Objective:To explore the effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to March 2024, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University admitted twenty-nine patients who met the inclusion criteria and used the self-made static progressive braces for stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture, including 23 males and 6 females, aged 16 to 55 years. The depth of burn on the back of the hand was deep partial-thickness to full-thickness. The self-made static progressive brace referred to the self-made static progressive joint distractor and the self-made static progressive hand flexion distractor. The stepwise treatment was adopted. In the first stage, in-hospital treatment for 2 to 4 weeks was selected. The treatment contents included conventional rehabilitation training and training on the application of the self-made joint distractors. When the active flexion range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was ≥60°, the second stage of treatment was carried out, that is, two weeks of home remote rehabilitation treatment. The treatment contents included individualized exercise training such as training with self-made static progressive joint distractors and training with self-made static progressive hand flexion distractors. Adverse events such as blister, brace compression, and tissue strain during the stepwise treatment were recorded. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion of the affected hand was observed. During follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was measured, and the extensibility of the scar and skin and soft tissue on the back of the affected hand and the patient's satisfaction with the therapeutic effect were evaluated. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated according to the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:During the stepwise treatment, a small amount of blisters developed on the skin at the wrist joint in 2 patients, which was cured after symptomatic treatment; the other patients had no adverse events such as brace compression and tissue strain. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion function of the hand was better, and the fist could be basically clenched. After 1-3 months of follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was 200-245°; the scar on the back of the hand was soft and light-colored, and the skin and soft tissue was malleable. Twenty-two patients were very satisfied with the curative effect, 6 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was dissatisfied. At the last follow-up, there were 20 cases with excellent hand function and 9 cases with good hand function.Conclusions:The stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury with self-made static progressive braces has a good effect and few complications. Moreover, the two self-made static progressive distractors are convenient in material acquisition, simple to make, cost-effective, and highly practical, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.

Objective To investigate the clinical advantages and safety of an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot combined with massage techniques in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.Methods Totally 114 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated between June 2021 and December 2023 at Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the Outpatient Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Changhai Hospital and Shanghai Third Rehabilitation Hospital were divided into control group and experimental group with random number table method,with 57 cases in each group.The control group received conventional moxibustion combined with massage techniques,while the experimental group was treated using an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot combined with massage techniques.Both groups underwent treatment once every three days,totaling 10 sessions over one month.Clinical efficacy was observed between the two groups by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment(after 3,6 and 10 sessions)scores on the visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain,the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lower back pain score,and lumbar range of motion(LROM).Adverse reactions during the intervention were recorded.Satisfaction with the moxibustion robot in the experimental group was assessed using a Likert scale.Additionally,20 healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the accuracy of the robot's acupoint auto-positioning function.Results The overall effective rate was 91.23%(52/57)in the experimental group and 94.74%(54/57)in the control group,without statistical significance between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared to pre-treatment,both groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores,JOA scores and LROM across all measured directions after 3,6,and 10 treatment sessions(P<0.001).In the Likert scale assessment,86.96%of subjects agreed that the device was convenient to use,87.72%agreed that the device was safer than conventional moxibustion therapy,and 94.74%were willing to recommend the device to other patients.The accuracy evaluation of the acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot demonstrated that the average deviation between robot-positioned acupoints and standard acupoints was(1.68±0.46)mm,achieving a positioning accuracy rate exceeding 95%.No adverse reactions were reported during the intervention.Conclusion The combination of an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot with massage techniques is as effective as conventional moxibustion combined with massage techniques in improving clinical symptoms,alleviating pains,enhancing lumbar function and increasing lumbar mobility in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Participants have exhibited a high willingness to use the device,and the robot achieved a high accuracy rate in acupoint positioning.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the expression,function,and molecular mechanisms of ZNF384 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),as well as its role in tumor progression and chemoresistance.Methods The expression of ZNF384 in ESCC cell lines and tissues was assessed using RT-qPCR.Correlations with TNM stage,invasion depth,lymph node metastasis,and prognosis were evaluated.In vitro assays were performed to examine the effects of ZNF384 on ESCC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and chemosensitivity.Dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the interaction between ZNF384 and FZD3,and to assess the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway.Results ZNF384 expression was significantly upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues(P＜0.01).Elevated ZNF384 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage,greater invasion depth,lymph node metastasis,and poor prognosis(P＜0.05).Functional assays demonstrated that ZNF384 overexpression promo-ted ESCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion(all P＜0.01),whereas ZNF384 knockdown inhibited these processes and enhanced chemosensitivity to cisplatin(all P＜0.01).Mechanistic studies showed that ZNF384 directly bound to the FZD3 promoter,upregulated FZD3 expression,and activated the Wnt signaling pathway(P＜0.05).Overexpression of FZD3 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of ZNF384 knockdown on cell malignancy and chemore-sistance(P＜0.05).Conclusion ZNF384 promotes ESCC progression and reduces chemosensitivity through activa-tion of the FZD3/Wnt signaling pathway,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target in ESCC.

With the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)as the foundation,Professor ZHOU Yunfeng proposes the three-part Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulation to treat insomnia by"taking the head and brain as the essential and simultaneously regulating the abdomen and back".Taking the theories of Ying-nutrient and Wei-defensive Qi,Zang-Fu organs,and meridians as evidence,this method primarily regulates the mind and concurrently modulates Zang-Fu organs.The three-part Tuina manipulation regulates the spirit by grasping the five meridians(Governor Vessel,Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang,and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang)and stimulating points such as Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Taiyang(EX-HN5),and Shenting(GV24);it regulates the abdomen by selecting Zhongwan(CV12),Shenque(CV8),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV4),which means to calm the mind by regulating spleen-stomach Qi activities;it treats the back by selecting Jianjing(GB21),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Weishu(BL21),and Shenshu(BL23),which means to calm the mind by regulating Qi activities of the whole body.Mind regulation runs through the whole process of this manipulation,which combines points from three body regions to produce a synergistic effect,concurrently treating the three body parts,i.e.,the head,abdomen,and back,to mitigate the clinical symptoms and improve sleep quality in insomniacs.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the expression,function,and molecular mechanisms of ZNF384 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),as well as its role in tumor progression and chemoresistance.Methods The expression of ZNF384 in ESCC cell lines and tissues was assessed using RT-qPCR.Correlations with TNM stage,invasion depth,lymph node metastasis,and prognosis were evaluated.In vitro assays were performed to examine the effects of ZNF384 on ESCC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and chemosensitivity.Dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the interaction between ZNF384 and FZD3,and to assess the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway.Results ZNF384 expression was significantly upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues(P＜0.01).Elevated ZNF384 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage,greater invasion depth,lymph node metastasis,and poor prognosis(P＜0.05).Functional assays demonstrated that ZNF384 overexpression promo-ted ESCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion(all P＜0.01),whereas ZNF384 knockdown inhibited these processes and enhanced chemosensitivity to cisplatin(all P＜0.01).Mechanistic studies showed that ZNF384 directly bound to the FZD3 promoter,upregulated FZD3 expression,and activated the Wnt signaling pathway(P＜0.05).Overexpression of FZD3 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of ZNF384 knockdown on cell malignancy and chemore-sistance(P＜0.05).Conclusion ZNF384 promotes ESCC progression and reduces chemosensitivity through activa-tion of the FZD3/Wnt signaling pathway,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target in ESCC.

With the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)as the foundation,Professor ZHOU Yunfeng proposes the three-part Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulation to treat insomnia by"taking the head and brain as the essential and simultaneously regulating the abdomen and back".Taking the theories of Ying-nutrient and Wei-defensive Qi,Zang-Fu organs,and meridians as evidence,this method primarily regulates the mind and concurrently modulates Zang-Fu organs.The three-part Tuina manipulation regulates the spirit by grasping the five meridians(Governor Vessel,Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang,and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang)and stimulating points such as Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Taiyang(EX-HN5),and Shenting(GV24);it regulates the abdomen by selecting Zhongwan(CV12),Shenque(CV8),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV4),which means to calm the mind by regulating spleen-stomach Qi activities;it treats the back by selecting Jianjing(GB21),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Weishu(BL21),and Shenshu(BL23),which means to calm the mind by regulating Qi activities of the whole body.Mind regulation runs through the whole process of this manipulation,which combines points from three body regions to produce a synergistic effect,concurrently treating the three body parts,i.e.,the head,abdomen,and back,to mitigate the clinical symptoms and improve sleep quality in insomniacs.

Objective To investigate the clinical advantages and safety of an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot combined with massage techniques in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.Methods Totally 114 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated between June 2021 and December 2023 at Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the Outpatient Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Changhai Hospital and Shanghai Third Rehabilitation Hospital were divided into control group and experimental group with random number table method,with 57 cases in each group.The control group received conventional moxibustion combined with massage techniques,while the experimental group was treated using an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot combined with massage techniques.Both groups underwent treatment once every three days,totaling 10 sessions over one month.Clinical efficacy was observed between the two groups by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment(after 3,6 and 10 sessions)scores on the visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain,the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lower back pain score,and lumbar range of motion(LROM).Adverse reactions during the intervention were recorded.Satisfaction with the moxibustion robot in the experimental group was assessed using a Likert scale.Additionally,20 healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the accuracy of the robot's acupoint auto-positioning function.Results The overall effective rate was 91.23%(52/57)in the experimental group and 94.74%(54/57)in the control group,without statistical significance between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared to pre-treatment,both groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores,JOA scores and LROM across all measured directions after 3,6,and 10 treatment sessions(P<0.001).In the Likert scale assessment,86.96%of subjects agreed that the device was convenient to use,87.72%agreed that the device was safer than conventional moxibustion therapy,and 94.74%were willing to recommend the device to other patients.The accuracy evaluation of the acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot demonstrated that the average deviation between robot-positioned acupoints and standard acupoints was(1.68±0.46)mm,achieving a positioning accuracy rate exceeding 95%.No adverse reactions were reported during the intervention.Conclusion The combination of an acupoint auto-positioning moxibustion robot with massage techniques is as effective as conventional moxibustion combined with massage techniques in improving clinical symptoms,alleviating pains,enhancing lumbar function and increasing lumbar mobility in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Participants have exhibited a high willingness to use the device,and the robot achieved a high accuracy rate in acupoint positioning.

Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.