Objective To investigate the influence of combination of oxycodone-acetaminophen and local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain.Methods Eighty elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain admitted to Huainan Xinhua Medical Group Xinhua Hospital from January 2020 to April 2024 were divided into control group(40 cases)and observa-tion group(40 cases)according to the order of admission.The control group received codeine combined with local radiotherapy,whereas the observation group was treated with oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radio-therapy.Pain relief(assessed using visual analogue scale(VAS)),daily fulminant pain occurrence frequency and occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment as well as serum cytokines[substance P(SP),prostaglandinE2(PGE2),interleukin-6(IL-6)],sleep quality(assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI))and quality of life[assessed using functional assessment of cancer therapy-general(FACT-G)]before and after treatment were compared between the two groups..Results The pain relief effect in the observation group was better(P<0.05),and the daily occurrence frequency of fulminant pain was less than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treat-ment,serum levels of SP,PGE2 and IL-6 in the observation group were lower compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The total incidence rate of bone-related events during treatment was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05),and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The PSQI score in the observation group after treatment was lower(P<0.05)while the scores of physiology and emotion of FACT-G were higher compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy can down-regulate the levels of serum SP,PGE2 and IL-6,relieve the pain,and improve the sleep quality and quality of life in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain.

Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on the memory of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and also its effects on the hippocampal Sema3G/neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.Methods:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, and an exercise group, each of 6. The model and exercise groups underwent VCI modeling via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while the sham-operated group received the same surgical procedure without vessel ligation or transection. Beginning forty-eight hours after the surgery, the exercise group carried out daily 30-minute treadmill training sessions, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks, while the other two groups were placed on the same treadmill with it not in operation. After the intervention, cognitive functioning was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test and a Y-maze test. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the expression of Sema3G, Nrp2, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution of Nrp2 and PlexinA4 in the hippocampus.Results:Compared with the model group, the exercise group exhibited significantly higher NOR indices during both the short-term and long-term memory testing phases after the intervention. Those rats also tended to have significantly longer total exploration times in the novel arm of the Y-maze test. The western blotting revealed that the expression levels of Sema3G, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the model group, on average. Immunofluorescence showed significantly increased PlexinA4 fluorescence intensity in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus, and significantly elevated Nrp2 fluorescence intensity in the CA3 region in the exercise group compared to the model group. The Pearson correlation coefficients for Nrp2/PlexinA4 co-localization in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the model group.Conclusions:Exercise training significantly improves memory function in rats with VCI, and this effect may be associated with activation of the hippocampal Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.

AIM:This study aims to investigate the sustained and stable drug release profile of the injectable hydrogel lidocaine(LDC)/betamethasone sodium phosphate hydrogel(BetP-Gel)and its effect on analgesic duration in a mouse model of acute incisional pain.METHODS:The drug-loaded hydrogel LDC/BetP-Gel was prepared through a sim-ple mixing process.Its physicochemical properties were characterized using electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,Fouri-er-transform infrared spectroscopy,and rheological testing.In vivo gelation and injectability were evaluated through posi-tron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET-CT)imaging and pressure variation measurements.The in vitro drug release rate was determined using a direct release method,while the degradation rate was assessed using the residual weight method.A total of thirty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups:blank group,model group,4%LDC group,BetP-Gel group,and 4%LDC/BetP-Gel group.Pain behavior was assessed using the Up-Down method and Harg-reave's test.Biocompatibility was evaluated through HE staining,and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:The LDC/BetP-Gel hydrogel demonstrated ex-cellent drug encapsulation and sustained release properties.Behavioral assessments indicated that the LDC/BetP-Gel group exhibited significantly higher pain thresholds compared to the model group(P＜0.05),suggesting improved postop-erative pain relief.Furthermore,the LDC/BetP-Gel group showed a markedly prolonged analgesic effect compared to the LDC group(P＜0.05).HE staining confirmed the biocompatibility of the hydrogel.ELISA results revealed a significant re-duction in inflammatory cytokine levels in the LDC/BetP-Gel group 24 hours post-surgery(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:The injectable hydrogel LDC/BetP-Gel possesses a dense and stable structure that enables effective drug loading and sus-tained release.Its ability to prolong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects has been validated in a mouse model of acute incisional pain.

AIM:This study aims to investigate the sustained and stable drug release profile of the injectable hydrogel lidocaine(LDC)/betamethasone sodium phosphate hydrogel(BetP-Gel)and its effect on analgesic duration in a mouse model of acute incisional pain.METHODS:The drug-loaded hydrogel LDC/BetP-Gel was prepared through a sim-ple mixing process.Its physicochemical properties were characterized using electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,Fouri-er-transform infrared spectroscopy,and rheological testing.In vivo gelation and injectability were evaluated through posi-tron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET-CT)imaging and pressure variation measurements.The in vitro drug release rate was determined using a direct release method,while the degradation rate was assessed using the residual weight method.A total of thirty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups:blank group,model group,4%LDC group,BetP-Gel group,and 4%LDC/BetP-Gel group.Pain behavior was assessed using the Up-Down method and Harg-reave's test.Biocompatibility was evaluated through HE staining,and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:The LDC/BetP-Gel hydrogel demonstrated ex-cellent drug encapsulation and sustained release properties.Behavioral assessments indicated that the LDC/BetP-Gel group exhibited significantly higher pain thresholds compared to the model group(P＜0.05),suggesting improved postop-erative pain relief.Furthermore,the LDC/BetP-Gel group showed a markedly prolonged analgesic effect compared to the LDC group(P＜0.05).HE staining confirmed the biocompatibility of the hydrogel.ELISA results revealed a significant re-duction in inflammatory cytokine levels in the LDC/BetP-Gel group 24 hours post-surgery(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:The injectable hydrogel LDC/BetP-Gel possesses a dense and stable structure that enables effective drug loading and sus-tained release.Its ability to prolong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects has been validated in a mouse model of acute incisional pain.

Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on the memory of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and also its effects on the hippocampal Sema3G/neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.Methods:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, and an exercise group, each of 6. The model and exercise groups underwent VCI modeling via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while the sham-operated group received the same surgical procedure without vessel ligation or transection. Beginning forty-eight hours after the surgery, the exercise group carried out daily 30-minute treadmill training sessions, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks, while the other two groups were placed on the same treadmill with it not in operation. After the intervention, cognitive functioning was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test and a Y-maze test. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the expression of Sema3G, Nrp2, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution of Nrp2 and PlexinA4 in the hippocampus.Results:Compared with the model group, the exercise group exhibited significantly higher NOR indices during both the short-term and long-term memory testing phases after the intervention. Those rats also tended to have significantly longer total exploration times in the novel arm of the Y-maze test. The western blotting revealed that the expression levels of Sema3G, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the model group, on average. Immunofluorescence showed significantly increased PlexinA4 fluorescence intensity in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus, and significantly elevated Nrp2 fluorescence intensity in the CA3 region in the exercise group compared to the model group. The Pearson correlation coefficients for Nrp2/PlexinA4 co-localization in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the model group.Conclusions:Exercise training significantly improves memory function in rats with VCI, and this effect may be associated with activation of the hippocampal Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the influence of combination of oxycodone-acetaminophen and local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain.Methods Eighty elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain admitted to Huainan Xinhua Medical Group Xinhua Hospital from January 2020 to April 2024 were divided into control group(40 cases)and observa-tion group(40 cases)according to the order of admission.The control group received codeine combined with local radiotherapy,whereas the observation group was treated with oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radio-therapy.Pain relief(assessed using visual analogue scale(VAS)),daily fulminant pain occurrence frequency and occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment as well as serum cytokines[substance P(SP),prostaglandinE2(PGE2),interleukin-6(IL-6)],sleep quality(assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI))and quality of life[assessed using functional assessment of cancer therapy-general(FACT-G)]before and after treatment were compared between the two groups..Results The pain relief effect in the observation group was better(P<0.05),and the daily occurrence frequency of fulminant pain was less than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treat-ment,serum levels of SP,PGE2 and IL-6 in the observation group were lower compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The total incidence rate of bone-related events during treatment was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05),and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The PSQI score in the observation group after treatment was lower(P<0.05)while the scores of physiology and emotion of FACT-G were higher compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy can down-regulate the levels of serum SP,PGE2 and IL-6,relieve the pain,and improve the sleep quality and quality of life in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain.

BACKGROUND:If not detected and treated in a timely manner,immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis can lead to corneal thinning,ulcers and even perforation,thereby causing visual loss and affecting the patient's quality of life.OBJECTIVE:To discuss the pathogenesis of immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis and summarize the diagnosis and treatment ideas and the latest treatment methods for this disease.METHODS:Search terms were"peripheral ulcerative keratitis,immunity,immune system disease,pathogenesis,immunomodulatory therapy,surgical treatment,keratoplasty"in English and Chinese.Relevant literature on peripheral ulcerative keratitis published from database inception to October 2024 was searched by computer in CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and El databases.A total of 68 papers were ultimately selected to comprehensively describe the new research progress in the research on immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis includes Mooren's ulcer,blepharokeratoconjunctivitis,superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis,and autoimmune related peripheral ulcerative keratitis.Due to the physiology of the corneal limbus,peripheral ulcerative keratitis is usually associated with an immune response,and the pathophysiologic mechanism is usually related to the deposition of immune complexes in the blood vessels at the limbus and the production of microangiitis.Systemic immunomodulatory therapy should be used whether or not an autoimmune disease is diagnosed prior to the onset of immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis,which can help to reduce ocular complications associated with systemic inflammation.Nonsurgical treatment,such as immunomodulatory therapy,is beneficial for relieving ocular symptoms,but when nonsurgical treatment is ineffective or the lesion infiltrates the Descemet membrane,it can cause corneal perforation.Combined surgical treatment can help maintain the structural integrity of the eyeball.However,there is no clear evidence for the combination of immunomodulatory therapy and surgical treatment in the development of immune-associated Peripheral ulcerative keratitis.This article reviews the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of immune-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitiss.