ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of herbal cake-separated moxibustion using the classical formula Xiaoyaosan in alleviating neuroimmune inflammatory responses in chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS） rats， based on the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsFifty SPF-grade SD rats aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups： Normal group， model group， sham herbal cake moxibustion group， Chinese medicine intragastric administration group， and herbal cake-separated moxibustion group， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group， all other groups underwent a 21-day modeling process， followed by behavioral testing. The herbal cake-separated moxibustion and sham herbal cake moxibustion groups received interventions at the Shenque （CV8）， Guanyuan （CV4）， Zusanli （ST36）， and Qimen （LR14） acupoints. The Chinese medicine intragastric administration group was treated with a Xiaoyaosan suspension via gavage. Behavioral tests were conducted after 10 days of continuous intervention. Serum levels of interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， and NF-κB， were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Morphological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect mRNA expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the relative expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， and p65 proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed a significant decrease in upright times during the open field test （P<0.01）， as well as significant reductions in total movement distance， resting time， and center region duration （P<0.01）. In the tail suspension test， immobility time increased （P<0.01）， and struggle times decreased （P<0.01）. Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α， as well as hippocampal NF-κB levels and TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB mRNA expression， were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. After treatment， compared with the model group， the total movement distance and upright times in the open field test were significantly increased in all treatment groups （P<0.01）， while resting time and center region duration were notably prolonged （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Immobility time in the tail suspension test was significantly shortened （P<0.01）， and struggle times significantly increased （P<0.05）. Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， hippocampal NF-κB levels， and TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the sham herbal cake moxibustion group， the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group showed a significant extension in center region duration during the open field test （P<0.05） and a significant increase in upright times （P<0.01）. In the tail suspension test， immobility time was reduced （P<0.01）， and struggle times increased （P<0.01）. Serum TNF-α levels in the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， while serum IL-6 levels， as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， NF-κB， and TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB mRNA expression， were significantly decreased in both the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group and the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group， the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group exhibited significantly increased upright times in the open field test （P<0.01）. In the tail suspension test， immobility time was reduced （P<0.01）， and struggle times increased （P<0.01）. Serum IL-1β， hippocampal TNF-α levels， and TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHerbal cake-separated moxibustion effectively improves fatigue and memory function in CFS rats， regulates neuroimmune inflammatory responses， and its mechanism may be related to the modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Immunosuppression leads to impaired body immune function and aggravates the disease.Herb-partitioned moxibustion can effectively regulate immune function and improve immunity in the body,but its regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To sequence immunosuppressed model rats treated with herb-partitioned moxibustion using bioinformatics techniques based on transcriptomics and to explore the mechanisms by which it regulates immunity. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups:control,model,and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups,with eight rats in each group.The model and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups were subjected to establishment of an immune suppression model by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days.No interventions were administered to the control and model groups after modeling.In contrast,the herb-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion treatment at Zhongwan,Shenque,Guanyuan,and Zusanli acupoints using a combination of moxa and herbal cakes,once a day,for 10 consecutive days,with samples being collected the day after the end of the intervention.Peripheral blood was collected from all groups of rats to measure their white blood cell count.RNA-seq was performed on the Illumina sequencing platform,and differentially expressed genes were selected for bioinformatics analysis using the GO and KEGG databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell count(P<0.001).RNA-seq analysis identified 3 026 differentially expressed genes between the model and control groups,with 1 565 upregulated and 1 461 downregulated.There were 535 differentially expressed genes identified between the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the model group,with 280 upregulated and 255 downregulated.The Venn diagram analysis revealed that 159 genes were downregulated in the model group compared with the control group.However,after moxibustion with herbal cakes,these genes were upregulated.Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 core targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,Mx1,Syk,Hspa1a,and Ret.According to GO and KEGG analyses,moxibustion with herbal cakes regulated the body through pathways related to immune response,viruses,angiogenesis,and the autoimmune system.To conclude,there is a significant association between herbal cake-separated moxibustion intervention and immune suppression targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,and Mx1.The intervention exhibits regulatory effects in the pathways related to immune responses,viral activities,and angiogenesis.

Objective:To analyze the differentially expressed messenger RNA(mRNA), microRNA(miRNA), and long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)during the browning of mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue, construct a competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network, and provide a theoretical basis for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of white adipose tissue browning.Methods:A cold-stimulated mouse model was established for transcriptome sequencing.Bioinformatics tools were employed to screen for differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs.An integrated mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA analysis was performed to construct a ceRNA network.Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA)were conducted on the differentially expressed mRNAs and ceRNA networks to explore transcriptional regulation during the cold-induced browning of subcutaneous adipose tissue.Results:Transcriptomic analysis of the cold-stimulated model identified 4, 256 differentially expressed RNAs, which include 3, 600 mRNAs, 588 lncRNAs, and 68 miRNAs.GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the browning of white adipose tissue involves immune-related processes, such as immune system processes, immune responses, adaptive and innate immune responses, and the positive regulation of T-cell activation.A ceRNA network associated with browning regulation was constructed, comprising 233 nodes(188 mRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 11 lncRNAs)and 351 edges.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis of the mRNAs within the ceRNA network highlighted pathways including apoptosis, intracellular signaling transduction, hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1), AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activators of transcription(JAK-STAT)signaling, carbon metabolism, glycolysis, and thyroid hormone pathways, all of which regulate lipid metabolism, hypoxia, and glycolysis.Cytohubba analysis identified the top 10 hub genes: Bcl2, Src, Cebpb, Creb1, Runx1, Foxo3, Ets1, Socs3, Slc2 a4, and Pkm. Conclusions:The ceRNA network that regulates the browning of white adipose tissue is involved in various pathways, including carbon metabolism, glycolysis, thyroid hormone signaling, growth hormone signaling, prolactin signaling, as well as the HIF-1, AMPK, and JAK-STAT pathways.Key regulatory miRNAs in this context include miR-30e-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-363-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-203-3p, and miR-107-3p.These miRNAs may serve as critical targets for inducing browning in response to cold exposure.

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.

Objective To explore the application of problem solving mode based on self-regulation theory in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.Methods The convenient sampling method was used to enroll the patients who underwent hemodialysis in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January to October 2022.According to the random number table,they were assigned to the control group or observation group.Routine nursing was used in the control group,and the nursing care of problem-solving mode based on self-regulation theory was applied in the observation group for 4 week.Self-management behavior,volume management behavior,disease perception and learned helplessness were compared between the two groups at 4 and 12 weeks after intervention.Results Eight patients(5 cases in the control group and 3 cases in the observation group)failed to be followed up.There was no significant difference in the score of self-management behavior,volume management behavior,disease perception or learned helplessness between the two groups before the intervention(P＞0.05).At 4 and 12 weeks after the intervention,the scores of self-management behavior and volume management behavior in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the scores of disease perception and learned helplessness in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The problem-solving mode based on self-regulation theory can improve self-management and volume management of MHD patients,reduce negative disease perception and learning helplessness,and achieve continuous improvement in cognition,psychology and behavior after the intervention.

Objective:To investigate the differences in hippocampal subfield volumes and structural covariance network between participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and healthy individuals, and to analyze the correlations of the volumes of the different subfields and altered covariance brain regions with memory function.Methods:A total of 57 SCD individuals(SCD group) and 44 normal controls(NC group) participants were assessed for memory function using composite scores from the auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) and the Wechsler memory scale visual reproduction (VR) test from June 2022 to October 2023.T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected from all participants, and hippocampal subfields, cortical regions, and subcortical nuclei were segmented using FreeSurfer to measure the gray matter volume of each structure. A structural covariance network was constructed based on the correlation of gray matter volumes across regions. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.1 software. Inter-group differences in hippocampal subfield volumes were compared using multivariate analysis of covariance. Differences in structural covariance connectivity between groups were assessed using Z-test, while network topology differences were compared through permutation testing. Finally, partial correlation analysis was used to examine correlation of the volumes of the differential hippocampal subfields and covariance brain regions with memory function. Results:The SCD group exhibited significantly lower years of education, AVLT-immediate score, AVLT-delayed score, VR-immediate score, VR-delayed score, and memory function Z-score compared to the NC group ( t=2.064, 3.888, 2.622, 3.222, 4.761, 5.184, all P<0.05). The volumes of the right subiculum((387.75±55.20)mm 3, (352.70±70.25)mm 3), left presubiculum((263.12±38.52)mm 3, (239.79±46.02)mm 3), left subiculum((388.12±49.34)mm 3, (351.74±67.30)mm 3) and left CA1((571.01±80.01)mm 3, (526.51±98.80)mm 3) in the SCD group were smaller than the corresponding volumes in NC group ( F=9.139, 8.039, 11.207, 7.266, all P<0.05, FDR correction). Differences in structural covariance connectivity were found between the SCD and NC groups in the following pairs: right CA1-right subiculum, right CA1-left subiculum, right CA3-left parasubiculum and right hippocampus-amygdala transition area-left subiculum ( Z=-3.848, -3.896, -3.597, -3.895, all P<0.05, FDR correction).Partial correlation analysis revealed that in the SCD group, the volume of the left subiculum ( r=0.359, P=0.007), left CA1 ( r=0.430, P=0.001), right entorhinal cortex ( r=0.296, P=0.029), right middle temporal gyrus ( r=0.361, P=0.007), right parahippocampal gyrus ( r=0.313, P=0.021)were positively correlated with the total memory function score. Conclusion:Hippocampal subfields atrophy, as well as alterations in structural covariance network, have been found in SCD individuals. Furthermore, the decline in memory function may be closely associated with atrophy in hippocampal subfields and structurally covariant regions.

Objective:To investigate the alterations of individual metabolic brain network properties in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their correlations with cognitive function.Methods:One hundred and five participants from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database enrolled from March 2012 to February 2016 were chosen, including 61 MCI patients and 44 normal controls (NC). Cognitive assessments, including mini-mental state examination (MMSE), auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), trail making test (TMT), and semantic verbal fluency (SVF) score, were performed in both groups; differences of above scores and clinical data between the participants from the two groups were compared. T1-weighted imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) images were collected in both groups; individual metabolic brain networks were constructed based on differences in effect sizes between brain regions and network properties were calculated. Spatial correlation analysis was used to compare the correlations of metabolic brain networks at the individual and group levels. General linear model was employed to compare the differences in network properties between the two groups. Partial correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations of differential network properties with cognitive function in MCI patients. A support vector machine (SVM) classification model was constructed based on individual metabolic brain network properties, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to explore the diagnostic value of this SVM classification model in MCI.Results:(1) Compared with the NC group, the MCI group had significantly lower MMSE and AVLT-immediate recall scores, and longer TMT-A completion time ( P<0.05). (2) Spatial correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between individual metabolic brain networks and group-level metabolic brain networks in patients of the MCI group ( r=0.825, P<0.001). No significant differences in global network properties were noted between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with the NC group, the MCI group significantly decreased degree centrality in the left A8vl, right A39c, and right V5/MT+ regions, increased degree centrality in the left anterior cuneus, decreased nodal efficiency in the left A8vl, right V5/MT+, and right caudal hippocampus regions, increased nodal shortest path length and nodal clustering coefficient in the left A8vl region ( P<0.05). (3) The degree centrality at the A8vl of ventral part of the left middle frontal gyrus and nodal efficiency in right caudal hippocampus region were positively correlated with AVLT-immediate recall scores ( r=0.331, P=0.010; r=0.282, P=0.030), nodal efficiency in the left A8vl region was negatively correlated with TMT-A completion time ( r=-0.470, P<0.001), and nodal efficiency in the left A8vl region was positively correlated with SVF score ( r=0.263, P=0.044). (4) Area under the curve of SVM classification model in diagnosing MCI was 0.880 (95% CI: 0.813-0.945, P<0.001), with an accuracy rate of 0.790. Conclusions:Patients with MCI have alterations in individual metabolic brain network properties, among which the degree centrality and nodal efficiency of some nodes are closely related to cognitive function changes. Models constructed based on individual metabolic brain network properties can help to effectively diagnose MCI.

Objective:To investigate the heterogeneity of tumor density-enhancement complex (TDEC) based on MRI parameters in predicting the treatment response and prognosis for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) to guide the formulation of personalized clinical treatment strategies.Methods:A prospective cohort study was performed; 66 patients with postoperative rGBM were enrolled from Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. Multi-sequence MRI was performed, and diffused and enhanced data of the rGBM were utilized to construct TDEC as intratumoral sub-regions via pixel co-localization technique. Correlations among rGBM with different volume proportions of TDEC types and correlations of rGBM with different volume proportions of TDEC types with rGBM volume were analyzed in rGBM after bevacizumab (BEV) combined with radiotherapy. A pixel co-localization decoupling method was applied to assess the treatment response efficiency in individual TDEC subcomponents. The rGBM imaging phenotypes were identified through unsupervised clustering analysis, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between patients with different phenotypes were compared. The predictive value of TDEC heterogeneity in PFS and OS of rGBM patients under BEV plus radiotherapy was assessed. Results:Four distinct TDEC sub-regions (TDEC1-4) were identified; a significant negative correlation was observed between volume proportions of TDEC2 and TDEC3 ( r s=-0.558, P<0.001), as well as between volume proportions of TDEC3 and TDEC4 ( r s=-0.782, P<0.001), while TDEC composition (volume proportions of TDEC2-4) showed no significant correlation with tumor volume ( P>0.05). Following BEV combined with radiotherapy, significant sub-region-specific TDEC volume changes were observed (tumor volume minification rate of TDEC1[ΔV TDEC1]: 16.7% [13.8%, 20.1%]; ΔV TDEC2: 25.4% [21.9%, 29.0%]; ΔV TDEC3: 27.6% [23.5%, 31.2%]; ΔV TDEC4: 8.4% [6.1%, 10.7%], P<0.05); volume proportion of TDEC3 was positively correlated with tumor volume minification ( r s=0.702, P<0.001), whereas volume proportion of TDEC4 was negatively correlated tumor volume minification ( r s=-0.933, P<0.001). The volume reduction of TDEC1-3 was driven by combined effects of tumor cellular and enhancement components, while volume reduction of TDEC4 was primarily attributed to changes in tumor cellularity (ΔV ADC: 9.3%; ΔV T1C: 0.8%). Two distinct TDEC phenotypes with different survival outcomes were identified in rGBM patients (silhouette coefficient=0.584; TDEC type I: n=23; type II: n=43); significant difference in PFS and OS was noted between patients with TDEC type I and type II (PFS: χ2=11.191, P=0.001; OS: χ2=9.733, P=0.002). TDEC phenotype was an independent influencing factor for survival of rGBM patients under BEV combined with radiotherapy (PFS: HR=2.738, 95% CI: 1.815-3.938 , P=0.003; OS: HR=2.507, 95% CI: 1.851-3.660, P=0.007). Conclusion:TDEC sub-region helps efficiently characterize the rGBM heterogeneity; rGBM imaging phenotypes identified based on TDEC sub-region can independently predict the clinical outcomes: the prognosis of TDEC type I patients is better than that of TDEC type II patients.

Cholangiocarcinoma originates from bile duct epithelial cells. It has an insidious onset, a high degree of malignancy, a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles with a bilayer membrane structure, containing abundant biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. Exosomes are important carriers for the exchange of substances and information between cells and are involved in a variety of pathophysiological processes. In addition, exosomes have great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. This article reviews the role of exosomes in the occurrence and development of cholangiocarcinoma and their potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective:To investigate the dose-effect relationship between sedentary time and sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and to inform decision-making to improve muscle health in MHD patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. MHD patients undergoing dialysis in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected by convenience sampling method. Data on general information, prevalence of sarcopenia and sedentary time, etc. were collected. Based on the quartile of sedentary time, MHD patients were categorized into group Q1 (sedentary time<3.40 h), group Q2 (3.40 h≤sedentary time<5.20 h), group Q3 (5.20 h≤sedentary time<9.33 h) and group Q4 (sedentary time≥9.33 h). Restricted cubic spline plots were used to analyze the dose-effect relationship between sedentary time and the risk of sarcopenia. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between sedentary time and the risk of sarcopenia with trend analysis. Subgroups were grouped according to age, gender, and age on dialysis, and subgroup analyses were performed using the interaction test.Results:A total of 576 MHD patients were enrolled, 272 males and 304 females, age (59.69 ± 11.38) years, the sedentary time was 5.20 (3.40, 9.33) h, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 31.60% (182/576). Restricted cubic spline plots analysis showed that there was a trend of linear association between sedentary time and the risk of sarcopenia ( Pnon-linear=0.226), with a positive correlation ( Poverall<0.01). Logistic analysis showed that when correcting for all confounding factors, compared with group Q1, the risk of sarcopenia increased 1.557 times in group Q3 ( OR=2.557, 95% CI 1.255-5.334, P<0.01) and 7.721 times in group Q4 ( OR=8.721, 95% CI 4.328-18.323, P<0.01). And the OR values of sarcopenia in sedentary time of group Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 showed an increasing trend ( Ptrend<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the relationship between the risk of sarcopenia and sedentary time was basically the same in MHD patients of different age, gender, and dialysis age subgroups ( OR values were 1.807-3.090, all P<0.05), and there was no interaction between sedentary time and age, gender, and dialysis age (all Pinteraction>0.05). Conclusions:The longer the sedentary time, the higher the risk of sarcopenia in MHD patients. And the risk of sarcopenia was higher for sedentary time ≥ 5.20 h. Medical staffs should encourage MHD patients to improve their living habits, especially those who sit for more than 5.20 h a day, to prevent sarcopenia.