This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence， focusing on three important aspects， including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior， effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome， and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons， such as dopamine， thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore， acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently， research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed， including the evaluation of clinical effects， exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms， investigation of brain pathology， and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally， combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.

AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulation system as a training platform for fundus examination skills of general practitioner.METHODS:Prospective randomized study. A total of 40 general practitioners who received clinical ophthalmology training at Shenzhen Eye Hospital from January 2021 to December 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups by random number table method, with 20 cases in the study group and 20 cases in the control group. The study group was trained by EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulation system and the control group was trained by conventional teaching. Training effects of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS: The general information of the two groups was comparable. Through training with the EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulator, the study group showed significant improvements in total examination and drawing scores compared to pre-training results(all P<0.001). Additionally, examination duration, retinal light exposure time, and drawing time were all significantly shorter than those before training(all P<0.001).The study group achieved significantly higher total examination and drawing scores than the control group during the EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulator assessment(all P<0.001). Furthermore, examination duration, retinal light exposure time, and drawing time were all significantly shorter in the study group compared to the control group(all P<0.001). Moreover, ratings for the novelty of the training method and overall satisfaction with the training were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(all P<0.001); while the perceived psychological stress during training was significantly lower in the study group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulaton system effectively enhances both the proficiency in fundus examination skills and overall training satisfaction among general practitioners.

This study explores the diagnosis and treatment of needle knife therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at middle and advanced stage based on the theory of meridian tendons, from a holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation. The treatment strategy includes "harmonizing yin and yang" to address root causes and "tendons-based release" to harmonize qi and blood, with the "tendons nodule points" as the core acupoint selection criterion. Based on this approach, the study systematically elaborates on two needle knife methods for AS: "governor vessel bone-piercing technique" and "below-the-umbilicus release technique", covering indications, acupoint location, and procedures. Clinical case examples are provided to enrich needle knife therapy guided by the theory of meridian tendons, offering insights for clinical and research work on AS.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Meridians ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Tendons/physiopathology*

Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Multigene Family ; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the correlation between postdischarge cancer and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains incomplete. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between postdischarge cancers and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 25% of CAD patients without prior cancer history who underwent coronary artery angiography between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, were randomly enrolled using SPSS 26.0. Patients were monitored for the incidence of postdischarge cancer, which was defined as cancer diagnosed after the index hospitalization, survival status and cause of death. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the association between postdischarge cancer and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. RESULTS: A total of 4085 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up period of 8 years, 174 patients (4.3%) developed postdischarge cancer, and 343 patients (8.4%) died. A total of 173 patients died from cardiovascular diseases. Postdischarge cancer was associated with increased all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.653, 95% CI: 1.727-4.076, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality risk (HR = 2.756, 95% CI: 1.470-5.167, P = 0.002). Postdischarge lung cancer (HR = 5.497, 95% CI: 2.922-10.343, P < 0.001) and gastrointestinal cancer (HR = 1.984, 95% CI: 1.049-3.750, P = 0.035) were associated with all-cause mortality in CAD patients. Postdischarge lung cancer was significantly associated with cardiovascular death in CAD patients (HR = 4.979, 95% CI: 2.114-11.728, P < 0.001), and cardiovascular death was not significantly correlated with gastrointestinal cancer or other types of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Postdischarge cancer was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. Compared with other cancers, postdischarge lung cancer had a more significant effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients.

Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death triggered by excess intracellular copper, has emerged as a promising cytotoxic strategy for cancer therapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of copper ionophores such as elesclomol (ES) is often hindered by cellular copper homeostasis mechanisms that limit copper influx and cuproptosis induction. To address this challenge, we developed a nanoagent utilizing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) derived from Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) for co-delivery of antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1)-targeting siRNA and ES (siAtox1/ES@OMV) to tumors. In vitro, we demonstrated that Atox1 knockdown via siRNA significantly disrupted copper export mechanisms, resulting in elevated intracellular copper levels. Simultaneously, ES facilitated efficient copper influx and mitochondrial transport, leading to Fe-S cluster depletion, increased proteotoxic stress, and robust cuproptosis. In vivo, siAtox1/ES@OMV achieved targeted tumor delivery and induced pronounced cuproptosis. Furthermore, leveraging the immunomodulatory properties of OMVs, siAtox1/ES@OMV promoted T-cell infiltration and the activation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells, enhancing tumor immune responses. The combination of siAtox1/ES-induced cuproptosis and immunogenic cell death synergistically suppressed tumor growth in both subcutaneous breast cancer and orthotopic rectal cancer mouse models. This study highlights the potential of integrating copper homeostasis disruption with a copper ionophore using an immunomodulatory OMV-based vector, offering a promising combinatorial strategy for cancer therapy.

Periodontitis has emerged as one of the most critical oral diseases, and research on this condition holds great importance for the advancement of stomatology. As the most authoritative national scientific research funding institution in China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has played a pivotal role in driving the progress of periodontal science by supporting research on periodontitis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research and development progress related to periodontitis in China from 2014 to 2023, highlighting the significant contributions of the NSFC to this field. We have summarized the detailed funding information from the NSFC, including the number of applicant codes, funded programs and the distribution of funded scholars. These data illustrate the efforts of the NSFC in cultivating young scientists and building research groups to address key challenges in national scientific research. This study offers an overview of the current hot topics, recent breakthroughs and future research prospects related to periodontitis in China.
China ; Periodontitis ; Humans ; Foundations ; Research Support as Topic ; Natural Science Disciplines ; Dental Research/economics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂) at intensive care unit (ICU) admission on 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with sepsis who were hospitalized in the ICU of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2015 to October 2023 were enrolled. The demographic information, comorbidities, sites of infection, vital signs and laboratory test indicators at the time of admission to the ICU, disease severity scores within 24 hours of admission to the ICU, treatment process and prognostic indicators were collected. According to the PaO₂/FiO₂ at ICU admission, patients were divided into Q1 group (PaO₂/FiO₂ of 4.1-16.4 cmHg, 1 cmHg ≈ 1.33 kPa), Q2 group (PaO₂/FiO₂ of 16.5-22.6 cmHg), Q3 group (PaO₂/FiO₂ of 22.7-32.9 cmHg), and Q4 group (PaO₂/FiO₂ of 33.0-94.8 cmHg). Differences in the indicators across the four groups were compared. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between PaO₂/FiO₂ and 30-day mortality of patients with sepsis. The predictive value of PaO₂/FiO₂, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) on 30-day prognosis of patients with sepsis was analyzed by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). RESULTS: A total of 1 711 patients with sepsis were enrolled, including 428 patients in Q1 group, 424 patients in Q2 group, 425 patients in Q3 group, and 434 patients in Q4 group. 622 patients died at 30-day, the overall 30-day mortality was 36.35%. There were statistically significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), history of smoking, history of alcohol consumption, admission heart rate, respiratory rate, APACHE II score, SOFA score, Glasgow coma score (GCS), site of infection, Combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blood lactic acid (Lac), prothrombin time (PT), albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (TBil), pH, proportion of mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, proportion of vasoactive medication used, and maximal concentration, length of ICU stay, hospital stay, incidence of acute kidney injury, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality among the four groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, for every 1 cmHg increase in PaO₂/FiO₂ at ICU admission, the 30-day mortality risk decreased by 2% [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.98-0.99, P < 0.001]. The 30-day mortality risk in the Q4 group was reduced compared with the Q1 group by 41% (HR = 0.59, 95%CI was 0.46-0.76, P < 0.001). The fitted curve showed that a curvilinear relationship between PaO₂/FiO₂ and 30-day mortality after adjustment for confounders. In the inflection point analysis, for every 1 cmHg increase in PaO₂/FiO₂ at PaO₂/FiO₂ < 28.55 cmHg, the risk of 30-day death in sepsis patients was reduced by 5% (HR = 0.95, 95%CI was 0.94-0.97, P < 0.001); when PaO₂/FiO₂ ≥ 28.55 cmHg, there was no statistically significant association between PaO2/FiO2 and the increase in the risk of 30-day death in sepsis (HR = 1.01, 95%CI was 0.99-1.02, P = 0.512). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction of 30-day mortality by admission PaO₂/FiO₂ in ICU sepsis patients was 0.650, which was lower than the predictive ability of the SOFA score (AUC = 0.698) and APACHE II score (AUC = 0.723). CONCLUSION In patients with sepsis, PaO₂/FiO₂ at ICU admission is strongly associated with 30-day mortality risk, alerting healthcare professionals to pay attention to patients with low PaO₂/FiO₂ for timely interventions.
Humans ; Sepsis/mortality* ; Intensive Care Units ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Hospital Mortality ; Oxygen ; Male ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged