Based on the close structural and functional associations of the Shaoyang （少阳） channel and related zang-fu （脏腑） organs with the brain and the pharynx， this paper proposes that the pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia involves constraint and stagnation of the pivot mechanism， binding of phlegm and stasis， frenetic stirring of ministerial fire， and incoordination of the spirit mechanism， ultimately leading to loss of pharyngeal function. An acupuncture therapy centered on regulating the pivot and unblocking the orifice is established. Acupoints of the Shaoyang channel， including Fengchi （GB 20）， Wangu （GB 12）， Yifeng （SJ 17）， and Waiguan （SJ 5）， are selected to regulate the pivot and treat the root； acupoints of the Du （督） and Ren （任） channels， including Fengfu （GV 16）， Lianquan （CV 23）， and Tiantu （CV 22）， are used to unblock the orifice and treat the branch. In addition， staged treatment can be applied according to syndrome differentiation. In the acute stage with predominant phlegm turbidity， Fenglong （ST 40）， Yinlingquan （SP 9）， Jinjin （EX-HN 12）， and Yuye （EX-HN 13） are added to resolve phlegm and facilitate orifice function. During the recovery stage with excess ministerial fire scorching the pharynx， Zulinqi （GB 41） and Zhaohai （KI 6） are added to drain fire and nourish yin； when ministerial fire disturbs the spirit， Tongli （HT 5） and Neiguan （PC 6） are added to calm the spirit and the heart. During the chronic stage with blood deficiency and collateral stasis， Zusanli （ST 36） and Sanyinjiao （SP 6） are added to nourish blood and unblock collaterals. In clinical practice， the angle and depth of needling are adjusted based on the stage of dysphagia， with the combination of elongated needles and medicinal moxibustion are used to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnel locator applied in the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 12 patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture combined with posterolateral column collapse who had undergone arthroscopic reduction and fixation assisted by an ACL locator at Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, The Hospital Affiliated to Yunnan University from January 2020 to December 2022. There were 8 males and 4 females with an age of (44.5±6.4) years (set as an observation group). According to a 1∶1 ratio, another contemporary 12 patients of the same category were selected as a control group who had been treated by double-plate-screw fixation through internal and external double incisions. They were 7 males and 5 females with an age of (42.6±6.3) years. The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. At the same time, the Rasmussen radiological and functional scores at 1, 3, and 12 months after operation were recorded for intergroup and intragroup comparisons.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing the 2 groups were comparable ( P>0.05). All the 24 patients were followed up for (18.2±3.5) months after operation. In the observation group, the operation time [(96.3±6.3) min], incision length [(8.5±0.6) cm], and postoperative hospital stay [(8.1±1.3) d] were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(128.2±7.5) min, (15.9±0.8) cm, and (9.3±1.2) d], and the intraoperative blood loss [50.0 (41.5, 59.0) mL] was significantly less than that in the control group [135.0 (121.5, 147.5) mL] (all P<0.05). However, intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in Rasmussen radiographic scores or functional scores at 1 month, 3 months, or 12 months postoperatively between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in postoperative complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse, compared with the traditional double-plate-screw fixation through double incisions, assistance of an ACL tunnel locator leads to advantages of being more minimally invasive and more surgically efficient. However, the 2 techniques lead to comparable postoperative functional recovery.

Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnel locator applied in the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 12 patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture combined with posterolateral column collapse who had undergone arthroscopic reduction and fixation assisted by an ACL locator at Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, The Hospital Affiliated to Yunnan University from January 2020 to December 2022. There were 8 males and 4 females with an age of (44.5±6.4) years (set as an observation group). According to a 1∶1 ratio, another contemporary 12 patients of the same category were selected as a control group who had been treated by double-plate-screw fixation through internal and external double incisions. They were 7 males and 5 females with an age of (42.6±6.3) years. The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. At the same time, the Rasmussen radiological and functional scores at 1, 3, and 12 months after operation were recorded for intergroup and intragroup comparisons.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing the 2 groups were comparable ( P>0.05). All the 24 patients were followed up for (18.2±3.5) months after operation. In the observation group, the operation time [(96.3±6.3) min], incision length [(8.5±0.6) cm], and postoperative hospital stay [(8.1±1.3) d] were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(128.2±7.5) min, (15.9±0.8) cm, and (9.3±1.2) d], and the intraoperative blood loss [50.0 (41.5, 59.0) mL] was significantly less than that in the control group [135.0 (121.5, 147.5) mL] (all P<0.05). However, intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in Rasmussen radiographic scores or functional scores at 1 month, 3 months, or 12 months postoperatively between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in postoperative complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse, compared with the traditional double-plate-screw fixation through double incisions, assistance of an ACL tunnel locator leads to advantages of being more minimally invasive and more surgically efficient. However, the 2 techniques lead to comparable postoperative functional recovery.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the bone-forming channel technique combined with double plates in the treatment of postoperative aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 39 patients with postoperative aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft who had been treated by bone-forming channel technique combined with double plates from March 2018 to December 2022. There were 20 males and 19 females, with an age of (46.5±1.6) years. The bone nonunion was atrophic in 18 cases and hypertrophic in 21 cases. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, fracture healing time and complications were recorded. The shoulder and elbow functions were evaluated before operation and at the final follow-up using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Neer's shoulder function score, and Mayo's elbow performance score (MEPS). Results:All the 39 patients were followed up for an average duration of (13.8±3.5) months. The operation time was (84.3±7.3) minutes, the intraoperative bleeding (127.5±4.5) mL, the fracture healing time (24.4±1.3) weeks, and the fracture healing rate 100% (39/39). None of the patients had such postoperative complications as infection, neurovascular injury, or re-rupture of internal fixation. At the final follow-up, the patients' DASH score [(7.4±1.2) points], Neer's shoulder function score [(93.4±5.2) points], and MEPS [(94.6±3.3) points] were significantly improved compared respectively with the preoperative values [(26.6±8.4) points, (74.3±6.5) points, and (73.8±5.3) points] ( P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the patients' forward flexion and upward mobility was 168.5°±3.4°, abduction and upward mobility was 167.5°±5.2°, and horizontal forward flexion was 129.5°±11.8°. Conclusion:In the treatment of postoperative aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft, since the bone-forming channel technique combined with double plates can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes, it is worthy of clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the coverage of qualified iodized salt in catering service units where residents ate out in Shanxi Province, so as to provide a basis for taking targeted preventive measures timely and adjusting of intervention strategies scientifically, and to consolidate the achievements of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) continuously.Methods:One prefecture level city from each of the five directions of east, west, south, north and middle in Shanxi Province in 2021 was selected. One mountainous county and one plain county were selected in each city. Each of the counties was divided into five sampled regions along five different geographic directions: east, west, south, north and middle. From each region, one town/street was selected randomly and then two canteens of enterprises and institutions (canteens), five medium-sized restaurants and five small restaurants were selected from each town/street. We investigated the basic information of catering service units, collected salt samples and then detected the iodine content of these salt samples. In addition, salt iodine testing data of county residents corresponding to catering service units in the 2021 iodine deficiency disorders monitoring were collected from the Shanxi Institute of Endemic Disease Prevention and Treatment, and compared with the survey results of catering service units.Results:A total of 660 salt samples were detected, the median value of salt iodine was 27.65 mg/kg, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.39%(656/660), and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 90.76% (599/660). The median value of salt iodine was 26.70, 28.00 and 27.60 mg/kg in canteens, medium-sized restaurants and small restaurants, respectively, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.54% (107/112), 90.42% (236/261), and 89.20% (256/287), respectively. There was no significant difference in the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt among different types of catering service units (χ 2 = 3.92, P = 0.141). The median value of salt iodine was 28.00 and 27.20 mg/kg in mountainous counties and plain counties, respectively, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 88.67% (266/300) and 92.50% (333/360), respectively. There was no significant difference in the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt among the counties of different geographical types (χ 2 = 2.87, P = 0.090). The median value of salt iodine in catering service units and households was 27.65 and 23.50 mg/kg, respectively, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 90.76% and 95.91%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt between catering service units and households (χ 2 = 31.19, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The coverage rate of qualified iodized salt in catering service units in Shanxi Province generally meets the national elimination standard (> 90%), but there are still some counties that do not meet the standard. The coverage rate of qualified iodized salt in small and medium-sized restaurants is also not optimistic. It is recommended to strengthen monitoring and supervision of edible salt in catering service units in the future.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of water-borne high iodine hazards in Shanxi Province and the implementation of prevention and control measures, providing a scientific basis for prevention and control of the high iodine hazards in the future.Methods:In 2020, a survey was conducted on iodine content of drinking water and water improvement situation in all high iodine administrative villages in 12 water-borne high iodine counties of 4 cities in Shanxi Province. In each monitoring county, five administrative villages were selected as monitoring villages using a systematic sampling method, sorted by the iodine content of the water in the administrative villages. Forty non-boarding students aged 8 - 10 from one primary school and 20 pregnant women were selected from each monitoring village. Household edible salt samples and one random urine sample were collected for salt iodine and urinary iodine content test. B-ultrasound method was used for thyroid examination in children.Results:A total of 297 high iodine administrative villages were surveyed on the drinking water situation of residents, including 268 villages with improved water and 29 villages without improved water, with a water improvement rate of 90.24%. The range of water iodine was 0.33 - 803.75 μg/L, and there were 159 villages with water iodine content > 100 μg/L. A total of 1 926 samples of household edible salt were tested, and the rate of non iodized salt was 62.20% (1 198/1 926); 1 704 urine samples from children and 222 urine samples from pregnant women were tested, with median urinary iodine contents of 426.2 and 318.9 μg/L, respectively. The 1 690 cases of thyroid gland in children were examined, with a goiter rate of 3.91% (66/1 690) and a nodule detection rate of 13.67% (231/1 690).Conclusions:Children's iodine nutrition in water-borne high iodine areas of Shanxi Province is at an iodine excess level, while pregnant women's iodine nutrition is at an iodine excess level. Efforts should be made to increase the popularization of non iodized salt and improve water quality to reduce iodine in areas with high iodine levels, in order to control the harm of high iodine in water sources as soon as possible.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and significance of supraspinatus fragments in proximal humerus fractures.Methods:A total of 210 patients with proximal humerus fractures who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University from July 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 91 males and 119 females, aged 52.4±11.3 years (range, 18-87 years). Preoperatively, the shoulder joint X-ray, CT and 3D reconstruction, and MRI were evaluated for the presence of a small fracture mass on the lateral side of the interarticular sulcus and an "M" shaped fracture mass at the interarticular sulcus. Intraoperative observation, management, postoperative functional exercise and follow-up were performed by the same group of doctors. Postoperative outpatient review was performed at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, shoulder joint X-ray and CT were taken at 2, 6, and 24 weeks to observe the presence of subacromial displaced bone mass. Constant-Murley scale was used to assess shoulder joint function.Results:All 210 patients completed the surgery successfully, and none of them had vascular, nerve or ligament injuries during the operation. According to Neer's classification: 59 cases of two-part humeral greater tuberosity fractures, 36 cases of two-part humeral surgical neck fractures, 50 cases of three-part humeral greater tuberosity fractures, and 65 cases of four-part proximal humeral fractures. 61.0% (128/210) of the patients showed the presence of a supraspinatus fragment on preoperative imaging, including 42 two-part humeral greater tuberosity fractures, 1 two-part humeral surgical neck fracture, and 31 three-part humeral greater tuberosity fractures with a small lateral fracture mass over the intertubular groove; 54 four-part proximal humeral fractures had an "M" shaped fracture mass containing the intertubular groove. All patients were followed up for 11.8±2.4 months (range, 6-20 months). Postoperative X-ray showed that all fractures healed, and the healing time was 3.4±0.3 months (range, 3-5 months). The Constant-Murley scale of the shoulder joint was 86.3±11.5 (range, 61-100).Conclusion:Supraspinatus fragments are more common in proximal humerus fractures. Proper recognition and management of supraspinatus fragments can help understand the mechanism of proximal humeral fracture occurrence, the relationship between fracture displacement and rotator cuff injury, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and improve the shoulder joint function.