Objective: To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points. Methods: This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3. Results: In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical applications of functional perforator flaps in restoring human body functions. METHODS: An extensive literature review was conducted on both domestic and international publications to summarize the clinical use of functional perforator flaps for functional restoration. RESULTS: Perforator flaps are among the most commonly used flaps in reconstructive surgery. Beyond providing soft tissue repair, they are increasingly employed to reconstruct diverse bodily functions, leading us to propose the concept of the "functional perforator flap". Although various forms of functional perforator flaps are currently utilized, reports are predominantly scattered case studies, lacking systematic organization. Commonly used functional perforator flaps can be categorized into five types: chimeric perforator flaps, perforator flaps for nerve function restoration, perforator flaps for lymphatic drainage enhancement, flow-through perforator flaps, and perforator flaps for restoring bone and joint motion. These flaps significantly broaden the application scope of perforator flaps, elevating the goal of reconstruction from mere wound repair to achieving repair concurrent with functional reconstruction. CONCLUSION The application of various functional perforator flap designs significantly improves wound reconstruction outcomes and represents an effective approach for managing complex defects. Future developments will undoubtedly see more forms of functional perforator flaps reported to meet increasingly sophisticated reconstructive demands.
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Wound Healing

Objective:To explore the potential mechanism underlying IL-6 production through the TLR7 signaling pathway,which regulates Th17 cell differentiation in the context of Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)-induced acute viral myocarditis(AVMC).Meth-ods:A total of 110 patients diagnosed with AVMC were admitted to Quanzhou First Hospital,Fujian between January 2020 and Janu-ary 2023,alongside 93 healthy volunteers.CD4+T cells were isolated from the subjects'blood,and the levels of CVB3 and the number of Th17 cells were assessed.Subsequently,CD4+T cells were infected with CVB3,and the levels of Th17 cells,IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α were measured.After knockdown of TLR7 or treatment with TLR7 inhibitors,the differentiation of CVB3-infected CD4+T cells into Th17 cells was observed.Results:In comparison to healthy controls,AVMC patients exhibited elevated plasma levels of hsCRP,IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α(P<0.05).The levels of CVB3 mRNA in CD4+T cells were also notably higher in AVMC patients compared to healthy controls(P<0.05).The mean viral titer in AVMC patients measured 230 PFU/ml,while no detectable virus was found in healthy volunteers(P<0.05).In CD4+T cells,the count of Th17 cells was significantly increased in AVMC patients compared to healthy volunteers(P<0.05).Moreover,the number of Th17 cells in peripheral blood CD4+T cells of AVMC patients showed a positive correlation with CVB3 virus titer(P<0.05).Following CVB3 infection,the number of Th17 cells increased compared with the control group(P<0.05),accompanied by elevated levels of IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α in the supernatant(P<0.05).Knockdown of TLR7 and CVB3 infection in CD4+T cells significantly reduced the levels of Th17 cells(P<0.05),while the expression level of phosphorylated-activated TLR7 increased significantly after CVB3 infection of CD4+T cells compared to the control group(P<0.05).Treatment with the TLR7 inhibitor M5049 and CVB3 infection led to a significant decrease in Th17 cell levels(P<0.05).The secretion of IL-6 in CD4+T cells increased after CVB3 infection(P<0.05),and this increase was mitigated by TLR7 knockdown and CVB3 infection(P<0.05)as well as TLR7 inhibitor M5049 treatment and CVB3 infection(P<0.05).Conclusion:CVB3 activates TLR7 via phosphoryla-tion,prompting CD4+T cells to release IL-6 and undergo differentiation into Th17 cells.Consequently,TLR7 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for AVMC.

Objective To investigate if Shikonin(SKI)can induce ferroptosis via the ROS/JNK pathway to inhibit the malignant behavior of pancreatic cancer.Methods Human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 or BxPC-3 cells were selected.Drug efficacy experiments were established with a blank control group(Con group)and low,medium,and high dose SKI groups(2,4,8 μmol/L).JNK-related mechanism experiments were categorized into a blank control group(Con group),SKI group,and SKI+JNK inhibitor group(SKI+SP600125 group).ROS-related mechanism experiments were divided into a blank control group(Con group),SKI group,and SKI+ROS scavenger group(SKI+NAC group).Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 method to calculate IC50;Transwell experiments evaluated cell migration and invasion capabilities;the C11 BODIPY 581/591 probe was utilized for flow cytometry to detect lipid peroxidation levels,while the FerroOrange fluorescent probe measured ferrous ion levels;ROS levels were determined using a ROS detection kit;the Western blot method identified ferroptosis-related key proteins(SLC7A11,GPX4),apoptosis-related proteins(Caspase3,PARP),and JNK pathway proteins(JNK,p-JNK);an in vivo xenograft tumor model was employed to assess tumor proliferation.Results SKI treatment significantly and dose-dependently inhibited PANC-1 cell viability(IC50:6.04 μmol/L,P<0.0001)and BxPC-3 cell viability(IC50:12.27 μmol/L,P<0.0001),and significantly reduced migrating and invasive cell numbers(P<0.0001),with migration cell numbers dropping to about 30%of the control group at 8 μmol/L SKI treatment(P<0.0001).Mechanistically,SKI induced increased intracellular lipid peroxidation,Fe2+accumulation,and significant ROS production(P<0.0001),significantly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression(GPX4 protein expression reduced to 40%of that in the control group,P<0.0001),and activated JNK phosphorylation(p-JNK/JNK ratio increased to 2.8-fold,P<0.0001).Pretreatment with the JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 or ROS scavenger NAC effectively reversed SKI's inhibition of cell viability and downregulation of SLC7A11/GPX4 protein(all P<0.01).SKI also inhibited pancreatic cancer tumor cell proliferation in vivo(P<0.0001).Conclusion SKI induces ferroptosis by activating the ROS/JNK pathway,thereby inhibiting pancreatic cancer proliferation,migration,and invasion.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets,interleu-kin-6(IL-6)and procalcitonin(PCT)levels for postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer.Methods A total of 206 patients with gastric cancer who have undergone radical operation from April 2021 to May 2023 in the Huangshi Central Hospital(Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University)were selected as the study subjects.The patients were divided into recurrent group(58 cases)and non-recurrent group(148 cases)ac-cording to whether they had recurrence or not.Venous blood samples were drawn from the recurrent group and the non-recurrent group,and the flow cytometry was used to measure peripheral blood T-cell subsets,nat-ural killer cells,and B cells,while the circulating enhanced fluorescence immunoluminescence method was em-ployed to detect peripheral blood IL-6 and PCT levels.The expression of various indicators was compared in the two groups,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets,as well as IL-6 and PCT levels,for postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer.Results There were no statistically significant differences in CD3+,CD3+CD8+,CD3+CD4+,CD4+/CD8+between recurrent group and non-recurrent group(P>0.05).The levels of CD3-CD19+,CD3-CD56+,IL-6,PCT in recurrent group were higher than those in non-recurrent group(P<0.05).The area un-der the curve(AUC)of CD3-CD19+,CD3-CD56+,IL-6,and PCT for diagnosing postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer was 0.656,0.682,0.888,and 0.868,respectively.The AUC of the combination of these four markers for diagnosing postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer was 0.919,which was superior to each indi-vidual marker(P<0.05).Conclusion Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets,as well as levels of IL-6 and PCT,are closely associated with postoperative recurrence in patients with gastric cancer.Combined detection has a higher efficacy in diagnosing postoperative recurrence in gastric cancer patients.

Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg

Blood-bi-syndrome is primarily characterized by localized numbness and mild pain in the limbs.Records about the diagnosis and treatment of blood-bi-syndrome are scattered throughout classical medical literature.According to the theory of Yindan and Yangdan formulas in the classical prescription system,when the body's ascending function of qi movement is insufficiency,Yangdan formulas which contain Astragali Radix can be used for warming and uplifting yang qi.Conversely,when the descending function of qi movement is insufficiency,Yindan formulas which contain containing Bupleuri Radix can be used for astringing,descending,clearing and purging.This article,based on the principles of Yindan and Yangdan formulas,analyzed the fundamental pathogenesis of blood-bi-syndrome developing from the transmission of superficial syndromes,as well as its clinical manifestations during the transmission and change between taiyin disease and yangming disease.And the therapeutic strategies for blood-bi-syndrome were also summarized.It is proposed that taiyin blood-bi-syndrome arises in individuals with constitutionally deficient cold after the attack of pathogenic factors,resulting from fluid depletion,blood insufficiency,and stomach deficiency,which should be treated by Yangdan Formulas with pungent-sweet-warm properties for warming and uplifting yang qi.For the treatment of patients with taiyin blood-bi-syndrome characterized by exterior syndrome,Astragali Radix-containing classical prescriptions like Astragali Radix and Cinnamomi Ramulus Five-Component Decoction(Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction)can be chosen;for the treatment of patients with taiyin blood-bi-syndrome characterized by interior syndrome,Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens-containing classical prescriptions like Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Bambusae Caulis in Taenia Decoction(Jupi Zhuru Decoction)is adopted.Conversely,yangming blood-bi-syndrome occurs in individuals with constitutionally excessive heat after the attack of pathogenic factors,resulting from the internal accumulation of blood stasis and heat and the impairment of the fluid and blood,which should be treated by Yindan Formulas with pungent-sweet-cold or sour-cold properties for astringing,descending,clearing and purging.For the treatment of patients with yangming blood-bi-syndrome characterized by exterior syndrome,Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing classical prescriptions like Phyllostachydis Henonis Folium and Puerariae Lobatae Radix Decoction(Zhuye Gegen Decoction)can be used;for the treatment of patients with yangming blood-bi-syndrome characterized by interior syndrome,Paeoniae Radix Alba-containing classical prescriptions like Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga Decoction(Dahuang Zhechong Wan)is recommended.

Objective:To explore the potential mechanism underlying IL-6 production through the TLR7 signaling pathway,which regulates Th17 cell differentiation in the context of Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)-induced acute viral myocarditis(AVMC).Meth-ods:A total of 110 patients diagnosed with AVMC were admitted to Quanzhou First Hospital,Fujian between January 2020 and Janu-ary 2023,alongside 93 healthy volunteers.CD4+T cells were isolated from the subjects'blood,and the levels of CVB3 and the number of Th17 cells were assessed.Subsequently,CD4+T cells were infected with CVB3,and the levels of Th17 cells,IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α were measured.After knockdown of TLR7 or treatment with TLR7 inhibitors,the differentiation of CVB3-infected CD4+T cells into Th17 cells was observed.Results:In comparison to healthy controls,AVMC patients exhibited elevated plasma levels of hsCRP,IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α(P<0.05).The levels of CVB3 mRNA in CD4+T cells were also notably higher in AVMC patients compared to healthy controls(P<0.05).The mean viral titer in AVMC patients measured 230 PFU/ml,while no detectable virus was found in healthy volunteers(P<0.05).In CD4+T cells,the count of Th17 cells was significantly increased in AVMC patients compared to healthy volunteers(P<0.05).Moreover,the number of Th17 cells in peripheral blood CD4+T cells of AVMC patients showed a positive correlation with CVB3 virus titer(P<0.05).Following CVB3 infection,the number of Th17 cells increased compared with the control group(P<0.05),accompanied by elevated levels of IL-17,IL-21,and TNF-α in the supernatant(P<0.05).Knockdown of TLR7 and CVB3 infection in CD4+T cells significantly reduced the levels of Th17 cells(P<0.05),while the expression level of phosphorylated-activated TLR7 increased significantly after CVB3 infection of CD4+T cells compared to the control group(P<0.05).Treatment with the TLR7 inhibitor M5049 and CVB3 infection led to a significant decrease in Th17 cell levels(P<0.05).The secretion of IL-6 in CD4+T cells increased after CVB3 infection(P<0.05),and this increase was mitigated by TLR7 knockdown and CVB3 infection(P<0.05)as well as TLR7 inhibitor M5049 treatment and CVB3 infection(P<0.05).Conclusion:CVB3 activates TLR7 via phosphoryla-tion,prompting CD4+T cells to release IL-6 and undergo differentiation into Th17 cells.Consequently,TLR7 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for AVMC.

With an aging population, the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) is on the rise, posing new challenges for developing personalized treatment strategies. For patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PVP/PKP) remains the preferred surgical option due to its minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery time. However, progressive local kyphosis (PLK) is one of the most severe complications following PVP/PKP, with an incidence rate of 1.5%-25.8%. PLK often presents with recurring thoracic and lower back pain, and in severe cases, spinal stenosis, causing symptoms like numbness and pain in the lower limbs. The severity of PLK varies, and treatments can range from conservative management and bone cement reinforcement to internal fixation or osteotomy. Current studies suggest that re-fracture of the affected vertebra, intervertebral disc degeneration, and osteonecrosis may be underlying mechanisms. These conditions shift the axial load forward, promoting postoperative PLK, which tends to progress over time. Postoperative PLK is closely associated with patient characteristics, fracture details, surgical factors, and post-surgery osteoporosis management. 1) The severity of osteoporosis, as indicated by the T-score from bone mineral density testing, can help predict postoperative PLK. While factors like age and gender influence osteoporosis severity, no direct relationship has been established between these factors and PLK. 2) Thoracolumbar fractures, old nonunion fractures, endplate fractures, or severe preoperative compression changes with kyphosis can increase PLK risk. Surgical factors, including the use of balloons or implants and the distribution of bone cement, also play a role. Personalized treatment plans should be developed based on the patient's general condition and imaging results to ensure adequate bone cement diffusion, as enhanced integration can reduce PLK risk. 3) Postoperative anti-osteoporosis therapy is also crucial; long-term therapy, particularly with teriparatide, can prevent PLK. Recognizing the related risk factors and establishing predictive models can help clinicians tailor treatments. Machine learning models, utilizing big data, are particularly adept at handling complex interrelated risk factors and may provide a powerful tool for personalized treatment in the future.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between body fat distribution measured by quantitative CT (QCT) and body mass index in adults receiving physical examination.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. From January to December 2021, 3 205 adults undergoing physical examination who met the inclusion criteria and underwent chest CT and QCT examination in the health management discipline of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected as the research objects. The general data were collected; and the subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, total abdominal fat area, liver fat content, abdominal obesity and fatty liver detection rate were measured by QCT. According to body mass index, the subjects were divided into normal group (18.5-<24.0 kg/m 2, 1 343 cases), overweight group (24.0-<28.0 kg/m 2, 1 427 cases) and obesity group (≥28.0 kg/m 2, 435 cases). One-way analysis of variance and χ2 test were used to compare the differences of QCT indexes among the three groups. Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between QCT indexes and body mass index. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic effect of QCT on obesity and fatty liver. Results:Subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, total abdominal fat area, liver fat content, abdominal obesity and fatty liver detection rate in obese group were all significantly higher than those in overweight group and normal group [males, (147.60±46.44) vs (104.33±27.68), (73.46±22.65) cm 2; (297.46±54.70) vs (229.40±53.12), (159.57±49.68) cm 2; (445.06±70.24) vs (333.73±62.91), (233.02±61.87) cm 2; 11.30% (7.90%, 15.55%) vs 8.75% (6.50%, 11.70%), 6.60% (4.80%, 8.70%); 100.0% vs 96.0%, 64.0%; 92.9% vs 86.7%, 73.3%; females, (213.96±48.61) vs (155.85±35.31), (107.24±31.01) cm 2; (185.41±43.88) vs (142.48±41.75), (96.56±36.50) cm 2; (399.37±68.07) vs (298.33±56.86), (203.80±57.53) cm 2; 9.80% (6.90%, 13.30%) vs 7.30% (5.05%, 9.80%), 5.40%(3.50%, 7.20%); 96.4% vs 74.8%, 28.9%; 87.3% vs 75.6%, 56.5%], and were all positively correlated with body mass index (males, r/ rs=0.709, 0.738, 0.831, 0.402, 0.464, 0.225; females, r/ rs=0.798, 0.695, 0.841, 0.416, 0.605, 0.276) (all P<0.001). In both male and female subjects, the detection rates of obesity based on QCT were significantly higher than those based on body mass index (male, 86.9% vs 16.6%; female, 49.3% vs 8.9%), and the detection rates of fatty liver based on QCT were significantly higher than those based on ultrasound (male, 83.6% vs 57.1%; female, 65.2% vs 27.6%) (all P<0.001). ROC curve showed that when the visceral fat area of 142 cm 2 was used as the cut-off value for the diagnosis of obesity in male subjects, the sensitivity and specificity was 100% and 15.8%, respectively; and when the cut-off value of liver fat content 5.0% was used to diagnose fatty liver, the sensitivity and specificity was 88.9% and 25.1%, respectively. When the visceral fat area of 115 cm 2 was set as the cut-off value for the diagnosis of obesity in female subjects, the sensitivity and specificity was 96.4% and 55.3%, respectively; when the liver fat content of 5.0% was set as the cut-off value for the diagnosis of fatty liver, the sensitivity and specificity was 83.7% and 43.2%, respectively. Conclusions:The indexes of abdominal fat and liver fat measured by QCT in adults receiving physical examination are all positively correlated with body mass index. The effect of QCT in the diagnosis of obesity and fatty liver are both better than body mass index and ultrasound.