Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.

Through the dismantlement,analysis,and sorting of the method of clearing collaterals and nourishing yin in the differentiation of syndromes in Wenbing Tiaobian written by WU Tang,a renowned physician of the Qing Dynasty.This article concluded that WU Tang's clinical application of clearing collaterals can be divided into clearing the qi collateral heat,clearing the blood collateral stasis,and clearing collateral stagnant heat.The yin-nourishing method specifically includes the sweet-cold fluid-restoring,sour-sweet yin-generating,sweet-bitter yin qi-nourishing,sweet-moistening fluid-preserving,heat-clearing fluid-protecting,and emergency purgative yin-preserving methods.Our team explored the application of this approach in tumor treatment based on the academic perspective of"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and in combination with the"clearing collaterals and nourishing yin"method.It proposes that within the relationship between"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and the"clearing collaterals and nourishing yin"method,"nourishing yin to strengthen healthy qi"often serves as the foundation of tumor treatment,whereas"clearing collaterals to eliminate pathogens"acts as an auxiliary measure.This paper summarizes our team's clinical experience and evidence in further treating cancerous diseases based on this theory,citing examples such as Qinghao Biejia Decoction,Xijiao Dihuang Decoction,Zhibai Dihuang Pill,our team's empirical formulas,and the specialized use of medications for cancerous diseases.The further application of this method in cancer diseases can be expanded to improve the clinical effect by summarizing the theory of"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and improving the understanding of clearing collaterals and nourishing yin.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.

Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a sensitive biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can independently predict the risk of cardiovascular events. Although the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and CVD risk has been widely reported, studies on the association between hs-CRP and PFAS remain limited. Objective To investigate the association between PFAS and hs-CRP levels, to provide a scientific basis for early identification and prevention of environment-related cardiovascular events. Methods This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2015–2018). Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 3219 participants were included for subsequent analysis. Five PFAS with detection rates exceeding 90% were selected as exposure factors and log-transformed (lnPFAS) for subsequent analysis, including perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). After selecting potential confounders through a change-in-estimate approach, logistic regression was employed to examine the effects of individual PFAS on serum hs-CRP level. Additionally, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were applied to assess the combined effects of PFAS mixtures on hs-CRP. Results The study included 3219 participants with a mean age of (50.4±17.6) years, of whom 1554 (48.28%) were male. The median concentrations of the five PFAS compounds were: 1.20 ng·mL⁻¹ (PFHxS), 0.50 ng·mL⁻¹ (PFNA), 1.50 ng·mL⁻¹ (PFOA), 5.20 ng·mL⁻¹ (PFOS), and 0.20 ng·mL⁻¹ (PFDA). The Wilcoxon rank-sum tests revealed statistically significant differences between the elevated serum hs-CRP (≥2 mg·L⁻¹) and normal (<2 mg·L⁻¹) groups for all five PFAS compounds (PFHxS: P=0.005; PFNA: P=0.009; PFOA: P<0.001; PFOS: P<0.001; PFDA: P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the analysis of individual PFAS exposure demonstrated significant negative associations between serum hs-CRP levels and both ln-PFOS (OR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.79, 0.96; P=0.0036) and lnPFDA (OR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.71, 0.86; P < 0.001). The joint effect analysis using quantile g-computation revealed an overall inverse association between PFAS mixtures and hs-CRP, with lnPFDA emerging as a primary contributor; an similar association was observed in males, but not significant in females. Further evaluation through BKMR showed that when PFAS mixture concentrations reached or exceeded P₇₀, their combined effect on hs-CRP became significantly lower than when all PFAS concentrations were at P₅₀, establishing a clear negative dose-response relationship. Conclusion The mixed exposure to PFAS showed a significant negative joint effect on serum hs-CRP levels, with PFDA being the key component contributing to this combined effect. Future prospective cohort studies are warranted to further validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Through the dismantlement,analysis,and sorting of the method of clearing collaterals and nourishing yin in the differentiation of syndromes in Wenbing Tiaobian written by WU Tang,a renowned physician of the Qing Dynasty.This article concluded that WU Tang's clinical application of clearing collaterals can be divided into clearing the qi collateral heat,clearing the blood collateral stasis,and clearing collateral stagnant heat.The yin-nourishing method specifically includes the sweet-cold fluid-restoring,sour-sweet yin-generating,sweet-bitter yin qi-nourishing,sweet-moistening fluid-preserving,heat-clearing fluid-protecting,and emergency purgative yin-preserving methods.Our team explored the application of this approach in tumor treatment based on the academic perspective of"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and in combination with the"clearing collaterals and nourishing yin"method.It proposes that within the relationship between"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and the"clearing collaterals and nourishing yin"method,"nourishing yin to strengthen healthy qi"often serves as the foundation of tumor treatment,whereas"clearing collaterals to eliminate pathogens"acts as an auxiliary measure.This paper summarizes our team's clinical experience and evidence in further treating cancerous diseases based on this theory,citing examples such as Qinghao Biejia Decoction,Xijiao Dihuang Decoction,Zhibai Dihuang Pill,our team's empirical formulas,and the specialized use of medications for cancerous diseases.The further application of this method in cancer diseases can be expanded to improve the clinical effect by summarizing the theory of"strengthening healthy qi to treat cancer"and improving the understanding of clearing collaterals and nourishing yin.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and characteristics of ultrasound imaging in diagnosing fractures in neonates.Methods:Thirty neonates with bone fracture in Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital during January 2018 to June 2019 were retrospectively recruited. The causes and ultrasound imaging features of these cases were analyzed. The ultrasound findings were compared with the results of X-ray examination.Results:Among the 30 cases, 29 (96.7%) were diagnosed as fracture due to birth trauma, including 28 (93.3%) of clavicle fracture and one (3.3%) of humerus fracture, and one (3.3%) with rib fracture probably caused by metabolic osteopathy. The ultrasound imaging characteristics included interruption of bone continuity, dislocation and/or angulation of fracture ends, and callus formation during recovery. All of the 30 cases were diagnosed by ultrasound. However, X-ray examination failed in the diagnosis of one clavicle fracture.Conclusions:Ultrasound is an accurate and reliable method for the diagnosis of neonatal fracture. The main characteristics of ultrasound imaging include interruption of bone continuity, dislocation and/or angulation of fracture ends and callus formation.

Objective To study the effects of the compound medicine of icariin and puerarin on peak bone mass in rats during growth period, and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1 month were randomly divided into normal control group( C), icariin group( I), puerarin group( P), icariin and puerarin compound groupc(I+P), 10 in each group. The body weights were recorded once every two weeks, and the bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry every month. After the bone mineral density of the whole body was significantly different between the control group and drug groups the animals were sacrificed. The right femur and vertebrae were separated to measure the bone mineral density. The biomechanical properties of the femur and vertebra were detected by AG-IS series desktop electronic universal testing machine. The bone formation index osteocalcin, PINP and bone resorption index were determined by ELISA. Changes in the contents of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b(TRACP 5b) and CTX-1; and changes in trabecular bone related parameters were recorded after magenta-picric acid staining. Results There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no significant difference in whole body bone density after 1 month of treatment (P＞0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the body bone density of the drug-administered group was higher than that of the control group. Whole body bone density, femur and vertebral bone density, femur maximum load value, maximum vertebrae load value and trabecular bone number and area, serum OC and PINP levels increased, while TRACP 5b and CTX-1 levels decreased(P＜0.01) in drug group. The difference from the control group was statistically significant (P＜0. 05). There were significant differences in biochemical parameters and bone histomorphology between the compound drug group and the two-flavor monomer group ( P＜0. 01). There was no significant difference in bone mineral density and biomechanics, but the average value was higher than that of the monomer group. Conclusion The combination of icariin and puerarin can effectively increase the peak bone mass in rats.

A new type of multi-acupoints moxibustion instrument was developed to effectively solve the issue of simultaneously performing moxibustion at multiple acupoints. The moxibustion instrument consisted of a bracket and a moxibustion cartridge mounted on the bracket. The upper end of the bracket was equipped with gooseneck tubes. The free end of the gooseneck tubes was equipped with moxibustion cartridge used for moxibustion. The moxibustion cartridge consisted of the cartridge body, the moxa needle and the ash net. This current instrument with novel and unique structure was simple and reasonable, safe and reliable, and had the advantages of convenient operation, time and labor saving, and high moxibustion efficiency, and was an innovation of moxibustion instrument.
Acupuncture Points ; Moxibustion ; Needles

Objective To explore the influence of Rosenthal effect on the psychological status of pregnant women at risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy. Methods From January 2014 to June 2015 151 cases of early pregnancy abortion risk women were set as the control group, and was given conventional psychological intervention.From July 2015 to December 2016 135 cases of early pregnancy abortion risk women were named as the observation group by convenient sampling selection, which was given interventionbased on Rosenthal effect on the basis of routine psychological intervention. The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, the introversion and extroversion scores and the satisfaction degree with intervention were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Results There was no significant difference in SDS and SAS scores, inotropic challenge and extroversion challenge between the two groups before treatment (P >0.05). The scores of SDS and SAS, the inotropic challenge and extroversion challenge scores were 41.45 ± 4.26, 40.34 ± 5.82,4.76 ± 1.03,5.55 ± 1.26 in the observation group after intervention,and 47.22 ± 3.93,47.18 ± 7.04,5.39 ± 1.12, 6.43 ± 1.86 respectively in the control group. There were significant difference in scores of SDS and SAS, the inotropic challenge and extroversion challenge (t=2.215-2.573, P <0.05). The satisfaction rates of the observation group and the control group were 93.32%(126/135)and 74.17% (112/151) respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.921, P<0.05). Conclusions The intervention based on Rosenthal effect on the basis of conventional psychological intervention for early pregnancy abortion risk women can relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, besides it can also improve satisfaction degree of inpatients with intervention.

Objective: To investigate the effect of resveratrol on peak bone mineral density and bone mass in growing rats. Methods: Thirty-six female healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, icariin group and resveratrol group with 12 rats in each group. Icariin (25 mg·kg^-1·d^-1), resveratrol (8.4 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) or equal volume of distilled water were given by gavage to icariin group, resveratrol group and control group, respectively. The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The organ indexes were calculated and pathology sections were observed; the bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanics, serum bone metabolism index, and results of micro-CT scan were analyzed. Results: During the experiment, the body weight of rats showed an increasing trend and there was no significant difference among three groups (P0.05). There were no significant differences in organ index of vital organs and pathological changes among the groups (all P0.05). Compared with the control group, the whole body BMD, and the BMDs of femur and vertebrae in icariin and resveratrol groups were significantly increased after 12 weeks (all P<0.05). The maximum load values of femur and vertebrae, as well as elastic modulus of vertebrae in icariin and resveratrol groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Micro-CT scan showed that the volumetric BMD, number of trabecular, trabecular thickness and bone volume/tissue volume of the cancellous bone in icariin and resveratrol groups were significantly higher and the trabecular separation was significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); while there was no significant difference in volumetric BMD of cortical bone for femur. The contents of osteocalcin in icariin and resveratrol groups were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.05), while the contents of tartarte-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b) were significantly lower than those in control group (all P<0.05).Conclusion: Resveratrol can inhibit bone resorption and enhance bone formation, so as to improve the peak bone mass and bone density, enhance bone strength and improve the microstructure of bone tissue in young rats.
Animals ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Bone and Bones ; diagnostic imaging ; drug effects ; Female ; Femur ; drug effects ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats, Wistar ; Resveratrol ; pharmacology ; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase ; genetics ; metabolism