OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory combined with endovascular intervention in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: Sixty-six IS patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a control group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped out). The control group received endovascular intervention. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the experimental group received acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory starting from the second day after surgery, Baihui (GV20) and bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Tianzhu (BL10), etc. were selected, once a day, 6 times a week for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were observed in the two groups, the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the NIHSS and mRS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the NIHSS and mRS scores in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the MBI scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the MBI score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the experimental group was 86.7% (26/30), which was higher than 66.7% (20/30) in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group was 6.7% (2/30), which was lower than 13.3% (4/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory combined with endovascular intervention in treating IS has good efficacy, improves neurological function, and enhances daily living ability.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Ischemic Stroke/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Endovascular Procedures ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism of Qihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules (QJZ) for ameliorating renal damage in MRL/lpr mice. METHODS: With 6 female C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group, 30 female MRL/lpr mice were randomized into model group, QJZ treatment groups at low, moderate and high doses, and prednisone treatment group (n=6). After 8 weeks of treatment, the mice were examined for 24-h urine protein, creatinine and albumin levels, serum levels of IgG, complement 3 (C3), C4, anti-dsDNA, interferon γ (IFN‑γ) and interleukin 17 (IL-17). Kidney tissues were sampled for histopathological examination with HE staining and observation of glomerular ultrastructure changes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expressions of MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related molecules in the kidney tissue were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with those in the model group, the mice treated with QJZ at the 3 doses and prednisone showed significant reductions in the renal injury biomarkers and serum IgG, anti-dsDNA, IFN‑γ and IL-17 levels and elevation of serum C3 and C4 levels. HE staining revealed lessened glomerular endothelial cell proliferation and mesangial thickening in all the treatment groups. TEM observation further demonstrated reduced electron-dense deposits and diminished inflammatory cell infiltration in the glomeruli in the intervention groups. QJZ at the 3 doses and prednisone treatment all significantly lowered renal expression levels of MyD88, NF-κB, p65 and p52 in the mouse models. CONCLUSIONS QJZ can improve renal damage in MRL/lpr mice possibly by inhibiting overactivation of the MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; Mice ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Interleukin-17

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of Qihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules (QJZ) for inhibiting renal B cell differentiation in MRL/lpr mice and explore its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Thirty 8-week-old female MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into model group, QJZ group, prednisone (Pred) group, QJZ+Pred group, and AIM2 inhibitor group (n=6), with 6 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group. After treatments with normal saline, QJZ, Pred, or AIM2 inhibitor for 8 weeks, the mice were examined for urinary total protein-to-creatinine ratio (TPCR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and renal histopathology (with HE, Masson, and PAS staining) and ultrastructural changes (with electron microscopy). ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to detect blood levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies, cytokines and chemokines, renal deposition of complement components C3 and C4, renal expressions of AIM2, CD19, CD27 and CD138, and changes in splenic B lymphocyte subsets. The effect of QJZ on the AIM2/Blimp-1/Bcl-6 signaling axis was examined using Western blotting. RESULTS: QJZ treatment significantly improved Cr, BUN, TPCR and ACR in MRL/lpr mice, ameliorated renal pathologies, reduced the expressions of ds-DNA, BAFF, IL-21, CXCL12, CXCL13, C3 and C4, and increased IL-10 levels. QJZ significantly downregulated renal expressions of the key B-cell transcription factors Blimp-1 and XBP-1, upregulated Bcl-6 and PAX5 expressions, inhibited B-cell differentiation, and lowered the expressions of AIM2, CD27, CD138 and CD69. Inhibition of AIM2 similarly reduced renal Blimp-1 and XBP-1 expressions, increased Bcl-6 and PAX5 levels, suppressed B-cell differentiation, decreased IgG production, reduced C3 and C4 deposition, and alleviated renal pathology in MRL/lpr mice. CONCLUSIONS QJZ inhibits B cell differentiation and alleviates renal damage in systemic lupus erythematosus possibly by suppressing the AIM2/Blimp-1/Bcl-6 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; B-Lymphocytes/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6/metabolism* ; Kidney/drug effects* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Lupus Nephritis

Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans ; Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging* ; Child ; Consensus

Epimedin B(EB)is one of the main flavonoid ingredients present in Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.,a traditional herb widely used in China.Our previous study showed that EB was a stronger inducer of melanogenesis and an activator of tyrosinase(TYR).However,the role of EB in melanogenesis and the mechanism underlying the regulation remain unclear.Herein,as an extension to our previous investi-gation,we provide comprehensive evidence of EB-induced pigmentation in vivo and in vitro and eluci-date the melanogenesis mechanism by assessing its effects on the TYR family of proteins(TYRs)in terms of expression,activity,and stability.The results showed that EB increased TYRs expression through microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-mediated p-Akt(referred to as protein kinase B(PKB))/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)/β-catenin,p-p70 S6 kinase cascades,and protein 38(p38)/mitogen-activated protein(MAP)kinase(MAPK)and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/MAPK pathways,after which EB increased the number of melanosomes and promoted their maturation for melanogenesis in melanoma cells and human primary melanocytes/skin tissues.Furthermore,EB exerted repigmentation by stimulating TYR activity in hydroquinone-and N-phenylthiourea-induced TYR inhibitive models,including melanoma cells,zebrafish,and mice.Finally,EB ameliorated monobenzone-induced depigmentation in vitro and in vivo through the enhancement of TYRs stability by inhibiting TYR misfolding,TYR-related protein 1 formation,and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and then by downregulating the ubiquitination and proteolysis processes.These data conclude that EB can target TYRs and alter their expression,activity,and stability,thus stimulating their pigmentation function,which might provide a novel rational strategy for hypopigmentation treatment in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture (OPHF) is one of the common osteoporotic fractures in the aged, with an incidence only lower than vertebral compression fracture, hip fracture, and distal radius fracture. OPHF, secondary to osteoporosis and characterized by poor bone quality, comminuted fracture pattern, slow healing, and severely impaired shoulder joint function, poses a big challenge to the current clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the field of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of OPHF, traditional Chinese and Western medicine have accumulated rich experience and evidence from evidence-based medicine and achieved favorable outcomes. However, there is still a lack of guidance from a relevant consensus as to how to integrate the advantages of the two medical systems and achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment. To promote the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, relevant experts from Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatric Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Youth Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Surgeon Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine have been organized to formulate Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine ( version 2024) by searching related literatures and based on the evidences from evidence-based medicine. This consensus consists of 13 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, aimed at standardizing, systematizing, and personalizing the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinse and Western medicine to improve the patients ′ function.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of Qihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） and its effect on the signal transducer and activator of tranSCription 3/mammalian target of rapamycin （STAT3/mTOR） signaling pathway， and to decipher the possible mechanism. MethodSixty female SLE patients who met the criteria in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected and randomized into a control group and an observation group （30 cases in each group）. The control group was treated with prednisone acetate + hydroxychloroquine sulfate orally， and the observation group was additionally treated with Qihuang Jianpi Zishen granules. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. The SLE disease activity （SLEDAI）， TCM syndrome score， erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， immune indexes ［immunoglobulin G （IgG）， C3， C4， CD4⁺， and CD8⁺］， interleukin （IL）-17， IL-23， interferon （IFN）-γ， 24 h urinary protein （24 h PRO）， serum creatinine （SCr）， and expression of proteins ［STAT3， phosphorylated （p）-STAT3， mTOR protein and STAT3，mTOR mRNA］ in the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway were determined before and after treatment. In addition， the adverse reactions were recorded. ResultAfter 8 weeks of treatment， the total response rate in the observation group was 93.33% （28/30）， which was higher than that （70.00%， 21/30） in the control group （χ²=4.007， P<0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed declined SLEDAI， TCM syndrome score， ESR， hs-CRP， IgG， CD8⁺， IL-17， IL-23， IFN-γ， 24 h PRO， SCr， and expression of proteins in the STAT3/mTOR pathway （P<0.01） and elevated levels of C3， C4， and CD4⁺ （P<0.01）. Moreover， the observation group had lower SLEDAI， TCM syndrome score， ESR， hs-CRP， IgG， CD8⁺， IL-17， IL-23， IFN-γ， 24 h PRO， SCr， and expression of proteins in the STAT3/mTOR pathway （P<0.05， P<0.01） and higher levels of C3， C4， and CD4⁺ （P<0.05， P<0.01） than the control group after treatment. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment period. ConclusionQihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules can ameliorate the inflammatory response， reduce the disease activity， and mitigate the kidney injury in SLE by inhibiting the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway to regulate the immune function.

Objective: To explore the relationship between air pollutants and pediatric outpatient volumes in Baoshan District, Shanghai Municipality. Methods: Data of meteorological factors, air pollutants and pediatric outpatient volumes in four general hospitals were collected in Baoshan District from 2015 to 2019, and a generalized additive model was used to fit the Poisson-like distribution. The exposure-response relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and total pediatric outpatient volumes and pediatric respiratory outpatients. Results: The median of the average daily temperature and relative humidity were 18.7 (interquartile range, 14.4) ℃ and 74.5% (interquartile range, 18.0%) in Baoshan District from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The median of the average daily concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and O3 were 35.0 (interquartile range, 35.0), 11.0 (interquartile range, 7.0), 45.0 (interquartile range, 31.8) and 84.5 (interquartile range, 50.0) μg/m3, respectively. The median of the average daily total and respiratory pediatric outpatient volumes were 680 (interquartile range, 246) and 392 (interquartile range, 253). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that temperature, relative humidity, PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and O3 were associated with total and respiratory pediatric outpatient volume (all P<0.05). Under the single pollutant model, the excess risk of total and respiratory pediatric outpatient volume due to PM2.5 (ER=0.318, 0.257), SO2 (ER=1.610, 2.546), and NO2 (ER=0.808, 0.839) reached the maximum effect on the same day, and the effect of O3 (ER=0.102, 0.222) reached its maximum at the first day of lag. Under the multi-pollutant model, after O3, SO2, NO2 and PM2.5 were introduced, a exposure-response relationship between air pollutants and total pediatric outpatient volumes was the largest on the sixth day after the lag (ER=0.419). There was no exposure-response relationship between air pollutants and respiratory pediatric outpatient volumes. Conclusion PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and O3 are associated with total and respiratory pediatric outpatient volumes, and the lag effects due to different air pollutants are different.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between iodine nutrition level and thyroid function in women in early pregnancy and to analyze the risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Meth-ods:A retrospective analysis of 566 early pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal examinations from Oc-tober 2020 to May 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.Their general clinical information,urinary iodine concentration and thyroid function were collected to determine the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in early pregnancy.According to different iodine nutrient levels,they were divided into the iodine deficiency group(UIC＜150 μg/g),iodine beyond appropriate group(250 μg/g ≤ UIC＜500 μg/g),iodine excess group(UIC ≥500 μg/g),iodine appropriate group(150 μg/g≤UIC＜250 μg/g)and iodine nutrition abnormality group(inclu-ding iodine deficiency,iodine beyond appropriate,and iodine excess).The incidence of thyroid disease was com-pared and analyzed.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of the adverse pregnancy outcomes(including hypertensive disorders in pregnancy,gestational diabetes mellitus,preterm delivery,miscar-riage,and low birth weight infants).Results:①The median urinary iodine/creatinine ratio of the 566 pregnant women in early pregnancy was 99 μg/g,indicating an overall iodine deficiency level.The abnormal rate of iodine nutrition was 82.9％(including 73.0％in iodine deficiency group,7.4％in iodine beyond appropriate group and 2.5％in iodine excess group),but only 17.1％in appropriate group.②There was no significant difference in the incidence of thyroid dysfunction(including hypothyroidism,subclinical hypothyroidism,and simple positive TPO-Ab)among groups with different levels of iodine nutrition(P＞0.05).However,the incidence of thyroid dys-function in pregnant women with iodine nutrition abnormalitieswas higher than that in pregnant women with moder-ate iodine and the difference was statistically significant(20.3％vs.11.3％,x2=4.198,P=0.04).③Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(≥35 years),body mass index(≥24 kg/m2)and abnormal iodine nutrition were independent risk factors of the adverse pregnancy outcomes(OR＞1,P＜0.05).Conclusions:The rate of abnormal iodine nutrition in early pregnancy is more than 80％,indicating an overall iodine deficiency state Abnormal iodine nutrition is a risk factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.It is recommended to monitor the iodine nutrition level of pregnant women in early pregnancy,provide iodine supplementation or low iodine diet according to different iodine nutrition levels,correct abnormal iodine nutrition during pregnancy,and strengthen health educa-tion intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between iodine nutrition level and thyroid function in women in early pregnancy and to analyze the risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Meth-ods:A retrospective analysis of 566 early pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal examinations from Oc-tober 2020 to May 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.Their general clinical information,urinary iodine concentration and thyroid function were collected to determine the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in early pregnancy.According to different iodine nutrient levels,they were divided into the iodine deficiency group(UIC＜150 μg/g),iodine beyond appropriate group(250 μg/g ≤ UIC＜500 μg/g),iodine excess group(UIC ≥500 μg/g),iodine appropriate group(150 μg/g≤UIC＜250 μg/g)and iodine nutrition abnormality group(inclu-ding iodine deficiency,iodine beyond appropriate,and iodine excess).The incidence of thyroid disease was com-pared and analyzed.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of the adverse pregnancy outcomes(including hypertensive disorders in pregnancy,gestational diabetes mellitus,preterm delivery,miscar-riage,and low birth weight infants).Results:①The median urinary iodine/creatinine ratio of the 566 pregnant women in early pregnancy was 99 μg/g,indicating an overall iodine deficiency level.The abnormal rate of iodine nutrition was 82.9％(including 73.0％in iodine deficiency group,7.4％in iodine beyond appropriate group and 2.5％in iodine excess group),but only 17.1％in appropriate group.②There was no significant difference in the incidence of thyroid dysfunction(including hypothyroidism,subclinical hypothyroidism,and simple positive TPO-Ab)among groups with different levels of iodine nutrition(P＞0.05).However,the incidence of thyroid dys-function in pregnant women with iodine nutrition abnormalitieswas higher than that in pregnant women with moder-ate iodine and the difference was statistically significant(20.3％vs.11.3％,x2=4.198,P=0.04).③Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(≥35 years),body mass index(≥24 kg/m2)and abnormal iodine nutrition were independent risk factors of the adverse pregnancy outcomes(OR＞1,P＜0.05).Conclusions:The rate of abnormal iodine nutrition in early pregnancy is more than 80％,indicating an overall iodine deficiency state Abnormal iodine nutrition is a risk factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.It is recommended to monitor the iodine nutrition level of pregnant women in early pregnancy,provide iodine supplementation or low iodine diet according to different iodine nutrition levels,correct abnormal iodine nutrition during pregnancy,and strengthen health educa-tion intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes.