Depression is a high-incidence mental disorder with complex causes and multifaceted pathogenic mechanisms. Its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated， which has hindered the development of novel and highly effective antidepressant drugs. This condition severely affects human physical and mental health while imposing a significant socio-economic burden. At present， several hypotheses exist regarding the pathogenesis of depression， including monoamine neurotransmitter imbalances， neurotrophic factor deficiencies， neural plasticity impairments， glutamate dysregulation， neuroinflammatory disorders， gut microbiota imbalances， and mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction. Currently， most clinical antidepressants are monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors. Although they exhibit certain therapeutic effects， they are associated with significant drawbacks， such as severe adverse reactions and poor patient compliance. In contrast， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， characterized by its multi-targeted effects， mild efficacy， and minimal side effects， has demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of depression. Chinese medicine Polygalae Radix possesses the functions of calming the mind， enhancing cognitive functions， harmonizing the heart and kidneys， and dispelling phlegm to open orifices. It is often included in compound prescriptions for the clinical treatment of depression. Based on current hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of depression， this paper systematically reviews research progress on the antidepressant mechanisms of Polygalae Radix from multiple perspectives， including its active components， its use in herbal pairings， and its inclusion in TCM compound prescriptions. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Polygalae Radix in antidepressant therapy and to serve as a reference for the modernization of its antidepressant research.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at the pterygopalatine region on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis and inflammatory factors in rats with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and an electroacupuncture group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, OVA-induced AR model was established in the remaining groups. In the electroacupuncture group, the rats were treated with electroacupuncture at the bilateral pterygopalatine region, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and current of 0.5-1 mA, 15 min each time, once every other day, for 3 times. In the acupuncture group, the rats were treated with acupuncture at bilateral pterygopalatine region simply, without electrical stimulation. The rhinitis symptom score was observed, the pathomorphology of the nasal mucosa was observed by HE staining; the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA-sIgE), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA; the mRNA expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was detected by real-time PCR; the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the rhinitis symptom score was increased (P<0.01), the serum levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased (P<0.05), the nasal mucosa showed pathomorphology of inflammatory infiltration; the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the rhinitis symptom score was reduced (P<0.01), the pathology of the nasal mucosa was improved; the serum levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at the pterygopalatine region can exerting the anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and inflammatory factor imbalance, thus alleviate rhinitis symptoms in AR rats.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhinitis, Allergic/physiopathology* ; Pyroptosis ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Interleukin-18/immunology* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Caspase 1/immunology*

OBJECITVE: To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects. METHODS: Between November 2021 and February 2024, 11 patients with varying degrees of metatarsal defects caused by trauma were treated. There were 10 males and 1 female, aged 22-67 years, with a mean age of 51.2 years. The defect locations were as follows: the first metatarsal in 4 cases, the fifth metatarsal in 2 cases, the first and the second metatarsals in 1 case, the first to third metatarsals in 1 case, the third and the fourth metatarsals in 1 case, the third to fifth metatarsals in 1 case, and the first to fifth metatarsals in 1 case. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 67.0 (48.5, 72.5). Based on 3D-printed bilateral feet models and mirrored healthy-side foot arch angles for preoperative planning and design, the vascularized fibular graft was performed to repair the metatarsal defects. At last follow-up, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of bilateral feet were measured on weight-bearing X-ray films, and functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS score. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed, with an operation time ranging from 180 to 465 minutes (mean, 246.8 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention, with no occurrence of osteomyelitis. All patients were followed up 6-22 months (mean, 10 months). X-ray film reviews showed bone graft healing in all cases, with a healing time of 3-6 months (mean, 5 months). All patients underwent internal fixator removal at 6-12 months after operation. At last follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the medial and lateral longitudinal arches between the healthy and affected feet ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score of the affected foot was 78.0 (73.5, 84.0), showing a significant improvement compared to the preoperative score ( P<0.05). The effectiveness was rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Linear scarring remained at the donor site, with no functional impairment in adjacent joint movement. CONCLUSION 3D printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects can effectively restore the physiological angle of the foot arch, facilitate the recovery of weight-bearing alignment, promote good bone healing, and yield satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Humans ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Fibula/blood supply* ; Female ; Metatarsal Bones/injuries* ; Adult ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome

This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans ; Nasal Cavity/surgery* ; Nasal Surgical Procedures ; China ; Consensus ; Sinusitis/surgery* ; Dermal Fillers

Allergen-specific immunotherapy（AIT） remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis（AR）. Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group（CRRCG） convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans ; Allergens/immunology* ; China ; Consensus ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Immunoglobulin E ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; East Asian People

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis and strategy of individualized functional rhinoplasty based on the overall evaluation of the nasal cavity as a integration.Methods:A prospective study was carried out in the patients who underwent endoscopic functional rhinoplasty at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from February 2018 to August 2021. The overall evaluation of the internal and external structure and function of the nasal cavity was performed before surgery, and the individualized surgical strategies were developed. According to the surgical strategy, nasal septum correction, inferior turbinate ablation, inferior turbinate fracture displacement, inferior turbinate submucous resection, dorsal extended cartilage graft, crooked nose correction, prosthesis or autologous cartilage implantation, hump reduction and osteotomy were performed to adjust the nasal function and aesthetics. Internal nasal valve (INV) angle, INV collapse grade, INV cross-sectional area, and external nasal valve effectiveness (ENVE) index were used to evaluate the structure of nasal valve area. Nasal obstruction symptom assessment (NOSE) scale and nasal resistance [including total nasal resistance (RT), nasal resistance differential ratio (R 1r)] was used to evaluate nasal ventilation function. Facial clinimetric evaluation questionnaire rhinoplasty module (FACE-Q RM), rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) scale, external nasal subunit measurement was used to evaluate nasal appearance, and self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) was used to evaluate psychological status. Finally, the correlation between patient satisfaction and subjective and objective parameters were analyzed. The data before and after operation were compared by paired t-test. Correlation was tested by Pearson analysis. Results:A total of 50 patients were included, including 18 males and 32 females, ranging in age from 23 to 52 years, mean age 35.7 years. All patients had symptoms of nasal congestion, of which 28 cases with crooked nose deformity, 12 cases with nasal valve stenosis, 6 cases with saddle nose deformity, and 4 cases with hump nose. Compared with preoperative, postoperative INV angle was significantly increased, INV collapse grade was decreased, INV cross-sectional area was increased, ENVE index was increased ( P<0.05). After operation, the NOSE score decreased, and nasal resistance showed that RT and R 1r decreased, indicating that nasal congestion symptoms were relieved significantly ( P<0.05). The postoperative FACE-Q RM and ROE scores increased, indicating that patients’ nasal appearance satisfaction increased ( P<0.05), external nasal subunit measurement showed that the upper nasal alar width and lower nasal alar angle were reduced ( P<0.05), the measured value of residual structure has no significant change. Postoperative SDS and SAS scores were significantly lower than preoperative ones, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05).Overall satisfaction was improved( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that patient satisfaction was positively correlated with INV angle, INV cross-sectional area, ENVE index, and subjective nasal shape score (FACE-Q RM, ROE), and negatively correlated with INV collapse grade, NOSE score, and nasal resistance measurement, but had no correlation with external nasal subunit measurement. Conclusion:Combined with the overall evaluation of nasal structure, nasal ventilation function and external nasal aesthetics, it is beneficial to develop the diagnosis and treatment strategy of individualized functional rhinoplasty, so as to improve patient satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis and strategy of individualized functional rhinoplasty based on the overall evaluation of the nasal cavity as a integration.Methods:A prospective study was carried out in the patients who underwent endoscopic functional rhinoplasty at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from February 2018 to August 2021. The overall evaluation of the internal and external structure and function of the nasal cavity was performed before surgery, and the individualized surgical strategies were developed. According to the surgical strategy, nasal septum correction, inferior turbinate ablation, inferior turbinate fracture displacement, inferior turbinate submucous resection, dorsal extended cartilage graft, crooked nose correction, prosthesis or autologous cartilage implantation, hump reduction and osteotomy were performed to adjust the nasal function and aesthetics. Internal nasal valve (INV) angle, INV collapse grade, INV cross-sectional area, and external nasal valve effectiveness (ENVE) index were used to evaluate the structure of nasal valve area. Nasal obstruction symptom assessment (NOSE) scale and nasal resistance [including total nasal resistance (RT), nasal resistance differential ratio (R 1r)] was used to evaluate nasal ventilation function. Facial clinimetric evaluation questionnaire rhinoplasty module (FACE-Q RM), rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) scale, external nasal subunit measurement was used to evaluate nasal appearance, and self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) was used to evaluate psychological status. Finally, the correlation between patient satisfaction and subjective and objective parameters were analyzed. The data before and after operation were compared by paired t-test. Correlation was tested by Pearson analysis. Results:A total of 50 patients were included, including 18 males and 32 females, ranging in age from 23 to 52 years, mean age 35.7 years. All patients had symptoms of nasal congestion, of which 28 cases with crooked nose deformity, 12 cases with nasal valve stenosis, 6 cases with saddle nose deformity, and 4 cases with hump nose. Compared with preoperative, postoperative INV angle was significantly increased, INV collapse grade was decreased, INV cross-sectional area was increased, ENVE index was increased ( P<0.05). After operation, the NOSE score decreased, and nasal resistance showed that RT and R 1r decreased, indicating that nasal congestion symptoms were relieved significantly ( P<0.05). The postoperative FACE-Q RM and ROE scores increased, indicating that patients’ nasal appearance satisfaction increased ( P<0.05), external nasal subunit measurement showed that the upper nasal alar width and lower nasal alar angle were reduced ( P<0.05), the measured value of residual structure has no significant change. Postoperative SDS and SAS scores were significantly lower than preoperative ones, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05).Overall satisfaction was improved( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that patient satisfaction was positively correlated with INV angle, INV cross-sectional area, ENVE index, and subjective nasal shape score (FACE-Q RM, ROE), and negatively correlated with INV collapse grade, NOSE score, and nasal resistance measurement, but had no correlation with external nasal subunit measurement. Conclusion:Combined with the overall evaluation of nasal structure, nasal ventilation function and external nasal aesthetics, it is beneficial to develop the diagnosis and treatment strategy of individualized functional rhinoplasty, so as to improve patient satisfaction.

Bile acids not only play an important physiological role in regulating lipid metabolism,but also par-ticipate in the regulation of central nervous system.Numerous studies indicated that abnormal bile acid metabolism is closely related to depression,but the exact mechanism remains unclear.This study summarized the relationship between bile acid metabolism and depression and aimed to provide a new perspective for the study and treatment of depression.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 3 (PH3) is a rare monogenic nephrolithiasis caused by HOGA1 gene mutations. With the advancement of technology of genetic testing, the mutation site of PH3 patients can be clearly located, and the characteristics of genotype, phenotype, genotype-phenotype correlations are also gradually recognized. With the development of gene therapy, novel gene editing techniques and RNA interference treatments offer hope for the future of PH3 treatment. In this paper, the characteristics of genotype and phenotype, genotype-phenotype correlations of PH3 will be summarized and its future treatment will be prospected.