ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of garlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals in treating allergic rhinitis （AR） with latent heat in lung meridian and explore the potential mechanisms. MethodsA total of 70 AR patients with the latent heat in lung meridian were randomly divided into loratadine group （35 cases） and moxibustion group （35 cases）. The loratadine group was treated with loratadine tablets orally， 10mg each time， once a day， one week as a course for 4 courses. The moxibustion group received garlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals once a day， 7 times as one course， for a total of 4 courses. The primary outcome was total nasal symptom score （TNSS）， measured before and after treatment， and at the 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， immunoglobulin E （IgE） level and eosinophils （EOS） level before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Efficacy was evaluated based on the changes in TNSS after treatment. Adverse reactions and events during treatment were observed， and safety evaluation was performed. ResultsA total of 33 patients from each group were included in the final analysis. The moxibustion group had a total effective rate of 93.94% （31/33）， significantly higher than the 75.76% （25/33） of the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed a significant reduction in TNSS， TCM syndrome score， IgE and EOS levels （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， and more reductions were seen in the moxibustion group （P＜0.05）. During follow-up， the moxibustion group also had a lower TNSS than the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. During treatment， one patient in the moxibustion group experienced shortness of breath， and one patient in the loratadine group experienced headache. Both symptoms were mild and improved after symptomatic treatment， allowing them to continue the treatment. ConclusionGarlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals can alleviate nasal inflammatory symptoms， reduce allergic reactions in AR patients， and effectively control AR flare-ups and related inflammatory responses， superior to oral loratadine alone and of good safety.

Background Air pollution exposure has a significant impact on maternal and child health. However, the research on the association between ambient ozone (O₃) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of premature birth in newborns is limited, and the conclusions are inconsistent. Objective To investigate the association of ambient O₃ exposure during pregnancy with the risk of preterm birth in Guangdong Province. Methods Data of pregnant women in Guangzhou from 2013 to 2019 and Foshan from 2018 to 2023 were collected, and O₃ concentrations during different trimesters were assessed according to maternal residential addresses. Bilinear interpolation was used to evaluate the concentrations of air pollution. A cohort study design was adopted in our study. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to evaluate the exposure-response relationship between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk and explore potential exposure threshold of O₃. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of O₃ exposure with preterm birth. Results A total of 702 924 pregnant women were included in this study, of whom 43 051 (6.12%) were preterm. The average O₃ exposure concentrations of pregnant women during the first, second, third, and whole trimesters were 95.51, 97.51, 100.60, and 97.87 μg·m⁻³, respectively. We observed J-shaped associations between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk during the second, third, and whole trimesters of pregnancy using restricted cubic spline curves. This study found that there were threshold concentrations between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk during different gestational periods, and the threshold concentrations in the first, second, third, and whole trimesters were 112.32, 99.83, 111.74, and 112.46 μg·m⁻³, respectively. During the second, third, and whole trimesters of pregnancy, after adjusting for maternal age, baby sex, pre-pregnancy body mass index, mode of delivery, baby birth weight, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension, the odds ratios (OR) of preterm birth were 1.02 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.04), 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.03), and 1.17 (95%CI: 1.13, 1.21) for each 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in O₃ concentration above the O₃ threshold. No significant association was found between O₃ exposure and the risk of preterm birth during the first trimester. Conclusion There is a nonlinear association between the risk of preterm birth and O₃ exposure during pregnancy, and higher concentrations of O₃ exposure during pregnancy are associated with the risk of preterm birth. Above the O₃ threshold concentration during pregnancy, especially during the second, third, and whole trimesters, the risk of preterm birth elevates with the increase of O₃ exposure concentrations.

Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading level. This article aims to summarize the history, present opportunities and new challenges, and explore the experience of esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian (referred to as the “Linxian experience”), providing reference and guidance to cancer prevention and treatment research in China.

Testicular radiation injury is a structural and functional abnormality of the testes caused directly or indirectly by radiation, which disrupts spermatogenesis and compromises male fertility. The development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions is essential because of the high prevalence of this condition in clinical settings and its profound effect on patients′ reproductive health and overall well-being. The concept of "the struggle between vital qi and pathogen" is first seen in the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases. It denotes the dynamic struggle between vital and pathogenic qi. The occurrence, development, and sequelae of all diseases reflect this ongoing conflict. In this context, this study defines the "vital qi" of the testis as its capacity to generate and preserve the essence of reproduction and to resist damage. The pathogenic qi associated with testicular radiation injury is categorized into two types: ionizing poison and retaining evil. The pathogenesis of testicular radiation damage is delineated into three stages by integrating the characteristics of vital and pathogenic qi: the injury, adhesion, and recovery phases. Based on the theoretical framework advanced by this study, the therapeutic approach for testicular radiation injury should adhere to the fundamental principle of strengthening vital qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. Although the primary focus of treatment should be on strengthening vital qi, it should also be complemented by strategies to eliminate pathogenic influences. This paper aims to provide a novel perspective and strategic approach to the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of testicular radiation injury. By elucidating the process of testicular radiation injury and its corresponding treatment principles, it seeks to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.

ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca²⁺ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca²⁺ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca²⁺ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca²⁺ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca²⁺ chelator EGTA, Ca²⁺-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca²⁺ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca²⁺ influx and intracellular Ca²⁺ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca²⁺ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2^-, Gβ ^-, and Erk2^- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ^- mutant cells. ConclusionCa²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.

ObjectiveBola-like short peptides exhibit novel self-assembly properties due to the formation of peptide dimers via hydrogen bonding interactions between their C-terminals. In this configuration, hydrophilic amino acids are distributed at both terminals, making these peptides behave similarly to Bola peptides. The electrostatic repulsive interactions arising from the hydrophilic amino acids at each terminal can be neutralized, thereby greatly promoting the lateral association of β-sheets. Consequently, assemblies with significantly larger widths are typically the dominant nanostructures for Bola-like peptides. To investigate the effect of hydrophilic amino acids on the self-assembly behavior of Bola-like peptides, the peptides Ac-RI₃-CONH₂ and Ac-HI₃-CONH₂ were designed and synthesized using the Bola-like peptide Ac-KI₃-CONH₂ as a template. Their self-assembly behavior was systematically examined. MethodsAtomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the morphology and size of the assemblies. The secondary structures of the assemblies were analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to obtain detailed structural information at a short-length scale. Based on these experimental results, the effects of hydrophilic amino acids on the self-assembly behavior of Bola-like short peptides were systematically analyzed, and the underlying formation mechanism was explored. ResultsThe aggregation process primarily involved three steps. First, peptide dimers were formed through hydrogen bonding interactions between their C-terminals. Within these dimers, the hydrophilic amino acids K, R, and H were positioned at both terminals, enabling the peptides to self-assemble in a manner similar to Bola peptides. Next, β-sheets were formed via hydrogen bonding interactions along the peptide backbone. Finally, self-assemblies were generated through the lateral association of β-sheets. The results demonstrated that both Ac-KI₃-CONH₂ and Ac-RI₃-CONH₂ could self-assemble into double-layer nanotubes with diameters of approximately 200 nm. These nanotubes were formed by the edge fusion of helical ribbons, which initially emerged from twisted ribbons. Notably, the primary assemblies of these peptides exhibited opposite chirality: nanofibers formed by Ac-KI₃-CONH₂ displayed left-handed chirality, whereas those formed by Ac-RI₃-CONH₂ exhibited right-handed chirality. This reversal in torsional direction was primarily attributed to the different abilities of K and R to form hydrogen bonds with water. In contrast, Ac-HI₃-CONH₂ formed narrower twisted ribbons with a significantly reduced width of approximately 30 nm, which was attributed to the strong steric hindrance caused by the imidazole rings. The multilayer height of these ribbons was mainly due to the unique structure of the imidazole rings, which can function as both hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, thereby promoting aggregate growth in the vertical direction. ConclusionThe final morphology of the self-assemblies resulted from a delicate balance of various non-covalent interactions. By altering the types of hydrophilic amino acid residues in Bola-like short peptides, the relative strength of non-covalent interactions that drive assembly formation can be effectively regulated, allowing precise control over the morphology and chirality of the assemblies. This study provides a simple and effective approach for constructing diverse self-assemblies and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of functional biomaterials.

Edema， as a common pathological phenomenon， is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases， such as heart failure， impaired renal filtration function， or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system， strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body， while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However， long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects， including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia， posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang， as a classic and commonly used TCM formula， is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years， ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang， including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses， thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally， the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed， so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema， such as cardiogenic edema， renal edema， and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches， as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies， thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.

Edema， as a common pathological phenomenon， is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases， such as heart failure， impaired renal filtration function， or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system， strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body， while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However， long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects， including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia， posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang， as a classic and commonly used TCM formula， is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years， ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang， including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses， thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally， the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed， so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema， such as cardiogenic edema， renal edema， and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches， as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies， thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.

To analyze the disease burden of hypertension in the elderly population from 1990 to 2021 and to predict future trends in China and globally, thereby providing insights for public health decision-making regarding older adults with hypertension in China.

Objective To explore the feasibility of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury. Methods Mice were exposed to 15 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ-rays to the abdominal area. The pathological changes in intestinal tissues were analyzed at 72 h post-irradiation to confirm the successful establishment of the radiation-induced intestinal injury model. Real-time quantitative PCR was conducted to detect the expression of candidate radiation-responsive lncRNAs in the jejunum, jejunal crypts, colon tissues, and plasma of irradiated mice. Human intestinal epithelial cell line HIEC-6 and human colon epithelial cell line NCM460 were exposed to 0, 5, 10, and 15 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. The expression levels of candidate lncRNAs were measured at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h post-irradiation to observe their changes with the irradiation dose. Results Pathological analysis showed that abdominal irradiation with 15 Gy successfully established an acute radiation-induced intestinal injury mouse model. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that Dino, Lncpint, Meg3, Dnm3os, Trp53cor1, Pvt1, and Neat1 were significantly upregulated following the occurrence of radiation-induced intestinal injury (P < 0.05). Among them, Meg3 and Dnm3os in mouse plasma were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), while Gas5 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). In HIEC-6 and NCM460 cells, the expression levels of DINO, MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 showed dose-dependent patterns at certain time points (P < 0.05). Conclusion The lncRNAs encoded by MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 in intestinal epithelial cells are responsive to ionizing radiation. Consistent differential expression changes were detected in mouse plasma and intestinal tissues, indicating their potential as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury.