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 This study aimed to investigate the effects of P.odoratum extract on lactase activity and microflora diversity in mice with bacterial dysbacteriosis.Methods SPF male BALB/c mice were randomized into 4 groups:control,model,P.odoratum extract low dose(1.56 g·kg-1·d-1)and high dose(3.12 g·kg-1·d-1)treatment group.There were 8 mice in each group(5 in the blank group).In addition to the control group,after 7 days of intragastric administration of mixed antibiotics,the administration groups were given P.odoratum extract for 7 days,and the control group and the model group were given the same amount of sterile water.The changes of diarrhea,body weight and food intake of mice were recorded.The colon HE staining sections,ZO-1 protein,IL-6 expression,and serum LPS concentration were detected.Feces were collected for lactase activity and microbial diversity determination with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology.Results After 7 days of antibiotic intervention,compared with the control group,the mice in the model group had soft stool,weight loss,reduced food intake,and significantly reduced intestinal flora diversity.At the 14th day,in the model group,ulceration accompanied by slight interstitial congestion and edema was seen in the colon,ZO-1 expression was significantly reduced,IL-6 expression was significantly increased,serum LPS was significantly increased,lactase activity was significantly reduced,and intestinal flora diversity was still lower compared with the control group.After 7 days of administration,compared with the model group,P.odoratum reduced the diarrhea rate of mice,promoted a recovery of body weight and food intake,downregulated pathological colon tissue damage,significantly increased ZO-1 protein expression,and reduced colon factor IL-6 and serum LPS concentration.In addition,P.odoratum can significantly up-regulate lactase activity and improve the community richness and diversity of dysbacteriosis mice.It is shown that three phyla(up-regulated Firmicutes,down-regulated Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes)and seven genera(up-regulated Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group,Rikenella,Colidextribacter,norank_f__Lachnospiraceae,norank_f__Oscillospiraceae,and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group,down-regulated Alloprevotella),the abundance of which was significantly correlated with body weight and lactase activity,serum LPS,and colon factor IL-6.Conclusion P.odoratum can alleviate the gut barrier injury and dysfunction caused by antibiotic induced dysbiosis,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating microflora structure.

Objective To propose diagnostic criteria for radicular lumbar disease(RLD)and evaluate its surgical outcomes.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 31 patients with RLD who were admitted to Department of Spinal Surgery of our hospital from Mar.2020 to Oct.2023.The nerve root tension during the operation was recorded,and the surgical complications,visual analog scale(VAS)score,Oswestry disability index(ODI),Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,and modified MacNab score were statistically analyzed.Results There were 13 males and 18 females,with an average age of(56.39±9.96)years.All the patients underwent modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF),including 2 cases of single-level operation,22 cases of two-level operation,4 cases of three-level operation,2 cases of four-level operation,and 1 case of six-level operation.The follow-up duration was(15.29±4.34)months.The nerve root tension during the operation was higher(25.00[22.00,28.25]g),while it decreased immediately after the operation(2.00[0.00,3.00]g),with significant differences(P＜0.01).The VAS score,ODI and JOA score after operation were improved compared with those before operation(all P＜0.01).At the last follow-up,there were 24 cases of"excellent",5 cases of"good",2 cases of"fair",and no"poor"in the modified MacNab score,and the excellent and good rate was 93.55%(29/31).Surgical complications(including cerebrospinal fluid leakage and incision infection)were occurred in 1 case each.Conclusion The remarkable clinical feature of patients with RLD is high tension of nerve.These patients can be treated by modified TLIF to improve the nerve hypertonia;early and accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are the keys to a good prognosis.

Objective To rapidly visualize and detect the extracellular vesicles of glial cells in a simulated space environment.Methods By using 2,5 Gy irradiation and 12,24 h microgravity treatment,a damage model of glial cells was established in a simulated space environment.Exosomes extracted from conditioned media with reagent kits were transferred to neurons to elucidate the impact of glial cells on neurons.By performing live-cell fluorescence labeling of exosomes,a visualization monitoring scheme based on fluorescence intensity analysis was developed to characterize the release patterns of extracellular vesicles.The release patterns of exosomes were represented by the fluorescence intensity of the conditioned media.The effects of different storage conditions and duration on the quantity and size of exosomes were investigated.Results The exosomes released from damaged glial cells in the simulated space environment could to some extent protect neurons,with exosomes playing a decisive role in this process,and the neurosystem exosome visualization detection scheme was consistent with the traditional exosome validation scheme.An empirical curve for exosome quantity and size was established for semi-quantitative analysis,providing a new approach for rapid detection of exosomes in cell culture media.Furthermore,the optimal storage conditions for culture medium samples were clarified,laying the foundation for ground/space-based online analysis of culture medium samples after spaceflight.Conclusion Exosome rapid detection and analysis can be achieved through fluorescence labeling and utilized to investigate glial cell injury in a simulated space environment.

Objective To investigate the effects of qigong abdominal breathing training on human brain function.Methods Seventy-two university students were recruited and randomly divided into the control and treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both the control and treatment groups underwent the same standing pile work operation. However,only the treatment group received additional abdominal breathing training. The intervention process comprised two phases:2 weeks of intensive training and 6 weeks of counseling training. Electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram (EEG) tests were performed before (baseline period) and after training respectively. Sample entropy algorithm and empirical mode decomposition were used to analyze the EEG signals. The sample entropy complexity index and the correlation between EEG changes and respiratory curves were calculated to explore the brain function regulation effect. Results The complexity of different brain regions in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group after training. A large difference was observed when comparing the brain complexity in the temporoparietal junction,posterior temporal,parietal,parietal-occipital junction,and occipital regions. The brain complexity in the posterior temporal region of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group after the intervention,with a significant difference (P<0.05). In the control group,the brain complexity in the frontal pole,anterior temporal,frontal reion,frontal-temporal junction,frontal-central junction,middle temporal,central,and temporal-parietal junction regions decreased to different degrees. However,the comparison between before and after was not significant. Furthermore,brain complexity in the central-parietal junction,posterior temporal,parietal,parietal-occipital junction,and occipital regions increased to different degrees in the control group;however,the difference was not significant. The brain complexity of the treatment group in the frontotemporal junction,middle temporal,and temporoparietal junction areas decreased slightly;however,the before-and-after comparison was not significant. The brain complexity of the treatment group in the frontal pole,frontotemporal,frontal,frontal-central junction,central,central-parietal junction,posterior-temporal,parietal,parietal-occipital junction,and occipital areas increased. The posterior-temporal,parietal,parietal-occipital junction,and occipital areas had more significant increases than the other areas. However,the before-and-after comparison was not significant. In both groups,brain complexity decreased in the frontotemporal junction,middle temporal,and temporoparietal junction areas and increased in the parietal,parieto-occipital junction,and occipital areas. The comparison of complexity between the treatment and control groups in P3 and PO3 leads after training was significant. P3 and PO3 are situated in the parietal region and parieto-occipital junction areas,respectively,indicating that antebellum breathing also affects brain function in these regions. The correlation between the respiratory curve and EEG components was enhanced after training. Conclusion Abdominal breathing training can significantly increase the complexity of the corresponding brain regions (posterior temporal,parietal,and parieto-occipital junction regions),and a significant correlation was observed between the two.

Objective:To assess the goal fulfillment in terms of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid, and the composite indicator of these three in patients with diabetes who received intensified treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and regular follow-up for 12 months, analyze the influencing factors, and explore the comprehensive management model for intensive diabetes treatment outpatient services.Methods:This study was a prospective, observational cohort study. The diabetes patients who received long-term regular follow-up at the intensive diabetes treatment outpatient clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2012 to 2023 were selected as the research subjects. They were followed up and clinical data were collected at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of follow-up. The study assessed the goal fulfillment rates in terms of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid, and the composite indicator of these three, with the goals of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)<7%, blood pressure<130/80 mmHg, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)<2.6 mmol/L. The study also analyzed the impact of factors, including gender, age, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, body mass index, comorbidities, complications, and treatment regimens, on the outcomes of comprehensive diabetes management.Results:A total of 232 patients were included in the study, of whom 210 were with type 2 diabetes (90.5%), 13 with type 1 diabetes (5.6%), 5 with latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (2.2%), 3 with diabetes after total pancreatectomy (1.3%), and 1 with mitochondrial diabetes (0.4%). After 3 months of intensified management, the goal fulfillment rates of blood glucose (67.7% vs. 34.1%, Kappa=0.336, P<0.001), blood pressure (53.4% vs. 37.5%, Kappa=0.159, P=0.001), blood lipid (59.1% vs. 39.2%, Kappa=0.198, P<0.001), and the composite indicator (20.7% vs. 3.0%, Kappa=0.177, P<0.001) were significantly increased. Continued treatment at 6, 9, and 12 months showed stable and sustained increases in the goal fulfillment rates of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid, and the composite indicator. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline hyperglycemia ( P=0.002), disease duration ≥5 years ( P<0.001), smoking ( P=0.009), alcohol consumption ( P=0.038), presence of diabetic complications ( P=0.001), combination therapy with oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin ( P<0.001), and use of antiplatelet drugs ( P=0.037) were risk factors for uncontrolled HbA1c. Baseline hypertension ( P<0.001), alcohol consumption ( P=0.030), and comorbid dyslipidemia ( P=0.028) were risk factors for uncontrolled blood pressure. Baseline uncontrolled LDL-C ( P=0.020) and non-use of statins ( P<0.001) were risk factors for uncontrolled blood lipid. Conclusions:Among patients with the long-term follow-up at our intensive diabetes treatment clinic, the goal fulfillment rates of blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, and the composite indicator of these three are relatively higher. However, it is still necessary to improve patient compliance as much as possible, emphasize weight management, and persist on the comprehensive diabetes treatment.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between blood uric acid level and body composition, exercise capacity, and cardiopulmonary function in medical examination population.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 83 individuals who underwent physical examinations at Peking University Third Hospital from June 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023, and met the inclusion criteria were included. According to whether they had hyperuricemia (HUA), the participants were divided into HUA group (53 cases) and non-HUA group (30 cases). Body composition parameters, such as body mass index and visceral fat area, were measured with a body composition analyzer. Exercise capacity indicators, including grip strength, vertical jump, back strength, and sit-and-reach test, were measured using specific monitoring devices. Cardiopulmonary function was assessed using the stair index test. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared with t-tests or chi-square tests, and the correlation between uric acid levels and body composition, exercise capacity, and cardiopulmonary function was analyzed. Results:The HUA group had significantly higher skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body mass index, and visceral fat area when compared with the non-HUA group [(31.92±5.60) vs (26.11±6.19) kg, (23.66±9.33) vs (17.19±5.00) kg, (26.53±3.68) vs (23.27±3.59) kg/m2, 91.20 (74.25, 123.90) vs 68.25 (56.25, 90.48) cm 2, respectively] (all P<0.05). The grip strength, vertical jump, and back pull strength were all lower in the HUA group [32.70 (25.25, 40.30) vs 42.35 (35.95, 48.10) kg, 30.30 (24.10, 36.48) vs 40.55 (33.06, 45.10) kg, 24.20(20.60, 32.23) vs 29.90 (25.20, 35.50) cm, 65.60 (51.75, 78.00) vs 91.00 (67.25, 111.50) kg, respectivley] (all P<0.05). The increased step index was positively correlated with reduced risk of hyperuricemia ( OR=0.875, 95% CI: 0.793-0.966) ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Blood uric acid level is correlated with cardiopulmonary function in medical examination population. Individuals with better cardiopulmonary function have a lower risk of developing HUA. However, the relationship between blood uric acid level and body composition and exercise capacity is not clear.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of preemptive analgesia with ibuprofen on postoperative pain following the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars in a Chinese population, aiming to provide a clinical reference for its application.Methods:This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial was conducted from April 2022 to October 2023 at the Capital Medical University School of Stomatology (40 cases), Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University (22 cases), and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University (20 cases). It included 82 patients with impacted mandibular third molars, with 41 in the ibuprofen group and 41 in the control group. Participants in the ibuprofen group received 300 mg of sustained-release ibuprofen capsules orally 15 min before surgery, while the control group received a placebo. Both groups were instructed to take sustained-release ibuprofen capsules as planned for 3 days post-surgery. Pain intensity was measured using the numerical rating scale at 30 min, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after surgery, and the use of additional analgesic medication was recorded during days 4 to 6 postoperatively.Results:All 82 patients completed the study according to the protocol. No adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, or allergies were reported in either group during the trial. The ibuprofen group exhibited significantly lower pain scores at 4 h [2.0 (1.0, 4.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0, 5.0)] ( Z=-3.73, P<0.001), 6 h [2.0 (1.0, 4.0) vs. 5.0(2.5, 6.0)] ( Z=-3.38, P<0.001), and 8 h [2.0 (1.0, 4.0) vs. 5.0 (2.0, 6.0)] ( Z=-2.11, P=0.035) postoperatively compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in pain scores between the groups at 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively ( P>0.05). Additionally, 11 out of 41 patients (26.8%) in the ibuprofen group and 23 out of 41 patients (56.1%) in the control group required extra analgesic medication between days 4 and 6 post-surgery, with the ibuprofen group taking significantly fewer additional pills [0.0 (0.0, 1.0) vs. 1.0 (0.0, 3.0)] ( Z=-2.81, P=0.005). Conclusions:A pain management regimen involving 300 mg of oral sustained-release ibuprofen capsules administered 15 minutes before surgery and continued for 3 d postoperatively effectively reduces pain levels and the total amount of analgesic medication used after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Considering its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, ibuprofen is recommended as a first-line drug for perioperative pain management, enhancing patient comfort during diagnosis and treatment in a feasible manner.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is one of important factors against from the damage under oxidative stress in human body. A high proportion of East Asians carry ALDH2 inactive mutation gene. There are many diseases closely related to ALDH2, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and liver diseases. Recent studies also have found that ALDH2 is associated with ferroptosis. Therefore, ALDH2 has becoming a potential target for the treatment of the above related diseases. Several types of small molecule activators with potential value of clinical application have been reported. The research progress on the structure and function of ALDH2 , the relationship with human diseases and its activators were summarized in this paper.