Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.

Objective: To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points. Methods: This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3. Results: In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between frailty and falls among older adult residents in communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods:This study is a prospective research. In June 2024, the 1 047 older adults (aged 65 years and older) included in the "A longitudinal cohort study of aged population in Xinjiang" (ChiCTR2400093292) were followed up. The Fried frailty phenotype was used to assess the frailty status of the participants, and general information was collected, including whether the participants had experienced falls in the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for falls among older adults in communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Results:Among the 1 047 participants, the incidence of falls among older adults was 10.2% (107/1 047). There were significant differences in frailty status and age between case and control groups (both P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that frailty and increasing age are risk factors for falls among older adults in communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The more severe the frailty, the greater the risk of falls ( χ2 = 7.57, P < 0.006, OR = 2.509, 95% CI: 1.303-4.830). Similarly, the greater the age, the greater the risk of falls ( χ2=8.94, P = 0.003, OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.013-1.064). Conclusions:Falls among older adults in communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are closely associated with frailty. It is essential to improve the assessment and screening of fall risks in frail older adults and to develop effective and appropriate fall prevention measures for this high-risk population.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges in the brain, often accompanied by various complications. The pathogenesis of epilepsy has not yet been fully elucidated. Optogenetics, a cutting-edge technique that integrates optics and genetics, enables precise modulation of specific neurons by regulating light-sensitive proteins. Utilizing optogenetic technology has facilitated the dissection of neural circuits involved in epileptic seizures within brain regions such as the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus. It has also helped identify potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy-related complications, including cognitive impairment, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and mood disorders.However, in the process of advancing from basic research to clinical treatment, its translational path is profoundly influenced by factors such as stimulation modes (the choice between open-loop and closed-loop systems), key parameters (light frequency), and intervention strategies (unilateral or bilateral target selection). The individualized customization of these factors represents the future direction for overcoming current translational bottlenecks and achieving precise treatment.

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a crucial risk factor influencing an unfavorable prognosis in specific cancers. Fundamental research illuminates our understanding of tumor behavior and identifies valuable therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the exploration of fundamental theories and the validation of clinical therapies hinge on preclinical experiments. Preclinical models, in this context, serve as the conduit connecting fundamental theories to clinical outcomes. In vivo models established in animals offer a valuable platform for comprehensively observing interactions between tumor cells and organisms. Using various experimental animals, including mice, diverse methods, such as carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis, tumor cell line or human tumor transplantation, genetic engineering, and humanization, have been used effectively to construct numerous models for tumor LNM. Carcinogen-induced models simulate the entire process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Transplantation models, using human tumor cell lines or patient-derived tumors, offer a research platform closely mirroring the histology and clinical behavior of human tumors. Genetically engineered models have been used to delve into the mechanisms of primary tumorigenesis within an intact microenvironment. Humanized models are used to overcome barriers between human and murine immune systems. Beyond mouse models, various other animal models have unique advantages and limitations, all contributing to exploring LNM. This review summarizes existing in vitro and animal preclinical models, identifies current bottlenecks in preclinical research, and offers an outlook on forthcoming preclinical models.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective:To evaluate the role of ferroptosis in reduction of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) by sodium butyrate pretreatment in mice.Methods:Thirty SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-23 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), intestinal IRI group (IR group), intestinal IRI + sodium butyrate pretreatment group (IN group), intestinal IRI + sodium butyrate pretreatment+ FER-1 group (INF group), and intestinal IRI + sodium butyrate pretreatment + Erastin group (INE group). The intestinal IRI model was established by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 30 min in S group. In IN, INF and INE groups, sodium butyrate was administered by gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg daily at 1 week before developing the model, while the equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage in the other two groups. The ferroptosis inhibitor FER-1 5 mg/kg and ferroptosis agonist Erastin 30 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected at 1 h prior to ischemia in INF and INE groups. Mice were sacrificed after anesthesia at the end of reperfusion to obtain small intestinal tissues for examination of the pathological changes (using light microscopy) which were scored according to Chiu and for determination of the contents of Fe 2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide(GSSG) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) (by Western blot). The ratio of GSH to GSSG was calculated. Results:Compared to S group, Chiu′s scores and contents of MDA and Fe 2+ were significantly increased, the expression of GSH, GPX4, FTH1 and SLC7A11 was down-regulated, and the GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased in IR group ( P<0.001). Compared to IR group, Chiu′s scores and contents of MDA and Fe 2+ were significantly decreased, the expression of GSH, GPX4, FTH1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated, and the GSH/GSSG ratio was increased in IN and INF groups ( P<0.001). Compared to IN group, Chiu′s scores and contents of MDA and Fe 2+ were significantly increased, the expression of GSH, GPX4, FTH1 and SLC7A11 was down-regulated, and the GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased in INE group ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Ferroptosis is involved in sodium butyrate pretreatment-induced reduction of intestinal I/RI in mice.

Background and Aims:Centrally located breast cancer(CLBC),due to its proximity to the nipple-areolar complex,has long been treated primarily with mastectomy,while the oncologic safety of breast-conserving surgery(BCS)remains controversial.This study,based on a large-scale database combined with a real-world cohort,compared the survival outcomes of BCS and mastectomy to evaluate the feasibility and oncologic safety of BCS in CLBC patients.Methods:Data of 10 325 female CLBC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were extracted from the SEER database,including 5 601 patients who underwent BCS and 4 724 who underwent mastectomy.Propensity score matching(PSM)yielded 1 951 matched pairs,and disease-specific survival(DSS)and overall survival(OS)were compared between groups.Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors,and subgroup analyses were conducted.Additionally,an independent validation cohort from Xiangya Hospital,Central South University(2015-2016)included 221 BCS and 636 mastectomy patients,with OS and progression-free survival(PFS)assessed.Results:After PSM,baseline characteristics between groups were well balanced.Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no significant differences in DSS or OS between BCS and mastectomy,and 5-,7-,and 10-year OS rates were comparable(all P＞0.05).Subgroup analyses revealed equivalent outcomes for BCS and mastectomy in patients with T1/T2 disease,different HER2 statuses,and those receiving chemotherapy,while in patients receiving radiotherapy,BCS showed significantly better DSS and OS than mastectomy(both P＜0.05).Multivariate Cox regression identified T,N,and M stage,histologic grade,molecular subtype,ER/PR status,and chemotherapy as independent prognostic factors(all P＜0.05),whereas surgical type was not(P＞0.05).The validation cohort confirmed the SEER findings,with no significant differences in OS or PFS between the two groups(both P＞0.05).Conclusions:BCS provides DSS and OS comparable to mastectomy in CLBC patients and may confer additional survival benefits when combined with radiotherapy.These findings suggest that CLBC should not be considered a contraindication to BCS,supporting BCS as a feasible and safe surgical strategy that offers valuable evidence for individualized clinical decision-making and may help improve patients' quality of life.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges in the brain, often accompanied by various complications. The pathogenesis of epilepsy has not yet been fully elucidated. Optogenetics, a cutting-edge technique that integrates optics and genetics, enables precise modulation of specific neurons by regulating light-sensitive proteins. Utilizing optogenetic technology has facilitated the dissection of neural circuits involved in epileptic seizures within brain regions such as the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus. It has also helped identify potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy-related complications, including cognitive impairment, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and mood disorders.However, in the process of advancing from basic research to clinical treatment, its translational path is profoundly influenced by factors such as stimulation modes (the choice between open-loop and closed-loop systems), key parameters (light frequency), and intervention strategies (unilateral or bilateral target selection). The individualized customization of these factors represents the future direction for overcoming current translational bottlenecks and achieving precise treatment.

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*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15) on the circular RNA of exon 2-5 of the Pan3 gene (circPAN3), forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B19kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), and explore the potential mechanisms of moxibustion in alleviating myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: Ten rats of 60 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into a normal group. The remaining rats underwent left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation to establish the CHF model. Forty successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, a rapamycin (RAPA) group, and a moxibustion+RAPA group, with 10 rats in each group. The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at bilateral "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15), 30 min per session. The RAPA group received intraperitoneal injection of the autophagy activator RAPA (1 mg/kg). The moxibustion+RAPA group first received RAPA injection, followed by mild moxibustion at bilateral "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15). All interventions were administered once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. After the intervention, cardiac ultrasound was used to measure ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS). Serum placental growth factor (PLGF) level was determined by ELISA. Myocardial tissue morphology and collagen volume were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression levels of circPAN3, FOXO3, and BNIP3 mRNA in myocardial tissue were detected by real-time PCR, while FOXO3 and BNIP3 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited myocardial cell disorder, severe fibrosis, and increased collagen volume (P<0.01), along with significantly decreased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and the serum PLGF level, as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed reduced myocardial fibrosis, decreased collagen volume (P<0.01), increased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and decreased serum PLGF level as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the RAPA group showed further deterioration in these parameters (P<0.01). Compared with the RAPA group, the moxibustion+RAPA group exhibited alleviation of myocardial fibrosis, reduced collagen volume (P<0.01), increased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and decreased serum PLGF level as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Moxibustion could alleviate myocardial fibrosis in CHF rats, possibly through upregulation of myocardial circPAN3 expression, downregulation of FOXO3 and BNIP3 expression, and inhibition of excessive myocardial autophagy.
Animals ; Moxibustion ; Heart Failure/metabolism* ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Myocardium/pathology* ; RNA, Circular/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Fibrosis/genetics* ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Mitochondrial Proteins