Post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS） is a condition characterized by persistent fatigue during the recovery phase of infectious diseases. It is marked by prolonged duration， not be recovered by sleep， significant brain fog， and post-exertional malaise. This paper has proposed that the core pathogenesis lies in deficiency of pectoral and defensive qi， that is insufficiency in the generation and transformation of pectoral qi and disordered circulation of defensive qi. This results in a state of post-epidemic deficiency fatigue， where both physical form and qi are impaired. Pectoral and defensive qi thrive on "movement without depletion". Consequently， internal treatment emphasizes on replenishing original qi and promoting its circulation to restore pectoral qi by self-designed Pingbu Yihou Xulao Formula （平补疫后虚劳方）. External treatment focuses on regulating the qi collaterals to facilitate defensive qi circulation， achieved through practices such as Baduanjin exercises， maintaining regular daily activity， and breathing techniques to promote the smooth flow of defensive qi.

Background Diesel engines are widely used in transportation, agriculture, construction, industry, and other fields. Diesel exhaust, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, emits particles (DEP) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, posing significant health risks. DEP pollution is particularly severe in confined environments, necessitating effective control measures. Objective Under laboratory simulation conditions, to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the mass and number concentrations of DEP as it diffuses indoors and to reveal the effects of ventilation and additional airflow on indoor DEP pollution levels. Methods A diesel engine was placed in a laboratory (length 3.39 m × width 2.85 m × height 2.4 m) with its exhaust emitted from east to west. An air purifier was installed 1 m south of the engine. Eight measurement points (1 m horizontal distance from the exhaust outlet, height: 1 m/1.5 m) were setup to monitor DEP concentrations using portable laser particle sizers. The effects of engine power (4.05 kW vs. 5.15 kW), ventilation (maximum airflow: 600 m³·h⁻¹), additional airflow intensity (low and high), and direction (forward/reverse) on DEP pollution were analyzed. DEP levels of 5 diesel vehicle models were also compared. Results The mass and number concentrations of DEP indoors increased immediately after the diesel engine started. The peak mass concentration time at the eastern measurement point (−1, 0) m opposite to the exhaust direction (17.70 min) was significantly longer than that at the western (1, 0) m (16.20 min), southern (0, -1) m (14.45 min), and northern (0, 1) m (12.70 min) points (P<0.05), with no significant differences between the other points (western, southern, and northern) (P>0.05). The northern point (0, 1) m exhibited the highest DEP mass and number concentration peaks (174.62 μg·m⁻³, 1319.85 p·cm⁻³), significantly exceeding those at the southern (0, −1) m (129.89 μg·m⁻³, 1175.24 p·cm⁻³), eastern (−1, 0) m (140.12 μg·m⁻³, 1120.53 p·cm⁻³), and western (1, 0) m (147.60 μg·m⁻³, 818.62 p·cm⁻³) points (P<0.05), and no significant differences were observed among other points (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in peak DEP mass and number concentrations by measurement heights (P>0.05). Diesel engine power, ventilation, airflow intensity, and airflow direction had no significant effect on the time of peak DEP concentration (P>0.05). However, higher engine power (5.15 kW) produced greater DEP peaks [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] than the 4.05 kW engine power [(168.41±12.65) μg·m⁻³, (1284.45±71.30) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.05). The peak mass concentration [(342.04±35.03) μg·m⁻³] and number concentration [(1886.87±57.91) p·cm⁻³] of DEP in the non-ventilated group were significantly higher than those in the ventilated group [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.001). Forward airflow elevated DEP mass concentrations compared to reverse airflow (287.71 μg·m⁻³ vs. 243.74 μg·m⁻³, t=−2.592, P=0.009), but no effects on DEP number concentration (P>0.05). Significant differences in mass concentration were observed among selected 5 vehicle models (Z=38.109, P<0.001). Conclusion The operation of diesel engines will emit a large amount of particulate matter, causing pollution in enclosed spaces. Diesel engines with greater power have higher levels of DEP pollution emissions. Based on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, it is recommended to set the operation position in the reverse direction of exhaust emissions and close to air purifiers, while avoiding the use of additional air flow equipment.

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding is a common complication and the leading cause of death in advanced liver cirrhosis， and endoscopic variceal ligation （EVL） and endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection （ECI） are commonly used treatment strategies. Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematological complications in liver cirrhosis， and patients with severe thrombocytopenia have the potential risk of bleeding， which may affect treatment decision-making by clinicians and endoscopists. This article reviews the evolution of guidelines and clinical research advances regarding EVL/ECI in China and globally， in order to provide a basis for decision making among clinicians.

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as the primary antigen-presenting cells in autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and exhibit distinct signaling profiles due to antigenic diversity. Type II collagen (CII) has been recognized as an RA-specific antigen; however, little is known about CII-stimulated DCs, limiting the development of RA-specific therapeutic interventions. In this study, we show that CII-stimulated DCs display a preferential gene expression profile associated with migration, offering a new perspective for targeting DC migration in RA treatment. Then, saikosaponin D (SSD) was identified as a compound capable of blocking CII-induced DC migration and effectively ameliorating arthritis. Optineurin (OPTN) is further revealed as a potential SSD target, with Optn deletion impairing CII-pulsed DC migration without affecting maturation. Function analyses uncover that OPTN prevents the proteasomal transport and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), a pivotal chemokine receptor in DC migration. Optn-deficient DCs exhibit reduced CCR7 expression, leading to slower migration in CII-surrounded environment, thus alleviating arthritis progression. Our findings underscore the significance of antigen-specific DC activation in RA and suggest OPTN is a crucial regulator of CII-specific DC migration. OPTN emerges as a promising drug target for RA, potentially offering significant value for the therapeutic management of RA.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between clinical symptoms and unilateral chewing habits in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) accompanied by tinnitus. METHODS: A total of 285 patients diagnosed with TMD at the Department of Stomatology of the First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2020 and May 2024 were included and divided into two groups: tinnitus group and non-tinnitus group. Analysis was conducted on the proportion of patients with unilateral chewing habits in both groups, the correlation between the side of tinnitus and the side of unilateral chewing, and the correlation of tinnitus with TMD clinical symptoms (joint clicking, joint pain, and limited mouth opening) and unilateral chewing habits. The correlation of the type of disc displacement with unilateral chewing and tinnitus was also examined. RESULTS: In the tinnitus group, the proportions of patients with and without unilateral chewing habits were 90.70% (39/43) and 9.30% (4/43), respectively. In the non-tinnitus group, the proportions of patients with and without unilateral chewing habits were 76.03% (184/242) and 23.97% (58/242), respectively. The proportion of patients with unilateral chewing habits in the tinnitus group was significantly higher than in the non-tinnitus group (χ²=4.613, P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between tinnitus and unilateral chewing habits (P<0.05). In the left-sided tinnitus group, the proportion of left-sided unilateral chewers [54.55% (12/22)] was higher than that of right-sided unilateral chewers [45.45% (10/22)]. In the right-sided tinnitus group, the proportion of right-sided unilateral chewers [81.82% (9/11)] was higher than that of left-sided unilateral chewers [18.18% (2/11)]. The difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.282, P<0.05). A positive correlation was also found between the side of tinnitus and the side of unilateral chewing habits (P<0.05). The proportion of patients with pain was significantly higher in the tinnitus group than in the non-tinnitus group (P<0.05). No significant difference in the proportion of joint clicking or limited mouth opening and disc displacement (no disc displacement, unilateral disc displacement, bilateral disc displacement, reducible disc displacement, or irreducible disc displacement) was found between the tinnitus and non-tinnitus groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS TMD with unilateral chewing habits may be a contributing factor to unexplained tinnitus. Unexplained tinnitus is correlated with joint pain in patients with TMD.
Humans ; Tinnitus/physiopathology* ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/physiopathology* ; Mastication ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Habits

The problems caused by proximal contact loss(PCL)of dental implants have been a mainstream research topic in recent years,and scholars are unanimously committed to analyzing their causes and related factors,aiming to identify solutions to the problems related to PCL.The effects of the anterior component of force(ACF),the lifelong re-molding of the adult craniofacial jaw and alveolar socket,and the osseointegration characteristics of dental implants are the main causes of PCL.On the one hand,the closing movement of the mandible causes the ACF of the tooth to move through the posterior molar cusp.Moreover,drifting between the upper and lower posterior teeth and mandibular anteri-or teeth can cause the anterior teeth of the upper and lower jaws to be displaced labially.On the other hand,reconstruc-tion of the jaw,alveolar socket and tooth root,the forward horizontal force of the masticatory muscles,the dynamic com-ponent of the jaw and the forward force generated by the oblique plane of the tooth cusp can cause the natural tooth to experience near-middle drift.Additionally,natural teeth can shift horizontally and vertically and rotate to accommodate remodeling of the stomatognathic system and maintain oral function.Nevertheless,the lack of a natural periodontal mem-brane during implant osseointegration,the lack of a physiological basis for near-medium drift,the small average degree of vertical motion and the integrated silence of dental implants without the overall drift characteristics of natural teeth increases the probability of PCL.The high incidence of PCL is clearly associated with the duration of prosthesis delivery and the mesial position;but it is also affected by the magnitude of the bite force,occlusion,the adjacent teeth,restora-tion design,implant location,jaw,and patient age and sex.PCL has shown a significant correlation with food impaction,but not a one-to-one correspondence,and did not meet the necessary and sufficient conditions.PCL is also associated with peri-implant lesions as well as dental caries.PCL prevention included informed consent,regular examinations,se-lection of retention options,point of contact enhancement,occlusal splints,and the application of multipurpose digital crowns.Management of the PCL includes adjacent contact point additions,orthodontic traction,and occlusal adjust-ment.Existing methods can solve the problem of food impaction in the short term with comprehensive intervention to seek stable,long-term effects.Symmetric and balanced considerations will expand the treatment of issues caused by PCL.

Objective To explore the potential influencing factors and complex pathways affecting rehabilitation effect for children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)from the perspective of parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication,and to provide evidence for improving the quality of rehabilitation service for children with ASD. Methods An anonymous face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect general demographic information of parents of children with ASD at designated rehabilitation institutions in Gansu province.The data included paren-tal efficacy in doctor-patient communication,parental compliance of treatment and children's rehabilitation out-comes were collected.A structural equation model was used to explore the impact mechanism of parental commu-nication efficacy on the rehabilitation outcomes of children with ASD. Results Data from 519 parents at 37 rehabilitation institutions across 13 cities/counties in Gansu province were collect-ed.Significant positive correlations were found between parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication,doc-tor-patient relationships,parental compliance with treatment and rehabilitation outcomes for children with ASD(P＜0.05).Through structural equation model analysis,the standardized direct effect of children with ASD from parents'doctor-patient communication efficacy was 0.151(P=0.023).The mediating effect of doctor-patient rela-tionship and parental compliance with treatment were 0.160(P=0.001)and 0.111(P=0.001),respectively,with a chained mediating effect of 0.035(P=0.001).The pathway"parental efficacy in doctor-patient communica-tion → doctor-patient relationship → ASD child's rehabilitation outcome"accounted for the highest proportion of the total mediating effect,at 52.29%. Conclusion Parental doctor-patient communication efficacy may positively impact on the rehabilitation outcomes of chil-dren with ASD directly,and indirectly through the doctor-patient relationship and parental compliance with treat-ment.Rehabilitation institutions should focus on fostering parental communication skills and enhancing high-quality and humanized rehabilitation services.

Objective To study the unqualified items in the reported quality control tests of linear accelerators, analyze the issues in quality control tests, and propose the key points and development directions for accelerator quality control test in China. Methods A literature review was conducted using the CNKI database to analyze the qualified rates of test items and the issues in quality control tests. Results In the literature on the quality control tests of linear accelerators, except for a few provinces where the qualified rates of all test items were 100%, unqualified items were reported in most of the literature. There were unqualified items related to X-ray and electron beam in different reports. Error of dose indication was the unqualified item with the highest occurrence rate in X-ray test, and the item with the lowest qualified rates in X-ray and electron beam tests. The lowest qualified rate of X-ray dose indication error was 73.5% in 2016, and the lowest qualified rate of electron beam dose indication error was 46.2% in 2017. Conclusion Tests should be carried out strictly according to the items and intervals specified by the quality control test standards. Hospitals, radiation health technology service institutions, and health administrative departments should each fulfill their respective responsibilities, work together, and place emphasis on ensuring effective quality control tests of linear accelerators to further enhance the overall quality control standards for these devices.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a modified sericin hydrogel scaffold loaded with dexamethasone(SMH-CD/DEX)scaffold for promoting bone defect healing by stimulating anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization.Methods The light-curable SMH-CD/DEX scaffold was prepared using dexamethasone-loaded NH2-β-cyclodextrin(NH2-β-CD)and sericin hydrogel and characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),biocompatibility assessment and drug release test.THP-1 macrophages incubated with the scaffold were examined for protein expressions of iNOS and Arg-1,mRNA expressions of IL-6,Il-10,Arg-1 and iNOS,and surface markers CD86 and CD206 using Western blotting,RT-qPCR,and flow cytometry.In a co-culture system of human periodontal ligament stem cells(HPDLSCs)and THP-1 macrophages,the osteogenic ability of the stem cells incubated with the scaffold was evaluated by detecting protein expressions of COL1A1 and Runx2 and expressions of ALP,Runx2,OCN and BMP2 mRNA,ALP staining,and alizarin red staining.In a rat model of mandibular bone defect,the osteogenic effect of the scaffold was assessed by observing bone regeneration using micro-CT and histopathological staining.Results In THP-1 macrophages,incubation with SMH-CD/DEX scaffold significantly enhanced protein expressions of Arg-1 and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and Arg-1 and lowered iNOS protein expression and IL-6 and iNOS mRNA expressions.In the co-culture system,SMH-CD/DEX effectively increased the protein expressions of COL1A1 and Runx2 and mRNA expressions of ALP and BMP2 in HPDLSCs and promoted their osteogenic differentiation.In the rat models,implantation of SMH-CD/DEX scaffold significantly promoted bone repair and bone regeneration in the bone defect.Conclusion The SMH-CD/DEX scaffold capable of sustained dexamethasone release promotes osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and bone defect repair in rats by regulating M2 polarization.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a modified sericin hydrogel scaffold loaded with dexamethasone(SMH-CD/DEX)scaffold for promoting bone defect healing by stimulating anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization.Methods The light-curable SMH-CD/DEX scaffold was prepared using dexamethasone-loaded NH2-β-cyclodextrin(NH2-β-CD)and sericin hydrogel and characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),biocompatibility assessment and drug release test.THP-1 macrophages incubated with the scaffold were examined for protein expressions of iNOS and Arg-1,mRNA expressions of IL-6,Il-10,Arg-1 and iNOS,and surface markers CD86 and CD206 using Western blotting,RT-qPCR,and flow cytometry.In a co-culture system of human periodontal ligament stem cells(HPDLSCs)and THP-1 macrophages,the osteogenic ability of the stem cells incubated with the scaffold was evaluated by detecting protein expressions of COL1A1 and Runx2 and expressions of ALP,Runx2,OCN and BMP2 mRNA,ALP staining,and alizarin red staining.In a rat model of mandibular bone defect,the osteogenic effect of the scaffold was assessed by observing bone regeneration using micro-CT and histopathological staining.Results In THP-1 macrophages,incubation with SMH-CD/DEX scaffold significantly enhanced protein expressions of Arg-1 and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and Arg-1 and lowered iNOS protein expression and IL-6 and iNOS mRNA expressions.In the co-culture system,SMH-CD/DEX effectively increased the protein expressions of COL1A1 and Runx2 and mRNA expressions of ALP and BMP2 in HPDLSCs and promoted their osteogenic differentiation.In the rat models,implantation of SMH-CD/DEX scaffold significantly promoted bone repair and bone regeneration in the bone defect.Conclusion The SMH-CD/DEX scaffold capable of sustained dexamethasone release promotes osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and bone defect repair in rats by regulating M2 polarization.