To summarize Professor GAO Shuzhong's clinical experience in treating idiopathic tinnitus with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica. It is believed that idiopathic tinnitus is mostly caused by weak lungs and spleen， kidney essence deficiency， liver constraint transforming into fire， and binding constraint of heart qi. Treatment advocates the combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica in clinical practice. Acupuncture treatment mainly focus on the method of opening the orifices by syndrome identification in combination with Ermen （TE 21）， Tinggong （SI 19）， Tinghui （GB 2）， Shenmai （BL 62） to regulate qi and blood， and supporting with Baihui （GV 20）， Yintang （EX-HN 3）， Taichong （LR 3）， and Yanglingquan （GB 34） to soothe the liver， resolve constraint， and calm the mind. Oral administration of Chinese medicinal prescription usually includes modified Yiqi Congming Decoction （益气聪明汤） and Tongqi Powder （通气散）， and the external administration of Chinese medicinal prescription can apply self-prescribed Wenqing Powder （温清散） to navel moxibustion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method versus local acupuncture in treating chronic low back pain (CLBP) in elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and to evaluate the changes in the multifidus muscle before and after treatment using musculoskeletal ultrasound. METHODS: A total of 128 elderly patients with CLBP due to LDH were randomly assigned to an observation group (64 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (64 cases, 2 cases dropped out). The control group received local acupuncture at bilateral L₃-L₅ Jiaji points (EX-B2), Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25), Weizhong (BL40), Yaoyangguan (GV3), and ashi points. The observation group received acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method, which included an abdominal protocol with Baihui (GV20), Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), and Dahe (KI12), etc., and a lumbar protocol with Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14), Jizhong (GV6), Yaoyangguan (GV3), and ashi points, etc., alternated bilaterally. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week, for a total of 12 sessions. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and the indexs of musculoskeletal ultrasound multifidus muscle (resting and functional thickness and Young's modulus values) were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After 1 and 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed lower VAS scores compared to baseline (P<0.05), the VAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). ODI scores in both groups were decreased after 1 and 4 weeks of treatment compared to baseline (P<0.05), with a further reduction at 4 weeks of treatment compared to 1 week of treatment (P<0.05); the observation group showed lower ODI score than the control group after 1 week of treatment (P<0.001). After treatment, both groups demonstrated increased resting and functional multifidus muscle thickness bilaterally compared to baseline (P<0.01), with an increased right-side thickness change rate (P<0.01), though no significant difference was observed between groups (P>0.05). Compared to baseline, after treatment, the observation group exhibited decreased Young's modulus values for bilateral resting and functional multifidus muscle (P<0.01), while the control group showed reductions only in bilateral resting and right-side functional Young's modulus values (P<0.01). After treatment, the bilateral functional Young's modulus values in the observation group were lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the bilateral resting and functional changes in Young's modulus values were greater in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.01). The overall effective rate was 93.5% (58/62) in the observation group, which was higher than 79.0% (49/62) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method effectively alleviates pain, improves functional disability, increases multifidus muscle thickness, and reduces Young's modulus values in elderly patients with CLBP due to LDH, which has superior therapeutic effect compared to local acupuncture.
Humans ; Low Back Pain/physiopathology* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Female ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Yin-Yang ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into precision echinococcosis control. Methods One or two quadrats, each measuring 50 m × 50 m, were randomly assigned in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Township, Yushu City, Qinghai Province on June 2023, respectively, and 300 plate-type mouse traps, each measuring 12.0 cm × 6.5 cm, were assigned in each quadrat. Small rodents were captured during the period between 10 : 00 and 18 : 00 each day for 4 days. Then, all captured small rodents were identified and dissected, and liver specimens with suspected Echinococcus infections were subjected to pathological examinations. The Echinococcus cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene was amplified using PCR assay, and the sequence of the amplified product was aligned to that was recorded in the GenBank to characterize the parasite species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree of Echinococcus was generated based on the cox1 gene sequence using the neighbor-joining method. Results A total of 236 small rodents were captured in Shanglaxiu and Longbao townships, Yushu City, including 65 Qinghai voles and 51 plateau pikas in Shanglaxiu Township, and 62 Qinghai voles and 58 plateau pikas in Longbao Township, and there was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of small rodents between the two townships (χ² = 0.294, P > 0.05). Seven plateau pikas and 12 Qinghai voles were suspected to be infected with Echinococcus by dissection, and pathological examinations showed unclear structure of hepatic lobules and disordered hepatocyte arrangement in livers of small rodents suspected of Echinococcus infections. PCR assay identified E. shiquicus DNA in 7 Qinghai voles, which were all captured from Shanglaxiu Township. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cox1 gene sequence of Echinococcus in small rodents was highly homologous to the E. shiquicus cox1 gene sequence reported previously. Conclusion Plateau pika and Qinghai vole were predominant small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, and E. shiquicus infection was detected in Qinghai voles.

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are diminutive vesicles naturally released by Gram-negative bacteria. These vesicles possess distinctive characteristics that attract attention for their potential use in drug administration and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Therapeutic medicines may be delivered via OMVs directly to the tumor sites, thereby minimizing exposure to healthy cells and lowering the risk of systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the activation of the immune system by OMVs has been demonstrated to facilitate the recognition and elimination of cancer cells, which makes them a desirable tool for immunotherapy. They can also be genetically modified to carry specific antigens, immunomodulatory compounds, and small interfering RNAs, enhancing the immune response to cancerous cells and silencing genes associated with disease progression. Combining OMVs with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation has shown promising synergistic effects. This review highlights the crucial role of bacterial OMVs in cancer, emphasizing their potential as vectors for novel cancer targeted therapies. As researchers delve deeper into the complexities of these vesicles and their interactions with tumors, there is a growing sense of optimism that this avenue of study will bring positive outcomes and renewed hope to cancer patients in the foreseeable future.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of exercise-based acupuncture in treating ischemic stroke and its effects in improving the patient's motor function and daily living ability. Methods:A total of 106 patients with motor dysfunction due to cerebral infarction were randomized into a trial group and a control group,each consisting of 53 cases.Both groups received conventional rehabilitation;in addition,the control group was given point-toward-point acupuncture at scalp points,and the trial group was offered exercise-based acupuncture,3 times weekly for 4 consecutive weeks.Before treatment,after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment,and at the 2-month follow-up,the Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)scale,Lovett scale for muscle strength,modified Ashworth scale(MAS),and activities of daily living(ADL)scale were used to assess the patient's motor function,muscle strength,muscle tension,and daily living ability. Results:After treatment,both groups gained improvements in motor function and daily living ability;after 4-week treatment and at the 2-month follow-up,the trial group had higher FMA and ADL scores than the control group(P<0.05).The MAS score decreased after treatment in both groups;after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the 2-month follow-up,the MAS score was lower in the trial group than in the control group(P<0.05).After the intervention,the Lovett score increased in both groups;after 4 weeks of treatment,the Lovett score was higher in the trial group than in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Based on routine rehabilitation,exercise-based acupuncture and scalp point-toward-point acupuncture both can improve the motor function and daily living ability in ischemic stroke patients;exercise-based acupuncture performs better than scalp point-toward-point acupuncture.

Objective: To observe the improving effect of Hypericum Perforatum L Extracts (HPLES)on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice. Methods: The depression model was established by the method of chronic unpredictable mild stress. Fifty depression model mice were divided into model control group, fluoxetine hydrochloride group (2.6 mg / kg), Hypericum perforatum extract low, medium and high (0.2 g / kg, 0.4 g / kg, 0.8 g / kg) dose groups according to the random number table method. Another 10 normal mice matched with body weight were taken as the normal control group. The mice in normal control group and the model control group were given pure water by gavage every day, and the mice in other groups were given corresponding solution by gavage for 4 weeks. In addition to the normal control group, the mice in other groups continued to undergo chronic unpredictable mild stress during gavage.The sugar water preference test and forced swimming test were performed after the last administration. Blood samples were collected from the posterior orbital venous plexus, and the levels of dopamine (DA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by Elisa. The hippocampal tissues of mice were examined by HE staining. Results: Compared with the normal control group, the body mass of mice in the model control group decreased significantly at the first, second, third and fourth weeks (t=2.739, 4.162, 4.082, 3.957; all P<0.05). At the first, second, third and fourth weeks, the body mass of mice in the low, middle and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum extract were not significantly different from those in the model control group (all P>0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the sugar water preference index of mice in the model control group was significantly reduced((61.3±4.5)%, (52.6±5.2)%; t=2.721, P<0.05), the swimming immobility time was prolonged((44.3±20.00) s, (101.8±50.8) s; t=2.939, P<0.05), the difference were statistically significant. Compared with the model control group, the sugar water preference index of mice in the low, middle and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum extract increased((61.8±4.7)%, (65.2±4.1)%, (62.6±5.6)%, t=-3.005, 5.073, -2.928, all P<0.05), the swimming immobility time decreased ((47.2±17.9) s, (54.8±50.3) s, (61.3±44.2) s; t=2.803, 1.921, 1.903, all P<0.05). The results of Elisa showed that compared with the normal control group, the levels of serum DA and BDNF of mice in the model control group were significantly lower (t=3.031, 8.507, all P<0.05); compared with the model control group, the levels of serum DA of mice in the low dose and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum were significantly higher (t=5.025, 3.414, P<0.05), and the serum BDNF of mice in the high dose group of Hypericum perforatum was also significantly higher (t=6.098, P<0.05), the difference was statistically significant. HE staining showed that compared with the normal control group, the neurons in CA3 area of hippocampus in the model control group mice were seriously damaged, suggesting the establishment of the mouse model. Compared with the model control group, the atrophy and degeneration of hippocampal CA3 cells in the three dose groups were significantly reduced. The atrophy and deformation of hippocampal CA3 neurons in the low, middle and high dose groups of Hypericum perforatum extract were relieved. Conclusion HPLES have obvious improving and antidepressant effects on the depression model mice induced by chronic unpredictable stress.The above effects may be related to the improvement of serum DA, DBNF level and reduce neuronal damage in CA3 area.

Objective To observe the improving effect of Hypericum Perforatum L Extracts (HPLES)on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice. Methods The depression model was established by the method of chronic unpredictable mild stress. Fifty depression model mice were divided into model control group,fluoxetine hydrochloride group (2. 6 mg / kg),Hypericum perforatum ex-tract low,medium and high (0. 2 g / kg,0. 4 g / kg,0. 8 g / kg) dose groups according to the random num-ber table method. Another 10 normal mice matched with body weight were taken as the normal control group. The mice in normal control group and the model control group were given pure water by gavage every day,and the mice in other groups were given corresponding solution by gavage for 4 weeks. In addition to the normal control group,the mice in other groups continued to undergo chronic unpredictable mild stress during gavage. The sugar water preference test and forced swimming test were performed after the last administration. Blood samples were collected from the posterior orbital venous plexus,and the levels of dopamine (DA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by Elisa. The hippocampal tissues of mice were exam-ined by HE staining. Results Compared with the normal control group,the body mass of mice in the model control group decreased significantly at the first,second,third and fourth weeks ( t=2. 739,4. 162,4. 082, 3. 957;all P<0. 05). At the first,second,third and fourth weeks,the body mass of mice in the low,middle and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum extract were not significantly different from those in the model control group (all P>0. 05). Compared with the normal control group,the sugar water preference index of mice in the model control group was significantly reduced((61. 3± 4. 5)%,(52. 6± 5. 2)%; t=2. 721,P<0. 05),the swimming immobility time was prolonged(( 44. 3± 20. 00) s,(101. 8± 50. 8) s;t=2. 939,P<0. 05),the difference were statistically significant. Compared with the model control group,the sugar water preference index of mice in the low,middle and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum extract increased ((61. 8±4. 7)%,(65. 2±4. 1)%,(62. 6±5. 6)%,t=-3. 005,5. 073,-2. 928,all P<0. 05),the swimming immobility time decreased ((47. 2±17. 9) s,(54. 8±50. 3) s,(61. 3±44. 2) s; t=2. 803,1. 921,1. 903,all P<0. 05). The results of Elisa showed that compared with the normal control group,the levels of serum DA and BDNF of mice in the model control group were significantly lower (t=3. 031,8. 507,all P<0. 05); com-pared with the model control group,the levels of serum DA of mice in the low dose and high dose group of Hypericum perforatum were significantly higher (t=5. 025,3. 414,P<0. 05),and the serum BDNF of mice in the high dose group of Hypericum perforatum was also significantly higher (t=6. 098,P<0. 05),the differ-ence was statistically significant. HE staining showed that compared with the normal control group,the neu-rons in CA3 area of hippocampus in the model control group mice were seriously damaged,suggesting the es-tablishment of the mouse model. Compared with the model control group,the atrophy and degeneration of hippocampal CA3 cells in the three dose groups were significantly reduced. The atrophy and deformation of hippocampal CA3 neurons in the low,middle and high dose groups of Hypericum perforatum extract were re-lieved. Conclusion HPLES have obvious improving and antidepressant effects on the depression model mice induced by chronic unpredictable stress. The above effects may be related to the improvement of serum DA,DBNF level and reduce neuronal damage in CA3 area.

Objective To investigate the influence of mannitol and glycerin injection (containing 15％ mannitol and 15％ glycerin) on experimental intracranial hypertension.Methods Rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups (n =8 rabbits/group):normal control group,model control group,mannitol-glycerol injection groups (2.5 ml/kg group,5 ml/kg group,and 10 ml/kg group),compound mannitol injection fluid group,20％ mannitol group,and 10％ glycerol-sodium chloride injection group.The continuous intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin [0.04 mg/(kg · min),10 min] on rabbits was used to establish intracranial hypertension model except the normal control group of animals,and effect of mannitol glycerol injection on it with a single intravenous injection was observed.Serum renal function,electrolytes and other indicators were tested.Results Intravenous infusion of mannitol glycerol injection (2.5 ml/kg,5 ml/kg,and 10 ml/kg) could significantly reduce rabbit nitroglycerin-induced intracranial hypertension,and dosedependent,with increasing dose reducing intracranial pressure could enhance(P ＜ 0.05).Mannitol glycerol injection (5 ml/kg) produced the same intracranial pressure compared to 20％ mannitol and compound mannitol injection,and maintained a long-time role.Conclusions Mannitol glycerin injection can significantly reduce intracranial pressure.Its intensity is the same as 20％ mannitol and compound mannitol injection,and maintains a longer intracranial pressure without significant renal dysfunction and electrolyte distnrhances.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum prealbumin (PA) and inflammation in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted. AMI patients hospitalized in the cardiovascular department of the General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces from June 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled in the study. At the same time, healthy cases were enrolled as control. Venous blood was taken from patients at admission. Serum PA was detected by immune projection turbidimetry method and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured by latex enhanced immune turbidimetry. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and interleukin (IL-6, IL-8) was measured by electrochemical luminescence method. Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) was detected by rate method. PA, inflammatory factor and myocardial enzyme were compared between two groups. The correlation between PA and inflammatory factors was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation; The diagnostic value of PA was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results 173 AMI patients and 86 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, history of smoking, hypertension and diabetes. Compared with the control, the levels of serum PA in AMI patients was lower [PA (g/L): 0.215±0.056 vs. 0.280±0.057], hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-8, hs-cTnT and CK-MB were higher [hs-CRP (mg/L): 6.63±3.52 vs. 2.25±1.45, IL-6 (ng/L): 38.03±22.43 vs. 6.13±3.38, IL-8 (ng/L): 295.61±98.70 vs. 17.24±7.31, hs-cTnT (μg/L): 4.789±2.874 vs. 0.009±0.008, CK-MB (U/L): 244.48±165.54 vs. 12.20±5.24], the difference was statistical significant (all P < 0.01). It was shown by Pearson correlation analysis that the levels of PA were negatively related to hs-CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 (r = -0.562, -0.591, -0.548, all P <0.05). The PA level had no correlation with hs-cTnT and CK-MB (r = -0.018, -0.149, both P > 0.05). It was shown by ROC curve analysis that area under ROC curve (AUC) of PA for diagnosis of AMI was 0.783±0.039, and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.706-0.860 (P < 0.05). When the cut-off value was 0.190 g/L, the sensitivity was 29.63%, and the specificity was 62.22%. Conclusion PA may be involved in the inflammatory process of AMI and had a diagnostic value for AMI.