Objective: To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status. Results: No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups. Conclusion Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.

Objective:To explore the clinical application effect of double eyelid plasty using the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis fiber flap.Methods:In March 2021, 3-mm-wide tissue strips were vertically harvested from the mid-upper eyelids from 5 adult Han cadavers with single eyelids, provided by the Anatomy Lab of Nanchang Vocational Health College, and then Masson staining was performed to track the levator aponeurosis fiber. A descriptive case series study was performed. From February 2021 to February 2022, eligible patients who were prospectively collected from the Outpatient Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University underwent double eyelid plasty. The levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis fiber flap was dissected and repositioned between the orbicularis oculi muscles at the upper and lower edge of incision. The surgical site was closed by a three-layer multi-faceted suture fixation: the muscle of orbicularis oculi at lower edge of incision was sutured to the flap root and tarsal upper edge; the upper and the muscle of orbicularis oculi at the upper and lower edge were sutured to the flap end; the skin was sutured to the muscle of orbicularis oculi and flap end. Postoperatively, incision healing and complications were monitored. Twelve months after surgery, two independent attending plastic surgeons evaluated double eyelid height, curvature, symmetry, and incision scar. The patients were asked to evaluate the effect as satisfied, relatively satisfied, or dissatisfied.Results:Masson staining of 5 lateral upper eyelid specimens revealed that in single-eyelid cases, the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis diverged into fibers at the white line, penetrated the orbicularis oculi loosely, and extended to the eyelid margin. Fourty female patients with single or hidden double eyelids were included, aged 18-38 years. After 12 months’ follow-up, all patients had good incision healing without major complications. Twelve months after the operation, the result of doctor evaluation was as followed: 40 cases had proper line height and natural curvature; 38 cases had good line retention, 2 cases had shallower lines; 39 cases had good symmetry, 1 case had asymmetry; 40 cases had no sunken scar. The result of patient satisfaction was as satisfied (35 cases), relatively satisfied (2 cases), dissatisfied (3 cases), with a 92.5% (37/40) satisfaction rate.Conclusion:The levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis fiber flap method can reconstruct upper eyelid tissue, with natural dynamic double eyelids with few complications and high patient satisfaction.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction combined with non-immunosuppressive treatment on patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency.METHODS Sixty patients were randomly assigned into control group(30 cases)for 24-week intervention of non-immunosuppressive treatment,and observation group(30 cases)for 24-week intervention of both Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction and non-immunosuppressive treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome effects,TCM syndrome score,24 h UTP,ALB,eGFR,Nephrin,Podocin and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate and TCM syndrome effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome score,24 h UTP,Nephrin,Podocin(P＜0.05),and increased ALB(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No obvious adverse reactions occured in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency,Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction combined with non-immunosuppressive treatment can improve TCM syndromes,whose action mechanism may be contribute to the alleviation of podocyte injury.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for total polyphenols from Conioselinum vaginatu(Spreng.)Thell.,make component analysis,and evaluate their anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.METHODS The effects of ultrasound,enzymatic hydrolysis,acid hydrolysis,alcohol extraction and hydrolysis processes on the extraction quantity of total polyphenols were investigated,respectively.With extraction temperature,extraction time,ethanol concetration and liquid-solid ratio as influencing factors,extraction quantity of total polyphenols as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method.HPLC was adopted in the identification of polyphenolic composition and determination of their contents.Subsequently,total polyphenols' scavenging capacities on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals,total reducing power and inhibitory capacity on α-glucosidase were determined.RESULTS The highest extraction quantity of total polyphenols was observable when extraction process was employed.The optimal conditions were determined to be 62 ℃ for extraction temperature,54 min for extraction time,69％for ethanol concentration,and 50∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,the extraction quantity of total polyphenols was(9.51±0.2)mg GAE/g.Seven constituents existed in C.vaginatu,among which ferulic acid demonstrated the highest content,followed by that of myricetin,while D-tryptophan content was the lowest.At the concentration of 7.61 mg/L,total polyphenols displayed the scavenging rates on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals of 80.70％,85.97％,28.60％,total reducing power of 0.22,and inhibition rate on α-glucosidase of 77.23％,respectively.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the extraction of total polyphenols from C.vaginatum with strong anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

Hemorrhagic shock is a common clinical emergency that can aggravate cell injury after resuscitation. Astrocytes are crucial for the survival of neurons because they regulate the surrounding ionic microenvironment of neurons. Although hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) injury can impair cognition, it remains unclear how this insult directly affects astrocytes. In this study, we established an HSR model by bleeding and re-transfusion in mice. The social interaction test and new object recognition test were applied to evaluate post-operative cognitive changes, and the results suggest that mice experience cognitive impairment following exposure to HSR. In the HSR group, the power spectral density of β and γ oscillations decreased, and the coupling of the θ oscillation phase and γ oscillation amplitude was abnormal, which indicated abnormal neuronal oscillation and cognitive impairment after HSR exposure. In brief, cognitive impairment in mice is strongly correlated with Ca²⁺ signal strength in lateral septum astrocytes following HSR.
Animals ; Astrocytes/metabolism* ; Shock, Hemorrhagic/metabolism* ; Resuscitation/adverse effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Calcium Signaling/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Septal Nuclei/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

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OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy

Objective To explore the risk factors for portal vein thrombosis(PVT)in patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage and construct a risk prediction model for PVT so as to improve the early diagnosis rate of decompensated liver cirrhosis PVT.Methods The clinical data of patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage admitted to Department of Gastroenterology,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between June 2018 and June 2023 were collected and divided into cirrhosis PVT group(n=135)and cirrhosis non-PVT group(n=225)according to whether or not portal vein thrombosis was formed.We made a univariate analysis of the general data,laboratory indexes,liver function scores and imaging findings of the patients in the two groups,and indexes with statistically significant differences were included in binary Logistic regression for multifactorial analysis to screen out independent risk factors.A predictive model of binary Logistic regression was established based on the independent risk factors.The clinical data of the validation set were incorporated into the model,the accuracy of the prediction model was evaluated by receiver operating curve(ROC),and the practicability of the model was evaluated by consistency curve to complete the validation and evaluation of the constructed prediction model.Internal stability of the model was verified with Bootstrap method.Finally,R software(4.3.1)was used to draw a nomogram of the prediction model to visualize the model.Results Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between patients in the PVT and non-PVT groups in the following five aspects:history of splenectomy,history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment,portal vein diameter,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P＜0.05).Binary Logistics regression analysis showed that a history of splenectomy(P=0.002,OR=3.012,95％CI:1.500-6.047),a history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment(P=0.001,OR=2.276,95％CI:1.400-3.698),widening of portal vein diameter(P=0.007,OR=1.942,95％CI:1.202-3.136),increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P=0.009,OR=1.886,95％CI:1.170-3.041),and elevated D-dimer(P＜0.001,OR=3.725,95％CI:2.149-6.485)were independent risk factors for the formation of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis chemically presented(P＜0.05).The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model and the model after internal validation was 0.760 and 0.7494,respectively.The model still had good prediction ability and accuracy in the verification set.Conclusion A history of splenectomy,history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment,widening of portal vein diameter,increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,and elevated D-dimer concentration are independent risk factors for the formation of portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.The Logistic prediction model and visual nomogram constructed based on the above independent risk factors have a good ability to predict the occurrence of PVT in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and have important clinical guiding significance for early screening patients with PVT in decompensated cirrhosis.