ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of Zuojinwan in improving liver fibrosis through hepatic tissue metabolomics analysis. MethodsTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated into normal group， model group ， positive drug group （silymarin， 100 mg·kg^-1）， and Zuojinwan group （Zuojinwan solution， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， with per group six mice. Liver fibrosis model was induced via intraperitoneal injection of olive oil solution with 10% carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄） （0.5 μL·g^-1， three times weekly for 8 weeks） in all groups except the normal group. During the final 4 weeks， the silymarin group received silymarin （100 mg·kg^-1） by gavage thrice weekly， while the Zuojinwan group was administered Zuojinwan solution （2.5 g·kg^-1） under the same regimen. After the last administration， the levels of liver fibrosis indicators and liver injury markers in serum were detected. The pathological morphological changes of the liver tissues were observed. The levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and Collagen Ⅰ（ColⅠ） were detected. Metabolomics was analyzed on mice's liver tissues. The mice's serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. ResultsCompared with the model group， Zuojinwan significantly improved indicators related to liver fibrosis and liver injury. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly elevated levels of fibrosis markers such as laminin （LN）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， procollagen typeⅢ （PC-Ⅲ）， and type Ⅳ Collagen （Ⅳ-C）， while liver injury indicators such as alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and total bilirubin （TBIL）， exhibited a marked upward trend （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the silymarin group showed a significant decrease in the aforementioned indicators （P<0.05）. Notably， compared with the model group， the Zuojinwan group exhibited a significant reduction in all these indicators （P<0.05）， with efficacy comparable to that of the silymarin group. Zuojinwan reduced mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ColⅠ in the liver tissue. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group， Zuojiinwan significantly reduced levels of glucose metabolism-related metabolites such as D-fructose 1，6-bisphosphate （FBP）， nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH）， sodium beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate （F6P）， dihydroxyacetone phosphate （DHAP）， fumaric acid， and D-glucose 6-phosphate （G6P） （P<0.05）. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect glucose metabolism indicators and further validate the regulatory effect of Zuojinwan on glucose metabolism. ConclusionThese results suggest that Zuojinwan may improve liver fibrosis by regulating the dysregulated levels of glucose metabolism during the progression of liver fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture on the clinical efficacy, TCM syndromes and quality of life of patients with chronic eczema (CE) of blood deficiency stirring wind. METHODS: Forty-eight patients of CE with blood deficiency stirring wind were randomly divided into an observation group (24 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (24 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Both groups received basic skin care. The observation group received acupuncture at bilateral Shenmai (BL62), Houxi (SI3), Yinlingquan (SP9), Quchi (LI11), Ligou (LR5), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuehai (SP10), additional acupoints were supplemented based on symptom differentiation, 20 min each time, 3 times a week for the first 2 weeks, 2 times a week for the subsequent 2 weeks. The control group was treated with mometasone furoate cream, once a day for the first 2 weeks, twice a week for the subsequent 2 weeks. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The scores of eczema area and severity index (EASI), itch visual analogue scale (VAS), TCM syndrome, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) of the two groups were observed before and after treatment, the serum level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) was detected, and the clinical efficacy after treatment and follow-up recurrence rate after 4 weeks of treatment completion of the two groups were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of EASI, itch VAS, DLQI and serum levels of IgE in both groups and the score of TCM syndrome in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01)；the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 91.3% (21/23), which was higher than 63.6% (14/22) in the control group (P<0.05). In follow-up, the difference in recurrence rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms, TCM syndrome, quality of life of CE patients with blood deficiency stirring wind.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Eczema/blood* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Young Adult ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Adolescent ; Aged

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained considerable attention as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis. Unfortunately, the activation of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) by PDT triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, which exacerbate skin inflammation. Herein, we combined glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural anti-inflammatory compound and immunomodulator derived from the herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., with PDT actuated by the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) by co-loading them in GA-based lipid nanoparticles coated with a catechol-modified quaternary chitosan salt (GC NPs/QCS-C). GC NPs/QCS-C exhibited high drug loading efficacy, uniform size distribution, an ideal topical adhesive property, enhanced skin retention and penetration in psoriasis-like lesions, and high intracellular uptake in epidermal cells compared with the counterparts. Subsequently, the transdermal administration of GC NPs/QCS-C followed by near-infrared laser radiation in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model significantly ameliorated psoriasis symptoms, promoted the apoptosis of hyperproliferative epidermal cells, and alleviated the inflammatory cascade. The significant therapeutic outcomes of GC NPs/QCS-C were attributed to the synergistic effects of GA and PDT on modulating immune cell recruitment and inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Our results demonstrated that the topical bio-adhesive nanosystem that combines GA and Ce6 offers a synergistic chemo-phototherapeutic strategy for psoriasis treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, holding a crucial position in the medical field. However, the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization, completeness, and accuracy, primarily due to the decentralized distribution of TCM resources. To address these issues, we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery (TCMKD, https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/). Seven types of data, including syndromes, formulas, Chinese patent drugs (CPDs), Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs), ingredients, targets, and diseases, were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD. To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine, TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining, enrichment analysis, and network localization and separation. These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights. In addition to its analytical capabilities, a quick question and answer (Q&A) system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently, thereby improving the interactivity of the platform. The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool, offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining. Overall, TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM, delving into the pharmacological foundations of TCM treatments, but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems, extending beyond just TCM.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of a wearable percutaneous tibial nerve stimulator (TTNS) for tibial neuromodulation (TNM) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).Methods:This research utilizes a single-center, prospective, open clinical trial design. Patients with OAB who were treated at the urology outpatient department of Beijing Bo’ai Hospital from July 2023 to June 2024 were enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for OAB. All patients received a transcutaneous tibial nerve regulation stimulation therapy, with a frequency of 20 Hz and a pulse width of 0.2 ms. The treatment lasted for 30 minutes each session, twice daily, for a duration of 12 weeks. Follow up evaluations were conducted at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after treatment, including a 72-hour voiding diary, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), patient perception of bladder condition scale (PPBC-S) score, American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) score, American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life Score (AUA-SI-QOL) score, vital signs, and adverse events.Results:This study included 68 patients, with 28 males and 40 females. Their mean age was (49.6±9.0) years old, the body mass index was(23.2 ± 2.5) kg/m 2. The duration of the disease was(42.0±14.4)months. After 12 weeks of intervention, patient's daily urination frequency decreased from (18.5 ± 3.9) times to (10.3 ± 4.5) times, nocturia frequency decreased from (6.5±2.2) times to (3.9±2.0) times, daily urine leakage decreased from (796.5±140.0) ml to (534.8±135.8)ml, OABSS decreased from (12.6±2.8) to (9.8±3.8), PPBC-S decreased from (5.5±0.6) to (3.8±1.2), AUA-SI decreased from (25.5±2.2) to (16.6±3.6), and AUA-SI-QOL decreased from (5.5±0.5) to (3.7±1.1). The differences in the above indicators before and after treatment were statistically significant ( P<0.05). During the treatment process, there were no serious adverse events related to the equipment, and no neurological related adverse events such as numbness or tingling occurred. Conclusions:The application of wearable percutaneous tibial nerve stimulators in TNM can effectively alleviate OAB symptoms like frequent urination and urgency, with minimal adverse reactions, offering a new treatment option for OAB patients.

Objective Based on the process theory of stress effect,the structural equation model of the influencing factors of self-regulatory fatigue in maintenance hemodialysis patients is constructed,which provides theoretical bases and references for the formulation of intervention programs to relieve self-regulatory fatigue in patients.Method A total of 420 maintenance hemodialysis patients were surveyed using General Information Questionnaire,Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale,Dialysis Symptom Index,Life Orientation Test-Revised,Perceived Social Support Scale,Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and Medical Coping Styles Questionnaire.Results Total score of self-regulatory fatigue in maintenance hemodialysis patients was(49.52±10.93),and self-regulatory fatigue showed significant positive correlation with symptom distress,the illness perception,avoidance coping style,yieldly coping(r=0.476,0.428,0.303,0.611,all P＜0.01);self-regulatory fatigue showed significant negative correlation with perceived social support and dispositional optimism(r=-0.410,-0.652,all P＜0.01);it showed no significant correlation with facing coping(r=-0.032,P＞0.05).The Bootstrap analysis revealed that the mediation effect of yielding coping,dispositional optimism,perceived social support,and illness perception between symptom distress and self-regulatory fatigue was significant(95％CI:0.027～0.203).The overall effect of symptom distress on self-regulatory fatigue was(P＜0.001,95％CI:0.576～0.751);the direct effect was(P＜0.001,95％CI:0.170～0.357);the indirect effect was(P＜0.001,95％CI:0.332～0.485);the mediation effect accounted for 61.1％of the total effect value.Conclusion Maintenance hemodialysis patients have a high degree of self-regulatory fatigue,which needs to be further improved.Medical staff should timely identify and evaluate the symptom distress of patients,focus on guiding patients to adjust optimistic disease,provide patients with psychological guidance and stress coping strategies,reduce the negative coping behavior tendency,guide the patients correctly perceive support and care in social relations,help patients set up the correct disease cognition,thus reducing the patient's self-regulatory fatigue.

Objective:To explore the application effect of a multidisciplinary collaborative model led by stomatognathic therapists, utilizing a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and moist wound dressings in the comprehensive treatment of postoperative chronic wounds, and to provide references and guidance for improving the clinical practice and management level of patients with chronic wounds.Methods:This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Eighty-eight patients with postoperative non-healing chronic wounds who visited the Chronic Wound Care Clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from October 2018 to February 2023 were conveniently sampled. They were randomly divided into two groups using a coin toss method: the control group ( n = 41) received standard moist wound dressing therapy, while the experimental group ( n = 47) received comprehensive treatment based on PRP combined with moist wound dressings. This treatment, led by enterostoml therpist, involved the innovative nursing technique of simultaneous injection of PRP and coagulant mixture via a three-way connector and covering with ultra-thin foam dressing. The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score, wound area healing index (WSHI), pain level during dressing change, wound healing time, and treatment satisfaction rate were observed in both groups. Results:Among 88 cases, there were 25 females and 16 males in the control group, aged 58.00 (37.00 ± 79.00) years old. There were 31 females and 16 males in the experimental group, aged 57.00 (35.00 ± 72.00) years old. The median PUSH scores of the experimental group on the 7th, 14th, and 21th day after wound treatment were 11.00, 9.00, and 7.00, respectively, which were better than those of the control group, which were 13.00, 11.00, and 9.00. The median WSHI scores were 0.35, 0.58, and 0.84 for the experimental group, respectively, which were better than those of the control group, which were 0.09, 0.30, and 0.50. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( Z values ranged from 4.08 to 8.20, all P<0.01). On the 7th, 14th, and 21st day of treatment, the pain scores of the experimental group were 3.00 (2.00,3.00), 2.00 (1.00, 2.00), 0.00 (0.00,1.00) points, respectively, which were lower than the 3.00 (3.00,3.50), 2.00 (2.00,3.00), and 2.00 (1.00, 2.00) points of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z values were 2.16, 3.38, 6.14, all P<0.05). The healing time in the experimental group was (37.04 ± 25.33) days, which was shorter than that in the control group, (52.88 ± 36.58) days, and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.53, P<0.05). The satisfaction rate in the experimental group was 97.87% (46/47), significantly higher than 87.80% (36/41) in the control group ( χ2 = 3.13, P<0.05). Conclusions:Under the leadership of stomatognathic therapists, the multidisciplinary collaborative model, employing comprehensive treatment techniques centered around PRP combined with moist wound dressings, demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy for postoperative chronic wounds including shortening healing time, accelerating healing speed, reducing wound pain, and improving patient satisfaction, indicating high clinical application value and social benefits.

Objective:To investigate the application of phase angle by bioelectrical impedance in the assessment of malnutrition and its correlation with nutrtition status as measured by several different screening tools in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).Methods:This was a cross-sectional study, including 151 patients on MHD. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to detect body composition in hemodialysis patients. Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scores, body mass index (BMI) and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were used to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in MHD patients. The correlation between phase angle and nutrition-related indicators such as visceral fat area, body weight, skeletal muscle, and serum albumin in MHD patients was analyzed, and the consistency between phase angle and the three screening tools was examined.Results:In a total of 151 patients on MHD, the malnutrition prevalence as measured by BMI, NRS 2002 score and GLIM criteria was 9.27%, 27.81% and 54.97%, respectively. Phase angle in MHD patients was positively correlated with BMI( P<0.01), negatively correlated with impaired nutrition score of NRS 2002( P<0.01), and also associated with nutrition screening results as measured by GLIM criteria( P<0.001). Further study showed that phase angle was positively correlated with body weight, skeletal muscle and serum albumin( P<0.01), but negatively with visceral fat area and extracellular water/total body water( P<0.01). Conclusions:Malnutrition is highly prevalent in MHD patients. Phase angle showed good consistency with BMI, NRS 2002 and GLIM criteria in terms of malnutrition screening, implying the potential application in the assessment of malnutrition in MHD patients. However, the clinical relevance still needs corroboration with future large-scale researches.

Clinical data of 166 children with Meckel's diverticulum, who were treated with laparoscopic surgery in our center from January 2015 to January 2023, were retrospectively analyzed, including 69 cases receiving enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS group) and 97 cases with traditional perioperative care (control group). There were no significant differences in age ( t=1.391), gender ( χ2=1.067), body weight ( t=1.182 ), operation time ( t=1.093), diverticulum location ( Z=0.405), surgical procedures ( χ2=0.053), and intraoperative blood loss ( t=0.394) between two groups (all P>0.05). Compared to control group, ERAS group had shorter time for indwelling gastric tube (1.1±0.7 d vs.3.8±0.8 d), earlier postoperative feeding (2.5±0.6 d vs.4.9±0.7 d), less intravenous fluid infusion (3.9±1.0 d vs. 5.3±1.1 d), shorter length of hospital stay (8.2±1.6 d vs.10.9±2.3 d), and lower hospitalization expenditure (1.8±0.2)×10 4 yuan vs. (2.1±0.3)×10 4 yuan ( t=23.289,21.718,8.505,8.379,8.769,all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of postoperative complications between two groups ( χ2=0.431, P>0.05). The study indicates that patients treated with ERAS programmed laparoscopic Meckel's diverticulum surgery is safe and effective with rapid recovery and shorter hospital stay.

As an important intracellular genetic and regulatory center, the nucleus is not only a terminal effector of intracellular biochemical signals, but also has a significant impact on cell function and phenotype through direct or indirect regulation of nuclear mechanistic cues after the cell senses and responds to mechanical stimuli. The nucleus relies on chromatin-nuclear membrane-cytoskeleton infrastructure to couple signal transduction, and responds to these mechanical stimuli in the intracellular and extracellular physical microenvironments. Changes in the morphological structure of the nucleus are the most intuitive manifestation of this mechanical response cascades and are the basis for the direct response of the nucleus to mechanical stimuli. Based on such relationships of the nucleus with cell behavior and phenotype, abnormal nuclear morphological changes are widely used in clinical practice as disease diagnostic tools. This review article highlights the latest advances in how nuclear morphology responds and adapts to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, this article will shed light on the factors that mechanically regulate nuclear morphology as well as the tumor physio-pathological processes involved in nuclear morphology and the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms. It provides new insights into the mechanisms that nuclear mechanics regulates disease development and its use as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
Cell Nucleus ; Biophysics ; Cytoskeleton ; Phenotype ; Signal Transduction