BACKGROUND:The incidence rate of chronic non-specific neck pain is high and the etiology is unknown.Myofascial pain and deep cervical flexor atrophy are the key factors.Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve microcirculation,relieve local pain,and delay the degenerative development of the cervical spine,while motion control training can significantly improve neck muscle strength and endurance and reduce neck pain.However,both methods have limited effectiveness when applied individually.OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave intervention combined with motion control training at the upper trapezius muscle on chronic non-specific neck pain.METHODS:Forty-two patients with chronic non-specific neck pain recruited from Shenyang Sport University were randomly divided into three groups:a shock wave group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle was given for 10-15 minutes,once a week for 4 weeks;a training group(n=14),in which motion control training was given for 40-50 minutes,three times a week for 4 weeks;and a combination group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle combined with motion control training was performed for 4 weeks.Patients were assessed for pain intensity,cervical spine function,upper trapezius muscle thickness,hemodynamic parameters,and serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels before intervention,1 week and 4 weeks after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the three groups were lower after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the combination group were lower than those of the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the upper trapezius thickness increased in the training group and the combination group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05);the upper trapezius thickness was greater in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).(3)The shock wave group and the combination group had an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,while the training group showed an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 4 weeks of intervention.The peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery in the combination group was higher(P＜0.05)and the resistance index was lower(P＜0.05)than those in the shockwave group and the training group after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention.(4)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were reduced in the shock wave and combination groups after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and in the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).After 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).To conclude,extracorporeal shock wave combined with motion control training for chronic non-specific neck pain significantly reduces pain and improves neck function,and the mechanism of action may be to promote the blood flow velocity at the trigger point,reduce blood flow resistance,reduce the serum levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and increase the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle.

BACKGROUND:The incidence rate of chronic non-specific neck pain is high and the etiology is unknown.Myofascial pain and deep cervical flexor atrophy are the key factors.Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve microcirculation,relieve local pain,and delay the degenerative development of the cervical spine,while motion control training can significantly improve neck muscle strength and endurance and reduce neck pain.However,both methods have limited effectiveness when applied individually.OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave intervention combined with motion control training at the upper trapezius muscle on chronic non-specific neck pain.METHODS:Forty-two patients with chronic non-specific neck pain recruited from Shenyang Sport University were randomly divided into three groups:a shock wave group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle was given for 10-15 minutes,once a week for 4 weeks;a training group(n=14),in which motion control training was given for 40-50 minutes,three times a week for 4 weeks;and a combination group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle combined with motion control training was performed for 4 weeks.Patients were assessed for pain intensity,cervical spine function,upper trapezius muscle thickness,hemodynamic parameters,and serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels before intervention,1 week and 4 weeks after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the three groups were lower after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the combination group were lower than those of the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the upper trapezius thickness increased in the training group and the combination group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05);the upper trapezius thickness was greater in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).(3)The shock wave group and the combination group had an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,while the training group showed an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 4 weeks of intervention.The peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery in the combination group was higher(P＜0.05)and the resistance index was lower(P＜0.05)than those in the shockwave group and the training group after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention.(4)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were reduced in the shock wave and combination groups after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and in the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).After 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).To conclude,extracorporeal shock wave combined with motion control training for chronic non-specific neck pain significantly reduces pain and improves neck function,and the mechanism of action may be to promote the blood flow velocity at the trigger point,reduce blood flow resistance,reduce the serum levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and increase the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tianmeng Lingjiao Formula（天礞羚角方， TLF） as an adjunctive therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （PAF） with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome. MethodsNinety patients with PAF and phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 2∶1 ratio to test group （60 cases） and control group （30 cases）. The control group received conventional western medicine， while the test group received TLF in addition to the conventional treatment， with one dose administered daily. The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome and the rate of atrial fibrillation （AF） conversion were compared between groups. Assessments included AF burden， frequency and duration of AF episodes， TCM syndrome scores， and European Heart Rhythm Association （EHRA） AF symptom classification before and after treatment. Safety indicators such as blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， liver function， kidney function， and electrolytes were also monitored. Adverse events were recorded. ResultsA total of 82 patients completed the study （54 in the test group and 28 in the control group）. After treatment， AF burden， the frequency and duration of AF episodes， and TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced in both groups， and the test group showed lower indicators than the control group （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. The AF conversion rate was 25.93% （14/54） in the test group， significantly higher than 3.57% （1/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy was 83.33% （45/54） in the test group， which was significantly higher than 67.86% （19/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the EHRA atrial fibrillation symptom severity in the test group showed significant improvement， and the improvement in atrial fibrillation symptoms was superior to that in the control group （P＜0.01or P＜0.05）. No significant abnormalities were observed in safety indicators， and no adverse events occurred during the trial. ConclusionTLF as an adjunctive therapy can reduce AF burden， enhance the conversion rate of AF， decrease the frequency and duration of episodes， and improve clinical symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presenting with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome， with a favorable safety profile.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among voluntary blood donors in Qinghai Province over a ten-year period and to provide evidence for refining blood safety screening strategies. Methods: Blood samples from 362 066 blood donors in Qinghai collected between January 2015 and April 2024 were simultaneously screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nucleic acid testing (NAT). Follow-up was conducted for donors with reactive HCV RNA screening results, and alanine transaminase (ALT) was detected by rate method. Results: The HCV positive rate among blood donors in Qinghai was 0.22%. Gender, marital status, number of blood donations, and educational level were associated with HCV infection. Significant differences in HCV positive rates were observed among donors across regions and ethnic groups. The HCV positive rate among donors in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (with an average altitude of 4 330 m) was significantly higher than that in Xining (0.52% vs 0.21%, P<0.001). Positivity rates were also significantly higher in Salar (0.84%), Hui (0.81%), Zang (0.60%), and Tu (0.45%) ethnic groups compared to the Han ethnic group (0.17%) (P<0.001). The abnormal rate of ALT in HCV-positive donors was higher than in non-HCV donors (6.13% vs 1.55%) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The relatively high HCV positivity rate among blood donors in Qinghai highlights the need for further investigation into viral sources, risk factors, and transmission routes. Optimized screening strategies are essential to ensure blood safety.

Objective:To establish a mouse model of spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on cell apoptosis after acute SCI and its mechanism.Methods:Female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of SCI,and after successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into SCI group,EA group,and Rosiglitazone group(R group);a sham-operation group(Sham group)was also established.After successful modeling,the mice in the EA group were given EA at bilat-eral Jiaji points and Zusanli once a day for 14 days,those in the R ture,and the number of surviving cells.The EA group and the R group had a significant reduction in the expression of caspase-3 and significant increases in the expression of PPARγ and CD36,and the EA group had significant reductions in the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt.In addition,RNA-Seq and TMT/iTRAQ techniques,significant analysis,Venn analysis,and dual-omics analysis identi-fied Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt as the target genes of EA.The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that EA had a significant effect on the PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusion:By regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway,EA can promote the clearance of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt after SCI,reduce the expression level of caspase-3,alleviate cell apoptosis,and facilitate the recovery of spinal cord nerve function.

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)-induced fever is mainly characterized by long-term,recurrent and irregular symptom,which poses a major threat to the quality of life of the AIDS patients.Tradition-al Chinese Medicine(TCM)has offered an approach of treatment determination based on syndrome differentiation and formula corresponding to syndrome on basis of the idea of'same disease,different therapies'.The earliest or-igin of the idea of'same disease,different therapies' can be traced back to'Huang Di Nei Jing',it plays a signifi-cant role in the theory of TCM after continuous enrichment and development by ancient medical families.The indi-vidualized therapeutic regimen is formulated based on the etiology,pathogenesis and physical condition(such as qi-insufficiency constitution,phlegm-dampness constitution),emphasizing the vital role of'treatment determina-tion based on syndrome differentiation'in the treatment process,highlighting the importance of personnel experi-ence of doctors,and showing the precise effect of TCM on treatment of AIDS-induced fever.

In recent years, 7-tesla high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (7 T HR-MRI) has demonstrated significant advantages in evaluating intracranial atherosclerotic plaques due to its ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio and submillimeter isotropic spatial resolution. This cutting-edge technique enables precise visualization of plaque microstructures, including morphological characteristics and compositional features. Moreover, it allows noninvasive in vivo imaging of small intracranial vessels and provides clear delineation of the anatomical relationship between perforating artery ostia and their parent arteries. Although not yet widely adopted in clinical practice, 7 T HR-MRI shows promising potential for plaque vulnerability assessment, stroke mechanism elucidation, and therapeutic monitoring. This review summarizes recent advancements in 7 T MRI applications for intracranial atherosclerotic disease, aiming to provide novel insights for precision medicine in clinical practice.

Objective To construct a risk prediction model for delayed medical treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI),and to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select 219 patients with AMI who were hospitalized in Yancheng Third People's Hospital from March 2023 to May 2024 as investigation objects.The patients with AMI were divided into delayed group(n=106)and undelayed group(n=1 13)with the 6-hour interval.Logistic regression analysis was used to establish a risk prediction model for AMI patients with delayed medical treatment.Hosmer-Lemeshow test and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the goodness of fit and prediction ability of the model.Results Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that age,unknown heart disease at the time of onset,first chest pain and low score of brief health literacy screen were all risk factors for delayed medical treatment in AMI patients(P＜0.05).The model predicted that the area under the curve of AMI patients with delayed hospitalization was 0.771,the Youden index was 0.562,the optimal cutoff value was 0.514,and the sensitivity and specificity were 77.3％and 86.5％,respectively.Conclusion The constructed risk prediction model can effectively predict and screen the high-risk groups of AMI patients with delayed medical treatment,reduce the risk of AMI patients with delayed medical treatment,and provide a scientific basis for taking reasonable intervention measures to shorten the time of medical treatment for AMI patients.

Objective:To evaluate the anti-reflux effect of digestive tract reconstruction using esophageal-tubular gastric asymmetric anastomosis after radical resection of esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer.Methods:The main steps were as follows:(1)oblique incision of the lower esophagus;(2)curved incision of the tubular anterior gastric wall;(3)the lower end of the esophagus was anastomosed to the tubular gastric incision with a 90-degree torsion; (4)The anterior wall of the anastomosis was reinforced with a transverse-inverted suture,the posterior wall with a folded suture,and the corners of the gastric stump were buried with sutures.The anastomosis operation time,postoperative complications and postoperative hospital stay were recorded;the reconstructed structure and anti-reflux effect of the anastomosis were observed by digestive tract radiography,gastroscopy and follow-up investigation.Results:The Department of Gastrointestinal and Thoracic Surgery of Huaian First People's Hospital, affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, treated 5 patients of esophagogastric junction cancer and 20 esophageal cancer cases between August 2022 and November 2024, including 19 men and 6 women, with a mean age of (66.7±7.4) years. The mean anastomosis time was (35.4±5.9) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (117.6±33.4) ml and the mean postoperative hospital stay was(16.6±5.2) days, with no complications such as anastomotic leakage and bleeding. Postoperative digestive tract radiography (Trendelenburg position)showed that all the patients had no contrast reflux,gastroscopy showed no signs of reflux esophagitis and bile reflux gastritis, the anastomosis showed an inverted whiskers valve-like structure. The median follow-up time was (16.8±6.3) months, and all patients had no reflux symptoms such as acid reflux and belching,and no acid suppressive medication was needed.Conclusion:The esophageal-tubular gastric asymmetric anastomosis is a safe and effective antireflux reconstruction technique.

Objective:To evaluate the anti-reflux effect of digestive tract reconstruction using esophageal-tubular gastric asymmetric anastomosis after radical resection of esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer.Methods:The main steps were as follows:(1)oblique incision of the lower esophagus;(2)curved incision of the tubular anterior gastric wall;(3)the lower end of the esophagus was anastomosed to the tubular gastric incision with a 90-degree torsion; (4)The anterior wall of the anastomosis was reinforced with a transverse-inverted suture,the posterior wall with a folded suture,and the corners of the gastric stump were buried with sutures.The anastomosis operation time,postoperative complications and postoperative hospital stay were recorded;the reconstructed structure and anti-reflux effect of the anastomosis were observed by digestive tract radiography,gastroscopy and follow-up investigation.Results:The Department of Gastrointestinal and Thoracic Surgery of Huaian First People's Hospital, affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, treated 5 patients of esophagogastric junction cancer and 20 esophageal cancer cases between August 2022 and November 2024, including 19 men and 6 women, with a mean age of (66.7±7.4) years. The mean anastomosis time was (35.4±5.9) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (117.6±33.4) ml and the mean postoperative hospital stay was(16.6±5.2) days, with no complications such as anastomotic leakage and bleeding. Postoperative digestive tract radiography (Trendelenburg position)showed that all the patients had no contrast reflux,gastroscopy showed no signs of reflux esophagitis and bile reflux gastritis, the anastomosis showed an inverted whiskers valve-like structure. The median follow-up time was (16.8±6.3) months, and all patients had no reflux symptoms such as acid reflux and belching,and no acid suppressive medication was needed.Conclusion:The esophageal-tubular gastric asymmetric anastomosis is a safe and effective antireflux reconstruction technique.