Based on a review of classical literature combined with modern anatomical and biomechanical research， this paper proposes the "four intersections" of channel sinew diseases from the perspective of structural interfaces， which involves sinew-bone， sinew-sinew， sinew-joint， and sinew-vessel intersections， and analyzes the corresponding pathological characteristics. It is believed that the dynamic evolution of channel sinew diseases can be summarized as "starting with mechanical imbalancew， with interface transmission as the pivot， compensation continuation as the variation， and neurological adaptation as the consolidation". Furthermore， the pathological changes at the "four intersections" structural interfaces correspond respectively to clinical manifestations of enthesial pain， referred pain， joint dysfunction and sensory abnormalities. Understanding channel sinew diseases based on the "four intersections" structural interface is conducive to deepening the understanding of the pathogenesis， thereby providing a reference for clinical identification and precise treatment.

Objective:To investigate the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on infertile women undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle in the Department of Reproductive Genetics, Zhengzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2023, including 318 PCOS patients (group P) and 528 NOR patients (group N). Each group was divided into three subgroups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels: severe deficiency [25(OH)D<12 μg/L], deficiency [12 μg/L≤25(OH)D<20 μg/L], and non-deficiency [25(OH)D≥20 μg/L]. The impact of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes was analyzed in each group. 1∶1 propensity score matching was applied to match the baseline characteristics between group P and group N , resulting in 158 matched cases of PCOS (group P) and NOR (group N). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups under the same vitamin D status.Results:1) Among PCOS patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). The two pronuclei (2PN) rate in the severe deficiency subgroup [59.93% (721/1 203)] was significantly lower than that in the deficiency subgroup [63.70% (1 032/1 620)], with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.045), and both were lower than that in the non-deficiency subgroup [68.06% (554/814)], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001, P=0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved and MⅡ oocytes, MⅡ oocyte rate, 2PN number, 2PN rate, cleavage number, cleavage rate, number of available embryos on day 3 (day 3, D3), number of high-quality embryos on D3, D3 high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and premature birth rate among subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.871-0.992, P=0.028), endometrial thickness on the day of transfer ( OR=0.877, 95% CI: 0.791-0.971, P=0.012), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.135, 95% CI: 1.050-1.228, P=0.001), and ovulation stimulating protocol ( OR=2.230, 95% CI: 1.153-4.314, P=0.017) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 2) Among NOR patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, laboratory parameters, or other outcome-related indices among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.944, 95% CI: 0.900-0.990, P=0.018), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.004-2.597, P=0.037), and number of transferred embryos ( OR=1.753, 95% CI: 1.184-2.597, P=0.005) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 3) After matching, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between group P and group N (all P>0.05). In the severe vitamin D deficiency state, group P had significantly lower MⅡ oocyte rate [76.64% (525/685)], 2PN rate [59.69% (345/578)], embryo implantation rate [35.71% (30/84)], and live birth rate [34.00% (17/50)] compared with group N [81.58% (465/570), P=0.033; 67.00% (335/500), P=0.013; 51.28% (40/78), P=0.046; 55.32% (26/47), P=0.035]. In the vitamin D deficiency state, the 2PN rate in group P [66.50% (532/800)] was significantly lower than that in group N [72.00% (725/1 007), P=0.012]. Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect IVF-ET outcomes in patients with PCOS, with more pronounced effects in cases of severe deficiency. However, it has no impact on the assisted reproductive outcomes in NOR patients.

With the rising obesity rates and increased demand for weight-loss methods in China, there is a need for safer and more effective solutions to improve metabolic disorders associated with obesity and enhance patients' quality of life. Current bariatric surgery, while being the most effective method, faces limitations such as insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and complications. However, advancements in bariatric surgery techniques, the development of less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures, the emergence of new anti-obesity drugs with single and multiple targets, and the application of artificial intelligence in metabolic and bariatric surgery are addressing these issues and revealing the rapid progress of obesity metabolism research and its clinical applications. This paper reviews relevant research published in 2024, explores emerging hotspots and potential research directions, and provides references for further exploring advancements in bariatric surgery techniques, combination anti-obesity drug therapies, and AI-assisted applications.

Objective:To investigate the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on infertile women undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle in the Department of Reproductive Genetics, Zhengzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2023, including 318 PCOS patients (group P) and 528 NOR patients (group N). Each group was divided into three subgroups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels: severe deficiency [25(OH)D<12 μg/L], deficiency [12 μg/L≤25(OH)D<20 μg/L], and non-deficiency [25(OH)D≥20 μg/L]. The impact of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes was analyzed in each group. 1∶1 propensity score matching was applied to match the baseline characteristics between group P and group N , resulting in 158 matched cases of PCOS (group P) and NOR (group N). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups under the same vitamin D status.Results:1) Among PCOS patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). The two pronuclei (2PN) rate in the severe deficiency subgroup [59.93% (721/1 203)] was significantly lower than that in the deficiency subgroup [63.70% (1 032/1 620)], with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.045), and both were lower than that in the non-deficiency subgroup [68.06% (554/814)], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001, P=0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved and MⅡ oocytes, MⅡ oocyte rate, 2PN number, 2PN rate, cleavage number, cleavage rate, number of available embryos on day 3 (day 3, D3), number of high-quality embryos on D3, D3 high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and premature birth rate among subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.871-0.992, P=0.028), endometrial thickness on the day of transfer ( OR=0.877, 95% CI: 0.791-0.971, P=0.012), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.135, 95% CI: 1.050-1.228, P=0.001), and ovulation stimulating protocol ( OR=2.230, 95% CI: 1.153-4.314, P=0.017) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 2) Among NOR patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, laboratory parameters, or other outcome-related indices among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.944, 95% CI: 0.900-0.990, P=0.018), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.004-2.597, P=0.037), and number of transferred embryos ( OR=1.753, 95% CI: 1.184-2.597, P=0.005) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 3) After matching, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between group P and group N (all P>0.05). In the severe vitamin D deficiency state, group P had significantly lower MⅡ oocyte rate [76.64% (525/685)], 2PN rate [59.69% (345/578)], embryo implantation rate [35.71% (30/84)], and live birth rate [34.00% (17/50)] compared with group N [81.58% (465/570), P=0.033; 67.00% (335/500), P=0.013; 51.28% (40/78), P=0.046; 55.32% (26/47), P=0.035]. In the vitamin D deficiency state, the 2PN rate in group P [66.50% (532/800)] was significantly lower than that in group N [72.00% (725/1 007), P=0.012]. Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect IVF-ET outcomes in patients with PCOS, with more pronounced effects in cases of severe deficiency. However, it has no impact on the assisted reproductive outcomes in NOR patients.

Objective:To observe the electrosensitization of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine.Methods:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in 80 children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine and in 80 healthy children were measured using a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)meridian detector,and the variation rule of the point meridian values was analyzed by SPSS version 26.0 statistical software.Results:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.01).There was no statistical difference in the meridian value of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the little finger between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Electrosensitization occurs at Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in children with constipation(syndrome of excessive heat in intestine),and thus the treatment can focus on stimulating the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger.

Objective:To observe the electrosensitization of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine.Methods:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in 80 children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine and in 80 healthy children were measured using a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)meridian detector,and the variation rule of the point meridian values was analyzed by SPSS version 26.0 statistical software.Results:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.01).There was no statistical difference in the meridian value of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the little finger between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Electrosensitization occurs at Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in children with constipation(syndrome of excessive heat in intestine),and thus the treatment can focus on stimulating the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger.

With the rising obesity rates and increased demand for weight-loss methods in China, there is a need for safer and more effective solutions to improve metabolic disorders associated with obesity and enhance patients' quality of life. Current bariatric surgery, while being the most effective method, faces limitations such as insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and complications. However, advancements in bariatric surgery techniques, the development of less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures, the emergence of new anti-obesity drugs with single and multiple targets, and the application of artificial intelligence in metabolic and bariatric surgery are addressing these issues and revealing the rapid progress of obesity metabolism research and its clinical applications. This paper reviews relevant research published in 2024, explores emerging hotspots and potential research directions, and provides references for further exploring advancements in bariatric surgery techniques, combination anti-obesity drug therapies, and AI-assisted applications.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)for post-stroke depression(PSD). Methods:A total of 72 PSD patients were randomized into an acupuncture-Tuina group and a Western medicine group using the random number table method,with 36 cases in each group.The Western medicine group was treated with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules.The acupuncture-Tuina group was treated with Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina therapy.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was compared,and the changes in Hamilton depression scale(HAMD)score,National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,serum neurotransmitter levels,and electroencephalogram(EEG)were observed. Results:The total effective rate of the Western medicine group and the acupuncture-Tuina group was 83.3%and 94.4%,respectively.There was a significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),norepinephrine(NE),and dopamine(DA)were higher than those in the same group before treatment,and the intra-group differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).The serum levels of 5-HT,NE,and DA in the acupuncture-Tuina group were higher than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of HAMD and NIHSS in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The scores in the acupuncture-Tuina group were lower than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the EEG diffuse wave[(delta+theta)/(alpha+beta)]ratio(DTABR)and delta/beta ratio(DBR)in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The ratios in the acupuncture-Tuina group were lower than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion:Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina therapy has a better efficacy than oral fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules in the treatment of PSD,which can increase the levels of serum 5-HT,DA,and NE,and regulate brain waves.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel in dog days of summer for postpartum pantalgia. Methods:A total of 64 patients with postpartum pantalgia were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 32 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel.The control group was treated in non-dog days,and the observation group was treated in dog days of summer.Both groups were treated with moxibustion once every 3 d,3 times as one course of treatment,for a total of 3 courses.The range and degree of pain were evaluated by the 45-region body surface area score and visual analog scale(VAS)score before treatment,after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice.The revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire(FIQR)was used to evaluate the quality of life of the patients.The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:During the trial,there were 2 dropout cases in the observation group,and 2 cases were eliminated from the control group.After treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3%,which was higher than 76.6%in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the number of pain sites and pain areas of the patients in both groups decreased after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice(P<0.05),and the FIQR score decreased(P<0.05).The score of each item in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the VAS score in the observation group decreased after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice(P<0.01),and was lower than that in the control group at the same time point(P<0.05). Conclusion:Herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel can improve the range and degree of pain in patients with postpartum pantalgia and improve their quality of life.The total efficacy of the moxibustion performed in dog days is superior to that in non-dog days,and the effect lasts longer.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety state in patients with primary insomnia(PI). Methods:Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for PI patients with an anxiety state in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),and Chongqing VIP Database(VIP)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to December 30,2022.Data extraction and evaluation were performed for the included studies.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each article.Meta-analysis of valid data was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software.If the outcome indicator was a categorical variable,relative risk(RR)was used as the effect size.If it was a continuous variable,mean difference(MD)was used to calculate the effect size.Each effect size was expressed as a 95%confidence interval(CI).P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 18 studies were included,comprising a total of 1198 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that electroacupuncture had a significant advantage in improving the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)score than benzodiazepines[MD=-1.61,95%CI(-2.17,-1.06),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture[MD=-14.90,95%CI(-20.39,-9.41),P<0.001]and benzodiazepines[MD=-3.39,95%CI(-4.67,-2.12),P<0.001]in reducing the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score.Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing the insomnia severity index(ISI)score[MD=-5.61,95%CI(-6.63,-4.89),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to benzodiazepines[MD=0.84,95%CI(-1.42,-0.25),P=0.005]and sham acupuncture[MD=-8.39,95%CI(-8.39,-7.86),P<0.001]in improving the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score.Acupuncture had a better effective rate than benzodiazepines[RR=1.16,95%CI(1.08,1.25),P<0.001]and sham acupuncture[RR=8.94,95%CI(4.63,17.25),P<0.001]in treating PI. Conclusion:Acupuncture or electroacupuncture has certain therapeutic advantages over benzodiazepines and sham acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety in PI patients.However,more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further verification.