Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Primary aldosteronism(PA)is the most common cause of secondary hypertension,yet its diagnosis remains under-recognized,with a high rate of missed diagnoses.This condition significantly impacts multiple systems,including the cardiovascular,renal,metabolic,and skeletal systems,resulting in notable complications.Patients with Klinefelter syndrome(KS)exhibit a markedly higher prevalence of metabolic disorders,which may further exacerbate cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunction.Here we report a patient who presented with refractory hypertension and an incidentally discovered adrenal mass,and was ultimately diagnosed with a left adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma combined with KS.We provide a detailed description of the patient's clinical manifestations,biochemical indices,diagnostic process,and postoperative histopathological findings in order to enhance the understanding of PA and KS and their potential interconnections,which offers diagnostic insights to reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.

Objective To investigate the effects of arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery on shoulder stability,pain and imaging anatomical parameters of elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury.Methods A total of 104 elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury admitted to Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from September 2021 to June 2023 were selected and divided into the suture-bridge group and the modified group according to random number table method,with 52 cases in each group.Patients in the suture-bridge group underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge surgery,and patients in the modified group underwent arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery.Perioperative indexes,the range of motion of shoulder joint,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES)score,visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Constant shoulder function score,University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)shoulder score,recovery of shoulder joint,Sugaya classification of imaging before and after surgery,and the rate of complications were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the length of incision,operation time,joint perfusion volume,intraoperative blood loss,or hospitalization time of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The external rotation,forward flexion,and abduction ranges of motion 6 months after surgery of patients in the modified group were greater than those in the suture-bridge group(P<0.05);The ASES,Constant,and UCLA scores 6 months after surgery of patients in the modified group were higher than those in the suture-bridge group,while the VAS score was lower than that in the suture-bridge group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);The proportions of patients who experienced complete painlessness in shoulder joint,had the same range of motion as the healthy side,and recovered to work ability before surgery 6 months after surgery in the modified group were higher than those in the suture-bridge group,and the Sugaya classification of imaging in the modified group was better than that in the suture-bridge group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in the incidence of shoulder joint swelling,limb numbness,bleeding,or retear of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery for elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury can relieve postoperative pain,improve shoulder joint function,expand range of motion of shoulder joint,and improve imaging anatomical parameters without increasing the rate of complications.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Primary aldosteronism(PA)is the most common cause of secondary hypertension,yet its diagnosis remains under-recognized,with a high rate of missed diagnoses.This condition significantly impacts multiple systems,including the cardiovascular,renal,metabolic,and skeletal systems,resulting in notable complications.Patients with Klinefelter syndrome(KS)exhibit a markedly higher prevalence of metabolic disorders,which may further exacerbate cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunction.Here we report a patient who presented with refractory hypertension and an incidentally discovered adrenal mass,and was ultimately diagnosed with a left adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma combined with KS.We provide a detailed description of the patient's clinical manifestations,biochemical indices,diagnostic process,and postoperative histopathological findings in order to enhance the understanding of PA and KS and their potential interconnections,which offers diagnostic insights to reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.

Objective To investigate the effects of arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery on shoulder stability,pain and imaging anatomical parameters of elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury.Methods A total of 104 elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury admitted to Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from September 2021 to June 2023 were selected and divided into the suture-bridge group and the modified group according to random number table method,with 52 cases in each group.Patients in the suture-bridge group underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge surgery,and patients in the modified group underwent arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery.Perioperative indexes,the range of motion of shoulder joint,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES)score,visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Constant shoulder function score,University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)shoulder score,recovery of shoulder joint,Sugaya classification of imaging before and after surgery,and the rate of complications were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the length of incision,operation time,joint perfusion volume,intraoperative blood loss,or hospitalization time of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The external rotation,forward flexion,and abduction ranges of motion 6 months after surgery of patients in the modified group were greater than those in the suture-bridge group(P<0.05);The ASES,Constant,and UCLA scores 6 months after surgery of patients in the modified group were higher than those in the suture-bridge group,while the VAS score was lower than that in the suture-bridge group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);The proportions of patients who experienced complete painlessness in shoulder joint,had the same range of motion as the healthy side,and recovered to work ability before surgery 6 months after surgery in the modified group were higher than those in the suture-bridge group,and the Sugaya classification of imaging in the modified group was better than that in the suture-bridge group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in the incidence of shoulder joint swelling,limb numbness,bleeding,or retear of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Arthroscopic modified suture-bridge surgery for elderly patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injury can relieve postoperative pain,improve shoulder joint function,expand range of motion of shoulder joint,and improve imaging anatomical parameters without increasing the rate of complications.

Objective To analyze and compare the efficacy of DNA barcode,i.e.,Cytochrome b(Cytb)and 12S ribosomal RNA(12S rRNA)gene sequences,in the species identification of wildlife.Methods DNA extraction,quantification,PCR amplification of Cytb and 12S rRNA gene fragments,Sanger sequencing,and sequence alignment analysis were performed on ten wildlife samples.Results Both gene fragments were successfully amplified in six samples,while Cytb alone was successfully amplified in 1 sample,and 12S rRNA alone in 3 samples.Sequence analysis indicated that Cytb enabled species-level identification for 6 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Streptopelia orientalis,Phasianus colchicus,Falco naumanni,Myiopsitta monachus and Lynx lynx)and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Lepus).In contrast,12S rRNA achieved species-level identificaggion for 8 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Lepus sinensis,Phasianus colchicus,Myiopsitta monachus,Muntiacus reevesi,Macaca mulatta and Lynx lynx),representing seven species,and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Falco).However,by combining Cytb and 12S rRNA,all samples could be identified to the species level.Conclusion When applying DNA barcodes to wildlife identification,the Cytb and 12S rRNA gene regions analyzed here can effectively identify common species such as Gallinula chloropus and Streptopelia orientalis,but face difficulties in distinguishing closely related species within the same genus.Therefore,when conducting wildlife species identification,it is recommended to use two or more DNA barcode markers.

Background/Aims: The association between caffeine intake and constipation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether caffeine intake is associated with constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 941 adults from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted logistic regression analyses were exerted to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and constipation. Besides, stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the potential modifying factors. Results: After adjusting for confounders, increased caffeine intake by 100 mg was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) or stool consistency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.05). Subgroup analyses showed that cholesterol intake modified the relationship between increased caffeine by 100 mg and stool frequency-defined constipation (P for interaction = 0.037). Each 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 20% decreased risk of constipation defined by stool frequency in participants who consumed high cholesterol (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), but no association in the other 2 cholesterol level groups. Furthermore, the association between caffeine intake and stool consistency-defined constipation was not found in different cholesterol groups. Conclusions Caffeine consumption is not associated with stool frequency or consistency-defined constipation. Nevertheless, increased caffeine intake may decrease the risk of constipation (defined by stool frequency) among participants in the high-cholesterol intake group.

Background/Aims: The association between caffeine intake and constipation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether caffeine intake is associated with constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 941 adults from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted logistic regression analyses were exerted to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and constipation. Besides, stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the potential modifying factors. Results: After adjusting for confounders, increased caffeine intake by 100 mg was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) or stool consistency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.05). Subgroup analyses showed that cholesterol intake modified the relationship between increased caffeine by 100 mg and stool frequency-defined constipation (P for interaction = 0.037). Each 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 20% decreased risk of constipation defined by stool frequency in participants who consumed high cholesterol (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), but no association in the other 2 cholesterol level groups. Furthermore, the association between caffeine intake and stool consistency-defined constipation was not found in different cholesterol groups. Conclusions Caffeine consumption is not associated with stool frequency or consistency-defined constipation. Nevertheless, increased caffeine intake may decrease the risk of constipation (defined by stool frequency) among participants in the high-cholesterol intake group.