Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of navigation system and orthopedic robot-assisted nail placement in the treatment of lower cervical fracture and dislocation.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 49 patients with fracture and dislocation of the lower cervical spine who were admitted to Honghui Hospital, Xi′an Jiaotong University School of Medicine from May 2021 to October 2022, including 38 males and 11 females, aged 29-61 years [(39.3±7.3)years]. Injury segments involved C 3 in 12 patients, C 4 in 11, C 5 in 8, C 6 in 9 and C 7 in 9. Twenty-one patients were treated with S8 navigation system (navigation group, 84 screws), and 28 with TINAVI orthopedic robot (robot group, 112 screws). The two groups were compared in terms of the total surgical duration, single screw placement time, total screw placement time, distance between the screw and the anterior cortex, incision length, intraoperative radiation dose, intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay. The height of intervertebral space, Cobb angle, sliding distance between vertebral bodies and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade were assessed before surgery and at 3 days after surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and neck dysfunction index (NDI) before surgery, at 3 days, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared. The accuracy of screw placement, intraoperative invasion rate of adjacent facet joints and rate of postoperative complications (infection, screw loosening, etc.) were evaluated. Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-16 months [(13.6±1.9)months]. In the navigation group, the total surgical duration, distance from the screw to the anterior cortex and the intraoperative radiation dose were (236.2±30.6)minutes, (2.0±0.2)mm and (374.3±90.3)mGy respectively, which were significantly shorter or less than those in the robot group [(278.4±20.7)minutes, (10.6±2.9)mm and (448.4±77.9)mGy] ( P<0.01). The single screw placement time, total screw placement time, incision length and intraoperative blood loss were (3.5±0.4)minutes, (23.9±0.5)minutes, (9.1±2.4)cm and (422.2±30.4)ml respectively, which were significantly longer or more than those in the robot group [(2.6±0.2)minutes, (17.9±0.7)minutes, (6.6±2.6)cm and (360.3±56.3)ml] ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the height of the intervertebral space, Cobb angle, sliding distance between the vertebral bodies and ASIA grade between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 3 days after surgery, the height of intervertebral space, Cobb angle, sliding distance between vertebral bodies and ASIA grade in both groups were significantly improved when compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in VAS, JOA scores or NDI between the two groups before surgery, at 3 days, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The VAS, JOA scores and NDI in both groups were gradually improved at 3 days, 3 months and at the last follow-up after surgery when compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of screw placement of levels 0 and 0+1 between the two groups ( P>0.05). No significant difference in the intraoperative invasion rate of adjacent facet joints between the two groups was found ( P>0.05). There were no serious complications such as infection or screw loosening after surgery in both groups. Conclusions:For lower cervical fracture and dislocation, although there are more advantages in total surgical duration, screw holding force and radiation control regarding the navigation system, and more outstanding performance in screw placement efficiency, incision length and intraoperative blood loss regarding the orthopedic robot, both of them can effectively rebuild the cervical structure, improve neurological function, relieve postoperative pain, improve screw placement accuracy and reduce facet joint injury and serious complications. Selection of the best auxiliary screw placement system should comprehensively consider patients′ conditions and the experience of the surgical team.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.

Oligodendrocyte lineage cells, including oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes (OLs), are essential in establishing and maintaining brain circuits. Autophagy is a conserved process that keeps the quality of organelles and proteostasis. The role of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells remains unclear. The present study shows that autophagy is required to maintain the number of OPCs/OLs and myelin integrity during brain aging. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells increases the number of OPCs/OLs in the developing brain while exaggerating the loss of OPCs/OLs with brain aging. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells impairs the turnover of myelin basic protein (MBP). It causes MBP to accumulate in the cytoplasm as multimeric aggregates and fails to be incorporated into integral myelin, which is associated with attenuated endocytic recycling. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells impairs myelin integrity and causes demyelination. Thus, this study shows autophagy is required to maintain myelin quality during aging by controlling the turnover of myelin components.
Animals ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Oligodendroglia/metabolism* ; Myelin Sheath/physiology* ; Aging/pathology* ; Myelin Basic Protein/metabolism* ; Cell Lineage/physiology* ; Mice ; Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Brain/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cell Count

This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified＿f＿Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Lung/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Capsules ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Influenza A virus/physiology* ; Influenza, Human/virology*

Qing court records show that Arecae Semen was extensively applied. The royal medical records of the Qing Dynasty document nine types of Arecae Semen, with the Palace Museum preserving seven kinds, totaling twelve cultural relics. Historical documents and physical artifacts corroborate each other, providing evidence for the study of the supply channels and court processing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court. According to relevant Qing court archival records, the sources of Arecae Semen used in the imperial court were diverse, including tributes from foreign countries such as Vietnam and Gurkha, annual tributes from local governments in Guangdong, gifts from close aides, and commodities purchased by the Imperial Household Department from civilian shops. The imperial physicians of the Qing court placed great emphasis on the specifications of Arecae Semen slices and were extremely meticulous about their processing. The variety of Arecae Semen slices used in the Qing palace exceeded those recorded in the botanical texts of the era. Compared with the commonly used processing methods for Arecae Semen in the Qing Dynasty, the imperial physicians adjusted the properties and efficacy of the herbs through different processing techniques, based on the patient's condition, constitution, and other factors, in order to meet the clinical treatment needs of the court. The slicing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court required strict control of thickness, with an average thickness of 0.44 mm, which is significantly thinner than the Arecae Semen slices found in today's markets. The texture was softer, making them easier to chew and absorb. Both the Qing court Arecae Semen slices and the Muxiang Binglang Pills focused on the use of authentic medicinal materials, ensuring the quality of the medicine and enhancing the efficacy of Arecae Semen through meticulous selection and preparation.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; History, 19th Century ; History, Ancient ; History, 17th Century ; History, 18th Century

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