Objective Exploring the mechanism of"Wushen acupuncture"in alleviating chronic fatigue in rats from the perspective of mitophagy.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into a normal group and a modeling group,where the latter employed a protocol combining exhaustive swimming with tail-clamping stimuli to induce a rat model of chronic fatigue.Post-modeling,the normal group was subdivided randomly into a blank group and a presumed control group with specifics requiring clarification.Meanwhile,the modeling group was further randomized into a model group,a"Wushen acupuncture"group that underwent acupuncture at the Baihui and Sishencong points,and a non-acupoint control group,in which acupuncture was applied to 5 mm behind houshencong which is non-meridian,non-acupoint sites on the rats' heads and necks.The modeling and treatment outcomes in rats are assessed via the tail suspension test.Protein relative expression levels of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α)in rat skeletal muscle were detected using Western blot.Meanwhile,the relative mRNA expression levels of PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)and Parkin were measured by Real-Time PCR.Results In contrast to the baseline cohort,rats in the induced fatigue model displayed a reduction in struggles,struggle duration,swaying frequency,and swaying duration(P<0.05).When juxtaposed against the fatigue-induced model group,the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention cohort manifested a substantial increase in these behavioral parameters(P<0.05).Furthermore,relative to the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention group,the non-acupoint control cohort showed a decrease in struggles,struggle duration,swaying frequency,and swaying duration(P<0.05).Versus the baseline group,the fatigue-induced model cohort demonstrated a marked decrease in the relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA in skeletal muscle tissue(P<0.05),alongside an increase in mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).Compared to the fatigue-induced model group,the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention led to an increase in the relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA(P<0.05),and a decrease in mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).When juxtaposed against the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention group,the non-acupoint control cohort showed decreased relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA(P<0.05),and increased mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The"Wushen acupuncture"have been shown to enhance the alleviation of chronic fatigue symptoms in rat models and modulate the functionality of mitochondrial autophagy.This therapeutic effect is believed to be mechanistically linked to the regulation of both the PINK1/Parkin pathway and the AMPK/mTOR signaling cascade.

Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a prevalent chronic degenerative disorder among older adults,with biomechanical factors playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis and progression.This article aims to direct clinical studies on Tai Ji Quan(Shadow Boxing)therapeutic intervention for KOA by analyzing biomechanical factors in the pathogenesis of KOA and generalizing the biomechanical characteristics of Tai Ji Quan exercise and its impact on the gait pattern,overall mechanical balance,muscle function,plantar pressure,and proprioception of KOA patients,as well as summarizing the limitations in current clinical research.

It is proposed that cold qi-induced accumulation encapsulates the core pathogenesis of the inflammation-cancer transformation in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Cold pathogens may serve as the initiating factor. When first invading the intestines， cold pathogens obstruct the flow of qi； over time， the lingering cold impairs the middle jiao （焦）， eventually leading to the accumulation of cold-phlegm and blood stasis. Based on the progressive nature of this transformation， the process can be divided into three stages， active stage， remission stage， and carcinogenic stage. In the active stage， the main pathogenesis involves stagnation of cold qi and accumulation of damp-heat in the intestines； in the remission stage， cold qi impairs the spleen， disrupting its transport and transformation functions； and in the carcinogenic stage， the mechanisms include cold-induced accumulation， phlegm accumulation from cold， and stagnation of cold and blood stasis. Accordingly， the treatment strategies are proposed.In the active stage， regulating qi， relieving stagnation， and harmonizing cold and heat； in the remission stage， warming yang， dispersing cold， tonifying qi， and strengthening the spleen； and in the carcinogenic stage， promoting qi circulation， dispersing cold， resolving phlegm， activating yang， and eliminating stasis to remove accumulation. These approaches aim to interrupt the transformation of IBD into colorectal cancer.

Objective Exploring the mechanism of"Wushen acupuncture"in alleviating chronic fatigue in rats from the perspective of mitophagy.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into a normal group and a modeling group,where the latter employed a protocol combining exhaustive swimming with tail-clamping stimuli to induce a rat model of chronic fatigue.Post-modeling,the normal group was subdivided randomly into a blank group and a presumed control group with specifics requiring clarification.Meanwhile,the modeling group was further randomized into a model group,a"Wushen acupuncture"group that underwent acupuncture at the Baihui and Sishencong points,and a non-acupoint control group,in which acupuncture was applied to 5 mm behind houshencong which is non-meridian,non-acupoint sites on the rats' heads and necks.The modeling and treatment outcomes in rats are assessed via the tail suspension test.Protein relative expression levels of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α)in rat skeletal muscle were detected using Western blot.Meanwhile,the relative mRNA expression levels of PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)and Parkin were measured by Real-Time PCR.Results In contrast to the baseline cohort,rats in the induced fatigue model displayed a reduction in struggles,struggle duration,swaying frequency,and swaying duration(P<0.05).When juxtaposed against the fatigue-induced model group,the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention cohort manifested a substantial increase in these behavioral parameters(P<0.05).Furthermore,relative to the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention group,the non-acupoint control cohort showed a decrease in struggles,struggle duration,swaying frequency,and swaying duration(P<0.05).Versus the baseline group,the fatigue-induced model cohort demonstrated a marked decrease in the relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA in skeletal muscle tissue(P<0.05),alongside an increase in mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).Compared to the fatigue-induced model group,the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention led to an increase in the relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA(P<0.05),and a decrease in mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).When juxtaposed against the"Wushen acupuncture"intervention group,the non-acupoint control cohort showed decreased relative expression levels of AMPK,PGC-1α,PINK1,and Parkin mRNA(P<0.05),and increased mTOR protein expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The"Wushen acupuncture"have been shown to enhance the alleviation of chronic fatigue symptoms in rat models and modulate the functionality of mitochondrial autophagy.This therapeutic effect is believed to be mechanistically linked to the regulation of both the PINK1/Parkin pathway and the AMPK/mTOR signaling cascade.

Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a prevalent chronic degenerative disorder among older adults,with biomechanical factors playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis and progression.This article aims to direct clinical studies on Tai Ji Quan(Shadow Boxing)therapeutic intervention for KOA by analyzing biomechanical factors in the pathogenesis of KOA and generalizing the biomechanical characteristics of Tai Ji Quan exercise and its impact on the gait pattern,overall mechanical balance,muscle function,plantar pressure,and proprioception of KOA patients,as well as summarizing the limitations in current clinical research.

BACKGROUND:Scaffold materials serve as platforms that provide space and structure,playing a crucial role in the regeneration of cartilage tissue.Scholars from around the world are exploring different approaches to fabricate more ideal scaffold materials. OBJECTIVE:To review the design principles and preparation methods of cartilage scaffolds,and to further explore the advantages and limitations of various preparation methods. METHODS:Literature searches were conducted on the databases of CNKI,WanFang Data,PubMed,and FMRS from 1998 to 2023.The search terms were"cartilage repair,cartilage tissue engineering,cartilage scaffold materials,preparation"in Chinese and English.A total of 57 articles were ultimately reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The articular cartilage has a unique structure and limited self-repair capacity after injury.Even if self-repair occurs,the newly formed cartilage is typically fibrocartilage,which is far inferior to normal articular cartilage in terms of structure and mechanical properties.It is difficult to maintain normal function and often leads to degenerative changes.Currently,the design and fabrication of scaffold materials for cartilage repair need to consider the following aspects:biocompatibility and biodegradability,suitable pore structure and porosity,appropriate mechanical properties,and bioactivity.(2)Research on the preparation of cartilage scaffolds has made significant progress,continuously introducing new preparation methods and optimization strategies.These methods have their advantages and disadvantages,providing more possibilities for customized preparation and functional design of cartilage scaffolds according to specific requirements.

BACKGROUND:Bone formation is the process by which osteoblasts synthesize and secrete osteoid and promote its mineralization,which generally involves mechanical signal transduction.Osteoblasts are primarily regulated by mechanical factors such as gravity,compressive stress,tensile stress,fluid shear stress,and hydrostatic pressure in vivo,and different mechanical stimuli modulate the proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis of osteoblasts through various mechanisms,including hormones,cytoskeletal proteins,and microRNAs.By clarifying the effects of biomechanical forces on osteoblasts,it provides ideas and a reference basis for the treatment of osteometabolic diseases involving osteoblasts. OBJECTIVE:To review the effects of different biomechanical forces on the biological characteristics of osteoblasts. METHODS:We conducted a literature search using PubMed,Web of Science,FMRS,CNKI,and WanFang databases for relevant publications published from 2000 to 2023,covering basic research and tissue engineering studies related to the effects of biomechanical forces on osteoblasts.Ultimately,a total of 70 articles were reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Different biomechanical forces have an impact on the biological characteristics of osteoblasts,including proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis,and these effects are dependent on the intensity and duration of the applied force.Specifically,the effects are as follows:(1)Under microgravity conditions,osteoblast proliferation and differentiation are inhibited,resulting in a decrease in bone density and the development of osteoporosis.(2)Compared to microgravity,hypergravity has a promoting effect on osteoblast proliferation.(3)The effects of compressive stress on osteoblasts are dependent on the loading intensity and time.Appropriate compressive stress can promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation,which is beneficial for bone tissue formation and repair,while excessive compressive stress can cause osteoblast apoptosis and bone tissue destruction.(4)The biological effects of different types of tensile stress on osteoblasts differ.Studies have shown that a strain rate within the range of 0-12%has a promoting effect on osteoblast proliferation.(5)Fluid shear stress can promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and enhance the bone-inducing effect of biomaterials.(6)Static hydrostatic pressure can affect the biological behavior of osteoblasts,including proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis,and these effects are closely related to the time and intensity of the pressure.Understanding the effects of different biomechanical forces on osteoblasts is of great significance for a deeper understanding of bone growth and maintenance mechanisms.

Objective To simulate the metabolic distribution process of 18F 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose(FDG) in human body and to visualize this distribution process through 3D images with high resolution and high quality. Methods The model parameters of FDG metabolism in tissues were estimated through clinical experiments, and the curves which represent the FDG metabolic process in tissues were calculated using the model parameters and blood input function. This FDG distribution process in human body was visualized basing on the high-resolution anatomical structure. Results The simulation and visualization results directly and clearly displayed the FDG metabolic distribution process after injection to human body. The properties of the FDG distribution process represented by our simulation were consistent with that represented by clinical experiment. Conclusion The method presented in this study is effective to simulate and visualize human functional information of metabolism, and it may provide a useful tool for education and research on nuclear imaging.