Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory that "all pain， itching， and sores are related to the heart"， this paper proposes treating recurrent aphthous ulcers from the perspective of the heart. It suggests that excessive heart fire and tissue erosion due to flaming fire in the heart meridian constitute the core pathogenesis of this condition. Hyperactive heart fire is identified as the key pathogenic factor， while heart yin deficiency， obstruction of the heart collaterals， and malnourishment of the heart spirit are considered significant contributing factors. Clinically， the treatment follows the principle of clearing heart fire as the main strategy， supplemented by nourishing yin， activating collaterals， and calming the spirit. The self-formulated Qingxin Yuchuang Formulation （清心愈疮方） serves as the base prescription， with flexible modifications incorporating the Yuyin Formulation （育阴方）， Huoxue Formulation （活血方）， and Yu'an Formulation （郁安方） to address specific syndromes involving heart yin deficiency， collateral blockage， and emotional disturbance.

BACKGROUND:Needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum can effectively improve symptoms in patients with lumbar degeneration,and ultrasound guidance can increase the precision of needle-knife release;however,the specific effects of needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum on the degenerated intervertebral discs and the possible mechanisms remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum. METHODS:Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomized into control(n=6)and model(n=18)groups.A rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration model was established in the model group by cutting the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments of the L5/6 and L6/7 segments to maintain a standing posture and apply axial load to the lumbar spine.After successful modeling,the model rabbits were subdivided into a control group,a model group,an ultrasonic needle-knife group,and a sham needle-knife group according to a random number table method,with six animals in each group.The ultrasonic needle-knife group underwent ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the right yellow ligament of L7/S1,once every week,for a total of four times.The needle-knife approach in the sham needle-knife group was the same as that in the ultrasound needle-knife group,but the ligamentum flavum was not released.At 30 days after the intervention,MRI was used to observe the changes in the signal intensity of the nucleus pulposus within the L7/S1 segment.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the L7/S1 segment.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of type I and II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the L7/S1 segment.RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of integrin α5 and β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the L7/S1 segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:MRI findings indicated that the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc of rabbits in the model group was gray-black in color,and the gray value of the nucleus pulposus was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).The brightness of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc of the rabbits in the ultrasonic needle-knife group was elevated compared with that of the model group,and the gray value of the nucleus pulposus was higher than that of the model group(P<0.01).Results from hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that in the model group,the shape of the nucleus pulposus was irregular,the number of nucleus pulposus cells was reduced,the extracellular matrix was compressed,the fibrous ring was ruptured,the structure and boundary of the end plate were unclear,and the chondrocytes were arranged disorderly.Compared with the model group,the ultrasonic needle-knife group showed an increase in the number of the nucleus pulposus,an improvement in the rupture of the fibrous ring,and more regular arrangement of cartilage endplate cells.Results from immunohistochemical staining showed an increase in positive expression of type I collagen(P<0.01)and a decrease in positive expression of type II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the model group compared with the control group as well as a decrease in positive expression of type I collagen and an increase in positive expression of type II collagen in the nucleus pulposus of the ultrasonic needle-knife group compared with the model group(P<0.01).RT-PCR and western blot assays showed that the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α5,integrin β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the intervertebral discs of rabbits in the model group were increased compared with that in the control group(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α5,integrin β1,p38,and nuclear factor κB in the intervertebral discs of rabbits in the ultrasonic needle-knife group was decreased compared with that in the model group(P<0.01).To conclude,ultrasound-guided needle-knife release of the ligamentum flavum can improve the degree of lumbar disc degeneration in rabbits,which may be related to the inhibition of p38 and nuclear factor-κB expression by modulating integrin α5 and β1 expression.

Background::Few evidence is available in the early prediction models of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to develop and validate a novel genetic-clinical-radiological nomogram for evaluating BPSD in patients with AD and explore its underlying nutritional mechanism.Methods::This retrospective study included 165 patients with AD from the Chinese Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (CIBL) cohort between June 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Data on demographics, neuropsychological assessments, single-nucleotide polymorphisms of AD risk genes, and regional brain volumes were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model identified BPSD-associated factors, for subsequently constructing a diagnostic nomogram. This nomogram was internally validated through 1000-bootstrap resampling and externally validated using a time-series split based on the CIBL cohort data between June 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the nomogram.Results::Factors independently associated with BPSD were: CETP rs1800775 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.137, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.276-13.415, P = 0.018), decreased Mini Nutritional Assessment score (OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.086-0.405, P <0.001), increased caregiver burden inventory score (OR = 8.993, 95% CI: 3.830-21.119, P <0.001), and decreased brain stem volume (OR = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.001-0.191, P = 0.004). These variables were incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve was 0.925 (95% CI: 0.884-0.967, P <0.001) in the internal validation and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.686-0.895, P <0.001) in the external validation. The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the prediction of nomogram and actual observations, and the DCA showed that the model was clinically useful in both validations. Conclusion::A novel nomogram was established and validated based on lipid metabolism-related genes, nutritional status, and brain stem volumes, which may allow patients with AD to benefit from early triage and more intensive monitoring of BPSD.Registration::Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100049131.

Objective To explore whether voluntary wheel running affects liver oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,thereby alleviating HFFC diet-related lipid deposition in the liver.Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal diet group(NC group,n=10)and high-fat,fructose,and cholesterol diet group(HFFC group,n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Ten weeks of feeding later,mice in the HFFC group were divided into a quiet group(HFFC group,n=10)and HFFC combined with exercise group(HFFC+EX group,n=10).HFFC+EX group mice were caged with voluntary running wheels for free movement,and the number of running wheels was recorded every day for 8 weeks.After the last treatment,the mice were sacrificed by fasting for 12 hours at an interval of 24 hours,and the blood and liver were collected for analysis.Results(1)Body weight,liver weight,and liver index of mice fed the HFFC diet were significantly higher than those of the NC group,which significantly decreased after exercise(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the NC group,HDL-C and LDL-C in the HFFC group were significantly increased,and the LDL-C level was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of exercise(P＜0.05).(3)The liver fat droplet area and liver TG content in the HFFC group were significantly higher than those in the NC group,whereas those in HFFC+EX group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the NC group,the content of oxidase MDA in the HFFC group were significantly increased,and nuclear translocation and gene expression of Nrf2 were significantly decreased.After exercise,the activities of SOD and T-AOC were significantly increased,and the nuclear translocation and gene expression of Nrf2 and expression levels of HO-1 and SOD-1 were significantly increased(P＜0.05).(5)The number of apoptotic hepatocytes and CHOP expression in the HFFC diet group were significantly higher than those in the NC group,whereas the number of apoptotic hepatocytes,and CHOP and Bax/Bcl-2 expression in the exercise group were significantly lower than those in the NC group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Voluntary wheel can alleviate HFFC diet induced liver lipid deposition by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,thereby alleviating oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis in liver cells.

Objective:To evaluate the analgesic effects of lidocaine cream and ice application during botulinum toxin type A treatment on bilateral gastrocnemius hypertrophy.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 patients who underwent botulinum toxin type A treatment for bilateral gastrocnemius hypertrophy at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the analgesic methods: lidocaine surface anesthesia group (lidocaine group, 30 cases) and ice application analgesia group (ice group, 30 cases). The lidocaine group consisted of 2 males and 28 females, with a mean age of (27.0±5.0) years, while the ice group consisted of 30 females, with a mean age of (26.2±4.4) years. Depending on individual needs, 100-200 U of botulinum toxin type A was injected into the calf muscle of each patient. In the lidocaine group, nurses applied lidocaine cream to the injection area and covered it with a film before injection. In the ice group, nurses used custom-made ice packs to surround the injection site for 10 minutes. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) during injection, including pain scores for needle puncture and drug injection. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and patient satisfaction rates were also recorded.Results:The VAS score for needle puncture pain was (2.60±1.25) in the lidocaine group and (2.30±1.12) in the ice group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.331). However, the VAS score for drug injection pain was significantly higher in the lidocaine group (3.47±1.25) than that in the ice group (2.77±1.28, P=0.036). The overall analgesic VAS score was (3.37±1.16) in the lidocaine group, also significantly higher than that (2.60±1.25) in the ice group ( P=0.017). Two patients in the lidocaine group experienced localized swelling, and one reported localized itching with a rash, while no adverse reactions were observed in the ice group. Patient satisfaction rates were 86.7% (26/30) in the lidocaine group and 93.3% (28/30) in the ice group. Conclusions:Ice application provides superior analgesic effects compared to lidocaine cream surface anesthesia during botulinum toxin type A treatment for bilateral gastrocnemius hypertrophy.

Objective To investigate the effects of Danshen Tongluo Jiedu Decoction medicated serum for regulating miR-126 on autophagy in hypoxia/reoxygenation myocardial microvascular endothelial cells(CMECs)of rats.Methods Hypoxia/reoxygenation injury cell model was constructed by culturing CMECs in vitro.The cells were divided into blank group,model group,TCM group,silencing group,empty vector group,and silencing+TCM group by lentivirus transfection with miR-126 inhibitor.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)content in the supernatant of CMECs was detected using a reagent kit,and cell apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry,the miR-126 mRNA expression was detected using RT-PCR,the expressions of autophagy-related proteins Atg5,Beclin1 and p62 proteins were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the LDH content in the supernatant of the model group cells significantly increased,the apoptosis rate significantly increased,the miR-126 mRNA expression significantly decreased,the Atg5 and Beclin1 protein expressions significantly increased,and the p62 protein expression significantly decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the TCM group and the silencing+TCM group showed a significant decrease in LDH content in the cell supernatant,a significant decrease in cell apoptosis rate,a significant increase in miR-126 mRNA expression,a significant decrease in Atg5 and Beclin1 protein expressions,and a significant increase in p62 protein expression in the TCM group,with statistical significance(P<0.05,P<0.01);the LDH content in the supernatant,apoptosis rate,Atg5 and Beclin1 protein expressions of the silence group cells significantly increased,while miR-126 mRNA expression significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the TCM group,the LDH content in the cell supernatant and apoptosis rate of the silence group and the silencing+TCM group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the miR-126 mRNA expression significantly decreased(P<0.01);the expressions of Atg5 and Beclin1 proteins in the silence group significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the silence group,the LDH content in the cell supernatant,apoptosis rate,and Atg5 and Beclin1 protein expression of the empty vector group group and the silencing+TCM group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the miR-126 mRNA and p62 protein expression significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Danshen Tongluo Jiedu Decoction medicated serum can inhibit autophagy and apoptosis of CMECs caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury,thereby protecting CMECs.Its mechanism may be related to promoting miR-126 expression.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of ovarian mature cystic teratoma.Methods:A total of 35 patients with mature cystic teratoma of the ovary diagnosed and treated in the ultrasound intervention room of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2020 to May 2023 were selected retrospectively. According to the inclusion criteria, 23 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation were enrolled in this study, and the therapeutic effect and the reduction rate of the ablation lesions 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery were observed. The occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was observed. The changes of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E 2) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were compared before surgery, 3 days, and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results:All 23 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation successfully, and the complete ablation rate was 100%. The reduction rates were (29.95±13.89)%, (51.45±17.62)% and (73.82±23.63)% at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. There were no serious complications during and after operation. There were no significant differences in serum levels of FSH, LH, E 2 and AMH before surgery, 3 days, and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a safe, minimally invasive and effective treatment for ovarian mature cystic teratoma.

Objective To summarise the best evidence for postpartum follow-up acquired from patients with gestational diabetes mellitus so as to provide an evidence-based reference for establishment of a postpartum follow-up program.Methods Literature on postpartum blood glucose follow-up in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus was retrieved from 17 major databases including BMJ Best Practice,UpToDate,Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI),International Guide Collaboration Network,National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE),American Diabetes Association website,Medlive,Cochrane Library,Embase,OVID,PubMed,Web of Science,Quanfang local PubMed,CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,and Sinomed from the inception of databases to July 2023.The literature to be retrieved included guidelines,expert consensus,evidence summaries,systematic reviews,clinical decisions,and the original studies.Results A total of 9 articles,five practice guidelines,a systematic review,an evidence summaries,an expert consensus and a clinical decisions,were included.Totally,17 pieces of best evidence were summarised from the five aspects:postpartum blood glucose,lifestyle guidance,breastfeeding,drug treatment and health education.Conclusions The summarised best evidences can provide evidence-based references for postpartum follow-up of patients with gestational diabetes.Nursing staff in hospitals and community health centres should formulate relevant follow-up plans according to the actual postpartum conditions of patients in order to prevent the incidence of postpartum Type Ⅱ diabetes.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase(JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway activation to alleviate calcific aortic valve disease(CAVD)in mice.Methods Twenty-one male ApoE-/-mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into the model,PNS high-dose(60 mg/kg),and PNS low-dose(30 mg/kg)groups using the random number table method,with seven mice per group.Nine male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were used as the control group.Mice in the control group were fed a normal diet,whereas ApoE-/-mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks,three C57BL/6 and three ApoE-/-mice(one ApoE-/-mice from each group)were randomly selected to evaluate the CAVD modeling effect.After confirming successful modeling,the PNS high-and low-dose groups received daily intragastric PNS administration.The control and model groups were administered an equal volume of stroke-physiological saline solution by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.The valve annulus diameter and peak velocity of the mice in each group were then detected using ultrasound.The degree of aortic valve calcification was evaluated using von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining.The serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Inflammatory factor interleukin-4(IL-4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of calcification markers,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2)were detected using immunohistochemistry.Aortic valve cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining,and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway-related mRNA and mean fluorescence intensity were detected using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,the mice in the model group showed an increase in serum TC,TG,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in annulus diameter,an increase in peak flow velocity,and an increase in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas.Additionally,the model group showed an increase in aortic valve cell apoptosis rate,an increase in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,and an increase in JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,and TNF-α levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in positive area in Alizarin Red S staining.Furthermore,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).The PNS high-dose group showed an increase in HDL-C,IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas and cell apoptosis rate.The PNS high-dose group also showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2 positive staining rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Conclusion PNS may reduce valvular cell apoptosis,alleviate inflammation,and protect against aortic valve calcification in mice by inhibiting the activation of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase(JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway activation to alleviate calcific aortic valve disease(CAVD)in mice.Methods Twenty-one male ApoE-/-mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into the model,PNS high-dose(60 mg/kg),and PNS low-dose(30 mg/kg)groups using the random number table method,with seven mice per group.Nine male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were used as the control group.Mice in the control group were fed a normal diet,whereas ApoE-/-mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks,three C57BL/6 and three ApoE-/-mice(one ApoE-/-mice from each group)were randomly selected to evaluate the CAVD modeling effect.After confirming successful modeling,the PNS high-and low-dose groups received daily intragastric PNS administration.The control and model groups were administered an equal volume of stroke-physiological saline solution by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.The valve annulus diameter and peak velocity of the mice in each group were then detected using ultrasound.The degree of aortic valve calcification was evaluated using von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining.The serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Inflammatory factor interleukin-4(IL-4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of calcification markers,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2)were detected using immunohistochemistry.Aortic valve cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining,and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway-related mRNA and mean fluorescence intensity were detected using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,the mice in the model group showed an increase in serum TC,TG,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in annulus diameter,an increase in peak flow velocity,and an increase in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas.Additionally,the model group showed an increase in aortic valve cell apoptosis rate,an increase in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,and an increase in JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,and TNF-α levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in positive area in Alizarin Red S staining.Furthermore,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).The PNS high-dose group showed an increase in HDL-C,IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas and cell apoptosis rate.The PNS high-dose group also showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2 positive staining rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Conclusion PNS may reduce valvular cell apoptosis,alleviate inflammation,and protect against aortic valve calcification in mice by inhibiting the activation of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.