This study examined the effect of islet macrophages on β-cell function changes during type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory that " moderate fire generating qi, hyperactive fire consuming qi" . T2DM is closely associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, with islet macrophages playing a central role in this process. Under physiological conditions, islet macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory and growth factors to regulate the immune response, promote cell proliferation, and support islet β-cell survival and function, reflecting the concept of " moderate fire generating qi" . However, during the pathological process of T2DM, islet macrophages become over-activated and dysfunctional, secreting large amounts of pro-inflammatory factors that trigger severe inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This process damages islet β-cells, disrupts the islet microenvironment and blood supply, exacerbates local inflammation and structural damage, and worsens the survival environment of β-cells. Ultimately, this leads to fewer β-cells and function loss, aligning with the " hyperactive fire consuming qi" theory, where excessive fire depletes qi and blood. This study enhances the understanding and application of traditional Chinese medicine theories in modern medicine, offering a new perspective on T2DM prevention and treatment. Regulating islet macrophage function and reducing their pro-inflammatory responses may become key strategies for preserving β-cell function and slowing T2DM progression.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of respiratory failure with high morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary surfactant (PS)-based complementary therapies have exhibited potential for ARDS healing and applied as an adjunctive therapy strategy. Coacervate (Coac) has the characteristics of softness, deformability and excellent molecular enrichment properties, and has attracted extensive attention in the biomedical field. Here PS and coacervate were combined for the potential ARDS treatment. The Coac, fabricated from polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by simple mixing, exhibited soft droplet property and high enrichment for dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP). To avoid the fusion effect of membraneless coacervate and endow it with biological functions of PS, liposomes with PS-biomimetic lipid components (PS-lipo) were further introduced to construct PS-biomimetic membranized coacervate (DSP@PS-Coac). The DSP@PS-Coac demonstrated high lung targeting effect and significant penetration efficiency after intravenous injection. Furthermore, PS-lipo replenished the endogenous PS pool and facilitated the distribution of DSP in inflammatory cells in the lung. In the ARDS mouse model, PS-Coac and DSP exerted synergetic anti-inflammatory functions, via reducing the recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils and modulating macrophages into anti-inflammatory phenotype. The overall results confirmed that DSP@PS-Coac may provide a promising delivery option for the treatment of ARDS.

Radix Bupleuri has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years with functions of relieving exterior syndrome,clearing heat,regulating liver-qi,and lifting yang-qi.Its medicinal properties have been widely used in Eurasia and North Africa.As the main bioactive compounds in Radix Bupleuri,saikosaponins(especially saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D)have anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,antioxidant,antivirus,immune regulatory,and liver protective effects.This article reviews the pharmacological activity,mechanism of action,and current applica-tion status of saikosaponins,in order to provide new insights for further research and development of Radix Bupleuri.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Purpose: Precise electrode placement is crucial for the success of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The aim of this study was to explore a more accurate and convenient method for positioning punctures during the first stage of SNM. Methods: This retrospective study compared preoperative baseline values, intraoperative indicators, postoperative scores, and other clinical data from 130 patients who underwent SNM electrode implantation at our department between 2018 and 2023. The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group to assess the advantages and feasibility of augmented reality (AR)-guided sacral nerve electrode implantation. Results: The experimental group experienced fewer intraoperative puncture attempts and achieved more accurate AR-guided localization punctures. Additionally, there were more responsive electrode contact points (2.74±0.51 vs. 2.46±0.74) and a lower initial voltage postimplantation (1.09±0.39 V vs. 1.69±0.43 V). The number of intraoperative x-ray fluoroscopies was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (5.94±1.46 vs. 9.22±1.93), leading to a shorter overall operation time (61.32±11.27 minutes vs. 83.49±15.84 minutes). Furthermore, there was no need for additional local anesthetic drugs during the surgery in the experimental group. Comparative observations revealed no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss or the sacral hole location for electrode implantation between the 2 groups. Although the incidence of wound infection and the rate of permanent implantation in stage 2 were similar in both groups, the pain score on the first day postoperation was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (2.62±0.697 vs. 2.83±0.816). Conclusions AR-guided sacral nerve modulation implantation can reduce both the number of punctures and the duration of the operation while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This technique can enhance the contact points of the response electrode, effectively lower the initial response voltage, and stabilize the electrode.

Purpose: Precise electrode placement is crucial for the success of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The aim of this study was to explore a more accurate and convenient method for positioning punctures during the first stage of SNM. Methods: This retrospective study compared preoperative baseline values, intraoperative indicators, postoperative scores, and other clinical data from 130 patients who underwent SNM electrode implantation at our department between 2018 and 2023. The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group to assess the advantages and feasibility of augmented reality (AR)-guided sacral nerve electrode implantation. Results: The experimental group experienced fewer intraoperative puncture attempts and achieved more accurate AR-guided localization punctures. Additionally, there were more responsive electrode contact points (2.74±0.51 vs. 2.46±0.74) and a lower initial voltage postimplantation (1.09±0.39 V vs. 1.69±0.43 V). The number of intraoperative x-ray fluoroscopies was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (5.94±1.46 vs. 9.22±1.93), leading to a shorter overall operation time (61.32±11.27 minutes vs. 83.49±15.84 minutes). Furthermore, there was no need for additional local anesthetic drugs during the surgery in the experimental group. Comparative observations revealed no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss or the sacral hole location for electrode implantation between the 2 groups. Although the incidence of wound infection and the rate of permanent implantation in stage 2 were similar in both groups, the pain score on the first day postoperation was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (2.62±0.697 vs. 2.83±0.816). Conclusions AR-guided sacral nerve modulation implantation can reduce both the number of punctures and the duration of the operation while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This technique can enhance the contact points of the response electrode, effectively lower the initial response voltage, and stabilize the electrode.

Purpose: Precise electrode placement is crucial for the success of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The aim of this study was to explore a more accurate and convenient method for positioning punctures during the first stage of SNM. Methods: This retrospective study compared preoperative baseline values, intraoperative indicators, postoperative scores, and other clinical data from 130 patients who underwent SNM electrode implantation at our department between 2018 and 2023. The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group to assess the advantages and feasibility of augmented reality (AR)-guided sacral nerve electrode implantation. Results: The experimental group experienced fewer intraoperative puncture attempts and achieved more accurate AR-guided localization punctures. Additionally, there were more responsive electrode contact points (2.74±0.51 vs. 2.46±0.74) and a lower initial voltage postimplantation (1.09±0.39 V vs. 1.69±0.43 V). The number of intraoperative x-ray fluoroscopies was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (5.94±1.46 vs. 9.22±1.93), leading to a shorter overall operation time (61.32±11.27 minutes vs. 83.49±15.84 minutes). Furthermore, there was no need for additional local anesthetic drugs during the surgery in the experimental group. Comparative observations revealed no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss or the sacral hole location for electrode implantation between the 2 groups. Although the incidence of wound infection and the rate of permanent implantation in stage 2 were similar in both groups, the pain score on the first day postoperation was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (2.62±0.697 vs. 2.83±0.816). Conclusions AR-guided sacral nerve modulation implantation can reduce both the number of punctures and the duration of the operation while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This technique can enhance the contact points of the response electrode, effectively lower the initial response voltage, and stabilize the electrode.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling combined with scalp acupuncture and simple scalp acupuncture for shoulder-hand syndrome phase Ⅰ after cerebral infarction. METHODS: A total of 68 patients with shoulder-hand syndrome phase Ⅰ after cerebral infarction were randomized into a combination group (34 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a scalp acupuncture group (34 cases). Internal medicine treatment and conventional rehabilitation training were adopted in both groups. In the scalp acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at parietal area and anterior parietal area of Yu's scalp acupuncture, electroacupuncture was connected for 30 min, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and in electric current of 1 mA, and the needles were retained for 6 h, once a day for continuous 14 days. On the basis of the treatment in the scalp acupuncture group, Fu's subcutaneous needling was applied at the affected muscles during needle retaining in the combination group, once a day in the first 3 days, once every other day in left days, 2-day interval was taken after 4-time treatment, for 14 days totally. Before and after treatment, the scores of the short form of McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), edema degree, guides to evaluation of permanent impairment (GEPI), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) were observed in the two groups, respectively, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI), as well as the total scores of SF-MPQ were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the combination group were lower than those in the scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of edema degree and DASH were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), while the GEPI scores were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups; in the combination group, the scores of edema degree and DASH were lower (P<0.05) while the GEPI score was higher (P<0.05) than those in the scalp acupuncture group. The total effective rate was 97.0% (32/33) in the combination group, which was superior to 91.2% (31/34) in the scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both Fu's subcutaneous needling combined with scalp acupuncture and simple scalp acupuncture can effectively relieve the shoulder joint pain and edema degree of hand, improve the upper limb function in patients with shoulder-hand syndrome phase Ⅰ after cerebral infarction, and the combination therapy has better therapeutic effect than simple scalp acupuncture.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Middle Aged ; Cerebral Infarction/therapy* ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Scalp ; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with spinal fractures with thoracic and lumbar fracture as the most common type shows characteristics of unstable fracture, high incidence of nerve injury, high mortality and high disability rate. The diagnosis may be missed because it is mostly caused by low-energy injury, when spinal rigidity and osteoporosis have a great impact on the accuracy of imaging examination. At the same time, the treatment choices are controversial, with no relevant specifications. Non-operative treatments can easily lead to bone nonunion, pseudoarthrosis and delayed nerve injury, while surgeries may be failed due to internal fixation failure. At present, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture. In this context, the Spinal Trauma Academic Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fracture ( version 2023) by following the principles of evidence-based medicine and systematically review related literatures. Ten recommendations on the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, classification and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture were put forward, aiming to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such disorder.

The acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults have a higher rate of neurological injury and early death compared with atlas or axial fractures alone. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment choices of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults are controversial because of the lack of standards for implementation. Non-operative treatments have a high incidence of bone nonunion and complications, while surgeries may easily lead to the injury of the vertebral artery, spinal cord and nerve root. At present, there are no evidence-based Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults. To provide orthopedic surgeons with the most up-to-date and effective information in treating acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field of spinal trauma to develop the Evidence-based guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults ( version 2023) by referring to the "Management of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults" published by American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in 2013 and the relevant Chinese and English literatures. Ten recommendations were made concerning the radiological diagnosis, stability judgment, treatment rules, treatment options and complications based on medical evidence, aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults.