The paper summarizes the authorized invention patents, device registration and the relevant published articles of acupuncture medical devices of TCM in recent 5 years, and analyzes the current status and challenges in this field. It is discovered that the optimization and substitution in diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture are involved in the development of acupuncture medical devices. The technology application of these devices are composed of traditional and emerging engineering technologies; and the theoretical guidance for their development requires the integration of traditional acupuncture principles with modern medical theories. The development of acupuncture medical devices highlights the characteristics of multidimensional integration, treatment for specific ailments, portability and wearability, painlessness and non-invasion, precision and personalization, as well as intelligent automation. Upon analysis, it is shown that in the development and product transformation of acupuncture medical devices in recent years, the theoretical principles of acupuncture of TCM have not been fully utilized yet, the transformation of patented product is low, the clinical evidence of product is insufficient, and the market competitiveness needs improvement. In the future, The theoretic guidance of acupuncture of TCM should be enhanced in the development of acupuncture medical devices, a production-education- research model with the combination of medicine and engineering be constructed, clinical verification of product be emphasized, and product development paradigms be advanced, so as to meet the demands of the medical market.
Acupuncture Therapy/trends* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/instrumentation* ; Equipment and Supplies

This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of Yourenji Capsules(YRJ) in improving osteoporosis by combining network pharmacology and proteomics technologies. The SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group and a 700 mg·kg~(-1) YRJ group. The rats were subjected to gavage administration with the corresponding drugs, and the blank serum, drug-containing serum, and YRJ samples were compared using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to analyze the main components absorbed into blood. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted based on the YRJ components absorbed into blood to obtain related targets of the components and target genes involved in osteoporosis, and Venn diagrams were used to identify the intersection of drug action targets and disease targets. The STRING database was used for protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis of potential target proteins to construct a PPI network. Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed using Enrichr to investigate the potential mechanism of action of YRJ. Ovariectomy(OVX) was performed to establish a rat model of osteoporosis, and the rats were divided into a sham group, a model group, and a 700 mg·kg~(-1) YRJ group. The rats were given the corresponding drugs by gavage. The femurs of the rats were subjected to label-free proteomics analysis to detect differentially expressed proteins, and GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the differentially expressed proteins. With the help of network pharmacology and proteomics results, the mechanism by which YRJ improves osteoporosis was predicted. The analysis of the YRJ components absorbed into blood revealed 23 bioactive components of YRJ, and network pharmacology results indicated that key targets involved include tumor necrosis factor(TNF), tumor protein p53(TP53), protein kinase(AKT1), and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9). These targets are mainly involved in osteoclast differentiation, estrogen signaling pathways, and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathways. Additionally, the proteomics analysis highlighted important pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways, and β-alanine metabolism. The combined approaches of network pharmacology and proteomics have revealed that the mechanism by which YRJ improves osteoporosis may be closely related to the regulation of inflammation, osteoblast, and osteoclast metabolic pathways. The main pathways involved include the NF-κB signaling pathways, MAPK signaling pathways, and PPAR signaling pathways, among others.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Osteoporosis/metabolism* ; Proteomics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Network Pharmacology ; Female ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Humans ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.

Objective To explore the value of ECG-less technology and deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm for coronary CT angiography(CCTA).Methods Seventy-one patients with suspected coronary artery disease(CAD)were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into group A(n=35,underwent CCTA using ECG-less technology)and B(n=36,underwent CCTA using physical electrocardiographic gating).CCTA images of group A were reconstructed using filtered back projection(FBP),adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction V(ASiR-V)(50％blending)and high-strength DLIR(DLIR-H),respectively,while those of group B were reconstructed using conventional ASiR-V(50％blending).The radiatio n doses and examination durations of CCTA were compared between groups.Then subjective and objective evaluation of imaging quality were compared between groups and within group A among 3 reconstruction algorithms.Results No significant difference of radiation dose of CCTA was found between groups(P＞0.05).The examination duration in group A was reduced by approximately 29.37％compared to group B(P＜0.05).No significant difference of subjective image quality scores nor objective evaluation of ASiR-V reconstructed CCTA was detected between groups(all P＞0.05).In group A,compared to FBP algorithm,subjective image quality scores of DLIR-H and ASiR-V upgraded,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)increased and standard deviation(SD)values decreased(all P＜0.05),but no significant difference of CT values was found(all P＞0.05).Conclusion ECG-less technology could significantly shorten CCTA examination duration,while DLIR could reduce image noise and improve image quality of CCTA.

OBJECTIVE: CRISPR-Cas protects bacteria from exogenous DNA invasion and is associated with bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity. METHODS: We analyzed the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of Legionella pneumophila WX48, including Cas1, Cas2-Cas3, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, and Cas6f, along with downstream CRISPR arrays. We explored the effects of the CRISPR-Cas system on the in vitro growth, biofilm-forming ability, and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila through constructing gene deletion mutants. RESULTS: The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system did not affect the in vitro growth of wild-type or mutant strains. The biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation of the mutant strains were weaker than those of the wild type owing to the regulation of type IV pili and Dot/Icm type IV secretion systems. In particular, Cas6f deletion strongly inhibited these processes. CONCLUSION The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system may reduce biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation in L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila/pathogenicity* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biofilms/growth & development* ; Phenotype ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Deletion

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype and prognosis of SWI/SNF complex-deficient sinonasal carcinomas.Methods:The clinicopathological, immunohistochemical profiles of 13 SWI/SNF complex-deficient sinonasal carcinomas diagnosed at Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China between Januay 2019 and December 2024 were reviewed and followed up.Results:The patients′ ages ranged from 33-81 years, median 59.0 (41.5, 64.5) years, including 10 males and 3 females. Imaging findings showed space-occupying lesions in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Microscopically, tumors predominantly exhibited invasive growth in medium-to-large nests or sheets, with relatively uniform morphology, mainly basaloid and/or small cells, while one recurrent case displayed epithelioid morphology. Focal necrosis was observed in 7 cases. Immunohistochemical results showed loss of SMARCA4/BRG1 in 7 cases, loss of SMARCB1/INI1 in 6 cases, and concurrent loss of SMARCA2 in 5 cases. CKpan was expressed to varying extent in all cases, 10 cases were EMA positive, and 5 cases were partially positive for p63/p40. Among neuroendocrine markers, 10 cases showed focal expression of syn or CgA. The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 40% to 90%. PD-L1 staining showed combined positive score (CPS) was ≥1 in 3 SMARCB1-deficient cases (CPS ranging from 2 to 3) and CPS <1 in the other 10 cases. Among the 13 patients, 2 were lost to follow-up, 6 died (postoperative survival: 1-25 months), and 5 remained alive, with the longest survival time of 130 months (follow-up range, 8-130 months).Conclusions:SWI/SNF complex-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is a rare undifferentiated malignancy in the head and neck, characterized by distinct pathological and molecular genetic features. SMARCA4-deficient and SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas both exhibit basaloid or small cell-like morphology. Compared to SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas, SMARCA4-deficient carcinomas show reduced expression of squamous cell markers but increased expression of neuroendocrine markers. The positive PD-L1 staining is more likely present in SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas than SMARCB4-dificient ones. Co-loss of SWI/SNF and SMARCA2 correlates with poorer prognosis. Comprehensive evaluation of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetics is critical for accurately diagnosing this rare entity.

Objective:To investigatethe effects of different blood lead levels on indicators of immune function in occupationally lead-exposed populations.Methods:From October to December 2023, a total of 126 occupationally exposed lead workers of a company in Guizhou Province were selected, and their basic information was collected through questionnaires. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to detect blood lead levels in the study population. Workers were categorized into Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 based on blood lead levels (blood lead levels <200 μg/L, 200~400 μg/L and >400 μg/L). Lymphocyte subpopulation marker leukocyte differentiation antigen (CD) in peripheral blood and interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon (IFN) -γ in serum were examined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, and complement proteins (C3, C4) were measured by immunoscattering turbidimetry. Data were statistically analyzed using rank sum test, Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method for multiple samples.Results:Compared with group 1, the percentage of CD3 +CD8 + and CD4 +CD25 + cells decreased ( P<0.05) and the percentage of CD4 + CD95 + cells increased in the lead-exposed populations in groups 2 and 3 ( P<0.05) ; however, the serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL- 5, IL-8, IL-12p70, and IFN-γ levels were decreased ( P<0.05) in group 3. Meanwhile, IgG ( P<0.05) and IgM levels in serum of lead-exposed population in group 2 and group 3 were reduced ( P<0.05) comparing with group 1. Spearman correlation analysis showed that blood lead levels of workers were negatively correlated with the percentage of peripheral blood CD8 +CD95 + cells, CD3 +CD8 + cells, CD3 -CD16 + CD56 + cells, IgG, IgM, and IgA ( rs=-0.20, -0.22, -0.23, -0.24, -0.26, -0.35, P<0.05), but was positively correlated with the level of CD3 +CD4 + cells ( rs= 0.18, P<0.05). Regression analysis revealed that blood lead level was a risk factor for the percentage of CD8 +CD95 + cells, CD3 +CD8 + cells, CD3 -CD16 + CD56 + cells, IgG, IgM, and IgA ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Different lead loads can lead to abnormal changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and immunoglobulin levels in occupationally lead-exposed people. Lead exposure in occupationally lead-exposed populations may affect their immune function.

Objective The aim of this study was to reveal the association characteristics between cancer and depression u-sing the data from community-based multi-morbidity study in rural China(COMMON),and provide a scientific basis for early pre-vention and intervention of depression in cancer patients.Methods We collected questionnaire responses,physical examination re-cords,health insurance data,and electronic medical records from both cancer and non-cancer participants.Using propensity score matching at a 1∶4 ratio,we balanced baseline characteristics between the cancer and control groups.We then compared the preva-lence of depression between these groups,as well as across subgroups stratified by age,sex,income,and other factors.The association between cancer and depression risk was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Finally,we conducted sensitivity analyses by restricting the regression models to participants with mild-to-severe depression.Results After matching the baseline characteristics,a total of 206 cancer patients and 824 controls were included in the study,and all baseline characteristics between the two groups.Among all individuals,women,participants under 60 years old and those from low-income families(10,000-34,999 Yuan per year),the cancer group had a higher prevalence of depression than the non-cancer group(P<0.05),no difference was found in other subgroup(P>0.05).The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cancer was an independent risk factor for depression,and the risk of depression in cancer patients was 2.38 times that of participants without cancer(95%CI:1.44-3.89,P<0.001).The analysis results of different gender,age,and family income subgroups showed that the effect of cancer on the risk of de-pression was different among subgroups(P<0.05).Conclusions Cancer is an independent risk factor for depression.Therefore,the assessment and intervention of mental health should be paid attention during the treatment of cancer patients.It is of great significance to screen for depression in cancer patients and intervene in them to improve the life quality of patients.In addition,paying attention to high-risk groups can help to implement targeted prevention and intervention and improve their mental health.

Objective:To investigate the current situation and changing trends of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis (coal-burning-borne fluorosis) areas in Henan Province, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control measures.Methods:From 2019 to 2021, monitoring was carried out in all villages affected by coal-burning-borne fluorosis in Henan Province. A simple random sampling method was used to select 30 households in each affected village each year to investigate the use of stoves and the formation of related healthy living behaviors. According to the criteria of "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011), all children aged 8 to 12 in the affected villages were examined for dental fluorosis. The evaluation for control and elimination of the disease areas was carried out in accordance with the "Evaluation Approach for Control and Elimination of Priority Endemic Diseases (2019 Edition)".Results:From 2019 to 2021, a total of 7 472 households were monitored, the rate of qualified improved stoves were all ≥99.80%, the correct use rate of qualified improved stoves and correct drying of corn and pepper were reached 100%. From 2019 to 2021, the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children was 5.38% (237/4 405), 5.18% (232/4 477), and 3.68% (145/3 937), respectively, showing a declining trend (χ 2trend = 12.73, P < 0.001). The prevalence of dental fluorosis among children in affected villages was less than 15%. From 2019 to 2021, all affected villages in coal-burning-borne fluorosis in Henan Province had met the elimination criteria. Conclusion:Coal-burning-borne fluorosis areas in Henan Province have been continuously eliminated, with significant prevention and control effects, and the disease has been effectively controlled.

Objective To explore the value of ECG-less technology and deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm for coronary CT angiography(CCTA).Methods Seventy-one patients with suspected coronary artery disease(CAD)were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into group A(n=35,underwent CCTA using ECG-less technology)and B(n=36,underwent CCTA using physical electrocardiographic gating).CCTA images of group A were reconstructed using filtered back projection(FBP),adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction V(ASiR-V)(50％blending)and high-strength DLIR(DLIR-H),respectively,while those of group B were reconstructed using conventional ASiR-V(50％blending).The radiatio n doses and examination durations of CCTA were compared between groups.Then subjective and objective evaluation of imaging quality were compared between groups and within group A among 3 reconstruction algorithms.Results No significant difference of radiation dose of CCTA was found between groups(P＞0.05).The examination duration in group A was reduced by approximately 29.37％compared to group B(P＜0.05).No significant difference of subjective image quality scores nor objective evaluation of ASiR-V reconstructed CCTA was detected between groups(all P＞0.05).In group A,compared to FBP algorithm,subjective image quality scores of DLIR-H and ASiR-V upgraded,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)increased and standard deviation(SD)values decreased(all P＜0.05),but no significant difference of CT values was found(all P＞0.05).Conclusion ECG-less technology could significantly shorten CCTA examination duration,while DLIR could reduce image noise and improve image quality of CCTA.