This paper reports a case of a patient with sleep-related painful erections treated by acupuncture combined with abdominal vibration therapy. The main symptom was repeated painful penile erections during nighttime sleep. The syndrome was differentiated as "water failing to nourish wood" and "liver qi stagnation". Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Guilai (ST29), Yongquan (KI1), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The treatment was combined with abdominal vibration therapy. Treatment was given once daily, five times per week. After the first treatment, the severity and duration of nocturnal erection pain were reduced, and sleep quality was improved. After two weeks of treatment, nocturnal erection pain persisted but became tolerable, with significantly shortened duration.
Humans ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Penile Erection ; Sleep

BACKGROUND: In the interim analysis of MONARCH plus, adding abemaciclib to endocrine therapy (ET) improved progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) in predominantly Chinese postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC). This study presents the final pre-planned PFS analysis. METHODS: In the phase III MONARCH plus study, postmenopausal women in China, India, Brazil, and South Africa with HR+/HER2- ABC without prior systemic therapy in an advanced setting (cohort A) or progression on prior ET (cohort B) were randomized (2:1) to abemaciclib (150 mg twice daily [BID]) or placebo plus: anastrozole (1.0 mg/day) or letrozole (2.5 mg/day) (cohort A) or fulvestrant (500 mg on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 and then on day 1 of each subsequent cycle) (cohort B). The primary endpoint was PFS of cohort A. Secondary endpoints included cohort B PFS (key secondary endpoint), ORR, overall survival (OS), safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: In cohort A (abemaciclib: n  = 207; placebo: n  = 99), abemaciclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor improved median PFS vs . placebo (28.27 months vs . 14.73 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.476; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.348-0.649). In cohort B (abemaciclib: n  = 104; placebo: n  = 53), abemaciclib plus fulvestrant improved median PFS vs . placebo (11.41 months vs . 5.59 months, HR: 0.480; 95% CI: 0.322-0.715). Abemaciclib numerically improved ORR. Although immature, a trend toward OS benefit with abemaciclib was observed (cohort A: HR: 0.893, 95% CI: 0.553-1.443; cohort B: HR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.281-0.931). The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events in the abemaciclib arms were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia (both cohorts), and lymphocytopenia (cohort B). Abemaciclib did not cause clinically meaningful changes in patient-reported global health, functioning, or most symptoms vs . placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Abemaciclib plus ET led to improvements in PFS and ORR, a manageable safety profile, and sustained HRQoL, providing clinical benefit without a high toxicity burden or reduced quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02763566).
Humans ; Female ; Fulvestrant/therapeutic use* ; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Aminopyridines/therapeutic use* ; Benzimidazoles/therapeutic use* ; Middle Aged ; Aromatase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Aged ; Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism* ; Adult ; Letrozole/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Anastrozole/therapeutic use*

Objective:To explore and compare the effect and prognosis of small bone window surgery at different timings in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).Methods:Using a retrospective analysis, HICH patients admitted to department of neurosurgery of Guihang Guiyang Hospital were selected from May 2021 to May 2023. According to the different surgical timings, the patients were divided into ultra-early group (time from onset to surgery <6 h) and early group (onset to surgery time ≥6~<24 h). Propensity score was used to match 51 cases in each group. The perioperative indicators (surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, hematoma clearance rate), incidence rates of complications, neurological function (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel index), endothelin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) before surgery and after 7 days of surgery, clinical efficacy (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)) at 1 month after surgery, rebleeding rate and mortality rate within 1 year after surgery were compared between both groups. Chi-square test was used for between-group comparison of enumeration data, t test was adopted for between-group comparison of measurement data with normal distribution, and non-parametric rank sum test was adopted for comparison of ranked data between groups.Results:The intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay in ultra-early group with (186.54±20.15) mL and (14.45±2.04) d were significantly less or shorter than (220.10±24.61) mL and (16.79±2.52) d in early group, the difference was statistically significant ( t values were 7.54 and 5.15; both P<0.001). At 7 days after surgery, the NIHSS ((14.55±1.57) and (16.14±2.13) points), endothelin ((69.14±6.37) and (73.48±6.83) mg/L) and AVP ((12.81±2.02) and (14.35±2.23) μg/L) in ultra-early group and early group were significantly lower than before ((32.67±3.81) and (32.38±3.53) points, (89.67±7.25) and (88.24±6.38) mg/L, (18.47±2.41) and (18.04±2.37) μg/L) while the Barthel index ((72.35±10.14) and (67.45±9.78) points) was significantly higher than before ((49.45±7.41) and (47.87±7.37) points),and the difference was statistically significant ( t values were 31.40, 28.13, 15.19, 11.28, 12.85, 8.10, 13.02, and 11.42, respectively; all P<0.001) and the NIHSS, endothelin and AVP in ultra-early group were significantly lower than in early group, while the Barthel index was significantly higher than early group, the difference was statistically significant ( t values were 4.29, 3.32, 3.66, and 2.48 respectively; P values were <0.001, 0.001, <0.001, and 0.015, respectively ). GOS grading (grade I-grade V: 1, 3, 9, 22, 16 cases) in ultra-early group at 1 month after surgery was significantly better than that in early group (grade I-V: 3, 5, 10, 26, 7 cases) ( Z=1.97, P=0.049). Conclusion:Both ultra-early and early small bone window surgery have good results in the treatment of HICH, but ultra-early surgery is more beneficial to the recovery of patients' neurological function and has better prognosis, which can be used as a reference.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), fat infiltration index (FI), and the grading of lumbar facet joint degeneration (FJD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 105 patients with lumbar FJD treated at Sichuan Orthopaedic Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to the Weishaupt grading system: 37 cases with Weishaupt grade 1 (Mild Group), 44 cases with Weishaupt grade 2 (Moderate Group), and 24 cases with Weishaupt grade 3 (Severe Group). Baseline characteristics [sex, age, body mass index (BMI), treatment duration], pathological features at initial diagnosis [segmental distribution, bone mineral density (BMD) T-score, facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score], and multifidus muscle MRI findings [multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration index (FI)] were compared among the three groups. The correlation between lumbar multifidus CSA, FI, and FJD grade was analyzed. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ± s; comparisons among multiple groups were performed by one-way ANOVA, pairwise comparisons were performed by LSD- t tests. Counting data were expressed as case (%) and compared by χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lumbar multifidus MRI parameters and FJD grade. Results:There were no statistically significant differences among the three FJD groups in sex, age, BMI, treatment duration, segmental distribution, BMD T-score, proportion of facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, ODI, or JOA score (all P>0.05). At the L4-5 level, the multifidus CSA on the affected side in the severe group was significantly smaller than in the moderate group and mild group [(6.2±1.2) cm2 vs. (7.0±1.1) cm2 vs. (7.8±1.2) cm2], and the CSA in the moderate group was smaller than in the mild group (all P<0.05). At both the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, the FI on the affected side in the severe group was significantly greater than in the moderate group and mild group [(0.48±0.12) vs. (0.39±0.15) vs. (0.29±0.10) at L4-5; (0.49±0.12) vs. (0.41±0.10) vs. (0.30±0.13) at L5-S1], and the FI in the moderate group was greater than in the mild group (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that at the L4-5 level, multifidus CSA on the affected side was negatively correlated with FJD grade ( r=-0.41, P=0.004). At the L5-S1 level, FI on the affected side was positively correlated with FJD grade ( r=0.58, P<0.001). Conclusion:The CSA and FI of the multifidus muscle on the affected side in the lumbar spine exhibit significant correlations with the severity of FJD grading. Clinically, early functional exercises can be implemented based on the degree of multifidus muscle degeneration observed in patients.

BACKGROUND:Cannabidiol is effective in ameliorating the body's inflammatory response,but no clear mechanistic studies have been conducted to ameliorate skeletal muscle inflammation induced by exhaustive exercise. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism by which cannabidiol improves skeletal muscle inflammation during exhaustive exercise by using transcriptome sequencing technology. METHODS:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups:blank control group,exercise coconut oil group,exercise control group,50 mg/kg cannabidiol group,60 mg/kg cannabidiol group,and 70 mg/kg cannabidiol group,with six rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank control group,rats in each group were subjected to swimming exercise for 9 days to produce the exhaustive exercise model.At the end of each swimming exercise,rats in the cannabidiol groups were given 2 mL of fat-soluble cannabidiol at different concentrations(50,60,and 70 mg/kg)by gavage;rats in the exercise coconut oil group were given the same volume of coconut oil by gavage until the end of the exercise on the 9th day;and rats in the blank control group and the exercise control group were not given any special treatment.The levels of inflammatory factors and differentially expressed genes in the skeletal muscle of rats in each group were determined using ELISA and transcriptome sequencing techniques.Differentially expressed genes obtained were subjected to KEGG analysis,and the accuracy of the sequencing data was verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of ELISA showed that the contents of interleukin-6(P<0.05),tumor necrosis factor-α(P<0.01),interleukin-10 and other inflammatory factors in the exercise group increased significantly compared with the blank control group and the coconut oil group.After cannabidiol intervention,the mass concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α showed a sequential decrease with increasing cannabidiol concentration.By comparing GO and KEGG databases,the functional properties of differentially expressed genes were analyzed,and the results showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.RT-qPCR results showed that the trends of five randomly selected differentially expressed genes were in agreement with the transcriptome sequencing results.To conclude,cannabidiol can improve skeletal muscle inflammation caused by exhaustive exercise.

"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.

B lymphocytes (B cells) play a complex and paradoxical role in tumorigenesis. They can recognize tumor-associated antigens, present these antigens to T cells, and produce antibodies that directly target and eliminate tumor cells. This makes B cells a potentially powerful ally in combating cancer. However, B cells also exhibit immunosuppressive functions, secreting cytokines like IL-10 or generating tumor-promoting antibodies that dampen the anti-tumor immune response, and some tumor cells have even been shown to exploit B cells to promote their growth and metastasis. This dual nature of B cells presents both opportunities and challenges for tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the multifaceted functions of B cells and their current applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we also explore the key issues and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for further research to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of B cells in the fight against cancer.
Humans ; B-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Carcinogenesis/immunology* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Animals

As a biocatalyst, laccase has been widely studied and applied in the papermaking industry. However, the low catalytic efficiency and poor stability of natural laccase limit its application in the pulping process. To develop the laccase with high activity and strong tolerance, we carried out directed evolution for modification of the laccase derived from Bacillus pumilus and screened out the mutants F282L/F306L and Q275P from the random mutant library by high-throughput screening. The specific activities of F282L/F306L and Q275P were 280.87 U/mg and 453.94 U/mg, respectively, which were 1.42 times and 2.30 times that of the wild-type laccase. Q275P demonstrated significantly improved thermal stability, with the relative activity 20% higher than that of the wild-type laccase after incubation at 40 ℃, 50 ℃, and 70 ℃ for 4 h. F282L/F306L and Q275P showed greater tolerance to metal ions and organic solvents than the wild-type laccase. The K_m value of the wild-type laccase was 374.97 μmo/L, and those of F282L/F306L and Q275P were reduced to 318.96 μmo/L and 360.71 μmo/L, respectively, which suggested that the substrate affinity of laccase was improved after mutation. The k_cat values of F282L/F306L and Q275P for the substrate ABTS were 574.00 s^-1 and 898.03 s^-1, respectively, which were 1.1 times and 1.7 times that of the wild-type laccase, indicating the improved catalytic efficiency. Q275P demonstrated better performance than the wild-type laccase in pulping, as manifested by the reduction of 0.82 in the Kappa number and the increases of 2.00% ISO, 7.8%, and 7.2% in whiteness, tensile index, and breaking length, respectively. This work lays a foundation for improving the adaptation of laccase to the environment of the papermaking industry.
Laccase/chemistry* ; Directed Molecular Evolution ; Enzyme Stability ; Bacillus pumilus/genetics* ; Mutation ; Biocatalysis ; Catalysis

Objective:To understand the current status of financial management in public hospitals of Anhui Province and provide a basis for strengthening financial management and promoting high-quality development in public hospitals.Methods:Stratified and random sampling methods were used to select 100 public hospitals as sample hospitals.A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on the current status of financial management.Results:The overall financial management level of public hospitals in Anhui Province needs to be further improved.The main problems are that the functions of the chief accountant need to be fully exerted,the structure of financial personnel is uneven,the coverage and depth of budget management are insufficient,cost accounting is relatively rough,the operation management system is not sound,the construction of internal control emphasizes form over substance,and the informatization construction needs to be advanced urgently.Conclusion:In response to the existing problems,efforts can be made from fully exerting the functions of the chief accountant,optimizing the talent team,promoting the refinement of budget and cost management,deeply carrying out operation management,improving internal control,and making up for the shortcomings of informatization,to adapt to the new situation and policy requirements of the medical industry's development.