This paper explores the therapeutic approach for glaucoma based on the concept of "jueyin （厥阴） as the closing phase" from the perspectives of time and space. In traditional Chinese medicine， jueyin governs inward， converging aspect of qi， representing the crucial turning point between the end of yin and the emergence of yang， as well as the transformation between yin and yang. When the closing and descending function of jueyin operates smoothly， it promotes the inward convergence and smooth descent of qi， enabling the internal retention of blood， spirit， and emotions， which nourishes the internal organs and moistens the meridian-sinews. Conversely， dysfunction of this "closing" mechanism results in a disturbance of yin and yang， a mixture of cold and heat， and disharmony of qi and blood. It is proposed that "failure of jueyin to properly close and descend" is a core pathomechanism of glaucoma. From the perspective of spatiotemporal theory， clinical treatment should focus on "regulating the closing function of jueyin and harmonizing yin and yang". The modified Wumei Pill （乌梅丸） is recommended to adjust the ascending-descending and entering-exiting dynamics of jueyin qi transformation， thereby restoring its free flow， achieving yin and yang balance， and ensuring nourishment to the ocular system.

Abstract Alzheimer′s disease(AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. It has been found that AD is related to various pathogenic factors such as genetics, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and excessive phosphorylation of tau protein. However, no definitive conclusions on its pathogenesis have been reached. In this paper, the research progress on the pathogenesis of AD inC.elegansmodel and the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine extracts on AD are reviewed, providing a basis for further research on the alleviating effects of Chinese medicine extracts on AD.

Objective:To compare the prevalence of frailty and related factors in middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥45 years in island and mountainous areas of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province.Methods:Based on cross-sectional design, stratified cluster sampling and quota sampling methods were adopted. One administrative district was randomly selected from each of six coastal and three inland administrative districts in Taizhou during July to August, representing two different geographical terrains. In the island area (Jiaojiang District), all residents aged ≥45 years were included by cluster sampling. In the mountainous area (Xianju County), participants were selected through quota sampling, with same gender and age distributions. Data about their demographic characteristics, lifestyle and health-related factors were collected through questionnaire surveys and laboratory examinations. The prevalence of frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype scale. Hierarchical analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare the influencing factors of frailty.Results:A total of 1 011 local residents were studied, in whom island and mountainous residents accounted for 48.1% (486/1 011) and 51.9% (525/1 011) respectively; men and women accounted for 45.9% (464/1 011) and 54.1% (547/1 011) respectively. Middle-aged (45-49 years), younger elderly (60-74 years), and older elderly (≥75 years) residents accounted for 38.6% (390/1 011), 44.6% (451/1 011), and 16.8% (170/1 011) respectively. The overall prevalence rate of frailty was 3.6% (36/1 011), the prevalence rate was 3.7% (17/464) in men and 3.5% (19/547) in women. The prevalence rates in age groups 45-59,60-74 years and ≥75 years were 0.3% (1/390), 2.2% (10/451), and 14.7% (25/170), respectively. The prevalence rates of frailty and pre-frailty in island area were 6.0% (29/486) and 39.1% (190/486), respectively, which was higher than those in mountainous area (1.3%, 7/525) and (30.9%, 162/525). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk for frailty in island residents was significantly higher than that in mountainous residents (a OR=1.55,95% CI: 1.07-2.25, P=0.019). In island area, older age (60-74 years:a OR=2.52,95% CI: 1.56-4.13; ≥75 years:a OR=11.65,95% CI:5.38-26.70), being women (a OR=1.94,95% CI: 1.20-3.17), suffering from depression (a OR=1.09,95% CI:1.02-1.17) were associated with frailty symptoms. In mountainous area, older age was also associated with an increased risk of frailty symptoms, but the OR value was lower than those in island area (60-74 years: a OR=1.74,95% CI:1.04-2.94;≥75 years: a OR=4.78,95% CI:2.45-9.50). Polydrug use (a OR=2.08,95% CI: 1.14-3.80) and suffering from depression (a OR=1.10,95% CI: 1.02-1.18) had significant positive association with frailty symptoms. Higher education level had significant negative association with frailty symptoms (junior high school: a OR=0.40,95% CI: 0.21-0.75; senior high school and technical secondary school: a OR=0.29,95% CI: 0.15-0.53; college or above:a OR=0.22,95% CI: 0.11-0.42). Conclusions:The prevalence of frailty in middle-aged and elderly community residents was significantly higher in island area than in mountainous area in Taizhou. The frailty-related factors varied with area. The elderly people (≥75 years) and women in island area had higher risk for frailty. Older age and suffering from depression were the independent risk factors for frailty. It is necessary to pay attention to the health risk factors and special environment in island area, and take comprehensive intervention measures to delay the process of debilitation and improve the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people.

Objective:To explore the effects of different concentrations of ropivacaine ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block on postoperative pain and stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 120 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at the Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology from July 2020 to July 2022. According to the random number table method, all patients were divided into a control group, a low concentration group, and a high concentration group, with 40 cases in each group. All three groups underwent ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block after general anesthesia induction. The control group was injected with physiological saline, while the low concentration group and high concentration group were injected with 0.25% and 0.50% ropivacaine, respectively. Stress response indicators before and after surgery in three groups [adrenaline (E), cortisol (Cor), free thyroxine (FT4), and C-reactive protein (CRP)], hemodynamic indicators [mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR)], glucose and lipid metabolism indicators [fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2-hour PBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG)] and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score were compared before and after surgery. Results:On the 1st day after surgery, the levels of E, Cor, FT4, CRP, FBG, 2-hour PBG, HbA 1c, TC, and TG in the high concentration group were lower than those in the control group and low concentration group (all P<0.05); 15 minutes after anesthesia and 2 hours after surgery, the MAP and HR of the high concentration group were higher than those of the control group and the low concentration group (all P<0.05); At 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, the VAS score of the high concentration group was lower than that of the control group and the low concentration group (all P<0.05); There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of airway reactions during anesthesia induction among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, administering 0.50% concentration of ropivacaine ultrasound-guided plane block of the transverse abdominis muscle has a strong postoperative analgesic effect, which can improve E, Cor, FT4, and CRP levels, and is worthy of clinical application.

The theory of “rhythmic equilibrium” is developed based on the idea of sharing the same laws between nature and human， and by integrating with the medical concept of homeostasis of calm yin and sound yang. "Rhythmic instability" runs through the entire process of the occurrence and development of myopia， covering four aspects including imbalance of rhythm （high-risk period of myopia）， imbalance of qi and blood （premyopia）， imbalance of sinew-membranes （low myopia）， and imbalance of essence and blood （high myopia）. The treatment should focus on adjusting the rhythm and harmonizing situation， which can help balance yin and yang， and nourish the eye system. For high-risk period of myopia， adjusting sleeping time and increasing outdoor activities are stressed to adjust the rhythm in a timely manner. In the stage of premyopia， appropriate techniques of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） such as pressing needles can be added to harmonize qi and blood. In the period of low myopia， appropriate TCM techniques such as pressing needles and ear acupuncture are mainly used， supplemented by modified Danggui Buxue Decoction （当归补血汤） to soften tendons and unblock collaterals. During the period of high myopia， it is recommended to control the development of existing disease and put focus on nourishing essence and blood， usually with Zhujing Pill （驻景丸） or modified Siwu Wuzi Decoction （四物五子汤） to restore the stability of the eyes and the whole body.

The incidence of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTLVF) in the elderly is gradually increasing. The kyphotic deformity caused by various factors has become an important characteristic of OTLVF and has received increasing attention. Its clinical manifestations include pain, delayed nerve damage, sagittal imbalance, etc. Currently, the definition and diagnosis of OTLVF with kyphotic deformity in the elderly are still unclear. Although there are many treatment options, they are controversial. Existing guidelines or consensuses pay little attention to this type of fracture with kyphotic deformity. To this end, the Lumbar Education Working Group of the Spine Branch of the Chinese Medicine Education Association and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized the experts in the relevant fields to jointly develop Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with kyphotic deformity in the elderly ( version 2024), based on evidence-based medical advancements and the principles of scientificity, practicality, and advanced nature, which provided 18 recommendations to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may contribute to the development of hematologic malignancies. In this study, the potential relationship between IBD and hematologic malignancies was investigated. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for all cohort studies comparing the incidence of hematologic malignancies in non-IBD populations with that in IBD patients, and we extracted relevant data from January 2000 to June 2023 for meta-analysis. Results: Twenty cohort studies involving 756,377 participants were included in this study. The results showed that compared with the non-IBD cohort, the incidence of hematologic malignancies in the IBD cohort was higher (standardized incidence ratio [SIR]=3.05, p<0.001). According to the specific types of IBD, compared with the non-IBD patients, the incidences of hematologic malignancies in ulcerative colitis patients (SIR=2.29, p=0.05) and Crohn's disease patients (SIR=3.56, p=0.005) were all higher. In the subgroup analysis of hematologic malignancy types, compared with the control group, the incidences of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR=1.70, p=0.01), Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR=3.47, p=0.002), and leukemia (SIR=3.69, p<0.001) were all higher in the IBD cohort. Conclusions The incidence of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia is higher in patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) than in non-IBD patients.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and assess the safety of transnasal nebulisation of budesonide in children with adenoid hypertrophy. Methods:Children with adenoid hypertrophy who attended the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between December 2021 and December 2022 were randomly assigned to budesonide high-dose group（Group A: budesonide 1 mg/dose + saline nasal rinse）, budesonide low-dose group（Group B: budesonide 0.5 mg/dose + saline nasal rinse）, and control group（Group C: saline nasal rinse）, and each group 20 children were collected separately, The efficacy and safety of transnasal nebulisation of budesonide in children with adenoid hypertrophy were assessed by comparing the symptomatic VAS scores, adenoidal nasopharyngeal lateral radiographs A/N values, nocturnal sleep oximetry（SaO2）, and the incidence of adverse events during the treatment period of 8-week in the three groups. Results:The 8-week baseline differences in adenoid A/N values were statistically different between groups A and B（P<0.001） and A and C（P=0.022）, with the reduced amount in adenoid volume being most pronounced in group A, which differed from the other two groups. With the increase of intervention time, SaO2 levels gradually increased（F=154.725, P<0.001） and VAS scores gradually decreased（F=165.616, P<0.001） in all three groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in SaO2 level（P=0.085） between groups A and B. There was a statistically significant difference in VAS total scores between Group A and Group B （P < 0.05） . The improvement of SaO2and total VAS score in group A was higher than that in group B. There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison of SaO2 level and total VAS score between groups A and B, and between groups A and C（P<0.01）; after the intervention of the three groups, showing the greatest improvement of total VAS score and SaO2in the group A, followed by Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events among Groups A, B, and C throughout the trial. Conclusion:The treatment of children with adenoid hypertrophy by intranasal nebulisation of budesonide suspension has good efficacy and safety, which is conducive to reducing the size of adenoids, improving the clinical symptoms of children with adenoid hypertrophy, and improving the SaO2of nocturnal sleep, and it has a certain clinical application value.
Humans ; Budesonide/administration & dosage* ; Adenoids ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Hypertrophy ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Treatment Outcome ; Administration, Intranasal ; Child, Preschool

BACKGROUND: The switch/sucrose nonfermentable chromatin-remodeling (SWI/SNF) complex is a pivotal chromatin remodeling complex, and the genomic alterations (GAs) of the SWI/SNF complex are observed in several cancer types, correlating with multiple biological features of tumor cells. However, their role in liver metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate the role and potential mechanisms underlying NSCLC liver metastasis induced by the GAs of SWI/SNF complex. METHODS: The GAs of SWI/SNF complex in NSCLC cell lines (H1299, H23 and H460) were identified by whole-exome sequencing (WES). ARID1A knockout H1299 cell was constructed with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The mouse model of liver metastasis from NSCLC was established to simulate lung cancer liver metastasis and observe the metastasis rate under different gene mutation conditions. RNA sequencing and Western blot were conducted for differential gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was used to assess protein expression levels of SWI/SNF-regulated target molecules in mouse liver metastases. RESULTS: WES analysis revealed intracellular gene mutations. The animal experiments demonstrated a correlation between the GAs of SWI/SNF complex and a higher liver metastasis rate in immunodeficient mice. Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot analysis showed upregulated expression of ALDH1A1 and APOBEC3B in SWI/SNF-mut cells, particularly in ARID1A-deficient H460 and H1299 sgARID1A cells. IHC staining of mouse liver metastases further demonstrated elevated expression of ALDH1A1 in the H460 and H1299 sgARID1A group. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the critical role of the GAs of SWI/SNF complex, such as ARID1A and SMARCA4, in promoting liver metastasis of lung cancer cells. The GAs of SWI/SNF complex may promote liver-specific metastasis by upregulating ALDH1A1 and APOBEC3B expression, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer liver metastasis.
Animals ; Mice ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics* ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Mutation ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics*