OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical effectiveness of triptorelin combined with Biejiajian pill in the treatment of adenomyosis （AM）. METHODS Totally 186 patients with AM admitted to Nanyang First People’s Hospital from January 2022 to October 2024 were selected as subjects and randomized into control group （n＝93） and observation group （n＝93） using the random number table method. Patients in the control group received subcutaneous injections of triptorelin acetate around the umbilicus. In addition to the treatment of control group， patients in the observation group orally administered Biejiajian pill. Both groups underwent treatment for 12 weeks and were followed up for 6 months post-treatment. The clinical efficacy， recurrence and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptoms， endometrial receptivity indicators （endometrial thickness， uterine volume， endometrial resistance index and vascular index）， laboratory indexes （serum luteinizing hormone， follicle stimulating hormone， estradiol， carbohydrate antigen 125， insulin-like growth factor-1， and matrix metalloproteinase 9） were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS A total of 164 patients completed the treatment and follow-up， among whom 80 cases were in control group and 84 cases in the observation group. The overall effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group， while the incidence of low estrogen levels and recurrence rate were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of nausea or abnormal liver and kidney function between the two groups （P＞0.05）. After treatment， the pain Visual Analogue Scale scores， Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart， TCM symptoms scores， endometrial thickness， uterine volume， endometrial resistance index， and laboratory indicators in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment within the same group （P＜0.05）. Moreover， these values were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group （except for follicle stimulating hormone） （P＜0.05）. The endometrial vascular index of the two groups was significantly higher than that in the same group before treatment， and the observation group was significantly higher than the control group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Triptorelin combined with Biejiajian pill has a definite therapeutic effect on AM， which can effectively improve the degree of dysmenorrhea and menstrual flow， improve endometrial receptivity， lower the recurrence rate in patients， and demonstrate good safety.

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription （BPQF） in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control （PC） groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment， the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time， twice a day， for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores， Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis （QOL-B） scores， lung function indicators， T lymphocyte subsets， level of inflammatory factors in the sputum， level of neutrophil elastase （NE） in the sputum， and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study， encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment， the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores （P<0.01）， increased QOL-B scores （P<0.01）， and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α and NE （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom （except spleen deficiency） scores （P<0.01）， increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and a declined TNF-α level （P<0.01）. Moreover， the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom （except chest tightness） scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， higher QOL-B （except treatment burden） scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α （P<0.05） than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.

Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke. Combining the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern research findings， it is proposed that "latent pathogen in the cerebral collaterals" constitutes the core pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia （PSD）. In clinical practice， treatment is tailored according to the location of PSD. During the oral stage， when the pathogen invades the face and mouth， resulting in excessive salivation， acupoints are primarily selected from the foot shaoyin （少阴） kidney channel， in combination with ren mai （任脉） ， du mai （督脉）， chong mai （冲脉） and the spleen channel， to replenish essence and fill the marrow， dispel dampness and unblock the channels. In the pharyngeal stage， as the pathogen obstructs the throat， disrupting normal swallowing， the therapy emphasizes dredging the shaoyang （少阳） channel and warming and tonifying the jueyin （厥阴） channel， by taking acupoints mainly from the hand and foot shaoyang channels， along with the jueyin channels， so as to soothe the liver and promote bile secretion， regulate and harmonize qi and blood. During the esophageal stage， where the pathogen damages the esophagus， impeding food passage， the treatment emphasizes activating the yangming （阳明） channels and regulating taiyin （太阴） channels； acupoints are mainly selected from the foot yangming stomach channel， along with the taiyin channels， aiming to warm yang， unblock the channels and dispel stasis.

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy， safety and recurrence of Kuntai capsules combined with Estradiol tablets/Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve （DOR） as well as their effects on ovarian reserve function， sex hormones， and lymphocyte subsets. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 165 DOR patients in Nanyang First People’s Hospital. Among them， 80 patients who received Estradiol tablets/Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets （take one tablet per day according to the medication sequence on the instruction） were included in the control group， while 85 patients who additionally took Kuntai capsules （2.0 g per dose， three times daily） were included in the observation group. The treatment duration for both groups was three months. Clinical efficacy， the incidence of adverse drug reaction （ADR）， recurrence rate， and changes in Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， ovarian reserve function indicators [anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， inhibin B （INHB）， antral follicle count （AFC）， endometrial thickness， and ovarian volume]， sex hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and estradiol （E2）]， and T lymphocyte subsets （CD3 +， CD4 +， CD8 +， and CD4 +/CD8 +） were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS The cure and significant improvement rate in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group （82.35% vs. 65.00%， P＜0.05）. Compared to baseline levels， both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores， FSH， LH， CD3+ and CD8+ levels after treatment， while AMH， INHB， E2， CD4 +， CD4 +/CD8 +， AFC， endometrial thickness， and ovarian volume significantly increased （P＜0.05）. The degree of improvement in these indicators was significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group （P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in the total incidence of ADR between the two groups（P＞ 0.05）. However， the recurrence rate within six months post-treatment was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group （5.88% vs. 21.25%， P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Kuntai capsules combined with Estradiol tablets/ Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets have a significant therapeutic effect on DOR， which can improve ovarian reserve function of the patient， regulate sex hormone levels and T lymphocyte subsets， and reduce recurrence rates， with a high safety profile.

Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, holds a pivotal role in metabolic regulation, neuroplasticity, and immune homeostasis maintenance. However, human exercise studies are constrained by ethical limitations in tissue sampling, especially for key organs such as muscles and the brain. Meanwhile, rodent models like mice exhibit physiological differences in exercise patterns and metabolic rates from human. Despite these challenges, approximately 70% of human and mouse genes are conserved, providing a molecular basis for cross-species comparisons. This paper leverages the GEPREP database, which integrates human and mouse exercise transcriptomic data from multiple platforms, to conduct a comprehensive cross-species analysis of exercise-induced gene expression patterns. We employ a stringent data standardization process, including the conversion of orthologous genes and the filtering of low-expressing genes, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the analysis. A mixed-effects model is utilized to assess differential gene expression across multiple cohorts, identifying genes that are significantly upregulated or downregulated in response to exercise. The analysis reveals a complex pattern of gene expression, with a significant number of genes showing conserved responses between humans and mice, particularly in acute aerobic exercise, where genes such as ATF3, PPARGC1A, and ANKRD1 are commonly upregulated. These genes are implicated in muscle stress response, metabolic regulation, and muscle adaptation, highlighting the shared molecular pathways activated by exercise across species. However, the study also uncovers substantial species-specific differences in gene expression, especially in chronic aerobic exercise, where the number of divergently regulated genes increases. These differences suggest that while some fundamental biological processes are conserved, the specific regulatory mechanisms and gene expression patterns can vary significantly between humans and mice. Functional enrichment analysis further reveals that conserved genes are involved in muscle development, inflammation regulation, and energy metabolism, while species-specific genes are associated with ion transport, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, and muscle contraction, indicating the multifaceted impact of exercise on skeletal muscle function. The findings emphasize the importance of considering species-specific differences when interpreting results from animal models and translating them to human health applications. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the molecular underpinnings of exercise-induced adaptations and underscores the value of cross-species comparative analyses in uncovering the evolutionary and functional basis of these responses. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics data and expanding the analysis to include other tissues to provide a more comprehensive view of the systemic effects of exercise. Additionally, the development of species-specific gene editing models and the validation of key genes in exercise physiology will further enhance our understanding of the evolutionary logic behind exercise interventions. This study not only provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of exercise-induced adaptations but also underscores the necessity of validating findings from animal models in human cohorts to ensure the reliability and applicability of translational research in exercise science. By addressing these aspects, the study aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications, ultimately contributing to the development of personalized exercise prescriptions and interventions that can effectively promote health and prevent diseases.

Objective: To investigate the effect of neurite outgrowth inhibitor extracellular peptide residues 1-40 (NEP1-40) combined with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and gelatin electrospun fiber membrane on facial nerve repair in rats. Methods: According to the principle of random grouping, 108 male SD rats were divided into four groups (n = 27 in each group, approved by the ethics committee), namely, the sham group, control group, PLGA group, and NEP1-40 + PLGA group. A facial nerve fracture model was established for all of the groups except for the sham group. The control group received no further treatment, the PLGA group and the NEP1-40+PLGA group were supported by PLGA membrane, and the NEP1-40+PLGA group received one immediate local injection of NEP1-40 (5 μg/μL) at a dose of 10 μL. Facial nerve function analysis, electrophysiological examination, transmission electron microscope observation, HE staining, and immunohistochemical staining of myelin marker S100β and axonal marker β3-tubulin were used to evaluate the recovery of injured facial nerves of rats at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Results : At 8 weeks, the facial nerve function score of the NEP1-40+PLGA group was better than that of the control group and PLGA group (P < 0.001), and facial nerve function was significantly restored. Electrophysiological examination of nerve action potentials at the injured facial nerve showed that the amplitude in the NEP1-40+PLGA group was higher than that of the control group and PLGA group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in latency and conduction velocity results between the groups (P > 0.05). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness in the cross-section of the injured facial nerve in the NEP1-40+PLGA group were greater than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks, HE staining showed that the facial nerves in the control group had partially recovered, but the overall cell distribution was uneven and the boundary with surrounding tissues was slightly blurred. In contrast, the NEP1-40+PLGA group had a relatively uniform cell distribution and a clearer boundary with surrounding tissues. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the immunohistochemical results showed that in the cross-section of the injuried facial nerve, NEP1-40 increased the expression of neural markers S100 β and β3-tubulin, especially β3-tubulin, which was close to normal levels (P > 0.05) Conclusion NEP1-40 is beneficial for the generation of new myelin sheaths and axons at the site of injury, and it can promote the repair and regeneration of injured facial nerves to a certain extent, thus accelerating the recovery of injured nerve function.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of naringenin(Nar)on cadmium(Cd)-induced liver injury in chickens and its regulatory role in endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)and autophagy.Forty-eight 1-day-old Hyland Brown egg roosters were divided into four groups:The control group,the Cd group(150 mg/kg CdCl2),the Nar group(250 mg/kg Nar),and the Cd+Nar group(150 mg/kg CdCl2+250 mg/kg Nar),and the rearing period was 60 days.On the 60th day,6 chickens were randomly selected from each group,and after fasting for 24 hours,blood was collected via vein and then removed from the neck and executed,the livers were collected and organ coefficients were calculated,changes in the content of liver function-related indexes were de-termined,pathological sections were made and observed,and the expression of mRNA and protein of related genes were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot method.The re-sults showed that Cd treatment resulted in a highly significant decrease(P＜0.01)in body mass,a highly significant increase(P＜0.01)in liver coefficient,a highly significant increase(P＜0.01)in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels were highly significantly increased(P＜0.01),hepatic antioxidant capacity was highly significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and ERS-related genes(GRP-78,PERK,eIF-2α,CHOP,ATF-4,ATF-6)and autophagy-related genes(Atg-5,Beclin-1,LC3)mRNA expression was highly significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),and the expression of mRNA for p62 was highly significantly reduced(P＜0.01).After the addition of Nar,Cd-induced liver injury was significantly alleviated,liver function indexes improved,hepatic antioxidant capacity was highly significantly el-evated(P＜0.01),mRNA expression of ERS-related genes(GRP-78,PERK,eIF-2α,CHOP,ATF-4,ATF-6)and autophagy-related genes(Atg-5,Beclin-1,LC3)was highly significantly decreased(P＜0.01)and mRNA expression of P62 was highly significantly increased(P＜0.01).This study suggests that Nar has potential in alleviating Cd-induced liver damage in chickens through the reg-ulation of ERS and autophagy,providing theoretical support for its application in livestock health.

The reliability and practicality of research findings in health economics are gradually becoming core issues of close concern for clinical and public health experts. As healthcare resources remain under increasing pressure, conducting efficient cost-effectiveness analyses and achieving rational resource allocation are becoming ever more critical. In recent years, medical laboratory health economics has transitioned from purely academic discussions to integration into clinical practice, becoming a key tool for improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. It has demonstrated remarkable results in optimizing patient management and medical decision-making processes. So we invited experts from the fields of medical laboratory science and health economics to share valuable experiences and unique insights on topics such as cost assessment methods, pricing strategies, quality regulation, and the role of medical laboratory health economics in enhancing clinical practice and patient benefits. These experts generally agree that, while research in medical laboratory health economics has shown significant advantages and effectively addressed urgent clinical needs in resource allocation and cost control, it still faces multiple challenges, including limitations in research methodology application, high operational costs, and insufficient standardization of management systems.

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been popularized worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of acupuncture research, mostly comprised of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that aimed to answer the question on the efficacy of acupuncture. However, poor methodology and low replicability in these acupuncture RCTs have resulted in uncertainty about the efficacy of acupuncture. In this review, current advancements and challenges in acupuncture RCTs, regarding the methodological aspects of randomization, blinding, sham acupuncture and quality of reporting, were discussed. While there have been advancements in various aspects, current acupuncture RCTs still face pressing issues such as inadequate randomization and blinding, unviable sham acupuncture controls, and poor reporting quality. Given these limitations, this review seeks to identify the methodological problems that are responsible for these problems and to suggest solutions that could help to overcome them so as to improve the quality of future studies evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture. Please cite this article as: Seetoh WS, Lim RQR, Xu RB, Sun MX, Zhang P, Wang MN. Advancements and challenges of acupuncture randomized controlled trials. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 333-343.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods* ; Research Design