Objective Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Yishen Jiangzhuo Granules(YSJZG)on chronic kidney disease(CKD)based on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods The CKD model of rats with 5/6 nephrectomy was adopted and divided into 6 groups according to random number table:sham operation control group,model group,emodin group(500 mg/kg/d),Yishen Jiangzhuo granule low,middle and high dose groups.After 8 weeks of treatment with YSJZG,serum creatinine(SCR)and urea nitrogen(BUN),pathological changes of renal cortex,mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure were detected,and mitochondrial kinetic protein in renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by immunohistochemistry(Drp1,Fis1)and fusion proteins(Opa1,Mfn1)were detected by Western blot,and apoptotic proteins(CytC,Bax)in cytoplasm and mitochondria were detected by real-time PCR.Results Renal injury:Compared with the model group,YSJZG groups significantly reduced the levels of SCR and BUN,renal tubular degeneration and necrosis,and mitochondrial structural damage in rats.Renal tubule mitochondrial dynamic protein:Compared with the model group,the expression of division proteins Drp1 and Fis1 was downregulated,the expression of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 was upregulated,and transmission electron microscopy observed that the mitochondrial fragmentation changes were relatively mild.Apoptosis related indicators and mtDNA copy number of renal tubular cells:Compared with the model group,the content of Bax protein in renal tubular epithelial cells of YSJZG groups increased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and decreased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The content of CytC protein decreased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and increased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The copy number of mtDNA increased significantly(P<0.05),and the total levels of SMAC,CytC and Bax mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.05).Correlation between mitochondrial dynamic protein and apoptosis in renal tubular cells:Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of Drp1 and Fis1 was negatively correlated with the expression of CytC in mitochondria,and positively correlated with the expression of CytC in cytoplasm.The expression levels of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 showed a significant positive correlation with CytC expression in mitochondria,and a significant negative correlation with CytC expression in cytoplasm.Conclusion YSJZG can significantly delay the progression of CKD,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating mitochondrial dynamics of renal tubular epithelial cells,thereby inhibiting endogenous cell apoptosis pathway.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological dynamics and spatiotemporal diffusion trend of brucellosis in China from 2010 to 2024.Methods:Data on reported human brucellosis cases in mainland China from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, were collected via the"China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention", including detailed information on the date of onset, gender, age, occupation, and residential address of the cases. The Joinpoint regression and spatial interpolation techniques were used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics and population distribution characteristics of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions, as well as urban and rural areas, and explore the epidemic trends of the disease.Results:From 2010 to 2024, pastoral/semi-pastoral regions reported 252 094 brucellosis cases, with a mean annual incidence rate of 36.57±7.28 per 100 000. In contrast, other regions cumulatively recorded 519 748 cases during the same period, demonstrating a significantly lower mean annual incidence rate of 2.54±0.74 per 100 000. The incidence rate of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral regions exhibited a declining-rebounding-declining trend. Specifically, the incidence rate decreased significantly from 2010 to 2017 (APC=-7.20; P<0.001) and increased notably from 2017 to 2021 (APC=18.00; P=0.015) with a decline again from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-7.53; P=0.027). In other regions, the incidence rate showed a fluctuating upward trend. Specifically, the incidence rate increased significantly from 2010 to 2015 (APC=20.37; P<0.001) and decreased notably from 2015 to 2018 (APC=-21.78; P<0.001), followed by an increase again from 2018 to 2024, a significant upward trend in incidence rate from 2018 to 2021 (APC=26.73; P<0.001) and a non-significant decline from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-0.99; P=0.735), resulting in the maintenance of a relatively high incidence level. Rural areas demonstrated significantly higher brucellosis incidence rates than urban settings (all P<0.001). Brucellosis exhibited a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions between 2010 and 2024. The age structure of patients in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas differed significantly from that in other regions. Specifically, in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas, the incidence rate was higher among the 35-49 age groups, while in other regions, the incidence rate was higher among those aged 55-64. Conclusion:There are notable disparities in the incidence of human brucellosis between pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions in China. Human brucellosis exhibits a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), when released extracellularly, plays a pivotal role in the development of spinal cord synapses and exacerbates autoimmune diseases within the central nervous system. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a condition that models multiple sclerosis, the levels of extracellular HMGB1 and interleukin-33 (IL-33) have been found to be inversely correlated. However, the mechanism by which IL-33 deficiency enhances HMGB1 release during EAE remains elusive. Our study elucidates a potential signaling pathway whereby the absence of IL-33 leads to increased binding of P300/CBP-associated factor with HMGB1 in the nuclei of astrocytes, upregulating HMGB1 acetylation and promoting its release from astrocyte nuclei in the spinal cord of EAE mice. Conversely, the addition of IL-33 counteracts the TNF-α-induced increase in HMGB1 and acetylated HMGB1 levels in primary astrocytes. These findings underscore the potential of IL-33-associated signaling pathways as a therapeutic target for EAE treatment.
Animals ; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism* ; Astrocytes/metabolism* ; Interleukin-33/metabolism* ; HMGB1 Protein/metabolism* ; Acetylation ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; p300-CBP Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Mice ; Spinal Cord/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the effects of deep acupuncture at Weizhong acupoint (BL40) on bladder function and brain activity in a rat model of overactive bladder (OAB), and investigated the possible mechanisms around the acupuncture area that initiate the effects of acupuncture. METHODS: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, comprising a control group, model group, group treated with deep acupuncture at BL40, group treated with shallow acupuncture at BL40, group treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint next to BL40, and group treated with acupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39). Urodynamic evaluation was used to observe the urination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the brain activation. The mechanism of acupuncture at BL40 in regulating bladder function was explored by toluidine blue staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the mechanism was verified by stabilizing mast cells (MCs) or blocking tibial nerve. RESULTS: Deep acupuncture at BL40 significantly increased the intercontraction interval in OAB rats and enhanced the mean amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of primary motor cortex (M1), periaquaductal gray matter (PAG), and pontine micturition center (PMC). It also increased the zero-lag functional connectivity between M1 and PAG and between PAG and PMC. Shallow acupuncture at BL40 and acupuncture at non-acupoint or GB39 had no effect on these indexes. Further studies suggested that deep acupuncture at BL40 increased the number and degranulation rate of MCs as well as the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P, and histamine in the tissues around BL40. Blocking the tibial nerve by lidocaine injection or inhibiting MC degranulation by sodium cromoglycate injection obstructed the effects of acupuncture on restoring urinary function and modulating brain activation in OAB rats. CONCLUSION Deep acupuncture at BL40 may be more effective for inhibiting OAB by promoting degranulation of MCs around the acupoint and stimulating tibial nerve, thereby regulating the activation of the brain area that controls the lower urinary tract. Please cite this article as: Liu X, Zhang CY, Du XY, Li SS, Wang YQ, Zheng Y, Deng HZ, Fang XQ, Li JY, Wang ZQ, Xu SF, Mi YQ. Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 46-55.
Animals ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive/physiopathology* ; Mast Cells/physiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Rats ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Tibial Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acetic Acid ; Urinary Bladder/physiopathology*

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological dynamics and spatiotemporal diffusion trend of brucellosis in China from 2010 to 2024.Methods:Data on reported human brucellosis cases in mainland China from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, were collected via the"China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention", including detailed information on the date of onset, gender, age, occupation, and residential address of the cases. The Joinpoint regression and spatial interpolation techniques were used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics and population distribution characteristics of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions, as well as urban and rural areas, and explore the epidemic trends of the disease.Results:From 2010 to 2024, pastoral/semi-pastoral regions reported 252 094 brucellosis cases, with a mean annual incidence rate of 36.57±7.28 per 100 000. In contrast, other regions cumulatively recorded 519 748 cases during the same period, demonstrating a significantly lower mean annual incidence rate of 2.54±0.74 per 100 000. The incidence rate of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral regions exhibited a declining-rebounding-declining trend. Specifically, the incidence rate decreased significantly from 2010 to 2017 (APC=-7.20; P<0.001) and increased notably from 2017 to 2021 (APC=18.00; P=0.015) with a decline again from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-7.53; P=0.027). In other regions, the incidence rate showed a fluctuating upward trend. Specifically, the incidence rate increased significantly from 2010 to 2015 (APC=20.37; P<0.001) and decreased notably from 2015 to 2018 (APC=-21.78; P<0.001), followed by an increase again from 2018 to 2024, a significant upward trend in incidence rate from 2018 to 2021 (APC=26.73; P<0.001) and a non-significant decline from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-0.99; P=0.735), resulting in the maintenance of a relatively high incidence level. Rural areas demonstrated significantly higher brucellosis incidence rates than urban settings (all P<0.001). Brucellosis exhibited a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions between 2010 and 2024. The age structure of patients in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas differed significantly from that in other regions. Specifically, in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas, the incidence rate was higher among the 35-49 age groups, while in other regions, the incidence rate was higher among those aged 55-64. Conclusion:There are notable disparities in the incidence of human brucellosis between pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions in China. Human brucellosis exhibits a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions.

Objective Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Yishen Jiangzhuo Granules(YSJZG)on chronic kidney disease(CKD)based on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods The CKD model of rats with 5/6 nephrectomy was adopted and divided into 6 groups according to random number table:sham operation control group,model group,emodin group(500 mg/kg/d),Yishen Jiangzhuo granule low,middle and high dose groups.After 8 weeks of treatment with YSJZG,serum creatinine(SCR)and urea nitrogen(BUN),pathological changes of renal cortex,mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure were detected,and mitochondrial kinetic protein in renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by immunohistochemistry(Drp1,Fis1)and fusion proteins(Opa1,Mfn1)were detected by Western blot,and apoptotic proteins(CytC,Bax)in cytoplasm and mitochondria were detected by real-time PCR.Results Renal injury:Compared with the model group,YSJZG groups significantly reduced the levels of SCR and BUN,renal tubular degeneration and necrosis,and mitochondrial structural damage in rats.Renal tubule mitochondrial dynamic protein:Compared with the model group,the expression of division proteins Drp1 and Fis1 was downregulated,the expression of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 was upregulated,and transmission electron microscopy observed that the mitochondrial fragmentation changes were relatively mild.Apoptosis related indicators and mtDNA copy number of renal tubular cells:Compared with the model group,the content of Bax protein in renal tubular epithelial cells of YSJZG groups increased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and decreased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The content of CytC protein decreased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and increased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The copy number of mtDNA increased significantly(P<0.05),and the total levels of SMAC,CytC and Bax mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.05).Correlation between mitochondrial dynamic protein and apoptosis in renal tubular cells:Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of Drp1 and Fis1 was negatively correlated with the expression of CytC in mitochondria,and positively correlated with the expression of CytC in cytoplasm.The expression levels of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 showed a significant positive correlation with CytC expression in mitochondria,and a significant negative correlation with CytC expression in cytoplasm.Conclusion YSJZG can significantly delay the progression of CKD,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating mitochondrial dynamics of renal tubular epithelial cells,thereby inhibiting endogenous cell apoptosis pathway.

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of endocrinotherapy combined with Shenqi Pills on hormone-sensitive prostate cancer(HSPC).Methods:Eighty patients who were diagnosed with HSPC and renal-yang deficiency at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Hospital of Traditional Chi-nese Medicine of Mayang Miao Autonomous County from 1st April 2021 to 30th April 2024 were randomly divided into 2 groups.The patients in the control group were treated with androgen deprivation therapy(ADT).And the patients in treatment group were treated with Shenqi Pills orally on the basis of the control group.The baseline data of the two groups were analyzed.After 36 months of treat-ment,the differences between the two groups were compared in terms of overall survival(OS),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level,PSA response rate,Functional Assessment Scale for Prostate Cancer Therapy(FACT-P),Chinese medicine evidence scores,testoster-one level and safety.Results:A total of 80 study subjects were included in this study,including 42 cases in the treatment group and 38 cases in the control group.There was no statistical difference in the baseline data between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).At the end of the observation period,a statistically significant difference in OS was found in the treatment group compared to the control group in the subgroup of patients with a disease duration ranged of 0-6 months(P＜0.05).There was no statistically signif-icant difference in PSA levels in the treatment group at 3 months(P＞0.05).And the differences in the proportion of PSA50(98.1％vs 91.4％),PSA90(92.9％ vs 84.6％)and the proportion of decrease in PSA(56.7％vs 33.8％)in the treatment group were found compared to those in the control group after 6 months of tre atment.After 12 months of treatment,the scores of FACT-4 and re-nal-yang deficiency in the treatment group were(95.28±7.93)and(15.73±5.70)respectively,compared to the scores in the con-trol group([85.46±10.12]and[18.20±4.27](P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in serum testosterone([0.60±0.24]nmol/L vs[1.09±2.10]nmol/L)between the two groups(P＞0.05).After 24 months of treatment,there were significant differences in in the FACT-4 total score([97.95±7.54]vs[80.33±8.58]),renal-yang deficiency syndrome score([14.64±5.15]vs[24.94±8.75])between the treatment group and the control group(P＜0.05).However,there was no signifi-cant difference in serum testosterone([0.73±1.01]nmol/L vs[0.59±0.25]nmol/L)between the two groups(P＞0.05).Bet-ter therapeutic results were showed in the treatment group in terms of total FACT-P score,physical situation score,social and family situation score,emotional state score,functional state score,additional score and renal-yang deficiency symptom score(P＜0.05).After treatment,there was no serious adverse reaction in the course of treatment,and no obvious abnormality was found in the liver and kidney function of the patients from two groups.Conclusion:Endocrinotherapy combined with Shenqi Pills is safe and effective in HSPC and can reduce the risk of death in HSPC patients,and the earlier the intervention,the longer the overall survival of the pa-tients.In addition,this treatment regimen can increase the PSA response rate,improve patients'quality of life,and reduce the renal-yang deficiency syndrome score without the risk of elevating serum testosterone levels.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for high-output stoma (HOS) in patients undergoing rectal cancer radical resection combined with terminal ileostomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 104 patients who underwent radical resection for rectal cancer combined with terminal ileostomy at Northern Jiangsu People′s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Among them, 77 were male and 27 were female, with ages ranging from 31 to 84 years and an average age of 62.60 years. HOS was defined as an average stoma output ≥1500 mL/24 h within 3 days after resuming oral intake. Based on the presence of HOS post-surgery, patients were divided into the HOS group ( n=29) and the non-HOS group ( n=77). The two groups were compared based on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative albumin, hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, surgery duration, surgical approach, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative albumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Data were analyzed using SPSS27.0. Continuous data were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), and independent t-tests or non-parametric tests were used for group comparisons. Chi-square tests were used for categorical data, and logistic regression was employed to evaluate the influence of various factors on the occurrence of HOS. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, preoperative albumin, hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, surgery duration, surgical approach, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative albumin, hemoglobin, or white blood cell count ( P>0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that older patients were more likely to develop HOS ( P=0.037, OR=1.047), those with lower BMI were at higher risk of HOS ( P<0.001, OR=0.448), and elevated postoperative CRP was associated with an increased likelihood of HOS ( P<0.001, OR=1.027). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI ( OR=0.302, 95% CI: 0.164-0.555, P<0.001) and postoperative CRP ( OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.023-1.068, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of HOS. Conclusion:Lower BMI and elevated postoperative CRP are significant independent risk factors for the development of HOS in rectal cancer patients.

Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3％,and that of non-infected group was 23.1％,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2％(95％CI:-2.3％-22.8％).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P＞0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P＞0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.