ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹-¹ and Hcy>15 μmol·L⁻¹ was 1.532 times (95%CI: 1.017‒2.309 times, P=0.041) and 1.738 times (95%CI: 1.119‒2.699 times, P=0.014) higher respectively, compared to T2DM patients with Hcy≤10 μmol·L⁻¹. T2DM patients with TyG>9.074 had 1.396 times higher risk of stroke (95%CI: 1.091‒1.787, P=0.008) compared to those with TyG≤9.074. The study found that urea and α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) were independent risk factors for the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. For every unit increase in urea andα1-AT, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients increased by 233.6% (HR=3.336, 95%CI: 1.588‒7.009, P=0.001) and 11.3% (HR=1.113, 95%CI: 1.028‒1.205, P=0.008), respectively. Cumulative risk curves showed that Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and TyG>9.074 accelerated the time to stroke occurrence in T2DM patients. ConclusionElevated levels of Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and a higher TyG index are risk factors for stroke in T2DM patients. Effective interventions for Hcy and TyG should be conducted for diabetic patients to reduce the incidence of stroke.

The paper summarizes Professor YANG Jun's experience in treatment of refractory facial paralysis with the refined mode of acupuncture and moxibustion, so as to provide new ideas and methods for the disease treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Professor YANG Jun puts forward the refined mode of diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion for refractory facial paralysis. On the basis of syndrome/pattern differentiation of TCM, combined with meridian theory and modern anatomy, the symptom differentiation and meridian differentiation are performed accurately. By selecting local acupoints (e.g. Touwei [ST8], Sibai [ST2], Cuanzhu [BL2] and Yangbai [GB14]), distal acupoints (e.g. Zusanli [ST36], Hegu [LI4] and Jinsuo [GV8]), specific acupoints (e.g.Qianzheng [EX-HN16] and Touqiaoyin [GB11]) and the acupoints for regulating the mind (e.g. Dazhui [GV14] and Shuigou [GV26]), the prescription is composed. The different needling techniques are delivered at the acupoints (e.g. point-to-point needling with long needle, stuck needling by lifting and dragging, and balance needling on the healthy side). Besides, the facial rehabilitation is considered as the adjuvant treatment. This mode of treatment obtains the precise diagnosis and treatment to achieve the utmost therapeutic effects.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Male ; Meridians ; Female ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century

The paper summarizes Professor YANG Jun's thoughts on clinical treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion. Professor YANG Jun puts forward the "refined mode for diagnosis and treatment of diseases with acupuncture and moxibustion", aiming to improve the capacity of diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice. He advocates that the diagnosis and treatment should be guided by the identification of etiologies, syndromes and meridians; in accordance with regulating the shape/form, balancing yin and yang, and harmonizing the mind; and by means of skillful techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion, simplified selection of acupoints and delicate manipulations. Besides, he stresses on the combination of multiple techniques of acupuncture (such as penetrating technique with long needle, stuck needling by lifting and pulling, and micro-acupuncture systems) with moxibustion techniques (moxibustion for resolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, pressing moxibustion, borneol moxibustion, moxibustion with medicinal plaster) in clinical practice, so as to enhance the therapeutic effects.
Moxibustion/methods* ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Humans ; China ; Acupuncture Points

The disturbance of the human microbiota influences the occurrence and progression of many diseases. Live therapeutic bacteria, with their genetic manipulability, anaerobic tendencies, and immunomodulatory properties, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, their clinical applications face challenges in maintaining activity and achieving precise spatiotemporal release, particularly in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. This review highlights the innovative bacterial functionalized encapsulation strategies developed through advances in physicochemical and biological techniques. We comprehensively review how bacterial encapsulation strategies can be used to provide physical barriers and enhanced adhesion properties to live microorganisms, while introducing superior material properties to live bacteria. In addition, this review outlines how bacterial surface coating can facilitate targeted delivery and precise spatiotemporal release of live bacteria. Furthermore, it elucidates their potential applications for treating different diseases, along with critical perspectives on challenges in clinical translation. This review comprehensively analyzes the connection between functionalized bacterial encapsulation and innovative biomedical applications, providing a theoretical reference for the development of next-generation bacterial therapies.

BACKGROUND:Semen cuscutae has the effect of tonifying the liver and kidney system and benefiting the essence.The main pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is deficiency of the liver and kidneys.Therefore,it is hypothesized that there is a link between semen cuscutae and osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential relationship between osteoarthritis and semen cuscutae and validate the mechanism of semen cuscutae based on the network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. METHODS:First,the active ingredients and targets of semen cuscutae were screened in TCMSP,and the genes related to osteoarthritis were collected in the disease databases GeneCard's,OMIM and TTD.The intersected genes were taken and then subjected to a series of analyses and screened for hub genes.Through the enrichment analysis of hub genes,the pathway of semen cuscutae acting on osteoarthritis was selected.The role of hub genes was verified by molecular docking.Therefore,the appropriate active ingredients of semen cuscutae were selected for experimental verification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were 11 active ingredients of semen cuscutae,66 intersection target genes of semen cuscutae and osteoarthritis,and 12 hub genes,including tumor necrosis factor,interleukin 1B,TP53,RAC-alpha serine/threonine protein kinase(AKT1),vascular endothelial growth factor A,matrix metalloproteinase 9,prostaglandin peroxidase 2,cystatinase 3,epidermal growth factor,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,interleukin 10,vascular cell adhesion factor 1.After the enrichment analysis of the hub genes,the classical inflammatory pathway,nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway,was selected for subsequent validation of semen cuscutae to alleviate osteoarthritic inflammation.Through the results obtained after molecular docking of each active ingredient and the hub gene of the pathway prostaglandin peroxidase 2,sesamin with the highest affinity was selected for subsequent cell experiments,and the experimental results confirmed that sesamin,the active ingredient of semen cuscutae,could reduce the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway induced by interleukin-1β.To conclude,sesamin,the active ingredient of semen cuscutae,reduces the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway induced by interleukin-1β,thereby improving inflammation in osteoarthritis and expanding the therapeutic effect of semen cuscutae in osteoarthritis.

Objective To understand the proficiency level and sources of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)health education among hemodialysis patients,in order to provide the basis for promoting the application of TCM nursing in hemodialysis patients.Methods Utilizing a convenience sampling approach,we conducted a survey from April to May 2023 involving hemodialysis patients from 7 tertiary TCM hospitals across Beijing,Hebei Province,Sichuan Province,and other regions.Custom-made questionnaires were utilized,gathering general information,respons-es conceming the level of mastery on TCM health education,and their primary sources of such knowledge.Results A total of 413 questionnaires were disseminated,and 392 proved valid,yielding a valid response rate of 94.92％.The score of patient's knowledge on TCM health education averaged(8.25±3.73),and an average score rate of 48.53％was obtained.In the patients undergoing hemodialysis,a relatively larger number of people possess knowl-edge of TCM health knowledge about relieving symptoms(50.8％～55.9％)and traditional Chinese daily life routines(56.4％～90.1％).However,fewer people are aware of how to use the five-tone therapy method for emotional inter-vention(40.8％)and principle of taking restorative Traditional Chinese Medicine(24.5％～36.7％),the dietary prin-ciples of"nurturing yang in spring and summer,and nurturing yin in autumn and winter"(14.3％),and theories of TCM kidney functions(9.9％).Approximately 23.0％of the patients sourced their TCM health education knowledge from new media platforms.Compared with new media method alone,patients who utilized only traditional education-al platforms(P=0.020),and those who combined both new media and traditional methods(P=0.018)demonstrated higher proficiency in TCM health education.Conclusion Hemodialysis caregivers are urged to develop a TCM health education framework that emphasizes emotional well-being and traditional wellness concepts,thereby fostering patient-centric TCM health ideologies.Hemodialysis education personnel are encouraged to leverage new media whilst ensuring education quality and effective outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the association between serum lipid levels and inflammatory indicators in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods:A case-control study was conducted.A total of 86 POAG subjects were collected as a POAG group at Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong from January 2016 to March 2022.Meanwhile, 86 with age-related cataract only, matched at age, sex and body mass index were collected as a control group.The intraocular pressure (IOP) and the mean defect of visual field (MD) were measured by Goldmann tonometer and Humphrey field analyzer, respectively.Human peripheral blood samples collected from subjects for serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, total triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL), were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, were analyzed using an automated biochemical analyzer.Indicators with statistically significant differences between the two groups were selected as independent variables, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for POAG.Correlations between risk factors and ocular parameters (IOP and MD) were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (No.EC20210313[2]-P03). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before any medical examination.Results:The HDL was (1.59±0.42)mmol/L in the POAG group, which was significantly lower than (1.76±0.50)mmol/L in the control group ( t=2.435, P=0.016). The LDL was (3.34±0.66)mmol/L in the POAG group, which was significantly higher than (3.08±0.71)mmol/L in the control group ( t=2.520, P=0.013). The WBC was (6.91±1.60)×10 9/L in the POAG group, which was significantly higher than (6.11±1.29)×10 9/L in the control group ( t=3.619, P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that high serum LDL level ( P=0.039, OR=2.354, 95% CI: 1.105-5.303) and high WBC level ( P=0.044, OR=1.310, 95% CI: 1.007-1.703) were risk factors for POAG.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum LDL and WBC levels of POAG patients were moderately positively associated with IOP ( r=0.610, P<0.001; r=0.358, P=0.001). LDL level was moderately negatively associated with MD ( r=-0.496, P<0.001). WBC level was weakly negatively associated with MD ( r=-0.235, P=0.030). Conclusions:The elevated peripheral blood LDL and WBC levels are risk factors for POAG onset.The elevated LDL and WBC levels are positively correlated with IOP and negatively correlated with MD in POAG patients.

Objective:To explore the consistency of MRI fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) and CT in the evaluation of knee and ankle bone changes.Methods:From November 2020 to November 2021, seventeen patients who underwent CT and MRI FRACTURE examinations of knee joint or ankle joint in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were retrospectively collected, including 14 patients with knee joint examinations and 3 patients with ankle joint examinations. According to the number of joint components, 80 components were included, including 14 for femur and patella, 17 for tibia and fibula, and 3 for talus, scaphoid, medial cuneiform, medial cuneiform, lateral cuneiform and calcaneus, respectively. The fracture, hyperosteogeny, and bone destruction of the joint bones were evaluated by two observers using CT and FRACTURE images, respectively. Kappa test was used to analyze the consistency of CT and FRACTURE images between observers in the evaluation of joint bone lesions.Results:The Kappa values (95%CI) of the consistency evaluation of fracture, hyperosteogeny, and bone destruction by CT and FRACTURE images were 0.925 (0.823-1.027), 0.905 (0.799-1.011) and 0.895(0.752-1.038) respectively for observer 1, and were 0.963 (0.892-1.034), 0.933 (0.843-1.023) and 0.886 (0.731-1.041) respectively for observer 2. The Kappa values (95%CI) of the consistency evaluation of fracture, hyperosteogeny, and bone destruction by observers 1 and 2 via CT images were 1.000 (1.000-1.000), 0.937(0.851-1.023) and 0.945 (0.839-1.051) respectively, and that by FRACTURE images were 0.962 (0.888-1.036), 0.966 (0.899-1.033) and 0.836 (0.656-1.016) respectively.Conclusion:For the evaluation of fracture, hyperosteogeny, and bone destruction of knee joint and ankle joint, MRI FRACTURE sequence is highly consistent with CT.

Objective:To evaluated the options in selection of surgical procedures for treatment of the patients suffering from diabetic feet with chronic refractory wounds.Methods:From January 2020 to June 2021, 23 patients with diabetic feet complicated with refractory wounds were treated in Department of Hand Surgery, Shunde Heping Surgical Hospital. The patients were 15 males and 8 females, aged 51-86 years old and with an average age of 65 years old. All the patients had Type-II diabetes for over 5 - 22 years. Average blood glucose of the patients was found at 15.6 mmol/L on admission. Free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (ALTPF) were used for reconstruction of the wound of diabetic feet in 19 patients, 2 patients received vascular bypass surgery and 2 had amputations. Regular outpatient follow-up were conduct on all patients after surgery.Results:Follow-up time lasted for 8 to 30 months, 12 months in average. At the last follow-up, the donor and recipient sites healed well in the 19 patients who received flap reconstruction, without an infection, necrosis and wound recurrence. Pains were significantly relieved after the surgery in the 2 patients who received vascular bypass surgery, and wounds all healed well after symptomatic treatment and dressing change without recurrence of wounds at the last follow-up. Average Maryland score of foot function was 84 for the patients who had limb salvage, and 2 patients were in excellent and 19 in good at the last follow-up. The 2 patients who had amputation successfully survived through the perioperative period, and the wounds healed well at the last follow-up.Conclusion:The treatment is complicated in the patient suffering from diabetic foot with chronic refractory wounds due to factors such as advanced age, co-existing and complicated underlying diseases together with the complex wounds. Most patients can achieve good prognosis in wound treatment of free flap transfer or vascular bypass surgery. However, a limb salvage is recommended with caution for the patients who have severe infections and dry gangrene.