Objective:To evaluate the effect of five external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine on the pain of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) through a network Meta-analysis.Methods:The published article on the effect of external treatment methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine in patients with LDH was retrieved by computer in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Database, VIP, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to May 31, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the article according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the information and evaluated the quality. Review Manger 5.4 software was used to draw the bias risk map and Stata SE 16.0 software was used to conduct the network Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 1 133 patients were included in 12 articles, and there were five kinds of external treatment methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The results of network Meta-analysis showed that except for acupoint application, scraping, Traditional Chinese Medicine iontophoresis, Traditional Chinese Medicine scalding, auricular point sticking had statistically significant differences in the effect of pain compared with conventional treatment and nursing ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the five external treatment methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine ( P>0.05). The cumulative ranking plot showed that scraping was the best intervention method for pain in LDH patients, with a surface under the cumulative ranking ( SUCRA) value of 80.3%. Conclusions:Scraping is the best external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine to relieve the pain of LDH patients, but it still needs to be further demonstrated by a large number of high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Background: An in vitro study on rapid culturing method of human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs) was established to investigate the potential use of the leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) in tissue engineering technology, different medical fields, including periodontology and implantology. Methods: Eight biopsies were obtained from eight different donors and a modified culturing technique was developed to obtain HGFCs. The modified 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay was used to compare the cell viability when the modified culturing method was used in comparison to the standard method. Blood samples were collected from the same patients and L-PRF was isolated using a standard protocol. The releases of platelet-derived growth factor-AA and transforming growth factor-beta1 at various time intervals were observed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The proliferative effect of L-PRF on HGFCs was assessed by the cell counting kit—8 assay. Results: A simple and rapid modified method for in vitro HGFC culture yielded a cellular monolayer within three to nine days after cell culture. L-PRF with three-dimensional polymer fibers released growth factors that peaked during the first three hours and continued to produce up to 10 days. The L-PRF presented a dose-dependent effect on HGFCs proliferation where HGFCs proliferation increased with an increase in L-PRF concentration. Conclusion The modified technique for the culture of HGFCs might be useful for the development of future experimental and clinical studies, besides L-PRF has great therapeutic potential in oral surgery fields.

Background: An in vitro study on rapid culturing method of human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs) was established to investigate the potential use of the leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) in tissue engineering technology, different medical fields, including periodontology and implantology. Methods: Eight biopsies were obtained from eight different donors and a modified culturing technique was developed to obtain HGFCs. The modified 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay was used to compare the cell viability when the modified culturing method was used in comparison to the standard method. Blood samples were collected from the same patients and L-PRF was isolated using a standard protocol. The releases of platelet-derived growth factor-AA and transforming growth factor-beta1 at various time intervals were observed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The proliferative effect of L-PRF on HGFCs was assessed by the cell counting kit—8 assay. Results: A simple and rapid modified method for in vitro HGFC culture yielded a cellular monolayer within three to nine days after cell culture. L-PRF with three-dimensional polymer fibers released growth factors that peaked during the first three hours and continued to produce up to 10 days. The L-PRF presented a dose-dependent effect on HGFCs proliferation where HGFCs proliferation increased with an increase in L-PRF concentration. Conclusion The modified technique for the culture of HGFCs might be useful for the development of future experimental and clinical studies, besides L-PRF has great therapeutic potential in oral surgery fields.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of perioperative fasting abbreviation in traumatic patients undergoing selective surgeries.Methods The traumatic patients undergoing selective surgeries from November 2016 to January 2017 at our department were selected for this prospective cohort study.They were divided into an intervention group (69 patients) and a control group (121 patients) according to the wards where they stayed.The intervention group was fasted for solids 6 hours prior to surgery and received oral solution with maltodextrin 2 hours prior to surgery.After surgery,they were allowed to drink liquids as soon as they were awakened.Normal food was allowed 2 hours later.The control group was fasted for either liquids or solids the night before surgery.After surgery,the patients who had received brachial plexus block only were allowed liquids with no limitation while the other patients were allowed liquids 6 hours after surgery and then were free for solids and liquids if no discomfort was observed.The time periods for preoperative liquids and solids fasting and for postoperative intake of liquids and solids were recorded and compared between the 2 groups.The perioperative well-beings (including anxiety,thirst,hunger,nausea,fatigue,dizziness,sweating and stomach discomfort) and serum glucose levels were compared between the 2 groups.Adverse reactions were observed.Results The preoperative fasting time for liquids for the intervention group (4.5 ± 2.9 hours) was significantly shorter than that for the control group (14.3 ±3.9 hours) (P ＜ 0.05).The preoperative fasting time for solids for the intervention group (17.6 ± 3.0 hours) were significantly longer than that for the control group (16.1 ±3.8 hours) (P ＜ 0.05).The postoperative fasting time periods for both liquids [1 (0,3) h] and solids [2 (1,4) h] for the intervention group were significantly shorter than those for the control group [6(6,6) h] hours and [6(6,6) h] (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the control group,the perioperative anxiety,thirst,hunger,nausea,fatigue,dizziness and stomach discomfort were significantly improved in the intervention group (P ＜ 0.05).The average serum glucose level was similar in both groups upon admission (P ＜ 0.05);it was significantly higher in the intervention group immediately before surgery (P ＜ 0.05) but was gradually decreased after surgery until there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P ＞ 0.05).No major adverse reaction was observed in either group.Conclusion The protocol of perioperative fasting abbreviation may be safe and feasible in traumatic patients for selective surgeries,showing benefits of decreased anxiety,thirst,hunger,nausea,fatigue,dizziness and stomach discomfort.

Objective To study the seasonal distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM_2.5 in Lianyungang City, and analyze the sources of PAHs pollution, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs in different seasons. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected regularly from January 2019 to December 2023, and 16 types of PAHs were determined by HPLC. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the concentrations of PM2.5 and PAHs in different years and seasons. The source of PAHs was analyzed by characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Health risks were assessed using the BaP equivalent method and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. Results The annual exceedance rates of PM_2.5 and BaP in Lianyungang showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023. PM_2.5, total PAHs and PAHs monomers (except Ace, Flu and Acy) all showed significant seasonal differences, with the highest concentration in winter (P<0.001). The average proportion of 4-ring PAHs was the highest and the average proportion of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The proportion of 5-6 ring PAHs was relatively high in winter and spring. PM2.5and PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature, relative humidity and precipitation, and were positively correlated with atmospheric pressure. PM_2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed, while some PAHs monomers were positively correlated with wind speed. The characteristic ratio and PCA results showed that the main sources of PAHs in Lianyungang City were mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources and biomass combustion sources. The results of ILCR showed that the highest risk was found in adults, with males slightly higher than females. In Lianyungang, the maximum value of ILCR in winter was more than 10-6 in people over 9 years old. Conclusion The main sources of PAHs in PM_2.5 in Lianyungang City are mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources, and biomass combustion sources. Under the current exposure level of PAHs in PM_2.5, residents have a certain potential carcinogenic risk.

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a single-stranded circular closed RNA molecule formed from linear RNA through reverse splicing. circRNAs are stable, highly conserved, and tissue-specific. circRNAs can regulate physiological and pathological processes through various mechanisms such as formation of competing endogenous RNA and interaction with binding proteins. It has been recently revealed that circRNAs can be translated into peptides and proteins to participate in the initiation and development of cancer. circRNAs are promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for human cancers as well as potential drug targets for cancer therapy. This review summarized the research progresses related to circRNA-encoded peptides and proteins in a variety of cancers. These peptides and proteins are translated through two different mechanisms that depend on internal ribosome entry site and m6A, respectively. We also summarized the potential use of circRNA-encoded peptides and proteins in the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and mechanistic studies of various cancers.
Humans ; Internal Ribosome Entry Sites ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Peptides, Cyclic ; RNA/genetics* ; RNA, Circular/genetics*

Objective:To investigate the effect of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on the progression of retinal arteriosclerosis by using a deep learning model.Methods:A cohort study was performed.Data of 1 928 individuals who underwent the medical examination at Beijing Yijiandian Clinic between January 2016 and August 2023 were reviewed, including baseline demographics, physical examination, serological test and fundus photography.Retinal arteriosclerosis was identified using a deep learning model.Five groups were divided according to LDL-C levels, including 389 subjects in group 1 (0.64-1.90 mmol/L), 387 subjects in group 2 (1.91-2.26 mmol/L), 384 subjects in group 3 (2.27-2.57 mmol/L), 385 subjects in group 4 (2.58-2.95 mmol/L), and 383 subjects in group 5 (2.96-6.06 mmol/L).The association between LDL-C levels and progression of retinal arteriosclerosis and the dose-response relationship were analyzed by logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression model.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University People's Hospital (No.2021PHB058-001).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The incidence of retinal arteriosclerosis progression was 22.10% (426/1 928) during the mean follow-up (66.84±6.58) months.The proportions of fundus progression in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 15.68%(61/389), 21.71%(84/387), 21.35%(82/384), 25.71%(99/385), and 26.11%(100/383), respectively, with statistical significant differences among them ( χ2=15.97, P=0.003).Using group 1 as a reference, LDL-C 2.58-2.95 mmol/L was an independent risk factor for progression of retinal arteriosclerosis ( OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.04-2.22), and RCS analysis showed an " L" shaped association.The effect of LDL-C on retinal arteriosclerosis showed a threshold effect, with the risk of retinal arteriosclerosis progression increasing with increasing LDL-C when LDL-C was <2.34 mmol/L ( OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.10-3.62), and stabilizing when LDL-C was ≥2.34 mmol/L. Conclusions:LDL-C has a threshold effect on the impact of retinal arteriosclerosis progression, and the threshold is 2.34 mmol/L.

Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality for cancer patients, and lymphatic metastasis is one of the main ways of tumor metastasis. The role of CCL21 and its receptor CCR7 in lymphatic metastasis has been increasingly concerned in recent years. CCR7 is mainly expressed by both dendritic cells and T cells for immune responses. CCL21, the chemokine ligand for CCR7, secreted from lymphatic endothelial cells binds CCR7 and recruits immune cells toward lymphatic vessels and lymphatic nodes. CCR7 expressed tumor cells can also metastasize to lymphatic system by the similar way as immune cells. Targeting CCL21/CCR7 axis to inhibit lymphatic metastasis but remain potent anti-tumor immune response has increasingly become a spot light of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the role of CCL21/CCR7 axis in lymphatic metastasis, as well as preclinical trials and clinical trials in targeting CCL21/CCR7 axis for tumor metastasis therapy, hoping to accelerate the progress on tumor metastasis therapy by targeting CCL21/CCR7 axis.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemokine CCL21 ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Receptors, CCR7/genetics*