OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy

Objective To investigate the effects of mercury on T lymphocytes and serum immune indexes of workers with Methods occupational mercury exposure. A total of 45 workers with occupational mercury exposure were selected as the ， mercury exposure group and 47 workers without occupational mercury exposure were selected as the control group using the judgment sampling method. Cold atomic absorption spectrometry was used to detect the urinary mercury level of the two groups. （ ） +， + +， + + - + Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of cluster of differentiation CD 3 CD3CD4 CD3CD8 and CD3CD19 ， - （ - ） - （ - ） cells in peripheral blood and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α TNF α and interleukin 8 IL 8 in serum. The levels of （ ） ， Results immunoglobulin Ig A IgG and IgM in serum were measured by immune nephelometry. The urinary mercury level of （ ： vs ，P ） individuals in the mercury exposed group was higher than that of the control group median 92.7 13.2 μg/g Cr <0.01 . The +， + +， - + proportion of CD3 CD3CD4 CD3CD19 cells in peripheral blood and serum IgG level in the mercury exposed group （ P ）， - - （ P ） decreased all <0.05 and the serum TNF α and IL 8 levels increased all <0.01 compared with the control group. Urinary - + mercury level was negatively correlated with the proportion of CD3CD19 cells in peripheral blood and serum IgG level in the ［ （r） ， ， P ］， study subjects Spearman correlation coefficient S were −0.21 and −0.31 respectively all <0.05 and positively - - （r ， ， P ） ， correlated with serum TNF α and IL 8 levels S were 0.36 and 0.39 respectively all <0.05 . However the urinary mercury （ P ）， +， + +， level was neither correlated with IgA and IgM levels in serum all >0.05 nor with the proportion of CD3 CD3CD4 + + （ P ） Conclusion CD3CD8 cells in peripheral blood all >0.05 . Occupational exposure to mercury can lead to abnormal ， changes in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets B lymphocytes and serum immune factors in workers. The mercury load of occupational mercury exposure workers may impact their immune function.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes， and its pathogenesis is complex. Its high morbidity can result in disability， teratogenesis， and death in diabetic patients. At present， the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy has not been clearly elucidated， which may be related to oxidative stress， inflammatory response， microcirculation dysfunction， metabolic abnormalities， etc. Recent studies have found that apoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The three pathways， i.e.， mitochondrial pathway， death receptor pathway， and endoplasmic reticulum pathway， jointly regulate the cell apoptosis in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine， with definite efficacies in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy， is advantageous in overall regulation and multi-target and multi-pathway treatment. As reported， the active ingredients in Chinese medicine and Chinese medicinal compounds can alleviate diabetic peripheral neuropathy by regulating apoptosis signaling pathways. Furthermore， apoptosis pathways are expected to be potential targets for new drugs against diabetic peripheral neuropathy following oxidative stress. Therefore， this paper， taking apoptosis as the entry point， reviewed the research progress on TCM intervention in diabetic peripheral neuropathy in recent years to provide references for the clinical prevention and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the development of new drugs.

Objective: To evaluate the model with spleen deficiency and dampness stagnancy by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and traditional indicators. Method: The forty rats were divided into blank group and model group, with 20 rats in each group. The rats in the blank group were fed with normal feed, the rats in model group were prepared with the spleen deficiency and dampness stagnancy model for 14 days. Observe the general condition of the rats, measure the water content of the feces in the dry method, measure the water load index by weighing method, and detect the urinary D-xylose excretion total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) content, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis of renal aquaporin 1 (AQP1) content, and the use of experimental animal body composition analyzer to determine the total water content (TBW), extracellular fluid (ECF), intracellular fluid (ICF), fat mass (FM), free fat mass (FFM) and body mass bioelectrical impedance index such as body mass index (BMI). Result: Compared with blank group, the rats in model group lost weight, gradually loose stools occasionally, the anus temperature was basically unchanged, body mass, D-xylose excretion, water load index, TP and Alb content decreased (P<0.01). The feces contained water,the rate and the content of AQP1 in the renal pulp were increased (P<0.01). The TBW, ECF and FFM were increased, and the ICF, FM and BMI were decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Rats with spleen deficiency and dampness stagnancy induced a combination of factors such as diet and excessive fatigue. The bioelectrical impedance method can be more intuitive and comprehensive.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma and the distribution characteristics of active components in the fingerprint by establishing its high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints. Method: HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint of Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma. Four reference substances,i.e. militarine,coelonin,4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-1,2,7-triol and batatasin Ⅲ were used to identify chromatographic peaks. The fingerprints of 17 batches of Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma fingerprints were analyzed and compared by "Computer-aided-similarity evaluation soft" and stoichiometry,and then compared with the fingerprint of Bletillae Rhizoma. Result: The established HPLC fingerprint method of Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma showed good repeatability and stability. 20 common peaks were marked,four of which were identified by reference substances; militarine was No.8 common peak,and others corresponded to No. 10, No. 14 and No. 18 common peaks. Results showed that the similarities of samples except S4 were higher than 0.85, but the relative peak area of common peaks was quite different. Within the cluster distance 10,the samples are clustered into 5 categories, reflecting certain origin correlation. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the difference in samples was mainly caused by the common peaks located after No. 9 peak,where chemical constituents such as bibenzyl and dihydrophenanthrene were distributed. Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma and Bletillae Rhizoma showed similar chemical constituents. Conclusion: The method provided a theoretical basis for the further clinical application and quality control of Bletillae Formosanae Rhizoma,as a substitute for Bletillae Rhizoma.

Based on the professional characteristics and nature of ophthalmology special examination and combined with teaching requirements for optometry foreign students, we developed a targeted teaching plan and practiced the classification teaching. Using guided trilogy teaching, we guided students to identify and analyze the similarities and differences between the image and the special examination function exami-nation results, emphasizing the cultivation of clinical ophthalmology diagnostic thinking of students, and we obtained good teaching and practice effect.

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is a new class of therapeutics composed of a monoclonal antibody and small cytotoxin moieties conjugated through a chemical linker. ADC molecules bind to the target antigens expressed on the tumor cell surfaces guided by the monoclonal antibody component. The binding ADC molecules can be internalized and subsequently the toxin moieties can be released within the tumor cells via chemical and/or enzymatic reactions to kill the target cells. The conjugation combines the merits of both components, i.e., the high target specificity of the monoclonal antibody and the highly potent cell killing activity of the cytotoxin moieties. However, such complexities make the pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies of ADCs highly challenging. The major challenges should include characterization of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, investigation of underlying mechanisms, assessment of pharmacokinetic- pharmacodynamic relationship, and analytical method development of ADC drugs. This review will discuss common pharmacokinetic issues and considerations, as well as tools and strategies that can be utilized to characterize the pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties of ADCs.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacokinetics ; Cytotoxins ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Immunoconjugates ; pharmacokinetics ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy

Objective To investigate the effect of a nurse-training program of theory combined with practice training methods on pressure ulcer .Methods Forty-two nurse trainees were selected from different departments where the pressure sore was most likely to occur .A two-month training program was conducted based on multimedia, skill training, on-site training, patient rounds, typical case studies, mannequin, and problem analysis .Theoretical examinations were conducted both before and after the program and the skill tests were conducted by the way of on-site intervention .Results Among the forty-two nurses , the mean scores of theoretical examination before and after training were (88.52 ±2.31) and (97.16 ±3.20), respectively, and the difference was significant (t=-14.193,P<0.01).The mean scores of skill test before and after training were (86.19 ±4.68) and (93.35 ±2.41), respectively, and the difference was significant (t=-8.814, P<0.01).The forty-two nurse trainees all passed the tests .Conclusions The training program which combined with theory and practice skills can improve the knowledge and skills of the nurses .It can be served as a model for future training on pressure ulcer treatment by other general hospitals .

OBJECTIVETo study the preventive and therapeutic effects of total saponin of Dioscorea (TSD) on chronic hyperuricemia, and its effect on urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in rats.

METHODNinety male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the normal group, the model group, TSD high-, medium- and low-dose (300, 100, 30 mg x kg(-1)) groups and the benzbromarone (10 mg x kg(-1)) group. Potassium oxonate and ethambutol were adopted to establish the chronic hyperuricemia model Since the third week, all the rats were intragastrically administered with drugs for 4 weeks, once a day, in order to determine their uric acid in serum and urine, uric acid excretion and xanthine oxidase (XOD). URAT1 mRNA and URAT1 protein expression in rat renal tubular cells were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method respectively.

RESULTSerum uric acid level of the model group increased significantly, while uric acid excretion decreased, with high expressions of renal URAT1 mRNA and URAT1 protein. TSD could dose-dependently reduce the serum uric acid level of chronic hyperuricemia rats, increase the concentration of uric acid and uric acid excretion in urine, and reduce renal URAT1 mRNA and URAT1 protein expression. Its effects were similar with that of benzbromarone, but with no significant effect on XOD and urinary volume of chronic hyperuricemia rats.

CONCLUSIONTSD has an obvious effect of anti-hyperuricemia It may reduce the reabsorption of uric acid by inhibiting the high expression of rat renal URAT1.

Animals ; Anion Transport Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Benzbromarone ; pharmacology ; Dioscorea ; chemistry ; Gout Suppressants ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Hyperuricemia ; blood ; drug therapy ; genetics ; urine ; Kidney Tubules ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Saponins ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Uric Acid ; blood ; urine ; Xanthine Oxidase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the ectopic grafts of mouse testicular cells by observing the reconstruction of seminiferous tubules, colonization of spermatogenic cells and spermatogenesis using immunodeficient mice as recipients.

METHODSThe testes of newborn male ICR mice were digested to obtain single cell suspension. The cells were then mixed with matrigel and subcutaneously grafted into the dorsal region of the male nude mice. The mice were castrated after the operation and the grafts were dissected from 5 of the nude mice at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. The success rates of transplantation and the graft diameters were calculated, and the structure of the reconstituted seminiferous tubules, colonization of the germ cells and spermatogenesis were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSAll the mice recipients survived after the testicular cell transplantation. Within 10 weeks after the operation, tissue masses could be observed, with the diameter increased from (3.91 +/- 0.71) mm at 4 weeks to (6.69 +/- 0.50) mm. Neovascularization was detected at the surface of the masses and seminiferous tubule structures found in the grafts. The germ cells that developed from spermatogonia to round spermatids were observed, but with no sperm in the tubules. Germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were identified by immunochemical detection of Mvh, Gata4 and P450Scc in the grafts at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSeminiferous tubules could be ectopically reconstructed from suspension of neonatal mouse testicular cells. Ectopic grafting provided a preferable model for the studies on testis tissue engineering and interactions between testicular cells during testicular development and spermatogenesis.

Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Mice, Nude ; Seminiferous Tubules ; cytology ; Sertoli Cells ; cytology ; transplantation ; Spermatids ; cytology ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; cytology ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Heterologous