ObjectiveTo investigate the imaging features of calcium salt deposition and serological markers in patients with alveolar echinococcosis through a retrospective analysis， as well as independent risk factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition in lesions， and to provide a basis for assessing disease process. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the imaging and clinical data of 107 patients with alveolar echinococcosis who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from December 2023 to June 2025， and according to the volume of calcium salt deposition， they were divided into non-deposition group with 16 patients， mild deposition group with 52 patients， moderate deposition group with 16 patients， and severe deposition group with 23 patients. A one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups， and the χ² test or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The four groups were further combined into the low deposition group （no/mild deposition） and the high deposition group （moderate/severe deposition）. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition， and a predictive model was established. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to assess the predictive performance of the model， and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation. ResultsThere were significant differences between the four groups in sex distribution， involvement of other sites， white blood cell count， lymphocyte percentage， fibrinogen， uric acid， sodium ion， chloride ion， and calcium ion （all P<0.05）. The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the four groups in sex， involvement of other sites， white blood cell count， lymphocyte percentage， fibrinogen， alanine aminotransferase， albumin， creatinine， uric acid， sodium ion， chloride ion， and calcium ion （all P<0.1）. The multi-collinearity diagnosis showed that the VIF values for all continuous variables ranged from 1.104 to 1.760， suggesting that collinearity did not affect modeling. An ordinal logistic regression model was established based on sex， involvement of other sites， calcium ion， lymphocyte percentage， and uric acid. The multivariate analysis showed that lymphocyte percentage （odds ratio ［OR］=1.106， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.041 — 1.174， P=0.001） and blood calcium level （OR=0.005， 95%CI： 0.000 —0.230， P=0.007） were independent influencing factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition. The regression equation was established as Logit（P）=8.231 + 0.100 × lymphocyte percentage -5.344 × calcium ion. The ROC curve analysis showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.716， with a Youden index of 0.353， a sensitivity of 1.000， and a specificity of 0.353. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model had poor calibration （χ²=20.688， P=0.008）. The Bootstrap method with 1000 repeated samples showed that the estimated values of lymphocyte percentage （OR=1.106， 95%CI： 1.049 — 1.186， P=0.002） and calcium ion （OR=0.005， 95%CI： 0.000 — 0.214， P=0.010） were consistent with the original model， and the confidence intervals did not include 1， which further supported the reliability of the model. ConclusionBoth lymphocyte percentage and blood calcium level are independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis， and the degree of calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis lesions increases with the reduction in blood calcium level and the increase in lymphocyte percentage.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor that recognizes multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. It is a cytoplasmic immune factor that responds to cellular stress signals, and it is usually activated after infection or inflammation, forming an NLRP3 inflammasome to protect the body. Aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation is reportedly associated with some inflammatory diseases and metabolic diseases. Recently, there have been mounting indications that NLRP3 inflammasomes play an important role in liver injuries caused by a variety of diseases, specifically hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, hepatitis, and liver failure. Herein, we summarize new research pertaining to NLRP3 inflammasomes in hepatic injury, hepatitis, and liver failure. The review addresses the potential mechanisms of action of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and its regulation in these liver diseases.
Humans ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/physiology* ; Animals ; Liver Diseases/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rules of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng by using data mining and knowledge graph technology. METHODS: Taking the medical cases of moxibustion for low back pain from ZHOU Meisheng's legacy manuscripts and existing works as the research objects, information on disease types, symptoms, tongue manifestations, pulse conditions, syndrome patterns, moxibustion methods and acupoints were collected. Frequency statistics and community analysis were conducted by the ancient and modern medical record cloud platform V 2.3.7, cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS26.0, association rule analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS Modeler 18.0, and the generated linked data were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 for complex network analysis. Knowledge graph of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng was constructed based on the results of data mining. The data storage and display of knowledge graph were realized through the Neo4j 3.5.25 graph database, and the Cypher query language was used for knowledge graph retrieval and discovery. RESULTS: A total of 219 medical cases were collected, involving 14 disease types, 85 related clinical symptoms, 5 related TCM syndrome types, and 6 moxibustion methods. The acupoints were mostly attributed to the governor vessel, the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, non-meridian and non-acupoint areas. The core prescription of acupoints derived from complex network analysis included tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34), which were largely coincides with high-frequency acupoints. Cluster analysis obtained 4 cluster combinations. Community analysis yielded 6 communities, each corresponding to different acupoints.The constructed knowledge graph contained 187 nodes and 696 relationships, by retrieving clinical elements related to low back pain, the disease-moxibustion association graph, disease-acupoint association graph, accompanying symptom-acupoint association graph and syndrome type-matching point association graph were obtained. CONCLUSION When treating low back pain with moxibustion, ZHOU Meisheng adopts the principle of promoting circulation, distinguishing diseases to determine the treatment, selecting acupoints according to the diseases, and matching points according to the symptoms.And taking tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34) as core acupoints, combined with tenderness point selection, acupoint selection based on meridian and zangfu syndrome differentiation, "sunshine area" acupoint selection, yin-yang acupoint matching. Additionally, he skillfully employs special points, such as Zhongzhu (KI15) and ear tips, pays attention to the reform of moxibustion tools, and innovates the moxibustion techniques, using distinctive moxibustion tools and methods to treat low back pain.
Moxibustion/methods* ; Humans ; Data Mining ; Low Back Pain/history* ; Acupuncture Points ; History, Ancient ; Female ; China ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice. We demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, we investigated alternative splicing events and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation. In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, we identified lomitapide as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound exists in various fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have indicated that luteolin has variety pharmacological effects, including a wide range of antidepressant properties. Here, we systematically review the preclinical studies and limited clinical evidence on the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of luteolin to fully explore its antidepressant power. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses contribute to a better understanding of the preclinical models of depression and antidepressant properties of luteolin. Seventeen preclinical studies were included that combined network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to clarify the antidepressant mechanism of luteolin and its antidepressant targets. The antidepressant effects of luteolin may involve promoting intracellular noradrenaline (NE) uptake; inhibiting 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake; upregulating the expression of synaptophysin, postsynaptic density protein 95, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, B cell lymphoma protein-2, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase; and decreasing the expression of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, and amyloid-beta peptides. The antidepressant effects of luteolin are mediated by various mechanisms, including anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress, dopamine transport, synaptic protection, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation, and 5-HT metabolism. Additionally, we identified insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as potential targets, luteolin has an ideal affinity for these targets, suggesting that it may play a positive role in depression through multiple targets, mechanisms, and pathways. However, the clinical efficacy of luteolin and its potential direct targets must be confirmed in further multicenter clinical case-control and molecular targeting studies.

Tumor microenvironment(TME)is the cellular environment for tumor development,growth,and metastasis.Adenosine(ADO)is an immunosuppressive metabolic product that is continuously upregulated in TME,with various types and wide distribution of receptors.The complex and dynamic interactions between ADO and tumor cells constantly influence tumor progression.ADO can di-rectly or indirectly promote tumor development and progression by promoting tumor generation and metastasis,mediating the immune escape of tumor,and modulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells.Based on the characteristics of ADOs in TME,this article reviews the latest advances in the dynamic alterations of ADO in TME,in order to provide insights into tumor treatment targeting the ADO pathway.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Sanhua essential oil inhalation as aromatherapy in patients with breast cancer-related depression.MethodsIn total, 144 patients with breast cancer-related depression who underwent postoperative chemotherapy were recruited. The participants in the control group (n = 52) were offered a placebo (sunflower oil) daily, whereas those in the essential oil group (n = 52) were administered Sanhua essential oil. This study evaluated depression improvement, Hamilton Depression Scale score, scores of symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and signal changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsDepression improved by 48.1% and 21.2% in the essential oil and control groups, respectively (P = .010). The Hamilton Depression Scale score (P = .017), scores for symptoms in TCM (P = .002), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the acute and delayed phases were lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (nausea in the acute phase, P = .017; nausea in the delayed phase, P = .039; vomiting in the acute phase, P = .008; vomiting in the delayed phase, P = .081). The Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score was lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (P = .005). Significant differences existed between the two groups in the left superior parietal gyrus, right precuneus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus according to functional connectivity on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionInhalation of Sanhua essential oil alleviated depression in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, improved sleep quality, relieved TCM symptoms, reduced nausea and vomiting, and regulated activities in the brain regions.

Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound exists in various fruits and vegetables.Recent studies have indicated that luteolin has variety pharmacological effects,including a wide range of antidepressant properties.Here,we systematically review the preclinical studies and limited clinical evidence on the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of luteolin to fully explore its antidepressant power.Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses contribute to a better understanding of the preclinical models of depression and antidepressant properties of luteolin.Seventeen preclinical studies were included that combined network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to clarify the antide-pressant mechanism of luteolin and its antidepressant targets.The antidepressant effects of luteolin may involve promoting intracellular noradrenaline(NE)uptake;inhibiting 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)re-uptake;upregulating the expression of synaptophysin,postsynaptic density protein 95,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,B cell lymphoma protein-2,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione S-transferase;and decreasing the expression of malondialdehyde,caspase-3,and amyloid-beta peptides.The antide-pressant effects of luteolin are mediated by various mechanisms,including anti-oxidative stress,anti-apoptosis,anti-inflammation,anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress,dopamine transport,synaptic protec-tion,hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation,and 5-HT metabolism.Additionally,we identified insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF1R),AKT serine/threonine kinase 1(AKT1),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),estrogen receptor alpha(ESR1),and epidermal growth factor recep-tor(EGFR)as potential targets,luteolin has an ideal affinity for these targets,suggesting that it may play a positive role in depression through multiple targets,mechanisms,and pathways.However,the clinical efficacy of luteolin and its potential direct targets must be confirmed in further multicenter clinical case-control and molecular targeting studies.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of"near peer learning"(NPL)in the electromyo-graphy(EMG)teaching module for neurology residents.Methods The Department of Neurology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital implemented an NPL instructional design for a course on EMG for residents from November 2020 to March 2024.This teaching session was held annually,in which senior residents in-structed juniors who were 1 or 2 years earlier in their training.The residents participated in the pre-course/post-course tests and completed a feedback survey at the end of the session.This evaluation method was used to un-derstand the effectiveness of the NPL intervention in EMG teaching.Results Over four years,a total of 83 residents participated.Among them,there were 24 postdoctoral students,52 postgraduates and 7 junior resi-dents.The results showed that the post-course test scores were significantly improved compared with pre-course test scores(74.33±2.43 vs.70.11±2.49,P=0.005),with the most remarkable improvements seen for"tu-tees"(73.84±20.53 vs.70.29±21.46,P=0.020),postgraduates(74.04±22.51 vs.68.97±21.40,P=0.009),first-year residents(70.19±4.02 vs.63.59±3.59,P=0.040)and first-time participating resi-dents(65.23±3.24 vs.60.97±3.21,P=0.030).The post-program feedback showed that both tutors and tu-tees thought highly of NPL,believing that it enabled them to gain knowledge and helped them to improve teaching skills.Conclusions The NPL intervention is suitable for the teaching of EMG,because of its contri-bution to knowledge acquisition and basic clinical skills improvement.The NPL is worth replicating in other teaching and learning programs.