Objective To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy combined with acupoint patching in alleviating chronic pelvic pain,a sequela of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID-CPP).Methods A total of 120 SPID-CPP patients attending our hospital between January 2022 and November 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group,with 60 patients in each group.Both groups received conventional lifestyle guidance and anti-infection therapy.The control group received only acupuncture therapy,while the observation group received acupuncture combined with acupoint patching therapy.The duration of treatment was identical for both groups.The treatment effect,levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),white blood cell count(WBC),neutrophil percentage(NEUT),fibrinogen(FIB)level,quality-of-life scores,and visual analog scale(VAS)pain scores were compared between the experimental and control groups.Results The treatment efficacy rate of the experimental group was 93.00%,while that of the control group was only 73.33%,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Following therapy,the hs-CRP,WBC,NEUT,and VAS ratings of both the control and experimental groups decreased.Furthermore,findings of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The quality-of-life score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with acupoint patching demonstrates significant efficacy in treating SPID-CPP.This combined therapy effectively reduces pain in SPID-CPP patients,decreases serum levels of inflammatory factors,and significantly improves patients'quality of life.

AIM To investigate the effects of Modified Baitouweng Decoction and Lizhong Decoction on mouse ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS The mouse model of UC was established by 3％dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)induction.The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the low,medium and high dose Modified Baitouweng Decoction and Lizhong Decoction groups(3,6,12 g/kg),and sulfasalazine group(300 mg/kg),for 7 days gavage of the appropriate drugs,with 10 mice in each group.The mice had their disease activity index(DAI)and colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)calculated;their colonic length and unit colonic weight measured;their histopathologic changes of colon observed by HE;their colonic ROS,MDA levels and GSH-Px,SOD activities detected by superoxide anion fluorescent probes and kits;their colonic levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β detected by ELISA;their colonic LC3 expression detected by immunofluorescence method;and their colonic AMPK,mTOR and p70S6K protein expressions detected by Western blot method.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group displayed significantly higher DAI score,CMDI score,unit colon weight,pathology score,ROS and MDA content,TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β levels,and mTOR and p70S6K protein expression(P＜0.01);and significantly lower colon length,GSH-Px and SOD activity,LC3 level,and phosphorylated AMPK protein expression(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Modified Baitouweng Decoction and Lizhong Decoction or sulfasalazine shared decreased DAI score,CMDI score,unit colon mass,pathology score,ROS,MDA,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β levels,mTOR,p70S6K protein expressions(P＜0.01);and significantly improved symptomsin terms of the elevated colonic length,GSH-Px,SOD activities,LC3 level,AMPK protein expression(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Modified Baitouweng Decoction and Lizhong Decoction may attenuate inflammatory response and oxidative damage in UC mouse models via AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Comorbid pain and depression are common but remain difficult to treat. Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively improve symptoms of depression and relieve pain, but its neural mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to detect cerebral changes after initiating a mouse pain model via constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CION) and then treating these animals with EA. METHODS: Forty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: control, CION model, EA, and sham acupuncture (without needle insertion). EA was performed on the acupoints Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) for 20 min, once a day for 10 consecutive days. The mechanical withdrawal threshold was tested 3 days after the surgery and every 3 days after the intervention. The depressive behavior was evaluated with the tail suspension test, open-field test, elevated plus maze (EPM), sucrose preference test, and marble burying test. The rs-fMRI was used to detect the cerebral changes of the functional connectivity (FC) in the mice following EA treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the CION group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold increased in the EA group at the end of the intervention (P < 0.05); the immobility time in tail suspension test decreased (P < 0.05); and the times of the open arm entry and the open arm time in the EPM increased (both P < 0.001). There was no difference in the sucrose preference or marble burying tests (both P > 0.05). The fMRI results showed that EA treatment downregulated the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity values, while these indicators were elevated in brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the CION model for comorbid pain and depression. Selecting the amygdala as the seed region, we found that the FC was higher in the CION group than in the control group. Meanwhile, EA treatment was able to decrease the FC between the amygdala and other brain regions including the caudate putamen, thalamus, and parts of the cerebral cortex. CONCLUSION EA can downregulate the abnormal activation of neurons in the amygdala and improve its FC with other brain regions, thus exerting analgesic and antidepressant effects. Please cite this article as: Yin X, Zeng XL, Lin JJ, Xu WQ, Cui KY, Guo XT, Li W, Xu SF. Brain functional changes following electroacupuncture in a mouse model of comorbid pain and depression: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 159-168.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Depression/diagnostic imaging* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice ; Pain/diagnostic imaging* ; Acupuncture Points

Paclitaxel (PTX), a valuable natural product derived from Taxus species, exhibits remarkable anti-cancer properties. It penetrates nanopores in microtubule walls, interacting with tubulin on the lumen surface and disrupting microtubule dynamics, thereby inducing cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. PTX and its derivatives have gained approval for treating various diseases due to their low toxicity, high efficiency, and broad-spectrum application. The widespread success and expanding applications of PTX have led to increased demand, raising concerns about accessibility. Consequently, researchers globally have focused on developing alternative production methods and applying nanocarriers in PTX delivery systems to enhance bioavailability. This review examines the challenges and advancements in PTX sourcing, production, physicochemical properties, anti-cancer mechanisms, clinical applications, trials, and chemo-immunotherapy. It aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the rational development and effective utilization of PTX.
Humans ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Taxus/chemistry*

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics, renal pathology, genetic testing, and treatment of five patients —two males and three females—diagnosed with primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in the Department of Nephrology at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from February 2022 to June 2024. The patients′ ages at disease onset ranged from 14 to 29 years. Four patients experienced prodromal infection symptoms. At disease onset, serum creatinine levels ranged from 168.5 to 1 230.2 μmol/L. All patients presented with hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, non-immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and fragmented red blood cells in peripheral blood (0.5%-6.0%). Serum haptoglobin levels were below the normal lower limit in all cases. Four patients demonstrated decreased serum complement C3, while one maintained normal serum complement C3 throughout the course of the disease. One patient exhibited serum factor H concentrations below the normal lower limit. Another patient tested positive for anti-factor H antibodies. Renal biopsies were performed on four patients. Electron microscopy revealed typical acute-phase pathological features of aHUS in three cases, including glomerular endothelial cell swelling and widened subendothelial spaces. One patient demonstrated ischemic and atrophic changes in the glomerular capillaries, while another had concurrent membranous nephropathy. Whole-exome high-throughput sequencing related to aHUS was performed in all five patients, revealing heterozygous gene mutations in each case. Complement-related gene mutations, typically occurring in a heterozygous state, are prevalent in aHUS patients. The eight heterozygous gene variations identified in this study were absent from existing databases of known aHUS-associated pathogenic mutations. Four patients received eculizumab treatment at varying time points following diagnosis, resulting in differing clinical outcomes. The patient positive for anti-factor H antibodies was treated with rituximab. The patient with membranous nephropathy initiated combination therapy with rituximab and eculizumab after six months of eculizumab monotherapy. Following treatment, all five patients achieved complete cessation of intravascular mechanical hemolysis, with normalization of LDH and platelet levels, as well as varying degrees of renal function recovery. From a pathophysiological perspective, the timely administration of the complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab can rapidly induce clinical remission, reduce the incidence of end-stage renal disease, and improve prognosis in patients with aHUS.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) infants among singleton live births and identify risk factors. METHODS: Clinical data for 1 020 singleton live-born infants and their mothers at People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected. The incidence of SGA was calculated, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS: Among 1 020 singleton live births, the incidence of SGA was 9.90%. SGA was more frequent in female neonates and in cases with lower placental weight or umbilical cord abnormalities (all P<0.05). Both preterm and post-term birth showed significant linear trends with SGA incidence (P<0.05). Maternal factors associated with higher SGA incidence included age <20 years or ≥35 years, primary-school education or below, low pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), insufficient gestational weight gain, gestational hypertension, diabetes, anemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, amniotic fluid/placental abnormalities, and smoking history (all P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression identified preterm birth, post-term birth, low placental weight, umbilical cord abnormalities, low pre-pregnancy BMI, insufficient gestational weight gain, gestational hypertension, anemia during pregnancy, and maternal smoking as independent risk factors for SGA (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of SGA among singleton live births is associated with preterm or post-term delivery, low placental weight, umbilical cord abnormalities, low pre-pregnancy BMI, inadequate gestational weight gain, gestational hypertension, anemia during pregnancy, and maternal smoking. Targeted strengthening of perinatal management is warranted to reduce the risk of SGA.
Humans ; Female ; Infant, Small for Gestational Age ; Risk Factors ; Infant, Newborn ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Male ; Incidence ; Adult ; Logistic Models ; Live Birth ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the effect of LINC00839 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the miR-625-5p/cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) axis. Methods The cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 46 patients with endometrial cancer were obtained,endometrial cancer cells of HEC-1B,Ishikawa and RL95-2 and human endometrial epithelial cells (HEEC) were cultured in vitro,and the expression levels of LINC00839,miR-625-5p and CPEB4 in tissues and cells were detected. HEC-1B cells were divided into the HEC-1B group (conventional culture),sh-Ctrl group (transfected with sh-Ctrl),sh-LINC00839 group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839),anti-miR-625-5p group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and miR-625-5p inhibitor),and anti-NC group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and inhibitor-NC). The proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion abilities of HEC-1B cells in each group were compared,and the expressions of CPEB4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins were determined. The targeting relationships between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,and miR-625-5p and CPEB4 were analyzed. Results The mRNA expression of LINC00839 and CPEB4,as well as the positive expression rate of CPEB4 protein in endometrial cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues,and the expression of miR-625-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Compared with HEEC cells,the expression of LINC00839 and the mRNA and protein expression of CPEB4 in Ishikawa,RL95-2 and HEC-1B cells increased (P<0.05),and the expression of miR-625-5p decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-LINC00839 group and anti-NC group,the protein expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin,and CPEB4,24-hour absorbance,and migration and invasion cell numbers of HEC-1B cells in the HEC-1B group,sh-Ctrl group and anti-miR-625-5p group increased (P<0.05),while the expression of E-cadherin protein and cell apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05). There were binding sites between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,miR-625-5p and CPEB4,with targeting regulatory relationships. Conclusion LINC00839 is related to the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells,interference with LINC00839 expression can inhibit the proliferation,invasion and migration,and promote apoptosis of HEC-1B cells,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating the miR-625-5p/CPEB4 axis.

Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.

Purpose To investigate the predictive value of the ratio of the square of the cross-sectional perimeter(C2)to the area(A)of the venous lumen(C2/A)in relation to lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(DVT)among orthopaedic inpatients.Materials and Methods A total of 150 inpatients without DVT from the Orthopedics Department of Xijing Hospital Affiliated to the Air Force Military Medical University were prospectively chosen from June 2020 to June 2021.Before the operation,the parameters including A,C,C2/A,inner diameter values,venous flow velocity and blood flow volume of the common femoral vein(CFV),superficial femoral vein(SFV)and popliteal vein(POV)were examined by ultrasound.After the operation,the formation of thrombus was monitored using ultrasound.Subsequently,the clinical data and ultrasound parameters of the thrombus group and the non-thrombus group were compared.Moreover,the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to assess the efficacy and cut-off values of each parameter in predicting DVT.Results There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in CFV inner diameter,CFV blood flow,CFV-C,CFV-A,CFV-C2/A,SFV blood flow,SFV-C,SFV-C2/A,POV blood flow,POV-C,POV-A and POV-C2/A(t=2.64-10.41,all P＜0.05).When the cut-off values of the ultrasonic parameters CFV-C2/A,SFV-C2/A,and POV-C2/A were＞16.01,＞16.53,and＞16.54 respectively,the area under the curve for predicting DVT was the largest,which were 0.906,0.920,and 0.870 respectively.The sensitivities were 83.8%,78.4%,and 81.1%respectively,and the specificities were 82.3%,89.4%,and 85.8%respectively.Conclusion The novel ultrasonic parameter C2/A exhibits a relatively high predictive efficacy for DVT,and it is capable of furnishing novel reference information for the implementation of early DVT prevention in the clinical setting.