ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Flap transplantation technique is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of severe tissue defects,but postoperative flap necrosis is easily triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury.Therefore,it is still an important research topic to improve the survival rate of transplanted flaps. OBJECTIVE:To review the pathogenesis and latest treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang Database and PubMed database were searched for relevant literature published from 2014 to 2024.The search terms used were"flap,ischemia-reperfusion injury,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,Ca2+overload,apoptosis,mesenchymal stem cells,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathways,shock wave,pretreatment"in Chinese and English.After elimination of irrelevant literature,poor quality and obsolete literature,77 documents were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Flap ischemia/reperfusion injury may be related to pathological factors such as inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,Ca2+overload,and apoptosis,which can cause apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,vascular damage and microcirculation disorders in the flap,and eventually lead to flap necrosis.Studies have found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathway modulators,shock waves,and pretreatment can alleviate flap ischemia/reperfusion injuries from different aspects and to varying degrees,and reduce the necrosis rate and necrosis area of the grafted flap.Although there are many therapeutic methods for skin flap ischemia/reperfusion injury,a unified and effective therapeutic method has not yet been developed in the clinic,and the advantages and disadvantages of various therapeutic methods have not yet been compared.Most of the studies remain in the stage of animal experiments,rarely involving clinical observations.Therefore,a lot of research is required in the future to gradually move from animal experiments to the clinic in order to better serve the clinic.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture （消肿止痛合剂， XZM） in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer （DFU）. MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， XZM group， inhibitor group， XZM plus inhibitor group （combination group）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， rats were fed with high-sugar， high-fat， high-cholesterol diet， intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin， and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling， the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/（100 g·d）of XZM by gavage， while the blank group， model group， and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later， the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/（kg·d） of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration， the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin （HE） staining. The microvascular density （MVD） in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog （Notch1）， Delta-like ligand 4 （Dll4）， Delta-like ligand 4 （VEGF）， and angiopoietin 2 （Ang-2）， respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group， the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization， vacuolar cytoplasm， and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue， while in the XZM group， a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis， with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group， partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group， the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group， as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased， and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the XZM group， the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue， increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels， and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats， and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue， therey promoting angiogenesis.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the long-term efficacy, safety and prognostic factors of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for narrow-margin (resection margin < 1 cm) hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during radical surgery.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The data of primary HCC patients undergoing radical surgery and narrow-margin hepatectomy IORT in the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2009 to February 2019 were collected. IORT applied 6 MeV or 9 MeV electron beams and a single irradiation was given to the margin. Kaplan-Meier method was used for the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) analysis; log-rank test was used for survival comparison among subgroups. The recurrence patterns and adverse reactions were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the factors influencing the OS and DFS.Results:A total of 64 patients were enrolled, with the median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 57 years (49, 63) years. All patients included 55 males (85.9%) and 9 females (14.1%). The median dose of IORT was 15 Gy (range: 12-17 Gy). The median follow-up time was 83.3 (64.4, 91.9) months. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 7-year, 10-year OS rates were 90.4%, 80.6%, 75.5%, 71.4% and 47.6%, respectively; the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 7-year,10-year DFS rates were 77.8%, 68.1%, 59.6%, 57.6% and 38.4%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/ml was an independent risk factor for poor OS (> 400 ng/ml vs. ≤ 400 ng/ml: HR = 6.57, 95% CI: 2.16-19.96, P < 0.001), while not the independent influencing factor of poor DFS ( HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 0.65-4.52, P = 0.277). The age ≤ 60 years or not, gender, viral hepatitis or not, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor diameter (> 5 cm or not), tumor number, degree of tumor differentiation, microvascular invasion or not, microsatellite nodules or not, anatomical liver resection or not, and the dose of IORT ≤15 Gy or not were not the independent influencing factors of poor OS and DFS (all P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier method analysis showed that patients with preoperative serum AFP ≤ 400 ng/ml (48 cases) had better OS compared with those with preoperative serum AFP>400 ng/ml (16 cases) (5-year OS rate: 84.8% vs. 44.9%; 7-year OS rate: 79.9% vs.37.4%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the DFS between the 2 groups ( P = 0.134). During the follow-up, 28 patients (43.8%) relapsed, including 17 cases (26.6%) of early recurrence and 11 cases (17.2%) of late recurrence. No marginal recurrence was observed. There were 22 cases (34.4%) of intrahepatic recurrence alone, 2 cases (3.1%) of extrahepatic recurrence and 4 cases (6.3%) of stimutaneous recurrence inside and outside the liver. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year cumulative recurrence rates inside the liver were 19.0%, 27.2%, 37.4% and 39.3% respectively, and the cumulative recurrence rates outside the liver were 6.4%, 8.0%, 9.6% and 9.6% respectively. There were no adverse reactions above grade 3 in the entire group. There were no surgery-related deaths within 30 d after the operation, and no radiation-induced liver disease occurred. Conclusions:Narrow-margin IORT helps HCC patients receiving hepatectomy to achieve favorable long-term survival and adverse reactions are tolerable. It can be used as a safe and effective adjuvant therapy alternative.

In recent years,the incidence and mortality of heatstroke have been increasing annually alongside global warming,with a marked rise in cases exhibiting atypical symptoms.To address the increasingly complex challenges in heatstroke prevention and treatment,Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment Research Center of Chinese PLA,Expert Group of Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment of Chinese PLA,and Chinese PLA Professional Committee of Critical Care Medicine have jointly developed this guideline(2025 edition).Utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation(GRADE)system,Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation(AGREE)criteria,and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare(RIGHT)standards,and based on the 2015 draft"Expert Consensus on the Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment of Heatstroke"and the 2019"Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heatstroke",this guideline has been crafted.This guideline provides 25 evidence-based recommendations to guide the prevention,treatment and research of heatstroke,which thoroughly covers 8 critical domains:clinical classification,pathophysiological mechanisms,clinical manifestations,diagnostic criteria,differential diagnosis,treatment protocols,rehabilitation and return to work,and prevention.

Objective To design an 8-channel gene analyzer to take the place of the widely used gene analyzer with problems in inconvenient consumable replacement and short storage time of electrophoresis polymer.Methods The 8-channel gene analyzer had its mechanical components composed of an automatic sample loading table,a polymer injection module,a high-voltage temperature control module,an optical module and an integrated U box,its electrical control system made up of a host computer(an embedded computer)and three slave computers(a sampling control board,a polymer injection control board and a high-voltage temperature control board).The automatic sample loading table involved in four motors and transmission systems for x,y,z directions and optical alignment,the transmission systems adopted mainly belt drive mode and the optical alignment motor had its threads with an anti-backlash structure;the polymer injuection module was manipulated by the polymer injection control board,and the polymer block was made of highly transparent acrylic material;the high-voltage temperature control module realized the regulation of electrophoresis voltage and the detection of electrophoresis current by the low-ripple precision high-voltage power supply,and controlled the temperature of the heating furnace by the proportional-integral-differential(PID)algorithm;the optical module consisted of an excitation module and a light-receiving module,which had the base of the reflector made of low expansion coefficient alloy material;the integrated U box had the electrophoresis polymer,capillary array,polymer block and anode buffer in a plastic housing;the host computer had the data acquisition software programmed with C# and C++,and the slave computers were controlled by STM32 SCM.Results The 8-channel gene analyzer had no significant differences with the widely used ABI3500 gene analyzer in resolution,precision accuracy and clinical results.Conclusion The 8-channel gene analyzer gains advantages in consumable replacement and storage time of electrophoresis polymer,and can meet the requirements for gene sequencing.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(2):24-30]

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are a class of novel small-molecule targeted antitumor drugs used to treat B-cell malignancies. However, safety issues associated with BTKi may lead to treatment interruption, compromising their efficacy. To promote the standardized management of safety in BTKi treatment, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Chinese Pharmacological Society, Expert Committee on Lymphoma of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Expert Committee on Leukemia of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Integrated Cancer Cardiology Branch of China Anti-Cancer Association, Hematology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association formulated the Evidence-based Expert Consensus on the Clinical Management of Safety of Bruton′s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (2024), which was published in the Chinese Journal of Cancer Research in June 2024. It covered 9 clinical issues in the following 3 domains: (1) the management of common adverse reactions of BTKi such as bleeding, cardiovascular events, hematological toxicity, infections, rashes, diarrhea, and arthralgia; (2) the management of drug-drug interactions; (3) management guidance for special populations. This consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for the safety management of BTKi medication in clinical practice. This article provides an interpretation and evidence summary of the consensus in Chinese, aiming to facilitate its implementation in China, enhance the safety management of BTKi treatment, and improve patient outcomes.