE)staining and Oil Red O staining.Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation-relat-ed factors were measured using commercial assay kits.The relative protein expression levels of factors involved in the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway were assessed by Western blot analysis.The HE staining results showed that in the AFB1 group,the liver cells exhibited widespread watery de-generation,with shrunk and ruptured nuclei,inflammatory cells infiltration,and increased fibrosis.In the HFD group,liver cell fatty degeneration was observed,with cytoplasmic lipid droplet infil-tration.In the portal area,liver fibrosis was seen,with liver cell necrosis and inflammatory cell in-filtration in the fibrotic area,accompanied by lipofuscous granules.When HFD was applied to the AFB1 group,the abnormal state of liver interstitial and interstitial spaces was further aggravated,and a large number of lipid droplets appeared.The Oil Red O staining results showed that there were large numbers of dark red lipid droplets in the liver tissue of the HFD group,which were fused in strands.In the AFB1 group,lipid droplets could also be observed in the liver tissue of rats,but the number and degree were significantly less than those in the HFD group.The number and degree of red lipid droplets in the liver tissue of rats in the HFD+AFB1 group were higher than those in the AFB1 group and the HFD group.HFD exacerbated AFB1-induced oxidative stress by elevating ROS,MDA levels,and decreasing the expression of antioxidant stress factors such as CAT,SOD,Nrf2,HO-1,NQO1,and GCLC.Furthermore,the combined effect of HFD and AFB1 further significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2,IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in the body.In summary,HFD treatment significantly exacerbated liver oxidative stress and in-flammatory responses in rats exposed to AFB1 through the Nrf2-keap1 signaling pathway.

Thyroid nodules are a common endocrine disorder with complex pathogenesis that remains incompletely understood. In recent years, studies have revealed that the gut microbiota may play a critical role in the occurrence and progression of thyroid nodules. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress on the association between gut microbiota and thyroid nodules, with a particular focus on potential mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis influences nodule formation via immune regulation, metabolic pathways, and gut barrier function. Evidence suggests that reduced gut microbial diversity, decreased abundance of specific beneficial bacteria, and an increased proportion of pro-inflammatory bacteria may contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment and metabolic disturbances associated with thyroid nodules. Furthermore, this review explores the potential of interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation in modulating gut microbiota and improving thyroid nodule outcomes. Although direct clinical evidence is currently lacking, the regulation of gut microbiota has emerged as a promising direction for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules, demonstrating significant clinical potential. Future efforts should focus on advancing basic and clinical research strategies to facilitate the translational application of findings in this field.

Thyroid nodules are a common endocrine disorder with complex pathogenesis that remains incompletely understood. In recent years, studies have revealed that the gut microbiota may play a critical role in the occurrence and progression of thyroid nodules. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress on the association between gut microbiota and thyroid nodules, with a particular focus on potential mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis influences nodule formation via immune regulation, metabolic pathways, and gut barrier function. Evidence suggests that reduced gut microbial diversity, decreased abundance of specific beneficial bacteria, and an increased proportion of pro-inflammatory bacteria may contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment and metabolic disturbances associated with thyroid nodules. Furthermore, this review explores the potential of interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation in modulating gut microbiota and improving thyroid nodule outcomes. Although direct clinical evidence is currently lacking, the regulation of gut microbiota has emerged as a promising direction for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules, demonstrating significant clinical potential. Future efforts should focus on advancing basic and clinical research strategies to facilitate the translational application of findings in this field.