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.

Objective:To explore the differences of metabolomic profiles in day 3 (D3) culture medium of embryos with varying developmental potentials, in order to provide a theoretical foundation for the establishment of embryo selection technology platform using metabolomics.Methods:Eight patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment at Reproductive Medicine Center of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital between November 13 and December 5, 2023 were selected as the study subjects. The D3 culture medium from patient embryos was collected and divided into high-quality blastocysts ( n=42), non-high-quality blastocysts ( n=33), and embryos that failed to form blastocysts (non-formation group, n=43) according to the formation of day 5 blastocysts. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to perform non-targeted metabolomic analysis in the D3 culture medium from three distinct groups. Results:1) The metabolites in D3 culture medium of embryos with varying developmental potentials exhibit significant differences. Specifically, 79 differential metabolites were identified between the blastocyst formation group and the non-blastocyst formation group (all P<0.05); additionally, 73 differential metabolites were found between the high-quality blastocyst group and the non-high-quality blastocyst group (all P<0.05). 2) The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of significantly differential metabolites for predicting potential of D3 embryo blastocyst formation and high-quality blastocyst formation were both greater than 0.9, demonstrating excellent predictive performance. 3) KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differential metabolites associated with blastocyst formation potential were primarily enriched in pathways including D-amino acid metabolism, glycine-serine-threonine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and histidine metabolism ( P<0.05). For high-quality blastocyst formation, the differential metabolites were predominantly enriched in pathways related to tryptophan metabolism, D-amino acid metabolism, serotonergic synapses, and protein digestion and absorption ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Embryos with different developmental potentials have significantly different metabolic profiles, and it is feasible to predict the developmental potential of D3 embryos by metabolomics analysis.

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion on patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis.METHODS Eighty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of warm acupuncture and moxibustion,and observation group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of both Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction and warm acupuncture and moxibustion.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices(VAS score,PGE2,PGF2α),hemodynamic indices(RI,PI),sexhormones(E2,FSH,LH),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices,hemodynamic indices,sexhormones and inflammatory factors(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis,Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can safely and effectively regulate sexhormone levels,endometrial hemodynamics,inhibit inflammatory responses,and alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.

Objective To explore the effects of tripterygium glycosides(TGs)on adipocyte differentiation,inflam-mation,and fibrosis of orbital fibroblasts(OFs)in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).Methods OFs isolated from 12 TAO patients were cultured and identified.CCK-8 experiment was used to detect the effect of different concentra-tions of TGs(0,12.5,25.0,50.0,100.0 mg·L-1)on the activity of OFs.Then,adipocyte differentiation phenotypes of OFs were induced and divided into a control group,an adipocyte differentiation group(DM),and TG groups(12.5,25.0,and 50.0 mg·L-1 TGs).Inflammation phenotypes of OFs were induced and divided into a control group,an IL-1 β group,and TG groups(12.5,25.0,and 50.0 mg·L-1 TGs).Fibrosis phenotypes of OFs were induced and divided into a control group,a TGF-βi group,and TG groups(12.5,25.0,and 50.0 mg·L-1 TGs).Oil red O staining was used to detect the formation of lipid droplets in OFs of adipocyte differentiation phenotype.ELISA was used to measure IL-6 and TNF-α levels in OFs of inflammation phenotype and HA levels in OFs of fibrosis phenotype.Transwell experiment was used to detect the cell migration rate of OFs of fibrosis phenotype.Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of PPAR-γ,c/EBP-α,FABP-4,perilipin-1,and adiponectin mRNAs and pro-teins in OFs of adipocyte differentiation phenotype,the expression levels of IL-6,TNF-α,COX-2,MCP-1 and ICAM-1 mR-NAs and proteins in OFs of inflammation phenotype,and the expression levels of Vimentin,Fibronectin,COL1A1,COL1A2 and ACTA2 mRNAs and proteins in OFs of fibrosis phenotype.Results The cells were identified as OFs.12.5,25.0,and 50.0 mg·L-1 of TGs had no significant effect on OF activity and these three concentrations were used in the subsequent ex-periment.In OFs of adipocyte differentiation phenotype,the number of orange red lipid droplets greatly decreased after TG treatment.The expression levels of PPAR-γ,c/EBP-α,FABP-4,perilipin-1,and adiponectin mRNAs and proteins in cells of TG groups were significantly lower than those of the DM group(all P＜0.05).In OFs of inflammation phenotype,IL-6 and TNF-α levels in supernatant and cells of TG groups were significantly decreased,compared with those of the IL-1βgroup(all P＜0.05).The expression levels of COX-2,MCP-1,and ICAM-1 mRNAs and proteins in cells of TG groups were significantly lower than those of the IL-1 β group(all P＜0.05).In OFs of fibrosis phenotype,the cell migration rates,HA levels in cell culture supernatant,and the expression levels of Vimentin,Fibronectin,COL1A1,COL1A2,and ACTA2 mR-NAs and proteins in cells of TG groups were significant lower than those of the TGF-β1 group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion TGs can inhibit the adipocyte differentiation,IL-1 β-induced inflammatory responses and TGF-β1-induced fibrosis of TAO-OFs.

Objective:To explore the relationships among psychological resilience,spiritual health,and illness uncertainty in cancer patients,and to analyze the mediating role of disease uncertainty.Methods:The cancer patients were selected by convenience sampling method from Feb 2024 to May 2024 in the Department of Oncology of a Grade Ⅲ-A general hospital in Wuhu City.Data were collected using a general information questionnaire,the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale(MUIS),the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being Scale(FACIT-SP-12,Chinese version),and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC-10).Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships among psychological resilience,illness uncertainty,and spiritual health.The mediating effect of illness uncertainty was tested using Hayes'PROCESS Model 4 and the Bootstrap method.Results:The total scores of spiritual health,psychological resilience and illness uncertainty of cancer patients was(25.11±7.19),(24.36±6.75)and(67.75±13.06),respectively.The spiritual health was positively correlated with psychological resilience(r=0.415,P＜0.01)and negatively correlated with illness uncertainty(r=-0.398,P＜0.01).The psychological resilience was negatively correlated with illness uncertainty(r=-0.668,P＜0.01).Illness uncertainty partially mediated the relationship between psychological resilience and spiritual health,accounting for 35.29%of the total effect.Conclusions:The spiritual health of cancer patients is at a moderate level.Enhancing psychological resilience and reducing illness uncertainty can alleviate psychological burden and improve spiritual health,thereby promoting overall quality of life.

Stent entrapment is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention.In recent years,with the development of distal radial artery puncture technology,the rare complications related to distal radial artery have been gradually understood.This article describes a patient who underwent coronary intervention through a distal radial approach,and the stent was dislodged and trapped in the far radial artery.The patient came to our hospital for stent implantation because of acute extensive anterolateral myocardial infarction.During the intervention,the balloon could not be filled when the stent was released from the left anterior descending artery,and the retracting stent could not be used to remove the guide catheter.The stent was dislodged and embedded in the distal vessel.The sheath was inserted through the proximal radial reverse puncture,and the stent was captured with a snare and removed.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)was a recurrent chronic pulmonary disease with a high prevalence and mortality rate.Patients in the acute exacerbation COPD(AECOPD)were prone to show symptoms such as coughing,expectoration and breathing difficulties due to airflow limitation,their lung function was severely impaired,affected the quality of life of patients.AECOPD falls within the category of"lung distension and asthma syndrome"in traditional Chinese medicine,with lung and kidney qi deficiency syndrome being the most common,its pathogenesis lies in the depletion of lung qi,and the main therapeutic principle was to promote lung function and relieve asthma.Yuebi Banxia decoction in the treatment of AECOPD has the effects of clearing heat,promoting lung function,lowering counterflow and relieving asthma,reducing the body's inflammatory response and oxidative stress,and improving lung function,the therapeutic effect is definite.This article reviews the pathological pathogenesis,clinical research and mechanism of action of AECOPD in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine,aiming to provide a basis for the clinical application of Yuebi Banxia decoction in the treatment of AECOPD.

Objective:To explore the relationships among psychological resilience,spiritual health,and illness uncertainty in cancer patients,and to analyze the mediating role of disease uncertainty.Methods:The cancer patients were selected by convenience sampling method from Feb 2024 to May 2024 in the Department of Oncology of a Grade Ⅲ-A general hospital in Wuhu City.Data were collected using a general information questionnaire,the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale(MUIS),the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being Scale(FACIT-SP-12,Chinese version),and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC-10).Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships among psychological resilience,illness uncertainty,and spiritual health.The mediating effect of illness uncertainty was tested using Hayes'PROCESS Model 4 and the Bootstrap method.Results:The total scores of spiritual health,psychological resilience and illness uncertainty of cancer patients was(25.11±7.19),(24.36±6.75)and(67.75±13.06),respectively.The spiritual health was positively correlated with psychological resilience(r=0.415,P＜0.01)and negatively correlated with illness uncertainty(r=-0.398,P＜0.01).The psychological resilience was negatively correlated with illness uncertainty(r=-0.668,P＜0.01).Illness uncertainty partially mediated the relationship between psychological resilience and spiritual health,accounting for 35.29%of the total effect.Conclusions:The spiritual health of cancer patients is at a moderate level.Enhancing psychological resilience and reducing illness uncertainty can alleviate psychological burden and improve spiritual health,thereby promoting overall quality of life.