The connotation of "treat heat with cold" and "disperse fire constraint" differs， and under the guidance of these two principles， there are variations in the selection of acupoints， choice of needles， and manipulation techniques in clinical acupuncture. "Treat heat with cold" is used to clear and drain heat pathogens， while "disperse fire constraint" focuses on diffusing and dissipating fire from constraint. When both fire constraint and internal heat coexist， treatment should combine both "dispersing the fire" and "cooling the heat". In clinical acupuncture， for clearing heat and draining heat pathogens， acupoints on Governor vessel （督脉） and Yangming （阳明经） channel are commonly selected， with Jing-well points， Ying-spring points and He-sea points. To diffuse and dissipate fire constraint， acupoints on the Taiyang （太阳） and Shaoyang （少阳） channels are usually chosen， with Jing-river points and Ashi points as the primary options. In terms of needle choice， for heat syndrome， filiform needles， three-edged needles， and cupping are often used for clearing heat and resolving toxins； for fire constraint syndrome， moxibustion and fire needles are employed to expel fire from the body. Regarding manipulation techniques， draining method can be used in both conditions， with heat syndrome requiring shallow needling and quick removal， while fire constraint syndrome requiring deeper and longer retention of needles， having an emphasis on hand pressure coordination and smooth qi flow. In clinical practice， it is essential to distinguish the presence of "constraint" and the depth of the disease location to appropriately combine "dispersing fire" and "cooling heat".

The plants of the genus Caragana Fabr. are desert plants of the Leguminosae family, which are widely used in traditional ethnomedicine, with the effects of nourishing Yin and nourishing blood, dispelling wind and removing dampness, clearing heat and detoxifying toxins. The anti-inflammatory effect of Caragana Fabr. has attracted much attention, the research on the related mechanism has made some progress, but it lacks systematic collation. By summarising the anti-inflammatory effects of the active ingredients of Caragana Fabr., the authors found that they have good anti-inflammatory activities on different inflammatory cell models in vitro, and have good improvement effects on rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, complex nephritis, and acute lung injury and other disease models. The anti-inflammatory effects of the active components of this genus mainly include the reduction of the levels of a variety of pro-inflammatory factors, and the signalling pathways involved mainly include TLR4/NF-κB, TLR4/MAPK, TLR4/NF-κB/IRF3, JAK/STAT-1, ERK/STAT-1 and so on. Therefore, the paper mainly reviews the research progress on the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of the Caragana Fabr. plants and their active components according to disease types, with a view to providing reference for the in-depth study of their anti-inflammatory activities and the development of new products with related functions.

The red doctor spirit， as an essential component of the Chinese Communist Party’s red health culture， is deeply rooted in the historical fertile soil of revolutionary practice. It serves as a crucial spiritual force driving the development of China’s healthcare undertakings and the reform of medical education. Anchored in firm political belief and a noble professional mission， it follows a dual path of constructing medical ethics and promoting humanistic care， thereby laying a solid cultural foundation for the modern medical education system in China. Integrating the spirit of red medicine into the ideological and political education system for medical students helps guide them in strengthening their ideals and beliefs， fulfilling their professional mission of healing the wounded and rescuing the dying， cultivating a rigorous and pragmatic work style， and establishing a professional spirit of pursuing excellence. Through the dual advancement of ideological guidance and practical instruction， the professional sense of responsibility among medical students can be further enhanced， providing sustained spiritual momentum for the cultivation of medical talents in the new era and the implementation of the “healthy China” strategy.

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a common concern over the world.Garlic is a kind of natural herbal medicine,and its active ingredients have shown some anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anti-catabolic,analgesic and other phar-macological effects.Garlic and its active components alleviate the inflammatory response of OA by inhibiting the ex?pression of inflammatory factors and signal pathways such as NF?κB and PI3K/Akt.They slow down the progression of OA by inhibiting the expression of extracellular matrix(ECM)degrading enzymes.Additionally,they reduce the oxidative damage of joints by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes.Moreover,the active components of garlic can relieve OA pain by activating the potassium ion pathway(Kv7),ATP?sensitive potassium channel(K?ATP),and the nuclear factor erythroid 2?related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO?1)?NAD(P)H:qui?none oxidoreductase 1(NQO1)signaling pathway.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for in-hospital malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to construct and validate a risk prediction model.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients aged≥18 years who were admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University with a diagnosis of AMI and underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from May 2016 to March 2023 were selected, and the patients' clinical routine test indicators and CAG results were collected. Univariate and bidirectional stepwise logistic regression were used to screen out the risk factors for constructing the best prediction model. The prediction model was constructed by combining the results of multivariate logistic regression. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the model. The nomogram was drawn to visualize the model, and the Bootstrap self-sampling method was used for internal validation. The ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive performance of each risk factor and prediction model. Finally, a multicollinearity test was performed.Results:Among the 4 205 patients finally included in the study, 115 patients (2.735%) developed MVA during hospitalization. The predictive factors screened out included age (X1), diastolic blood pressure (X2), respiratory rate (X3), blood glucose (X4), serum potassium (X5), logarithmic NT-proBNP (X6), myocardial infarction type (NSTEMI=X7, unclassified=X8), J wave (X9), Killip grade (Ⅱ=X10, Ⅲ=X11, Ⅳ=X12), and the regression equation was ln(p/1-p)=-4.699+0.029×X1-0.012×X2+0.059×X3+0.148×X4-1.175×X5+0.866×X6-1.427×X7-0.475×X8+0.758×X9+0.294×X10+0.902×X11+1.815×X12. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the model was 0.855 (95% CI: 0.816-0.894), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test ( χ2=14.178, P=0.077) and the calibration curve showed that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual probability. The probability threshold of 0% to 65% had a better clinical net benefit. The area under the internal validation ROC curve (AUC) was 0.855, 95% CI: 0.813-0.891. The prediction performance of the nine variables was stronger than that of any single variable. There was no multicollinearity between the variables. Conclusions:Age, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, serum potassium, NT-proBNP, type of AMI, J wave, and Killip class are forecasting indicator for in-hospital MVA in AMI. The risk prediction model based on the above factors has good predictive performance.

Objective:To investigate the application and safety of cardiopulmonary bypass precharge with 4% succinylated gelatin during surgery for children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD).Methods:A prospective case-control study was conducted. One hundred and thirty children with CCHD undergoing cardiac surgery admitted to Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital in 2021-2024 were selected as study participants. Participants were divided into control group ( n=65) and gelatin group ( n=65) by random number table method based on the principle of matching baseline characteristics between groups. Children in the control group were pre-filled with 10-20 ml/kg of fresh frozen plasma, while the gelatin group was pre-filled with 10-20 ml/kg of 4% succinyl gelatin. Thrombelastogram parameters [fibrin formation time, blood clot strength, fibrinogen maximum amplitude, fibrinogen content], hematological parameters [platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), hemoglobin], myocardial function [troponin, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB)] and liver-kidney function were compared before and after treatment.Measurement data with normal distribution was expressed as " xˉ±s", independent sample t-test was used on comparison between groups, paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons before and after treatment. Counting data was expressed as rate or composition ratio, χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. Results:Comparison between groups showed that before treatment, the difference of various thromboelastography parameters, haematological parameters, myocardial function indexes, liver and kidney function indexes were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Compared to before treatment, R, PTA, troponin and creatine kinase increased in both groups after treatment [control group:(51±4) s vs. (43±3) s, (98±15)% vs. (95±12)%, (0.624±0.085) μg/L vs. (0.040±0.005) μg/L, (711±50) U/L vs. (96±11) U/L, (60±7) U/L vs. (22±4) U/L, t values were -17.92、-2.13、-104.63、-165.15、-57.43, respectively, all P<0.001; gelatin group: (51±4) s vs. (42±3) s, (100±16)% vs. (94±13)%, (0.631±0.113) μg/L vs. (0.041±0.004) μg/L, (717±52) U/L vs.(97±11) U/L, (62±7) U/L vs.(24±4) U/L, t values were -19.79、-3.09、-81.31、-157.70、-54.67, respectively, all P<0.001], while MA, MAf, FLEV, platelet count, PT and hemoglobin decreased [control group: (50±4) mmHg vs. (57±5) mmHg、(5.5±0.9) mmHg vs. (13.8±1.3) mmHg、(1.58±0.22) g/L vs.(2.64±0.31) g/L、(217±21)×10 9/L vs. (275±25)×10 9/L、(13.3±0.5) s vs.(14.7±0.8) s、(116±12) g/L vs.(127±17) g/L, t values were 14.79、61.26、32.25、20.58、17.21、6.09,respectively, all P<0.001; gelato group: (49±3) mmHg vs. (57±5) mmHg、(5.7±0.8) mmHg vs. (14.0±1.4) mmHg、(1.62±0.27) g/L vs.(2.59±0.26) g/L、(214±20)×10 9/L vs.(273±23)×10 9/L、(13.4±0.5) s vs.(14.7±0.8) s、(114±12) g/L vs.(128±17) g/L, t values were 16.34、62.05、29.51、22.77、14.91、7.41, respectively, all P<0.001], but the differences between groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The difference of albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine before and after treatment were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusion:4% succinylated gelatin does not increase the risk of coagulation dysfunction during perioperative period in children with CCHD. It has small influence on liver-kidney function and has high safety.

Objective:To investigate the value of sequential ultrasound in assessing skeletal muscle and diaphragm thickness in elderly septic patients.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted.Fifty-one elderly patients with sepsis who underwent ultrasound examinations at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from August 2021 to August 2023 were selected, including 30 males and 21 females.Ultrasound technology was used to measure the thickness of limb skeletal muscles(biceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, quadriceps femoris, and tibialis anterior)and diaphragm, and sequential monitoring was performed at different time points(admission, the 3rd day after admission, and the 7th day after admission)to analyze the variation rules of their thickness.The correlations between the changes in muscle thickness and the severity of the disease[such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)scores and the Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores], mechanical ventilation time, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.Results:Compared with those at admission, the thickness of limb skeletal muscles and diaphragm in elderly septic patients with mechanical ventilation significantly decreased with the prolongation of hospital stay( P<0.05).The degree of thickness reduction in the flexor carpi radialis and rectus femoris was positively correlated with the APACHE II score.The degree of thickness reduction in the biceps brachii was positively correlated with the SOFA score.The degree of thickness reduction in the flexor carpi radialis, rectus femoris, and diaphragm was positively correlated with both mechanical ventilation time and hospital stay( P<0.05).Correlation heatmap analysis showed that the thickness of the flexor carpi radialis was significantly correlated with hospital stay days and APACHE II score(correlation coefficients were 100.20 and 67.47, respectively), indicating that the longer the hospital stay and the more severe the condition, the more serious the atrophy of the flexor carpi radialis. Conclusions:Measuring the thickness of skeletal muscles and the diaphragm in elderly sepsis patients using ultrasound serves as an efficient and non-invasive method for assessing the disease state, predicting prognosis, and guiding clinical treatment decisions.This approach provides vital imaging-based evidence for refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for elderly sepsis patients, thereby promising to enhance clinical outcomes and the quality of rehabilitation for these individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To provide the experience and demonstration for the transformation of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques standards from Chinese national standards to international standards. METHODS: Questionnaire research, literature research, semi-structured interviews and expert consultation were used. RESULTS: The safety of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques was evaluated through literature research, and based on the results of the questionnaire survey, expert interviews, and expert consultation, 11 main bodies and structure of the former Chinese national standard, Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting, were adjusted and optimized in accordance with the requirements of international standard (including the language, normative references, purpose, scope, applicable environment, target population, work team, terms and definitions, general principles and basic requirements, structural elements and text structure, and compilation process); and the first international standard, World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societis (WFAS) Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting was formulated to specify the general rules for drafting. CONCLUSION The 3 key questions, "international compatibility", "technical operability" and "safety" should be solved technically on the basis of explicit international requirements. It is the core technical issue during transforming the national standards of technical benchmark of acupuncture and moxibustion into international standards.
Moxibustion/methods* ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Humans ; Translational Research, Biomedical/standards* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; China ; Benchmarking/standards*

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot is a complex condition with high incidence, recurrence, mortality, and disability rates. Current treatments for diabetic foot ulcers are often insufficient. This study was conducted to identify potential therapeutic targets for diabetic foot. METHODS: Datasets related to diabetic foot and diabetic skin were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software. Enrichment analysis was conducted to screen for critical gene functions and pathways. A protein interaction network was constructed to identify node genes corresponding to key proteins. The DEGs and node genes were overlapped to pinpoint target genes. Plasma and chronic ulcer samples from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals were collected. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to verify the S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), inflammatory cytokine, and related pathway protein levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to measure epidermal layer thickness. RESULTS: In total, 283 common DEGs and 42 node genes in diabetic foot ulcers were identified. Forty-three genes were differentially expressed in the skin of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The overlapping of the most significant DEGs and node genes led to the identification of S100A9 as a target gene. The S100A9 level was significantly higher in diabetic than in non-diabetic plasma (178.40 ± 44.65 ng/mL vs. 40.84 ± 18.86 ng/mL) and in chronic ulcers, and the wound healing time correlated positively with the plasma S100A9 level. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1, and IL-6) and related pathway proteins (phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase [ERK], phospho-p38, phospho-p65, and p-protein kinase B [Akt]) were also elevated. The epidermal layer was notably thinner in chronic diabetic ulcers than in non-diabetic skin (24.17 ± 25.60 μm vs. 412.00 ± 181.60 μm). CONCLUSIONS S100A9 was significantly upregulated in diabetic foot and was associated with prolonged wound healing. S100A9 may impair diabetic wound healing by disrupting local inflammatory responses and skin re-epithelialization.
Calgranulin B/therapeutic use* ; Diabetic Foot/metabolism* ; Humans ; Datasets as Topic ; Computational Biology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Animals ; Mice ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Immunohistochemistry

Eight butyl-phthalides, senkyunolide K(1), senkyunolide N(2), butylphthalide(3), senkyunolide I(4), senkyunolide H(5),(Z)-butylidenephthalide(6),(Z)-ligustilide(7), and 3-butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide(8) were isolated from the aerial part of Ligusticum sinense by column chromatography on silica gel column, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical data, especially NMR and MS. Compound 1 was a new butyl-phthalide and compounds 2-8 were isolated from the aerial part of L. sinense for the first time. Furthermore, the inhibitory activities of compounds 1-8 against the nitric oxide(NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 1-8 exerted inhibitory activities on NO production with IC_(50) of 19.34-42.16 μmol·L~(-1).
Animals ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide/biosynthesis* ; Ligusticum/chemistry* ; Benzofurans/isolation & purification* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Molecular Structure