Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.

The chemical constituents in dried roots of Atractylodes macrocephala were investigated in this study. Through utilizing normal-phase silica gel and ODS column chromatography, TLC, and semi-preparative HPLC, 4 new sesquiterpenoids were purified from the ethyl acetate extract of A. macrocephala. By various spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, and CD, their structures were identified as atractylmacron A (1), 9β-hydroxyasterolide (2), atractylenolide H (3), atractylenolide J (4). Compound 1 possesses a rare 6/7 bicyclic skeleton.

OBJECTIVE To explore the short-term efficacy,safety and related influencing factors of subcutaneous immunotherapy(SCIT)in children with allergic rhinitis(AR).METHODS Retrospective analyzed the clinical data of 147 children with AR who underwent SCIT at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from August 2020 to May 2024.The clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected,the visual analogue scale(VAS),total symptom score(TSS),total medication score(TMS)and combined symptom medication score(CSMS)were compared at the baseline and 3,6 and 12 months after treatment.The incidence of local adverse reactions(LRs)and systemic adverse reactions(SRs)during treatment was also documented.RESULTS A total of 147 children with AR aged 5-18 years were included in the study.A significant reduction was observed in VAS,TSS,TMS and CSMS at months 3,6 and 12 of follow up compared with baseline(all P<0.001),and the short-term onset time was months 3 after treatment.The level of VitD3 in the effective group was significantly higher than that in the ineffective group(P<0.001).Serum VitD3 level was negatively correlated with clinical symptom(R=-0.3,P=0.026).The total number of injections in 147 children was 3201.LRs occurred in 52 children(35.4％),the number of injections was 69(2.2％).SRs occurred in 21 children(14.3％),and the number of injections was 34(1.1％).No grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ SRs occurred.In the logistic regression analysis,body mass index(BMI)was a risk factor for LRs(OR:2.220,95％CI:1.009-4.887,P=0.048).CONCLUSION SCIT demonstrates significant early efficacy and a favorable safety profile safety in children with AR.Serum Vitamin D3 deficiency can affect the short-term efficacy of SCIT.Overweight and obese children are prone to develop local adverse reactions.

Objective Understanding the population structure of mosquitoes in the drainage system of Minhang District,Shanghai,and exploring the physical prevention and control technology of mosquito traps with a Vazor mosquito repellent film in the drainage system.Methods A 500 mL water spoon was used to assist in visual inspection to investigate the breeding status of mosquito larvae in the drainage system.A carbon dioxide mosquito trap method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the ground drainage system,and the artificial hour method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the underground drainage system.Mosquito-repellent film was applied at a rate of 1 mL/m2 to the drainage system where mosquito larvae or pupae are found,and the breeding situation was observed and recorded.Results The positivity rate of mosquitoes breeding in the ground drainage system was 50%.The mosquito larvae in the drainage channels were primarily Aedes albopictus,whereas Ae.albopictus were primarily noted in the sewage wells.The proportions of Ae.albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the rainwater wells were similar,and the dominant mosquito species around the surface drainage system was Ae.Albopictus.The positive rate of mosquito breeding in the underground drainage system was 47%,with the dominant mosquito species being Cx.pipiens pallens(58.39%)followed by Ae.albopictus(41.6%).The dominant adult mosquito species around the drainage system were Cx.pipiens pallens(83%)followed by Ae.albopictus(11%).In terms of the effectiveness of mosquito-repellent water film,the mosquito breeding rates of the ground and underground drainage systems using mosquito-repellent water film decreased to 2.78%and 5%after 1 week of use,respectively,and then rebounded after the 3rd week.After a supplementary dose during the 5th week,the breeding rates returned to normal.No statistically significant differences were observed in the effect compared with the standard control group using 1%bisulfite granules;however,a statistically significant difference was noted compared with the blank control group without special treatment.Conclusions In the drainage system of Minhang District,Shanghai,mosquito breeding is severe,and variations exist in the dominant mosquito species in different environmental drainage facilities.The simultaneous use of mosquito-repellent films can effectively control mosquito breeding in drainage systems.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible associations between physical function assessment scales, such as Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), with all-cause mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. METHODS: A total of 108 ADHF patients were analyzed from October 2020 to October 2022, and followed up to May 2023. The association between baseline clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality was analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis, while for SPPB and BBS, univariate Cox regression analysis was followed by receiver operating characteristic curves, in which the area under the curve represented their predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality. Incremental predictive values for both physical function assessments were measured by calculating net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement scores. Optimal cut-off value for BBS was then identified using restricted cubic spline plots, and survival differences below and above that cut-off were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The clinical utility of BBS was measured using decision curve analysis. RESULTS: For baseline characteristics, age, female, blood urea nitrogen, as well as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, were predictive for all-cause mortality for ADHF patients. With respect to SPPB and BBS, higher scores were associated with lower all-cause mortality rates for both assessments; similar area under the curves were measured for both (0.774 for SPPB and 0.776 for BBS). Furthermore, BBS ≤ 36.5 was associated with significantly higher mortality, which was still applicable even adjusting for confounding factors; BBS was also found to have great clinical utility under decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS BBS or SPPB could be used as tools to assess physical function in ageing ADHF patients, as well as prognosticate on all-cause mortality. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of balance capabilities of ADHF patients in cardiac rehabilitation regimens could aid in lowering mortality risk.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded. RESULTS: Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Male ; Microcirculation/drug effects* ; Female ; Angina, Unstable/physiopathology* ; Pilot Projects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Aerosols ; Troponin I/blood* ; Coronary Circulation/drug effects* ; Elective Surgical Procedures

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF. This study explored the protective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of paroxysmal AF and investigated its mechanisms. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 130) were randomly divided into blank control (Con), sham operation (Sham), AF, and acupuncture treatment (Acu) groups. A paroxysmal AF model was established by rapid atrial pacing through the jugular vein. Rats in the Acu group were immobilized to receive acupuncture treatment at Neiguan acupoint (PC6) for 20 min daily for seven days. The other groups were immobilized for the same duration over the treatment period but did not receive acupuncture. The AF induction rate, AF duration, cardiac electrophysiological parameters, and heart rate variability were evaluated by monitoring surface electrocardiogram and vagus nerve discharge signals. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized, and atrial morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of macrophage F4/80 antigen (F4/80) and cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 in atrial myocardial tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The expression levels or contents of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in atrial myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The role of α7nAChR in acupuncture treatment was verified by intraperitoneal injection of the α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA). RESULTS: Compared with the AF group, acupuncture significantly reduced AF duration and induction rate, improved cardiac electrophysiology by enhancing vagus nerve activity and regulating autonomic balance. It also decreased the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage proportion, alleviating myocardial injury and infiltration. MLA weakened acupuncture's electrophysiological improvement and anti-inflammatory effect. Results suggest that acupuncture triggers the α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway and exerts cardioprotection via neuroimmune regulation. CONCLUSION Acupuncture significantly reduced the AF induction rate, shortened AF duration, improved cardiac electrophysiological parameters, enhanced vagus nerve activity, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and inflammatory factors in rats with paroxysmal AF. Its positive effects are related to the activation of the α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, indicating that the interaction between cardiac vagus nerve and macrophages may be a potential target for acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of AF. Please cite this article as: Li ZH, Yang WM, Huang Q, Shi GX, Liu CZ, Zhang YQ. Acupuncture activates vagus nerve-macrophage axis and improves cardiac electrophysiology and inflammatory response in rats with atrial fibrillation via α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 398-414.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/metabolism* ; Janus Kinase 2/metabolism* ; Atrial Fibrillation/metabolism* ; Vagus Nerve/physiopathology* ; Rats ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Signal Transduction ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Inflammation/therapy*

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a well-accepted therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there are currently no evidence-based guidelines integrating TCM and Western medicine for the treatment of AD, limiting the clinical application of such combined approaches. Therefore, the China Association of Chinese Medicine initiated the development of the current guideline, focusing on key issues related to the use of TCM in the treatment of AD. This guideline was developed in accordance with the principles of the guideline formulation manual published by the World Health Organization. A comprehensive review of the literature on the combined use of TCM and Western medicine to treat AD was conducted. The findings were extensively discussed by experts in dermatology and pharmacy with expertise in both TCM and Western medicine. This guideline comprises 23 recommendations across seven major areas, including TCM syndrome differentiation and classification of AD, principles and application scenarios of TCM combined with Western medicine for treating AD, outcome indicators for evaluating clinical efficacy of AD treatment, integration of TCM pattern classification and Western medicine across disease stages, daily management of AD, the use of internal TCM therapies and proprietary Chinese medicines, and TCM external treatments. Please cite this article as: Du XR, Wu MY, Tao MC, Lin Y, Gu CY, Wu MF, Cao Y, Chen DC, Li W, Wang HW, Wang Y, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Liu X, Su XF, Li FL. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):641-653.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Integrative Medicine ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*