Taxifolin (Tax) has been proved to be a medicinal edible substance with protective effects against alcoholic liver injury, however, its poor hydrophilicity and permeability have hindered the clinical application of Tax. In this study, we prepared taxifolin-phosphatidylcholine/sodium deoxycholate/PVP-K30 micells (Tax-MLs). Box-Behnken test was used to obtain the optimal preparation process, and Tax-MLs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Physicochemical parameters such as proximate micelle concentration, equilibrium solubility and oil-water partition coefficient were determined, and the release pattern of Tax-MLs was investigated by in vitro digestion simulation. Alcoholic liver injury model to explore the in vivo efficacy of Tax-MLs. The results showed that the average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of Tax-MLs were 36.90 ± 4.57 nm, 0.194 ± 0.01 and -32.6 ± 0.35 mV, respectively, and the uniform size and distribution of Tax-MLs were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The formation of Tax-MLs was proved by differential scanning calorimetry and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In terms of physicochemical properties, the solubility of Tax-MLs in water increased by 92.02 times compared with Tax, and its oil-water partition coefficient in water increased from 0.43 to 1.14, which proved that Tax-MLs could improve its solubility and permeability. The in vivo pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the Tax group, Tax-MLs low, medium and high dose groups showed a significant reduction in liver indices and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.05), and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) more significantly in the hepatic tissues. Tax-MLs effectively improved drug solubility and permeability, and enhanced the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury. Animal experiments were conducted with approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (approval number: 2023601).

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the effects of deep acupuncture at Weizhong acupoint (BL40) on bladder function and brain activity in a rat model of overactive bladder (OAB), and investigated the possible mechanisms around the acupuncture area that initiate the effects of acupuncture. METHODS: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, comprising a control group, model group, group treated with deep acupuncture at BL40, group treated with shallow acupuncture at BL40, group treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint next to BL40, and group treated with acupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39). Urodynamic evaluation was used to observe the urination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the brain activation. The mechanism of acupuncture at BL40 in regulating bladder function was explored by toluidine blue staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the mechanism was verified by stabilizing mast cells (MCs) or blocking tibial nerve. RESULTS: Deep acupuncture at BL40 significantly increased the intercontraction interval in OAB rats and enhanced the mean amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of primary motor cortex (M1), periaquaductal gray matter (PAG), and pontine micturition center (PMC). It also increased the zero-lag functional connectivity between M1 and PAG and between PAG and PMC. Shallow acupuncture at BL40 and acupuncture at non-acupoint or GB39 had no effect on these indexes. Further studies suggested that deep acupuncture at BL40 increased the number and degranulation rate of MCs as well as the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P, and histamine in the tissues around BL40. Blocking the tibial nerve by lidocaine injection or inhibiting MC degranulation by sodium cromoglycate injection obstructed the effects of acupuncture on restoring urinary function and modulating brain activation in OAB rats. CONCLUSION Deep acupuncture at BL40 may be more effective for inhibiting OAB by promoting degranulation of MCs around the acupoint and stimulating tibial nerve, thereby regulating the activation of the brain area that controls the lower urinary tract. Please cite this article as: Liu X, Zhang CY, Du XY, Li SS, Wang YQ, Zheng Y, Deng HZ, Fang XQ, Li JY, Wang ZQ, Xu SF, Mi YQ. Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 46-55.
Animals ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive/physiopathology* ; Mast Cells/physiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Rats ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Tibial Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acetic Acid ; Urinary Bladder/physiopathology*

This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.

The exoskeleton robot for lower limb medical rehabilitation in foreign countries and China was introduced in terms of the research status,structure and working principle,and analysis was carried out over its key technologies.It's pointed out the exoskeleton robot for lower limb medical rehabilitation would be enhanced in energy endurance,safety and comfort,individualized and intelligent control,modularity and lightweight design.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):88-100]

AIM To investigate the improvement effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCPs)on mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the simvastatin group(4 mg/kg)and the high,medium and low dose PCPs groups(200,100 and 50 mg/kg),with 8 mice in each group.The NAFLD model was reproduced by 16 weeks feeding of high-fat and high-cholesterol diet,followed by 8 weeks administration of corresponding drug by gavage.The mice had their body mass and liver coefficient assessed;their levels of hepatic free fatty acid(FFA),and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)detected;their hepatic pathological changes and lipid deposition observed using HE staining,NAFLD activity score(NAS)and oil red O staining;and their hepatic protein expressions of Akt,mTOR,p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated all increased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α.levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased HDL-C level and activities of SOD and GSH-Px(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);more obvious hepatic pathological damage as revealed by increased NAS score(P＜0.01)and increased lipid deposition area(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with high or medium dose PCPs,or simvastatin displayed decreased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased HDL-C level and SOD,GSH-Px activities(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased hepatic pathological damage as revealed by the decreased NAS score and lipid deposition area(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased hepatic protein expressions of p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c protein(P＜0.05)as well.CONCLUSION PCPs can improve mouse NAFLD,and its mechanism may lie in their function in reversing abnormal lipid metabolism via Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.

AIM To explore the relieving effect of Er Miao Wan on atopic dermatitis in mice.METHODS In vivo experiment:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group(2 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose groups of Er Miao Wan(4.68,2.34 and 1.17 g/kg).The mouse model of atopic dermatitis was established by repeatedly smearing DNCB solution,and the model was given orally for 21 days.The skin lesion condition on the back of mice,ear swelling degree,and the weight difference between ear lobes were observed and recorded.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the skin lesion tissues of mice.Toluidine blue(TB)staining was used to observe the infiltration of mast cells in skin lesions.The expression of macrophage marker F4/80 in skin lesions was detected by IHC.The serum levels of TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE were detected by ELISA.In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells in logarithmic growth period were given 400,200 and 100 μg/mL Er Miao Wan for intervention.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method.NO level in cell supernatant was detected by Griess method.TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA method.The expressions of proteins related to the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells was detected by Western blot.RESULTS In vivo experiment:Compared with the model group,the scores of back skin lesions,the swelling degree of right ear and the weight difference between left and right ear pieces in the high-dose group of Er Miao Wan decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the thickness of skin lesions decreased,the infiltration of mast cells and macrophages decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the inflammatory factors TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE levels in serum decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the expression of F4/80 in the skin lesions decreased(P＜0.01).In vitro experiment:Compared with the model group,the levels of NO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in Er Miao Wan 400 and 200 μg/mL groups decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the phosphorylation levels of P38,JNK and P65 proteins decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Er Miao Wan can alleviate skin lesion inflammation in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage,reducing macrophage infiltration and reducing Th2 cytokines.

Objective To study the level of fall-related self-awareness among the elderly in community and to explore the influence of cognitive reserve and social cohesion on fall-related self-awareness,thereby providing a reference for developing targeted interventions.Methods Toally 500 old people in communities were recruited by convenience sampling in Hengyang between August and September 2024.Data were collected with the general information questionnaire,neighbourhood cohesion scale,self-awareness of falls in elderly scale,and cognitive reserve index questionnaire.Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was employed to explore the effects of cognitive reserve and social cohesion on fall-related self-awareness while controlling for demographic variables.Results A total of 467 valid questionnaires were returned.The score of fall-related self-awareness was 54.60±6.64(moderate level).Social cohesion scores was 29.84±5.52(moderate level),and cognitive reserve score was 93.27±10.83(moderate level).The cognitive reserve and social cohesion were both positively correlated with fall-related self-awareness(all P<0.01).Community integration accounted for 9.10%of its total variability,and cognitive reserve accounted for 5.70%of the total variability of fall vigilance,while controlling for variables such as body mass index(BMI),sleep quality,sedentary habits,fear of falling and financial resources.Conclusion The elderly in communities exhibit a low level of fall-related self-awareness.More attention to risk of falling is required along with developing targeted and individualised training programs aiming at improvement of cognitive reserve and social cohesion,thereby reducing the incidence of falls.

AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P＜0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P＜0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P＜0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P＜0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.

As the accelerated population aging leads to a rising number of orthopedic surgeries, postoperative functional impairment and reduced quality of life in the patients have become increasingly prominent problems. Patients are demanding more efficient, individualized, and continuous rehabilitation services. In recent years, rapid development of digital technology and internet has promoted rise of telerehabilitation, which has shown broad application prospects in postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation. Depending on remote monitoring, online interventions, and personalized treatment strategies, telerehabilitation effectively overcomes the temporal and geographical limitations in traditional rehabilitation models, providing patients with more convenient, flexible, and sustainable rehabilitation pathways. This review systematically summarizes the current applications and research progress of telerehabilitation in postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation, expands on its advantages and limitations in enhancing functional recovery, rehabilitation compliance and care continuity, and discusses its future developments.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genetic characteristics of pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).Methods:A cross-sectional study was adopted. Clinical and imaging data of 25 pediatric patients diagnosed as having NF1 in Department of Pediatric Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong Second Medical University from January 2024 to July 2025 were collected. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to conduct genetic testing on the pediatric patients and his/her parents. Protein 3D modeling of the domestic and foreign unreported variations was conducted using SWISS-MODEL software.Results:Among the 25 pediatric patients with NF1, 14 were male (56%) and 11 were female (44%), with age ranging from 8 months to 18 years. All pediatric patients exhibited café-au-lait macules, and 7 (28%) presented with plexiform neurofibromas. Genetic test identified 4 types of NF1 variants: nonsense variant ( n=11, 44%), frameshift variant ( n=9, 36%), missense variant ( n=3, 12%), and splice-site variant ( n=2, 8%). Importantly, 5 novel NF1 variants were discovered, including c.3455T>A, c.3709dupG, c.2665_2684del, c.7092_7095delinsTA, and c.3260del. Three pediatric patients inherited NF1 variant from their parents, while the remaining 22 harbored de novo mutation. Conclusion:NF1 exhibits a broad clinical spectrum, primarily affecting the skin and nervous system; this study identifies 5 previously unreported variants, expanding the genetic profile of NF1.