This paper reviews the published articles of recent years on the application of deep learning methods in automatic localization of acupoint, and summarizes it from 3 key links, i.e. the dataset construction, the neural network model design, and the accuracy evaluation of acupoint localization. The significant progress has been obtained in the field of deep learning for acupoint localization, but the scale of acupoint detection needs to be expanded and the precision, the generalization ability, and the real-time performance of the model be advanced. The future research should focus on the support of standardized datasets, and the integration of 3D modeling and multimodal data fusion, so as to increase the accuracy and strengthen the personalization of acupoint localization.
Deep Learning ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Neural Networks, Computer

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

Objective To identify the key sites of Rift Valley fever virus(RVFV) envelope protein Gn binding to the receptor,in order to provide a basis for the development of RVFV infection inhibitors.Methods The eukaryotic cell expression system was used to express RVFV envelope protein Gn, RVFV positive antibodies(antibodies 140, 144, 268, R12 and R17),low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1) receptor domains(ClusterⅡ-Fc and ClusterⅣ-Fc) and six Gn mutants(T173A, Q174A, D176A, K180A, S291A and K294A). ELISA method or competitive ELISA were used to detect the binding activity of LRP1 receptor domain and RVFV Gn, the effect of RVFV positive antibody on the binding ability of LRP1 receptor domain and RVFV Gn, and the effect of Gn point mutation on its binding ability to RVFV positive antibody and LRP1 receptor domain. The inhibitory effect of LRP1 domain on RVFV infection was detected by pseudovirus neutralization assay.Results ClusterⅡ-Fc and ClusteⅣ-Fc domains of LRP1 exhibited specific binding to RVFV Gn protein. The binding ability of antibodies 268, R12 and R17 to Gn protein was dose-dependent, and no significant binding activity was detected for antibodies 140 and 144. Antibodies 268, R12 and R17 showed a certain competitive inhibitory effect on the binding ability of ClusterⅡ-Fc to Gn protein, and the competitive effect of antibody 268 was the most significant. Only antibody 268 showed competitive effect on ClusterⅣ-Fc. The binding activity of Gn mutants to RVFV positive antibodies was lower than that of Gn. Except for Q174A, the binding ability of other Gn mutants to ClusterⅡ-Fc and ClusterⅣ-Fc was all lower than that of Gn. Among them, the binding ability of T173A, K180A, S291A and K294A to ClusterⅡ-Fc was significantly lower than that of Gn(F = 15. 83, P < 0. 05), and the binding ability of K180A, S291A and K294A to ClusterⅣ-Fc was significantly lower than that of Gn(F = 8. 75, P < 0. 05).Conclusion K180, S291 and K294 are the key amino acid sites for RVFV Gn protein to mediate the interaction with the host receptor LRP1, revealing part of the molecular basis of the binding of Gn to LRP1 and laying the foundation for the development of inhibitors targeting virus adsorption.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Baihe Yuzi prescription （BYP） on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR）， aquaporin （AQP）， zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein （ZIP） and local oxidative stress in epididymis of oligoasthenozoospermia （OAS） rats， and to explore the mechanism of its intervention in OAS. MethodAfter 35 rats were acclimatized for 1 week， 7 rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 28 rats were given tripterygium glycosides （TG） 30 mg·kg^-1. After 4 weeks of modeling， they were randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， BYP low-dose group （LBYP）， BYP high-dose group （HBYP） and levocarnitine group， with 7 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group and model group were given normal saline at the same dosage. The levocarnitine group rats were given L-carnitine oral liquid （100 mg·kg^-1） by gavage. The LBYP group rats were given BYP 6.3 g·kg^-1， and the HBYP group rats were given BYP 12.6 g·kg^-1 by gavage once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. After the end of the intervention， sperm count and motility of all rats were detected， the histopathological structure of epididymis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expressions of CFTR， AQP9， AQP3， ZIP8， ZIP12 and other proteins were detected by Western blot. The contents of α-glycosidase （α-GC）， sialic acid （SA）， carnitine， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Total zinc content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Free zinc ion content was detected by zinc ion probes. ResultCompared with those in the normal group， the sperm count and motility of rats were decreased and the epididymal structure was disordered in the model group. The contents of α-GC and carnitine were decreased in epididymis （P<0.05）. MDA levels were increased， while SOD， GSH-Px and zinc levels were decreased （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were down-regulated， and AQP3 expression was up-regulated. The expression of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis was up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， BYP can significantly improve the sperm count and motility， the epididymal structure of OAS rats and the levels of α-GC and carnitine （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were up-regulated， while the expressions of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis and AQP3 in the head of the epididymis were decreased （P<0.05）. The SOD and GSH-Px levels and total zinc content in epididymis were increased， and the MDA levels were decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionBYP may improve the sperm quality and repair epididymal tissue structure and function of OAS rats， by regulating the expressions of CFTR， AQP3， and ZIP12 ion channels and local antioxidant mechanism.

Objective To observe the effect of Shoutai Pills on endometrial decidualization of mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA);To explore its possible mechanism in the treatment of RSA based on histone modification.Methods Totally 40 female CBA/J mice were divided into normal group,model group,Shoutai Pills low-dosage group(7.5 g/kg),Shoutai Pills high-dosage group(15 g/kg)and dydrogesterone group(3 mg/kg).The normal group were co housed with BALB/C male mice,while the other groups were co housed with DBA/2 male mice to establish an RSA mouse model.After modeling,the administration groups were given corresponding medication solution by gavage,while the normal group and model group were given equal volume of pure water by gavage for 10 consecutive days.The embryo condition was observed and the embryo loss rate was calculated,ELISA was used to detect serum prolactin(PRL)content,HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of decidual tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect PRL mRNA expression in decidual tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of H4ac,H3K27ac,H3K27me3.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group mice showed a significant increase in embryo loss rate,a significant decrease in serum PRL content,disordered arrangement of decidual cells,and extensive bleeding and necrosis;the expression of PRL mRNA and protein in decidual tissue significantly decreased,the protein expressions of H4ac and H3K27ac significantly decreased,while the expression of H3K27me3 protein significantly increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the embryo loss rate of Shoutai Pills low-and high-dosage groups and the dexamethasone group significantly decreased,the serum PRL content significantly increased,tightly arranged decidual cells,reduced necrosis,and intact glands;the expression of PRL mRNA and protein in decidual tissue of mice in Shoutai Pills high-dosage group and the dexamethasone group significantly increased,the protein expressions of H4ac and H3K27ac significantly increased,the expression of H3K27me3 protein significantly decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Shoutai Pills can promote endometrial decidualization in RSA mice,which is related to the changes of histone modification in endometrial stromal cells.

Objective To explore the application low of stimulation parameters of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)and transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)for post-stroke movement disorders based on data mining.Methods The relevant clinical research literature was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed and Web of Science from January 2000 to May 2023.A database was set up after quality assessment.Frequency analysis,association rules and complex network analysis were used to explore the application law of core acupoints and electrical stimulation parameters.Results A total of 79 articles were included and 128 groups of data were contained.For TEAS,the core acupoints included Waiguan(TE5),Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Hegu(LI4),Neiguan(PC6),Yanglingquan(GB34),etc.,while the most commonly used acupoint combinations of upper limb and lower limb were Shousanli(LI10)-Waiguan(TE5)and Yanglingquan(GB34)-Zusanli(ST36).Among the electrical stimulation parameters of TEAS,the frequencies used vary widely,and 100 Hz was most commonly used,while 2 Hz TEAS was also mainly used for stimulating acupoints located on upper limbs in the treatment of flaccid paralysis.The application of other electrical stimulation parameters was relatively consistent.The bidirectional symmetrical square-wave with 200-250 μs pulse-width was used in majority of studies.The stimulus intensity was mostly determined by patient tolerance.For tDCS,stimulation electrodes were often positioned on the projection of the primary M1,and the safe stimulus intensity was mostly set as 1 to 2 mA.Conclusion In the treatment of post-stroke movement disorders,appropriate acupoints and electrical stimulation parameters of TEAS should be determined on the muscle strength and muscle tension of stroke patients at different stages after stroke,particularly the selection of electric stimulating frequency.

Objective:The pregnancy outcome,related influencing factors and genetic results of pregnant women with intracranial cysts were comparatively analyzed to provide evidence for prenatal consultation and clini-cal treatment of the fetus with intracranial cyst.Methods:A total of 92 pregnant women with fetal intracranial cysts were selected.The data of pregnancy and delivery were collected by electronic medical record system.The prog-nosis of newborn was recorded by telephone follow-up.According to the pregnancy outcome,they were divided into continued pregnancy group(80/92,87%)and induced labor group(12/92,13%).Analyze the factors that might influence the pregnancy outcome of intracranial cysts,as well as genetic outcomes.Results:Compared with the continued pregnancy group and the induced labor group,there were statistical differences between the gesta-tion age at diagnosis≤28 weeks and the presence of other abnormalities(P＜0.05),but there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women and the number of intracranial cysts(P＞0.05).The results of genetic examination were compared between normal and abnormal groups of 25 cases,and there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women,the gestation age at diagnosis,whether there was adverse pregnancy history,whether there was single cyst,and the presence of other abnormalities(P＞0.05).Conclusions:Diagno-sis of fetal intracranial cyst at≤28 weeks gestation and other systemic abnormalities are risk factors affecting pregnancy outcome.

Objective:The pregnancy outcome,related influencing factors and genetic results of pregnant women with intracranial cysts were comparatively analyzed to provide evidence for prenatal consultation and clini-cal treatment of the fetus with intracranial cyst.Methods:A total of 92 pregnant women with fetal intracranial cysts were selected.The data of pregnancy and delivery were collected by electronic medical record system.The prog-nosis of newborn was recorded by telephone follow-up.According to the pregnancy outcome,they were divided into continued pregnancy group(80/92,87%)and induced labor group(12/92,13%).Analyze the factors that might influence the pregnancy outcome of intracranial cysts,as well as genetic outcomes.Results:Compared with the continued pregnancy group and the induced labor group,there were statistical differences between the gesta-tion age at diagnosis≤28 weeks and the presence of other abnormalities(P＜0.05),but there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women and the number of intracranial cysts(P＞0.05).The results of genetic examination were compared between normal and abnormal groups of 25 cases,and there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women,the gestation age at diagnosis,whether there was adverse pregnancy history,whether there was single cyst,and the presence of other abnormalities(P＞0.05).Conclusions:Diagno-sis of fetal intracranial cyst at≤28 weeks gestation and other systemic abnormalities are risk factors affecting pregnancy outcome.

Objective:The pregnancy outcome,related influencing factors and genetic results of pregnant women with intracranial cysts were comparatively analyzed to provide evidence for prenatal consultation and clini-cal treatment of the fetus with intracranial cyst.Methods:A total of 92 pregnant women with fetal intracranial cysts were selected.The data of pregnancy and delivery were collected by electronic medical record system.The prog-nosis of newborn was recorded by telephone follow-up.According to the pregnancy outcome,they were divided into continued pregnancy group(80/92,87%)and induced labor group(12/92,13%).Analyze the factors that might influence the pregnancy outcome of intracranial cysts,as well as genetic outcomes.Results:Compared with the continued pregnancy group and the induced labor group,there were statistical differences between the gesta-tion age at diagnosis≤28 weeks and the presence of other abnormalities(P＜0.05),but there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women and the number of intracranial cysts(P＞0.05).The results of genetic examination were compared between normal and abnormal groups of 25 cases,and there were no statistical differences in the age of pregnant women,the gestation age at diagnosis,whether there was adverse pregnancy history,whether there was single cyst,and the presence of other abnormalities(P＞0.05).Conclusions:Diagno-sis of fetal intracranial cyst at≤28 weeks gestation and other systemic abnormalities are risk factors affecting pregnancy outcome.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Sanguisorbae Radix(SR)in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Using the GSE92415 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database,we analyzed differentially expressed genes and carried out weighted gene correlation network analysis and FerrDb analysis.Core genes were identified through protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and correlation analysis.UC mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)was constructed and treated with SR via intragastric administration for 9 days.Disease activity index(DAI)and colon length were recorded.Pathological changes in colon tissue were observed using the HE staining.Levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Lipid peroxidantion factors such as malondialdehyde(MDA)and glutathione(GSH)were detected using biochemical test kits.Protein expression levels of zonula occludens protein-1(ZO-1)tight junction protein,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SCL7A11),and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)were examined by Western blot or immunofluorescence labeling.Results Nine differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis were screened and PPARG was identified as a key gene.Correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between PPARG and ferroptosis.Subsequently,the potential mechanism of SR in improving UC in mice was discussed according to the bioinformatics screening results.The experimental results demonstrated that SR significantly reduced the DAI,prevented colon shortening and improved intestinal mucosal barrier function in the colon.SR decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels,MDA content and GSH levels in colon tissues.SR also enhanced the expression of PPARG,SLC7A11 and GPX4,which reversed the effect of DSS in mice with colitis.Conclusions Ferroptosis is closely related to UC.SR can inhibit ferroptosis by regulating PPARG and SCL7A11/GPX4 expression,thereby improving colon epithelial injury and dysfunction in UC mice.This provides ideas and directions for UC treatment strategies.