BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

The adulteration and counterfeiting of herbal ingredients in medicinal and food homology (MFH) have a serious impact on the quality of herbal materials, thereby endangering human health. Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, health products derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are more easily accessible and closely integrated into consumers' daily life. However, the authentication of the authenticity of TCM ingredients in MFH has not received sufficient attention. The lack of clear standards emphasizes the necessity of conducting systematic research in this area. This study utilized DNA barcoding technology, combining ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK as universal barcode sequences, and DX, HH, JYH as specific barcode sequences, to identify the authenticity of commercial medicinal and food homology scented herbal teas. The aim was to investigate the authenticity of scented herbal tea products circulating in the market. The research results revealed that among 180 scented herbal tea samples, DNA barcodes were successfully obtained from 164 samples, while the remaining samples either lacked the target components or suffered severe DNA degradation, resulting in failed amplification. Combined with morphological identification studies, it was found that out of the 180 samples, 141 were authentic, accounting for 78.33% of the total samples, while 31 samples showed adulteration and 8 samples lacked the target components, accounting for 21.67% of the total samples. Additionally, water testing revealed that 5 samples of Carthamus tinctorius herbal tea exhibited the phenomenon of weight adulteration. This study exposed the presence of adulteration and weight adulteration in scented herbal tea products, highlighting the need for regulatory authorities to expedite the establishment of quality standards in scented herbal tea industry. These findings provide valuable insights for the rapid development of the scented herbal tea industry.

Objective Analyze the temporal trend of ischemic stroke(IS)mortality among the residents of Tengzhou City of Shandong Province during the period of hypertension control from 2013 to 2021.Methods On January 1,2013,Tengzhou City,Shandong Province,began its hypertension control program.The IS mortality rate was calculated using the mortality data from January 1,2013 to December 31,2021,and analyzed for its time trend among residents with different characteristics.The registered population was derived from the Public Security Bureau of Tengzhou City,Shandong Province,and the age and sex standardized mortality rate was calculated using the data of China's 7th population census in 2020.The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in mortality rate,and Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to compare the time trend and age trend of mortality rate.Results The overall crude and standardized mortality rates of IS in Tengzhou showed a temporal trend from 2013 to 2021(Z values were 12.647,7.305,respectively;all P＜0.001),and decreased by 23.77％and 30.99％(Z values were-7.393,-9.975,respectively;all P＜0.001)respectively in 2021 compared with 2019.The crude mortality rate of IS in male increased by 13.27％in 2019 compared with 2017,while the crude and standardized mortality rate in female decreased by 16.39％and 19.49％in 2018 compared with 2017,respectively,with statistical significance(x2 values were 7.160,9.789,and 15.109,respectively;all P＜0.05).Except the crude mortality rates in 2013 and 2015,the crude mortality rates and standardized mortality rates for males in other years were all higher than those for females,with statistically significant differences(x2 values:25.816-124.040,all P＜0.001).The crude mortality rate for IS increased with age in all years(Z values:42.604-61.025,all P＜0.001).The proportion of IS deaths among those aged≥65 was 85.85％.The overall crude mortality rates of the age group of male 45-54 years old showed a temporal trend from 2013 to 2021(Z=3.035,P＜0.01),while females in the same age group did not show a temporal trend(P＞0.05).The IS mortality rate in urban areas decreased from 62.61 per 100 000 in 2013 to 54.00 per 100 000 in 2021(Z=-2.097,P＜0.05).The rural areas increased by 213.15％in 2019 compared with 2013 and decreased by 22.75％in 2021 compared with 2019(Z values were 19.074,-6.390,respectively;all P＜0.001).Conclusions The IS mortality rate in Tengzhou City showed a decreasing trend in urban areas from 2013 to 2021,and a decreasing trend in rural areas after 2019.Compared to females,there is a trend of younger mortality among males in the age range of 45-54.Males and rural IS patients should be given special attention.

Aim To explore how Danzhi Jiangtang cap-sules(DJC)safeguard the mitochondrial activity of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)by controlling the LncRNA TUG1/β-catenin signaling pathway to de-crease vascular calcification(VC).Methods Vascu-lar smooth muscle cell calcification models were in-duced with β-glycerin and diabetic vascular calcifica-tion rat models were induced with vitamin D3+high-fat diet.Von Kossa staining was applied to detect cal-cification of cells and vascular tissue.Colorimetric method of phthalein complex was used to determine calcium content.P-nitrobenzene phosphate colorimetry was employed to assess alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity.RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of VSMCs'osteoblast transformation related genes bone morphogenetic protein2(BMP2),smooth muscle actin alpha(α-SMA),taurine up-regulated1,LncRNA Tug1(Lnc-RNA TUG1),and β-catenin.Western blotting was utilized to detect the protein expression of BMP2,α-SMA and β-catenin.The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 fluorescence probe.Mitochondrial structure was observed by trans-mission electron microscope.Results DJC reduced LncRNA TUG1 expression,down-regulated β-catenin expression,decreased ALP activity and calcium depo-sition,protected mitochondrial function,restored mem-brane potential,and decreased osteoblastic transforma-tion of VSMCs induced by glycerin phosphate.Impor-tantly,DJC attenuated diabetic lower limb VC by down-regulating the expression of LncRNA TUG1,β-catenin,and elevating the expression of α-SMA.Con-clusions DJC capsules significantly improved VSMCs by protecting mitochondrial function by LncRNA TUG1/β-catenin signaling to reduce VSMCs'osteo-blast transformation.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of fungal sepsis in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) among preterm infants in China, and to provide a basis for preventive strategies of fungal sepsis. Methods: This was a second-analysis of the data from the "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units using the evidence-based practice for improving quality" study. The current status of fungal sepsis of the 24 731 preterm infants with the gestational age of <34⁺⁰ weeks, who were admitted to 25 participating NICU within 7 days of birth between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These preterm infants were divided into the fungal sepsis group and the without fungal sepsis group according to whether they developed fungal sepsis to analyze the incidences and the microbiology of fungal sepsis. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidences of fungal sepsis in preterm infants with different gestational ages and birth weights and in different NICU. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to study the outcomes of preterm infants with fungal sepsis, which were further compared with those of preterm infants without fungal sepsis. The 144 preterm infants in the fungal sepsis group were matched with 288 preterm infants in the non-fungal sepsis group by propensity score-matched method. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of fungal sepsis. Results: In all, 166 (0.7%) of the 24 731 preterm infants developed fungal sepsis, with the gestational age of (29.7±2.0) weeks and the birth weight of (1 300±293) g. The incidence of fungal sepsis increased with decreasing gestational age and birth weight (both P<0.001). The preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks accounted for 87.3% (145/166). The incidence of fungal sepsis was 1.0% (117/11 438) in very preterm infants and 2.0% (28/1 401) in extremely preterm infants, and was 1.3% (103/8 060) in very low birth weight infants and 1.7% (21/1 211) in extremely low birth weight infants, respectively. There was no fungal sepsis in 3 NICU, and the incidences in the other 22 NICU ranged from 0.7% (10/1 397) to 2.9% (21/724), with significant statistical difference (P<0.001). The pathogens were mainly Candida (150/166, 90.4%), including 59 cases of Candida albicans and 91 cases of non-Candida albicans, of which Candida parapsilosis was the most common (41 cases). Fungal sepsis was independently associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22, P=0.030) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (adjusted OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.12-5.80, P=0.025). Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure (adjusted OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.50-4.17, P<0.001), prolonged use of central line (adjusted OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08, P<0.001) and previous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration (adjusted OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06, P<0.001) were all independently associated with increasing risk of fungal sepsis. Conclusions: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the main pathogens of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in Chinese NICU. Preterm infants with fungal sepsis are at increased risk of moderate to severe BPD and severe ROP. Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure, prolonged use of central line and prolonged duration of TPN will increase the risk of fungal sepsis. Ongoing initiatives are needed to reduce fungal sepsis based on these risk factors.
Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Birth Weight ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Retrospective Studies ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Gestational Age ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Sepsis/epidemiology* ; Retinopathy of Prematurity/epidemiology* ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/epidemiology*

Malocclusion is an oral disease with a high prevalence. The goal of orthodontic treatment is health, aesthetics, function and stability. The transmission straight wire appliance and technique is an innovative orthodontic system with independent intellectual property rights invented by Professor Jiuxiang Lin′s team based on decades of clinical experience, which provides a new solution for the non-surgical correction of skeletal malocclusions, especially class Ⅲ malocclusion, and it is also a good carrier for the implementation of the concept of healthy orthodontics. Due to the lack of guidelines, how to implement standardized application of transmission straight wire technique remains a problem to be solved. This technical specification was formed by combining the guidance from Professor Jiuxiang Lin and joint revision by a number of authoritative experts from the Orthodontic Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association, with reference to relevant literatures, and combined with abundant clinical experience of many experts. This specification aims to provide reference to standardize the clinical application of transmission straight wire technique, so as to reduce the risk and complications, and finally to improve the clinical application level of this technique.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS; grayscale US, color Doppler US, strain elastography, and contrast-enhanced US) in the assessment of testicular lesions with negative tumoral markers. MpUS imaging data, patient age, serum tumor markers, scrotal pain, cryptorchidism, and related clinical information were retrospectively collected for patients who underwent mpUS examination between January 2013 and December 2019. Histologic results or follow-up examinations were used as the reference standard. In total, 83 lesions from 79 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-six patients were finally diagnosed with benign tumors, and 23 patients were ultimately diagnosed with malignant tumors. Chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the difference between the two groups. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lesion diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.072, P = 0.005), vascularization on color Doppler US (OR = 4.066, P = 0.001), and hyperenhancement during the early phase (OR = 6.465, P = 0.047) were significant independent risk factors for malignancy; however, when compared with neoplastic lesions, pain (OR = 0.136, P < 0.001), absence of vascularization on color Doppler US (OR = 1.680, P = 0.042), and nonenhancement during the late phase (OR = 3.461, P = 0.031) were strongly associated with nonneoplastic lesions. MpUS features are useful for differentiating testicular lesions with negative tumoral markers and improving the preoperative diagnosis, which may avoid inappropriate radical orchiectomy.
Male ; Humans ; Testicular Neoplasms/pathology* ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Retrospective Studies ; Contrast Media ; Ultrasonography/methods*

This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA), the extracts from traditional Chinese medicine indicated for kidney diseases, on insulin resistance(IR) and podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in diabetic kidney disease(DKD), and further to reveal the scientific connotation. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a TFA group, and a rosiglitazone(ROS) group. The modified DKD model was induced in rats by methods including high-fat diet feeding, unilateral nephrectomy, and streptozotocin(STZ) intraperitoneal injection. After modeling, the rats in the four groups were given double-distilled water, TFA suspension, and ROS suspension correspondingly by gavage every day. At the end of the 8th week of drug administration, all rats were sacrificed, and the samples of urine, blood, and kidney tissues were collected. The parameters and indicators related to IR and podocyte EMT in the DKD model rats were examined and observed, including the general condition, body weight(BW) and kidney weight(KW), the biochemical parameters and IR indicators, the protein expression levels of the key signaling molecules and structural molecules of slit diaphragm in the renal insulin receptor substrate(IRS) 1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase(Akt) pathway, foot process form and glomerular basement membrane(GBM) thickness, the expression of the marked molecules and structural molecules of slit diaphragm in podocyte EMT, and glomerular histomorphological characteristics. The results showed that for the DKD model rats, both TFA and ROS could improve the general condition, some biochemical parameters, renal appearance, and KW. The ameliorative effects of TFA and ROS were equivalent on BW, urinary albumin(UAlb)/urinary creatinine(UCr), serum creatinine(Scr), triglyceride(TG), and KW. Secondly, they could both improve IR indicators, and ROS was superior to TFA in improving fast insulin(FIN) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR). Thirdly, they could both improve the protein expression levels of the key signaling molecules in the IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway and glomerulosclerosis in varying degrees, and their ameliorative effects were similar. Finally, both could improve podocyte injury and EMT, and TFA was superior to ROS. In conclusion, this study suggested that podocyte EMT and glomerulosclerosis could be induced by IR and the decreased activation of the IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway in the kidney in DKD. Similar to ROS, the effects of TFA in inhibiting podocyte EMT in DKD were related to inducing the activation of the IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway and improving IR, which could be one of the scientific connotations of TFA against DKD. This study provides preliminary pharmacological evidence for the development and application of TFA in the field of diabetic complications.
Rats ; Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Abelmoschus/chemistry* ; Podocytes ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Flavones/pharmacology* ; Insulin Resistance ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Diabetes Mellitus

The weight coefficients of appearance traits, extract yield of standard decoction, and total content of honokiol and magnolol were determined by analytic hierarchy process(AHP), criteria importance though intercrieria correlation(CRITIC), and AHP-CRITIC weighting method, and the comprehensive scores were calculated. The effects of ginger juice dosage, moistening time, proces-sing temperature, and processing time on the quality of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex(MOC) were investigated, and Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the process parameters. To reveal the processing mechanism, MOC, ginger juice-processed Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex(GMOC), and water-processed Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex(WMOC) were compared. The results showed that the weight coefficients of the appearance traits, extract yield of standard decoction, and total content of honokiol and magnolol determined by AHP-CRITIC weighting method were 0.134, 0.287, and 0.579, respectively. The optimal processing parameters of GMOC were ginger juice dosage of 8%, moistening time of 120 min, and processing at 100 ℃ for 7 min. The content of syringoside and magnolflorine in MOC decreased after processing, and the content of honokiol and magnolol followed the trend of GMOC>MOC>WMOC, which suggested that the change in clinical efficacy of MOC after processing was associated with the changes of chemical composition. The optimized processing technology is stable and feasible and provides references for the modern production and processing of MOC.
Ginger ; Magnolia/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Biphenyl Compounds/chemistry* ; Lignans/chemistry*