This paper presents an automatic acquisition and analytic procedure of acupuncture manipulation based on optical navigation, aiming at solving the shortcomings of existing acquisition methods of acupuncture manipulation. An acquisition holder installed at the handle tail of filiform needle was designed to display the movement trajectory of the needle during acupuncture delivery by collecting the movement trajectory of holder. The 3-month old male Bama miniature pig was selected as the experimental subject, and 6 points, "Bojian" "Qiangfeng" "Housanli" "Xiaokua" "Huiyang" (BL35) and "Baihui" (GV20), were selected during acupuncture manipulation. The optical navigation system was used to collect the real-time data, and these data were per-processed and analyzed using mean filtering and Fourier transform. The acupuncture procedure was divided into 3 stages, inserting, lifting-thrusting, and twisting. The results showed that the accuracy was 96.3% at lifting-thrusting stage, and that was 100.0% at twisting stage. The decomposition effect of the entire procedure was satisfactory. This study provides a new approach to the quantitative analysis of acupuncture manipulation. In the future, it needs to further optimize the algorithm and expand the sample size so as to improve the accuracy of this analytic technique.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Male ; Animals ; Swine ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Swine, Miniature ; Needles

Intestinal fibrosis is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to a high incidence of surgical interventions and significant disability. Despite its clinical relevance, no targeted pharmacological therapies are currently available. This review aims to explore the underlying mechanisms driving intestinal fibrosis and address unresolved scientific questions, offering insights into potential future therapeutic strategies. We conducted a literature review using data from PubMed up to October 2024, focusing on studies related to IBD and fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis results from a complex network involving stromal cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, and the gut microbiota. Chronic inflammation, driven by factors such as dysbiosis, epithelial injury, and immune activation, leads to the production of cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. These mediators activate various stromal cell populations, including fibroblasts, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. The activated stromal cells secrete excessive extracellular matrix components, thereby promoting fibrosis. Additionally, stromal cells influence the immune microenvironment through cytokine production. Future research would focus on elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between immune cell-driven inflammation and stromal cell-mediated fibrosis. Additionally, investigations are needed to clarify the differentiation origins of excessive extracellular matrix-producing cells, particularly fibroblast activation protein (FAP) + fibroblasts, in the context of intestinal fibrosis. In conclusion, aberrant stromal cell activation, triggered by upstream immune signals, is a key mechanism underlying intestinal fibrosis. Further investigations into immune-stromal cell interactions and stromal cell activation are essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent, alleviate, and potentially reverse fibrosis.
Humans ; Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/pathology* ; Animals ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Intestines/pathology*

Objective To investigate the effects of acupoint application at Tianshu(ST25)combined with kidney-warming and spleen-invigorating therapy on clinical efficacy,intestinal function,and the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods A total of 100 UC patients with depletion and deficiency of spleen-kidney complicated with internal accumulation of pathogenic dampness syndrome,treated in the Department of Proctology,Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affilated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to June 2024,were selected and randomly divided into four groups(Groups A,B,C,D)using a random number table method,with 25 patients in each group.Group A received standard mesalazine treatment.Group B received Kidney-Warming and Spleen-Invigorating Formula(composed of Psoraleae Fructus,Myristicae Semen,Euodiae Fructus,Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus,Codonopsis Radix,Poria,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,etc.)combined with standard mesalazine treatment.Group C received acupoint application at Tianshu(the medicinal paste for application composed of Caryophylli Flos,Cinnamomi Cortex,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Euodiae Fructus,Coptidis Rhizoma,etc.)combined with standard mesalazine treatment.Group D received Kidney-Warming and Spleen-Invigorating Formula+acupoint application at Tianshu+standard mesalazine treatment.All groups were treated continuously for 12 weeks.The time for disappearance of clinical symptoms was compared among the four groups.Serum immune cytokines[β-defensin-1,total immunoglobulin A(IgA),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)],peripheral blood levels of TLR4 and NF-κB,protein expression levels of TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB p65 mRNA in intestinal mucosal tissue,and changes in intestinal microbiota were observed before and after treatment.The clinical efficacy of the four groups was evaluated.Results(1)Compared to the other three groups,Group D had the shortest time for disappearance of clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain,diarrhea,mucopurulent bloody stools,and tenesmus(P＜0.05).The time for disappearance of various clinical symptoms in Groups B and C was similar(P＞0.05)but was shorter than that in Group A(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the serum levels of β-defensin-1,IgA,IL-6,and TNF-α in all four groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).Post-treatment intergroup comparisons showed statistically significant differences(P＜0.01),with Group D exhibiting the greatest reduction,significantly lower than the other three groups(P＜0.05).The levels in Groups B and C were similar(P＞0.05)but were lower than those in Group A(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the peripheral blood levels of TLR4 and NF-κB,and the protein expression levels of TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB p65 mRNA in intestinal mucosal tissue showed a decreasing trend in all four groups(P＜0.05).Post-treatment intergroup comparison results were statistically significant(P＜0.01),with Group D showing the greatest reduction,significantly lower than the other three groups(P＜0.05).All above levels in Groups B and C were similar(P＞0.05)but were lower than those in Group A(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the relative contents of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased(P＜0.05),while those of Saccharomyces and Clostridium decreased(P＜0.05)in Groups B,C,and D.Post-treatment intergroup comparison results were statistically significant(P＜0.01).Group D showed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and a significant decrease in Saccharomyces and Clostridium,with the magnitude of change significantly greater than that in the other three groups(P＜0.05).The quantities of these bacteria in Groups B and C were similar(P＞0.05),but the improvement was significantly greater than that in Group A(P＜0.05).(5)After 12 weeks of treatment,Group D had the highest total effective rate at 100.00％(25/25).The total effective rates of Groups B and C were similar,both at 84.00％(21/25),but were higher than that of Group A(56.00％,14/25).The intergroup difference was statistically significant(x2=16.310,P＜0.01).Conclusion The comprehensive treatment regimen of acupoint application at Tianshu combined with Kidney-Warming and Spleen-Invigorating Formula,on the basis of standard mesalazine treatment,has a positive impact on UC patients with depletion and deficiency of spleen-kidney complicated with internal accumulation of pathogenic dampness syndrome.This treatment method can effectively improve clinical symptoms,regulate β-defensin-1 and IgA levels,enhance immune defense function,downregulate the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB,and alleviate inflammatory response.Compared to monotherapies,it is more effective on improving treatment outcomes.

Objective To investigate the underlying mechanisms of vitamin D treatment improves early-stage renal damage in hypertensive mice.Methods From December 2022 to December 2023,peripheral blood samples were collected from 20 hypertensive patients with early-stage renal injury and healthy controls.ELISA was used to detect interleukin-6(IL?6),C?reactive protein(CRP)and reactive oxygen species(ROS).RT?qPCR and Western blot were utilized to measure the expression of Klotho and disulfidptosis?related proteins[glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),glucose transporter 3(GLUT3)and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)].A mouse model of hypertension with early?stage renal damage was established and treated with vitamin D.Kidney tissue samples were collected for HE staining and ELISA to assess inflammatory factors,and RT?qPCR and Western blot were used to examine the expression of Klotho and disulfidptosis?related proteins.Results Compared to the control group,the level of IL?6,CRP and ROS was significantly increased in the hypertensive patients with early?stage renal damage(P<0.05).The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 was significantly increased,while the expression of Klotho and SLC7A11 was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In the mouse model of hypertension with early?stage renal dam?age,HE staining showed that the level of inflammatory factors in the model group was significantly higher than that in control group.Vitamin D suppressed the level of inflammatory factors,increased the expression of Klotho and SLC7A11 and inhibited the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions Vitamin D treatment effectively improves inflammatory response in hypertensive mice with early renal injury.

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)using lenvatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICI)in the treatment of progressive advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The clinical data of 67 patients with HCC of BCLC stage C,who received HAIC treatment at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China from May 2018 to March 2022 and were assessed as in disease progression(PD)status after HAIC treatment,then had to further receive second-line treatment with lenvatinib plus ICI regimen.According to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(mRECIST),the tumor responses,including overall survival(OS),progression free survival(PFS),objective response rate(ORR),and disease control rate(DCR),were evaluated.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis based on the COX proportional hazards regression model were used to determine the prognosis-related risk factors.According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0(CTCAE 5.0),the treatment-related adverse effects were recorded and evaluated.Results The median OS and median PFS in the 67 patients with HCC of BCLC stage C receiving second-line treatment with lenvatinib plus ICI regimen,who were evaluated as in PD status after first-line HAIC treatment,were 18.4 months and 7.2 months respectively.The ORR and DCR were 22.4％(15/67)and 67.4％(45/67)respectively.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative oncology Group(ECOG)score and hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection were the independent risk factors affecting OS,while AFP level was an independent risk factor affecting PFS.The main treatment-related adverse reactions included elevation of transaminase level,hypertension,and hyperbilirubinemia.No death occurred during the therapeutic course.Conclusion For patients with HCC of BCLC stage C,who become in PD status after first-line HAIC treatment,second-line treatment with lenvatinib plus ICI regimen carries satisfactory efficacy and its adverse reaction is tolerable.

Child ; Humans ; Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/complications* ; Pneumonia

We reported a 32 years female patient in whom lung metastasis from breast cancer was presented as solitary pulmonary pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesion. The patient received rational preoperative examinations and surgery though the preoperative diagnosis was not accurate. Because of different therapy strategies and purposes, it is crucial to make distinction of atypical metastases from primary cancers. Thus, for patients with a history of malignancy, possible metastasis should be taken into consideration if new GGO was found on the CT. Besides this, the follow-up interval of CT should be shortened appropriately, preoperative examinations and surgical procedures should be made according to the suggestions of multidisciplinary team.

Objective To research the procedure for creating an animal model of mitral regurgitation by implanting a device through the apical artificial chordae tendineae, and to assess the stability and dependability of the device. Methods Twelve large white swines were employed in the experiments. Through a tiny hole in the apex of the heart, the artificial chordae tendineae of the mitral valve was inserted under the guidance of transcardiac ultrasonography. Before, immediately after, and one and three months after surgery, cardiac ultrasonography signs were noted. Results All models were successfully established. During the operation and the follow-up, no swines died. Immediately after surgery, the mitral valve experienced moderate regurgitation. Compared with preoperation, there was a variable increase in the amount of regurgitation and the values of heart diameters at a 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion In off-pump, the technique of pulling the mitral valve leaflets with chordae tendineae implanted transapically under ultrasound guidance can stably and consistently create an animal model of mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND:silencing information regulatory 1(SIRT1)regulates the function of related proteins in chondrocytes in a deacetylated manner and participates in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation,thereby promoting cartilage defect repair. OBJECTIVE:To screen for signaling pathways with unclear action status after SIRT1 gene knockdown in chondrocytes,as well as diseases or functions that produce changes using high-throughput technology. METHODS:ATDC5 chondrocytes from mice in logarithmic growth phase were divided into two groups:the cells were transfected with SIRT1 gene knockdown negative control lentivirus in control group and SIRT1 gene knockdown lentivirus in experimental group.GeneChip? Mouse Genome 430 2.0 Array was used to detect the mRNA expression at 72 hours after transfection.Applied bioinformatics technology was also used to screen for unclear activation or inhibition signaling pathways and their related factors.Moreover,enrichment of disease or function modules was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After knocking down the SIRT1 gene,there were 245 signaling pathways with unclear activation or inhibition status in the mouse ATDC5 chondrocytes.According to the ranking of-Log(P-value),we reported the factors in the top 20 signaling pathways with unclear activation or inhibition status,including IGFBP4,TGFBR1,CTGF,COL4A5,LHX2,IL1RL1,and KLF6.According to the ranking of-Log(P-value),there were significant changes in 14 disease or function modules,including cellular growth and proliferation,organism survival,cell death and survival.According to the number of differentially expressed genes,there were significant changes in three disease or function modules,including organismal injury and abnormalities,cancer,and cell death and survival.According to the comprehensive ranking of-Log(P-value)and the number of differentially expressed genes,the disease or function module related to intrinsic immune response was significantly activated.