Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health issue, with glycated hemoglobin levels serving as the gold standard for evaluating glucose level control in DM patients. However, it has limitations in reflecting glucose oscillations (i.e. glycemic variability, GV). Increasing evidence suggests that GV is closely related to the progression of diabetes complications and patient prognosis. As people realize the importance of avoiding hypoglycemia while achieving target glycated hemoglobin levels in treatment, the clinical significance of GV becomes more obvious. This article systematically reviewed the concept and connotation of GV, summarized the latest research on its role in the complications of diabetes, and revealed the biochemical and pathophysiological abnormalities caused by excessive glycemic oscillation, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the risk warning and early intervention of DM patients.
Humans ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes Complications/physiopathology* ; Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism* ; Hypoglycemia ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications*

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Piwei Peiyuan Pill (PPP) combined with moxibustion for treating patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome. Methods: Ninety-six CAG patients with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled at the Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to December 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a control, a Chinese medicine, and a combined group using a random number table method, with 32 cases in each group (two cases per group were excluded). The control group was treated with rabeprazole combined with folic acid tablets (both thrice daily), the Chinese medicine group was treated with PPP (8 g, thrice daily), and the combined group was treated with moxa stick moxibustion (once daily) on the basis of the Chinese medicine group for 12 consecutive weeks. Gastric mucosa atrophy in the three groups was observed before and after treatment. The gastric mucosal pathological score was evaluated. The Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) scale was used to evaluate the patients′ physical and mental health status and quality of life.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-37, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels in each group. Real-time fluorescence PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mRNA in each group. Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression levels of proteins related to the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway, and the adverse drug reactions and events were recorded and compared. Results: There was no statistical difference in age, gender, disease duration, family history of gastrointestinal tumors, alcohol consumption history, and body mass index among the three groups of patients.The total therapeutic efficacy rates of the control, Chinese medicine, and combined groups in treating gastric mucosal atrophy were 66.67% (20/30), 86.67% (26/30), and 90.00% (27/30), respectively (P<0.05). Compared to before treatment, the pathological and PRO scale scores of gastric mucosa in each group decreased after treatment, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-37, and TGF-β levels decreased. The relative STAT3 and mTOR mRNA expression levels, as well as the relative STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels decreased (P<0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared to the control group, the pathological score of gastric mucosa, PRO scale score, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-37, TGF-β content, relative STAT3 and mTOR mRNA expression levels, and relative STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels in the Chinese medicine and combined groups after treatment were reduced (P<0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared to the Chinese medicine group, the combined group showed a decrease in relative STAT3, mTOR mRNA expression levels, and STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of PPP and moxibustion may regulate the inflammatory mechanism of the body by inhibiting the abnormal activation of the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway, upregulating related anti-inflammatory factor levels, downregulating pro-inflammatory factor expression, and increasing related repair factor expression, thereby promoting the recovery of atrophic gastric mucosa, reducing discomfort symptoms, and improving the physical and mental state of CAG patients with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome.

Visual electrophysiology measurements have become a routine method of functional examination in ophthalmology. Small animal visual electrophysiology is an important tool for exploring the functionality of the visual system in small animals, finding widespread applications in neuroscience and drug research and development. This guide aims to offer a standardized operational guide for the operation of visual electrophysiological norms in small animals to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the test. The study emphasizes different types of visual electrophysiological tests, such as electroretinogram(ERG)and visual evoked potential(VEP), evoked in small animals, and their application in different disease models. Detailed descriptions are provided regarding the selection and preparation of experimental animals, including the requirements of animal species, anesthesia methods and test environment. In terms of operational procedures, this guide highlights the correct electrode placement, the selection of stimulus parameters, and the key steps for signal acquisition and processing. According to different animal models, the corresponding operation suggestions were provided, and the troubleshooting methods of common problems were introduced. Beyond fundamental operations, this guide also focuses on the interpretation and reporting of test results. It explains various types of electrophysiological waveforms. In summary, this operational specification for small animal visual electrophysiology provides a comprehensive and detailed framework for researchers to ensure the standardization and reliability of tests. By following these guidelines, researchers can effectively utilize small animal visual electrophysiology techniques to gain insight into the function and abnormalities of the visual system.

Fundus photography in small animals holds great significance for studying alterations in the structure and function of retinal blood vessels. However, the absence of uniform operating practices can lead to inconsistencies and incomparability of data. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a standard operation guide for fundus photography in small animals. It will provide researchers with standardized operation procedures and accurate data analysis methods to ensure high accuracy and reproducibility in data collection and analysis. The adoption of these guidelines enables a high level of data consistency while providing more precise results than traditional methods. This guideline bridges the gap in the lack of standard operating norms for fundus photography in small animals, offering researchers a reliable operational framework. This guideline not only helps to improve the accuracy and comparability of data, but also provides strong support for retinal vascular research in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore short-term clinical efficacy of minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment system for hallux valgus in guiding the treatment of hallux valgus. METHODS: From March 2021 to November 2023, 68 patients (136 feet) with hallux valgus were treated under guidance of minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment system, including 12 males and 56 females;aged from 25 to 68 years old with an average of (42.5±8.5) years old, the course of disease ranged from 3.2 to 15.6 years with an average of (10.3±2.6) years. The changes of hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score were recorded and compared before operation and 12 months after operation. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (130 feet) were followed up for 12 to 15 months with an average of (13.8±0.5) months, 3 patients (6 feet) were not followed up as required. HVA and IMA improved from (35.5±3.5) ° and (12.5±2.0) ° before operation to (10.5±2.5) ° and (8.5±1.5) °12 months after operation, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05);VAS decreased from (5.5±1.2) before operation to (1.2±0.5) at 12 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);AOFAS forefoot score increased from (50.6±5.1) before operation to (93.8±5.6) at 12 months after operation, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Among them, 102 feet were got excellent result, 24 feet good, and 4 feet fair. Two patients were developed calf intermuscular vein thrombosis, and were cured after 3 months of symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION Under the guidance of minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment system for hallux valgus, the treatment of HV could obviously improve HVA and IMA, and significantly alleviate pain symptoms, and accelerate functional recovery.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/diagnosis* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy with a lateral approach and dual-channel method in treating highly free lumbar disc herniation(LDH). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with highly free LDH who were treated with spinal endoscopic techniques from January 2021 to December 2022. Twenty-seven patients were treated with lateral approach dual-channel(lateral approach dual-channel group), including 16 males and 11 females, with an average age of (54.6±10.5) years old. Twenty-seven patients were treated with unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE group), including 17 males and 10 females, with an average age of (52.9±12.3) years old. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation time and hospital stay, as well as visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry diability index (ODI) of low back and leg pain between two patients before operation, 1 day, 1, 3, and 12 months after operation, and the efficacy was evaluated by the modified MacNab criteria at 12 mohths after operation. RESULTS: All patients were successfully completed surgical and were followed up, the time raged from 12 to 22 months with an average of (13.57±4.12) months. There was no statistically significant difference in operation time between two groups (P>0.05). The hospital stay of lateral approach dual-channel group was (3.9±1.1) days, which was shorter than that of UBE group (6.5±1.4) days, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy in lateral approach dual-channel group was (12.7±2.1) times, which was more than that in UBE group (6.6±1.3) times, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.197, -7.532;P<0.05). VAS and ODI for low back pain at 1 day and 1 month after operation, and VAS for leg pain at 1 day after operation of lateral approach dual-channel group were superior to those of UBE group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS and ODI for low back and leg pain between two groups before operation and 3 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). VAS and ODI of low back and leg pain were significantly improved at each time point before and after operation in both groups, and the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, according to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates of therapeutic effects between lateral approach dual-channel group and UBE group were 92.6% (25/27) and 88.9% (24/27), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=0.22, P>0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with highly free lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, both of lateral approach dual-channel method and UBE endoscopic surgery are safe and effective. Endoscopic surgery with lateral approach and dual-channel method could be performed under local anesthesia, allowing for the removal of the nucleus pulposus under direct vision. It is simpler, more efficient.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Diskectomy, Percutaneous/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and infection sources of cholera in China from 2005 to 2024.Methods:A total of 2 066 cholera cases were included in the study, which were obtained from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System (CDPCIS) of China CDC. The information on cholera clusters was downloaded from the National Public Health Emergency Event Surveillance System (PHEESS) of China CDC. A total of 128 cholera clusters were included and analyzed in this study. The epidemiological characteristics and infection sources of cholera were analyzed. The Jointpoint model was applied to analyze the incidence trend, and annual percentage change (APC) was also quantified.Results:From 2005 to 2024, a total of 2 066 cholera cases were reported, with an average of 103 cases reported annually. Specifically, the incidence showed a marked downward trend from 2004 to 2015 ( APC=-26.78%, P=0.006). During 2015-2024, the disease remained at low endemic levels, with an average of 18 reported cases annually ( APC=-2.68%, P=0.807). Cholera peak season was from May to October. A total of 24 provinces reported cholera cases, which were mainly distributed in Zhejiang, Fujian, Beijing, Jiangsu, Anhui, Guangdong, and Hainan provinces, accounting for 78.03% of the total cases. Pathogen surveillance indicated an alternating prevalence of Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 among laboratory-confirmed cases between 2005 and 2024. There was a disparity in the dominant serogroup of Vibrio cholerae by region. The results from 128 cholera clusters indicated that cholera outbreaks frequently occurred in rural banquets (64.84%), followed by regular restaurants (13.28%). Among these, 63 clusters (49.22%) with identified infection sources indicated that foodborne transmission (95.24%) was the primary mode of cholera transmission, which mainly through seafood and aquatic products, such as soft-shelled turtles, shrimp and shellfish. The characteristics of cholera clusters caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 showed statistically significant differences in scale, attack rate, place of residence, setting, and infection source ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Cholera incidence has remained consistently low since 2015 in China, mainly in sporadic cases. Rural gatherings (e.g., wedding banquets) are the main settings for cholera clusters. The main infection sources are predominantly caused by cross-contamination due to improper processing practices of aquatic products, such as soft-shelled turtles.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province, in order to provide a scientific evidence for effective prevention and control of campus AHC outbreaks. Methods: From September 1st to 28th 2023, case identification was conducted among 559 students and 60 faculty members using standardized definition. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the three distrubution patterns of the outbreak. Questionnaires were designed, and a case-control study was adopted to analyze the possible risk factors of the disease transmission. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control the difference of baseline data. Results: A total of 269 cases of AHC were identified, with an attack rate of 43.46%. The pathogen was confirmed as Coxsackie virus A24 variant (CA24v). Among these, 264 cases were students (attack rate of 47.23%) and 5 were staff (attack rate of 8.33%). A total of 153 pairs of PSM were successfully matched. After PSM matching, there were no statistically significant differences in gender, grade and class between the case group and the control group ( χ 2=0.12, 5.41, 11.24, P >0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle school students whose towels contacted with others ( OR =1.81), and direct contact with other AHC cases recently ( OR =4.89) were more likely to have AHC; while wearing glasses ( OR =0.43) and frequent use of hand sanitizer ( OR = 0.37 ) were less likely to have AHC ( P <0.05). Conclusion The outbreak of AHC is caused by CA24v, demonstrating rapid spread and extensive impact within the school setting.

The polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF)-cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phospholipid remodeling pathway facilitates tumor proliferation in glioma. Nevertheless, blockade of this pathway leads to the excessive activation of oncogenic receptors on the plasma membrane and subsequent drug resistance. Here, CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was identified through screening of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. Suppressing PTRF-cPLA2 signaling resulted in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway through phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine remodeling, which ultimately increased DPP4 transcription. In turn, DPP4 interacted with EGFR and prevented its ubiquitination. Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, facilitated the degradation of EGFR by blocking its interaction with DPP4. When combined with the cPLA2 inhibitor AACOCF3, it exhibited synergistic effects and led to a decrease in energy metabolism in glioblastoma cells. Subsequent in vivo investigations provided further evidence of a synergistic impact of linagliptin by augmenting the sensitivity of AACOCF3 and strengthening the efficacy of temozolomide. DPP4 serves as a novel target and establishes a constructive feedback loop with EGFR. Linagliptin is a potent inhibitor that promotes EGFR degradation by blocking the DPP4-EGFR interaction. This study presents innovative approaches for treating glioma by combining linagliptin with AACOCF3 and temozolomide.

Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.