OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on myocardial transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and typeⅠcollagen myocardial collagen fibers (CollagenⅠ) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion for ameliorating myocardial fibrosis and improving cardiac function in CHF. METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=40). The CHF model was established in the modeling group by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=9), a moxibustion group (n=8), a rapamycin (RAPA) group (n=9), and a moxibustion+RAPA group (n=9). In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Feishu"(BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15), 15 min at each point in each intervention, once daily, for 4 consecutive weeks. In the RAPA group, RAPA solution was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/kg, once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. In the moxibustion+RAPA group, RAPA solution was administered intraperitoneally after moxibustion. Ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) were measured after modeling and intervention. After intervention, morphology of cardiac muscle was observed using HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Total iron content in myocardial tissue was detected using a colorimetric method. Western blot and qPCR were adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, FSP1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the EF and FS values decreased (P<0.01); necrosis, edema, degeneration, and arrangement disorder were presented in cardiomyocytes; inflammatory cells were obviously infiltrated, the structure of myocardial fibers was disarranged, the collagen fibers were obviously deposited and fibrosis increased (P<0.01); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue were elevated (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 were reduced (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed that EF and FS increased (P<0.01); myocardial cell morphology was improved, and myocardial fibrosis was alleviated (P<0.01); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue decreased (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the myocardial fibrosis was increased (P<0.05); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01), while protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 decreased (P<0.01) in the RAPA group. When compared with the RAPA group and the moxibustion + RAPA group, EF and FS were elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05); myocardial cells were improved in morphology, the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue decreased (P<0.01), while protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 increased (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group. In comparison with the moxibustion + RAPA group, the RAPA group showed the decrease in EF and FS (P<0.01), the worsened myocardial fibrosis (P<0.01), the increase in the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and the decrease in the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15) can slow down the process of myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats. The mechanism of moxibustion may be related to inhibiting ferroptosis through regulating autophagy.
Animals ; Rats ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Moxibustion ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Receptors, Transferrin/genetics* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Antigens, CD/metabolism*

BackgroundSocial support can help alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder （MDD） and improve individual levels of empathy. The higher the level of empathy， the lower the probability of depressive symptoms. At present， the relationship between social support， empathy and depressive symptoms in MDD patients is unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the pathway of empathy in the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms in patients with MDD， so as to provide references for clinical treatment of MDD patients. MethodsA total of 126 patients who visited the outpatient clinic of Tianjin Anding hospital from July 2020 to September 2022 and met the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder （MDD） according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） were selected as the study subjects. Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item （HAMD-17）， Interpersonal Reactivity Index （IRI） and Social Support Rating Scale （SSRS） were used for assessment. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlations among the scale scores. Path analysis was performed using Model 4 of the Process 3.4.1. Bootstrap method was used to test the path effects. ResultsAmong MDD patients， HAMD-17 total score was positively correlated with IRI total score and its subscales of fantasy and personal distress （r=0.225， 0.213， 0.220， P<0.05）. HAMD-17 total score was negatively correlated with SSRS total score and its subscales of subjective support and support utilization （r=-0.211， -0.181， -0.208， P<0.05）. The score of support utilization subscale of SSRS was positively correlated with IRI total score and its subscale of perspective taking and empathic concern （r=0.257， 0.261， 0.331， P<0.01）. Empathy served as a pathway between support utilization and depressive symptoms， with an indirect effect of 0.217 （95% CI： 0.060~0.426）， and the effect size was 36.90%. ConclusionEmpathy may serve as a pathway between support utilization and depressive symptoms in patients with MDD.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Objective To investigate the influence of different disinfectants on the ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture and adhesive application.Methods A total of 102 emergency patients with traumatic hemorrhage who underwent ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture and catheterization were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into the iodine group(51 cases)and the chlorhexidine-alcohol group(51 cases).Iodophor(0.5%effective iodine)and 2.0%chlorhexidine gluconate+70.0%ethanol were used for disinfection before puncture,respectively.The disinfection effect of the puncture site,puncture condition,ultrasound imaging,and adhesive force of the application of patients were statistically compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the bacterial count before disinfection,the bacterial count after disinfection or the qualified rate of disinfection at the puncture site of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the success rate of one-time puncture,the number of puncture and the time of puncture and catheterization between the two groups(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the rate of clear ultrasound images,adhesive force and rate of warping or shedding of the application between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion For emergency patients with traumatic hemorrhage,using iodophor(0.5%effective iodine)and 2.0%chlorhexidine gluconate+70.0%ethanol disinfection before ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture can achieve good disinfection effects.Iodine disinfection can obtain clearer ultrasound images and a higher success rate of one-time puncture,but the adhesive force of the application is poor,making it prone to warping or shedding.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is one of the most common and deadly malignant tumors worldwide,with surgical resection being the primary treatment for early-stage NSCLC.Tumor spread through air spaces(STAS)is a novel pattern of tumor dissemination into the air spaces in the lung.Its occurrence after sublobar resection is closely associated with recurrence and distant metastasis,making its con-sideration a vital factor in surgical strategy selection and prognostic evaluation.Patients with STAS-positive status exhibit significantly higher postoperative recurrence rates than do STAS-negative patients,with molecular mechanisms involving tumor microenvironment remodeling,specific genetic mutations,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).Imaging techniques including computed tomography(CT)and positron emission tomography/CT have shown potential for preoperative STAS prediction,although their accuracy and practicality require improvement.This paper reviews the definition,pathological characteristics,and related mechanisms of STAS,with a focus on surgical ap-proach selection for STAS-positive patients and its role in cancer recurrence after sublobar resection of early-stage NSCLC.Future research directions include optimization of preoperative diagnostic methods for STAS,exploration of molecular targeted therapies,and development of imaging-based precision prediction models.

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is one of the most common and deadly malignant tumors worldwide,with surgical resection being the primary treatment for early-stage NSCLC.Tumor spread through air spaces(STAS)is a novel pattern of tumor dissemination into the air spaces in the lung.Its occurrence after sublobar resection is closely associated with recurrence and distant metastasis,making its con-sideration a vital factor in surgical strategy selection and prognostic evaluation.Patients with STAS-positive status exhibit significantly higher postoperative recurrence rates than do STAS-negative patients,with molecular mechanisms involving tumor microenvironment remodeling,specific genetic mutations,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).Imaging techniques including computed tomography(CT)and positron emission tomography/CT have shown potential for preoperative STAS prediction,although their accuracy and practicality require improvement.This paper reviews the definition,pathological characteristics,and related mechanisms of STAS,with a focus on surgical ap-proach selection for STAS-positive patients and its role in cancer recurrence after sublobar resection of early-stage NSCLC.Future research directions include optimization of preoperative diagnostic methods for STAS,exploration of molecular targeted therapies,and development of imaging-based precision prediction models.

Objective To investigate the influence of different disinfectants on the ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture and adhesive application.Methods A total of 102 emergency patients with traumatic hemorrhage who underwent ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture and catheterization were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into the iodine group(51 cases)and the chlorhexidine-alcohol group(51 cases).Iodophor(0.5%effective iodine)and 2.0%chlorhexidine gluconate+70.0%ethanol were used for disinfection before puncture,respectively.The disinfection effect of the puncture site,puncture condition,ultrasound imaging,and adhesive force of the application of patients were statistically compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the bacterial count before disinfection,the bacterial count after disinfection or the qualified rate of disinfection at the puncture site of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the success rate of one-time puncture,the number of puncture and the time of puncture and catheterization between the two groups(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the rate of clear ultrasound images,adhesive force and rate of warping or shedding of the application between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion For emergency patients with traumatic hemorrhage,using iodophor(0.5%effective iodine)and 2.0%chlorhexidine gluconate+70.0%ethanol disinfection before ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein puncture can achieve good disinfection effects.Iodine disinfection can obtain clearer ultrasound images and a higher success rate of one-time puncture,but the adhesive force of the application is poor,making it prone to warping or shedding.