ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms of Zhimu （Anemarrhena asphodeloides）-Huangbai （Phellodendron amurense） medicinal pair in alleviating postmenopausal osteoporosis （PMOP）. MethodsSixty unpregnant female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups， blank group， model group， low-dose Zhimu-Huangbai group， high-dose Zhimu-Huangbai group， and estradiol group， with 12 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， all other groups had their ovaries removed to create PMOP rat models， while the blank group only had the fat tissue around the ovaries removed. One week after the ovarian removal， the low-dose and high-dose Zhimu-Huangbai groups received concentrated solution of Zhimu and Huangbai with 1.8， 7.2 g/（kg·d） via gavage， the estradiol group received estradiol solution 0.09 mg/（kg·d） via gavage， and the blank group and the model group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of normal saline via gavage， once daily for 12 weeks. Before sampling， the body mass of the rats was recorded， and uterine tissue was taken to calculate the uterine index. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum were detected by ELISA； micro CT was used to examine the parameters of femoral microstructure， including bone volume/tissue volume （BV/TV）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， trabecular thickness （Tb.Th）， bone mineral density （BMD）， trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）， and cortical bone area （Ct.Ar）. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in the femur； RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation-related factors in femoral tissue， including Runt-related transcription factor 2 （Runx2）， bone morphogenetic protein 2 （BMP-2）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ）， chemerin and chemokine-like receptor 1 （CMKLR1）. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed a significant increase in body mass， a significant decrease in the uterine index， BV/TV， Tb.N， Tb.Th and BMD， a significant increase in Tb.Sp， and serum IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， a significant reduction of mRNA expression of Runx2 and BMP-2 in bone tissue， and a significant increased mRNA expression of PPARγ， chemerin， and CMKLR1 （P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed that the femoral tissue showed a reduction and sparsity of trabeculae， a significant enlargement of the medullary cavity， and a large number of fat cells. Compared to the model group， the low-dose， high-dose Zhimu-Huangbai groups， and estradiol group showed significant improvements in all the above-mentioned indicators （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed a significant increase in trabeculae， more organized arrangement， and a marked reduction in fat cells. Compared to low-dose Zhimu-Huangbai group， the high-dose Zhimu-Huangbai group exhibited a significant increase in the uterine index and BMD， and a significant reduction in body mass and PPARγ and Chemerin mRNA expression （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to high-dose Zhimu-Huangbai group， the estradiol group showed a decrease in uterine index， BV/TV， Tb.N， Tb.Th， BMD， and BMP-2 mRNA expression， while the levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， and IL-6， as well as Tb.Sp and the mRNA expressions of PPARγ， chemerin， and CMKLR1 increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionThe Zhimu-Huangbai medicinal pair can alleviate PMOP bone loss， and its mechanism of action is related to reducing the levels of inflammatory factors， correcting the disorder of osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs）， and promoting the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts.

Acute urinary retention(AUR)occurs frequently among astronauts on orbit.The current treatment is complex and easy to damage the urethra,which seriously affects the life and work of astronauts.In contrast,acupuncture,a traditional Chinese remedy,has shown promising results in managing urinary retention.However,the specific acupoints that could potentially prevent AUR remain uncertain due to the unique physiological conditions experienced by individuals in space compared to those on Earth.To address this gap,our research delved into the mechanisms of AUR and acupuncture within both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices.We conducted a thorough literature review from Pubmed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database and Chinese Medical Code database.A hierarchical evidence-scoring approach was utilized to analyze the included literatures,thus devised acupuncture protocols for the treatment of AUR.The outcomes of our study aim to establish a foundation for the application of acupuncture in managing AUR.

Under the influence of long-term space flights and the confined space environment,it is very easy to induce space depression syndrome,mainly manifested as decreased emotional stability,sleep disorders,mental fatigue,etc.,which seriously affect the living conditions and working abilities of astronauts.The current treatment methods mainly focus on psychological support and drug intervention.Acupuncture has a good effect in treating depression.Therefore,starting from the TCM pathogenesis and modern medical pathogenesis of aerospace depression syndrome,we conducted literature retrieval from databases such as the Chinese Medical Classic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,and Web of science.For the included literature,we adopted the stratified evidence scoring method and combined the TCM mechanism and modern medical mechanism of the effect of acupuncture.A prescription for acupuncture points was constructed to provide a basis for selecting acupuncture points for the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome through acupuncture.

Objective To investigate the association between recurrent low back pain(RLBP)and postoperative weight gain(PWG)after recurrent low back pain(TLIF)at three-month follow-up.Methods We analyzed 254 patients at three-month after TLIF from September 2020 to September 2022.Data such as age,gender,height and weight before surgery,smoking status,Pfirrmann grade of preoperative intervertebral disc degeneration,visual analogue scale(VAS)before surgery and 7 days,1 month and 2 months after surgery were collected.RLBP was defined for patients with low back pain with VAS score ≤3 on the 7th,1st and 2nd month after surgery,but ≥4 on the 3rd month after surgery.Three months after surgery,PWG was divided into 4 groups:＜0 kg group,0～＜5 kg group,5～＜10 kg group,and ≥10 kg group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of odds ratio(ORs).Results The prevalence of persistent RLBP was 18.5％(n=47).Compared to patients with a PWG of＜0 kg,patients with a PWG of 5 kg to＜10 kg and ≥ 10 kg had a higher prevalence of RLBP(OR=2.48 and 4.19,respectively);the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).However,no significant difference was found for patients with a PWG of 0 kg to＜5 kg.In addition,Logistic regression analysis also showed female,higher preoperative body mass index(BMI)and higher preoperative Pfirrmann grade were other three independent risk factors of RLBP.Conclusion PWG in TLIF patients is one of the independent risk factors for RLBP.Postoperative weight intervention for patients can reduce the incidence of RLBP and improve patient satisfaction with the surgery.

During the complete denture restoration process, accurate impression making is a crucial step for achieving good denture retention. With the increasing popularity of intraoral scanning technology in fixed restoration, the use of intraoral scanning technology in complete denture restoration for edentulous jaw has also been developed. This article systematically reviews the research progress and application of intraoral scanning of edentulous soft tissue, focusing on difficulties in intraoral scanning of edentulous jaws, scanning accuracy, clinical application effects, as well as precautions involved. The aim is to provide references for clinical application.

BACKGROUND:The development of tissues and organs in the body is a precise and autonomously regulated process,and the function of biomechanical factors at this macroscale is a basic scientific question worth exploring. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the roles of cell mechanics in morphogenesis of the lobular organoid of 3D Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK). METHODS:The formation of MDCK lobular organoid was visualized by fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology,and the influence of different cellular mechanical signals and extracellular matrix environment on lobular organoid formation and corresponding changes in extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)activity were examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Inhibition of ERK signaling pathway can inhibit the growth of MDCK lobular organoid.(2)Inhibition of cell contractile force signals such as ROCK pathway and Myosin Ⅱ activity,reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid size.(3)Selective inhibition of calcium channels in plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum led to reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid growth.(4)By inhibiting the mechanically-sensitive receptor Piezo ion channel or integrin signal on the cell membrane,the lobular organoid became smaller or MDCK cells could not generate tissue morphology.(5)Extracellular matrix compositions affected the morphogenesis of lobular organoid.The addition of type I collagen in Matrigel changed the lobular organoid to elongated shape.(6)The results of this study preliminarily show that mechanical signals in the cells and extracellular matrix environment play an important role in culturing MDCK lobular organoid,and provides certain molecular mechanisms.

Objective:To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of cystic biliary atresia (CBA) and choledochal cyst (CC) in infants.Methods:CBA or CC children <3 months of age diagnosed by surgery in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2015 to 2023 were collected, and the differences in general conditions and ultrasound manifestations between CBA group and CC group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 55 children, 30 were in CBA group and 25 were in CC group. The mean length diameter and width diameter of cysts in the CBA group were about (1.45±1.05)cm and (1.04±0.73)cm, respectively, which were significantly smaller than those in the CC group (5.41±2.98)cm and (3.21±2.90)cm ( P<0.001). The incidence of fibrous plaque (50.0%, 15/30) and abnormal gallbladder morphology (73.3%, 22/30) in the CBA group was significantly higher than that in the CC group [4.0%(1/25) and 16.0%(4/25), respectively]. The incidence of intrahepatic biliary mud deposition (52.0%, 13/25) and intrahepatic biliary duct dilation (64.0%, 16/25) in the CC group was significantly higher than that in the CBA group [0, 3.3%(1/30), respectively]. Conclusions:There are some differences in ultrasonography between CBA and CC children. The length and width of cysts in children with CC are significantly larger than those in children with CBA, and biliary mud deposits or intrahepatic bile duct dilatation are seen in the cysts. The incidence of fibrous plaque and abnormal gallbladder morphology in CBA children is significantly higher than that in CC children.

Astronauts are affected by the space environment,and there are health problems in many systems of the body,which seriously affect the on-orbit work efficiency and the health recovery after landing.Although measures have been taken,there are still deficiencies.Acupuncture can regulate the body in a multi-target,multi-level and multi-system way to protect the health of astronauts,which is an effective measure to protect the health problems of astronauts.But there is no acupoint group database for aerospace medical problems,which limits the application of acupuncture in space.The aim of this paper is to solve the possible aerospace medical problems of astronauts by acupuncture.Firstly,the acupuncture indications in aerospace medicine are determined through literature research,expert consultation and expert consensus,and then the evidence collection,evidence evaluation and evidence aggregation are carried out through the"stratified evidence evaluation method"for ancient literature,modern literature and expert experience.Finally,acupoint prescriptions were recommended based on the comprehensive score of acupoints,and acupuncture prescriptions for all acupuncture indications in aerospace medicine were integrated to form an acupoint group database,so as to contribute more Chinese wisdom and solutions to solve aerospace medicine problems.

As a ligand-dependent transcription factor,retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt(RORyt)that controls T helper(Th)17 cell differentiation and interleukin(IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the pro-gression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORyt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production.Several RORyt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORyt by binding to orthosteric-or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain.Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations.Therefore,in current review,the role of RORyt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted.Notably,the recently developed RORyt inhibitors were summarized,with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds,ef-ficacy,toxicity,mechanisms of action,and clinical trials.The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.

Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of internal jugular venous vein pseudo-aneurysm.Methods:The ultrasonographic and clinical features of a patient with internal jugular venous vein pseudo-aneurysm in Union Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively analyzed. These characteristics of this patient combined with cases from literatures were summarized.Results:Ultrasound showed that the 38.6 mm×14.0 mm×29.9 mm anechoic area in the soft tissue layer of the left neck communicated with the left internal jugular vein through the 3.8 mm wide breach, and a 12.9 mm×6.6 mm slightly hyperechoic mass was found in the anechoic area. Color Doppler flow imaging showed that the internal jugular vein communicated with the anechoic area through the crevasse. There was no obvious blood flow signal in slightly hyperechoic mass. The bidirectional burr-like blood flow signal could be detected by pulse-wave Doppler. Contrast enhanced ultrasound showed that the contrast agent flowed into the mass from the internal jugular vein through the breach, and the slightly hyperechoic mass appeared the contrast filling defect, and contrast agent was well filled in the rest of the anechoic area. Ultrasound diagnosis: left internal jugular vein pseudoaneurysm with thrombosis. 35 cases of cervical vein pseudo-aneurysm patients were finally included in 23 documents, including 12 males, 23 females, 15 cases on the left side, 20 cases on the right side, 6 cases of the internal jugular vein, 27 cases of the external jugular vein; one case only describes the neck veins and supraclavicular vein in another one case. Among them, 34 cases showed subcutaneous anechoic masses on ultrasound, 1 case showed slightly hyperechoic masses, and 35 cases showed venous wall breaches.Conclusions:Ultrasound examination has high diagnostic value for vein pseudo-aneurysm owing to its convenience, fast and serial observation. Therefore, it is the preferred method and can be widely used in clinical practice. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can clearly show the blood perfusion, and help to improve the diagnostic confidence of the operator.