As a distinctive resource of Chinese civilization， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） technology transfer faces significant opportunities under the background of digital and intelligent transformation， while also being constrained by unique challenges such as the complexity of its theoretical system， lengthy industrial chains， and multidimensional policy restrictions， resulting in a "high-value-high-threshold" paradox. At present， TCM technology transfer is deeply trapped in a "threefold reluctance" dilemma， i.e.， unwillingness to transfer， inability to transfer， and lack of capacity to transfer. Specifically， the disconnection between scientific research evaluation systems and market demand leads to low conversion rates of research achievements， unclear ownership and compliance risks suppress innovation incentives， and the absence of professional services intensifies supply-demand mismatches. This article systematically analyzes the specific characteristics of TCM technology transfer and proposes a breakthrough pathway centered on full-chain digital and intelligent transformation. By integrating technologies such as intelligent sorting systems， blockchain-based traceability， and AI diagnostic models， the TCM ecosystem spanning "cultivation-production-service" can be reconstructed. In terms of standardization， promoting the progression from "experience-based data conversion" to "data standardization" and further to "intelligent standardization" is advocated to resolve quality control challenges. For example， a "three-no-one-full" certification system can strengthen quality trust. Policy coordination should focus on optimizing mechanisms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements， while exploring intellectual property securitization and risk-sharing models to stimulate research momentum. In terms of internationalization， reliance on the Belt and Road Initiative platform to promote the export of geo-authentic medicinal material brands and standards is recommended to build a dual-driven model of "technology plus culture". Looking ahead， through the construction of national-level databases， the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent， and the mutual recognition of international standards， a new paradigm of "scientific intelligent manufacturing" can be formed， providing systematic solutions for the modernization of TCM and global health governance.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

The endothelial glycocalyx（EG）is a villous polyglycoprotein complex that covers the apical membrane of endothelial cells，situated between the blood vessel wall and the bloodstream.Due to its unique physiological position，the EG plays a crucial role in vascular permeability，mechanical conduction，coagulation，inflammation，and other processes.EG injury can cause endothelial barrier dysfunction，increase vascular permeability，and promote inflammation and thrombosis.Recent studies have revealed that the involvement of EG in inflammatory responses may contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of certain rheumatic and immune diseases as well as multi-system inflammatory syndrome，Kawasaki disease，rheumatoid arthritis，systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome，etc.This review paper aims to provide an overview of the structure and function of EG while highlighting its research progress in diagnosing and treating rheumatic and immune diseases.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of dynamic AI ultrasonic intelligent assisted diagnosis system for preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules with diameter ≤1.0 cm.Methods:From Apr. 1, 2023, to Dec. 30, 2023, 742 thyroid nodules with diameter ≤1.0 cm were removed from 532 patients with thyroid nodule disease who received surgical treatment in the Department of Thyroid (hernia) of the First Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital. Among them, 423 were d≤0.5 cm. 319 cases (235 males and 507 females) with 0.5

Objective:To investigate the changes of nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1),thromboxane B2(TXB2)levels in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and their correlation with plasma brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Methods:We enrolled 110 CHF patients admitted in the Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao between January and December 2022.According to the New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function classification,the patients were divided into cardiac function class Ⅱ group(n=22),cardiac function class Ⅲ group(n=50),and cardiac function class Ⅳ group(n=38).Baseline data,levels of NO,ET-1,TXB2,BNP and other related laboratory indexes were compared among three groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the association of NO,ET-1,TXB2 with plasma BNP in CHF patients.Multivariate linear regression was employed to analyze related factors of elevated BNP in CHF patients.Results:Compared with patients in class Ⅱ group and class Ⅲ group,those in class Ⅳ group had significant higher uric acid[(467.39±32.60)μmol/L vs.(367.25±22.39)μmol/L vs.(421.42±28.34)μmol/L],total bilirubin[(17.36±3.10)μmol/L vs.(10.65±1.39)μmol/L vs.(11.12±2.01)μmol/L],BNP[(897.60±50.11)ng/L vs.(381.37±31.25)ng/L vs.(527.60±47.84)ng/L],NO[(50.12±5.95)μmol/L vs.(25.36±2.14)μmol/L vs.(37.92±4.84)μmol/L],ET-1[(114.10±10.53)pg/L vs.(80.25±7.38)pg/L vs.(97.03±8.40)pg/L],TXB2[(417.98±29.35)pg/ml vs.(302.63±19.63)pg/ml vs.(381.29±26.44)pg/ml](P＜0.001 all).Compared with those in class Ⅱ group,those in class Ⅲ group had significant higher above-mentioned indexes(except total bilirubin)(P＜0.001 all).Pearson correlation analysis indicated that plasma NO,ET-1,TXB2 were positively associated with BNP(r=0.828,0.750,0.720,P＜0.001 all).Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that uric acid,total bilirubin,plasma NO,ET-1 and TXB2 levels were independent risk factors for elevated BNP level in CHF patients(B=0.555～20.550,P＜0.05 or＜0.01),while the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers(ARB)was an independent protective factor(B=-46.222,P=0.027).Conclusion:The levels of NO,ET-1,and TXB2 are closely related to the occurrence and development of CHF,and they show an increasing trend with the progression of CHF,and is closely related to BNP.

Objective:To analyze the perioperative risks and prognosis in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) complicated by Graves' disease (GD) .Methods:Clinical data of 880 DTC patients who underwent radical thyroidectomy at the Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between Jan. 2016 and Dec. 2022 was retrospectively collected. The cohort included 119 DTC patients with GD (hyperthyroid group) and 761 DTC patients with normal thyroid function without GD (normal group) . Use propensity score matching (PSM) was used to obtain cohorts with balanced baseline characteristics between the hyperthyroid and normal groups. Perioperative risks and prognos were compared between the two groups.Results:For perioperative risk comparison, after 1∶2 matching, 116 patients were included in the hyperthyroid group and 232 patients in the normal group. The operation time was longer in the hyperthyroid group compared to normal group ([107.26±30.27]min vs. [96.45±32.51]min, P=0.003) . There were no statistical differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume or postoperative hospital stay ( P>0.05) . There were no statistical difference in the incidence of complications such as temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism, temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and lymphatic leakage between the two groups. For prognostic comparison, after 1∶2 matching, 117 cases were included in the hyperthyroid group and 234 cases in the normal group. During follow-up period, 16 patients experienced DTC recurrence, including 5 cases in the hyperthyroid group and 11 cases in the normal group. There was no statistical difference in reccurence-free survival rates between the two groups (5-year RFS: 95.7% vs. 95.3%, P=0.907) . Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed GD was not the risk factor for DTC recurrence. Conclusions:With standardized and adequate preoperative preparation, the perioperative risks of DTC patients complicated by GD were not increased compared to patients without GD. Additionally, GD does not increase the risk of postoperative tumor recurrence in DTC patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules combined with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Methods:This study was a prospective research. A total of 90 patients with diabetic retinopathy treated at The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from September 2021 to March 2024 were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group, with 45 patients in each group, using the random number table method. The control group received treatment with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase, while the observation group underwent treatment with Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules in addition to injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The clinical efficacy, changes in visual acuity after treatment compared with before treatment, ocular hemodynamic indicators (peak systolic velocity and resistance index), and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.91% (40/45) vs. 73.33% (33/45), χ2 = 8.61, P<0.05]. Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding visual acuity values, retinal thickness, and ocular hemodynamic parameters ( t = 0.11, 0.05, 0.47, 1.08, all P>0.05). After 14 days of treatment, the visual acuity in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.06 ± 0.11) vs. (0.81 ± 0.06), t = 12.62, P<0.001]. The peak systolic velocity in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group [(31.85 ± 1.92) cm/s vs. (27.01 ± 1.33) cm/s, t = 8.01, P<0.001]. The retinal thickness in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(311.5 ± 45.2) μm vs. (350.3 ± 59.3) μm, t = -3.49, P<0.001]. The resistance index in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(0.59 ± 0.02) vs. (0.68 ± 0.04), t = -12.57, P<0.001]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation and control groups [8.89% (4/45) vs. 6.67% (3/45), χ2 = 0.16, P>0.05]. Conclusions:Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules combined with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy can effectively enhance clinical efficacy, improve patients' visual acuity and ocular hemodynamic indicators, and is considered safe.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Zhibitai capsules combined with liraglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) complicated by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods:This study used a prospective design. A total of 92 patients with T2DM complicated by MAFLD who were admitted to The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from September 2023 to September 2024 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 46 patients in each group. Both groups received lifestyle intervention and standard antidiabetic treatment. The control group received subcutaneous injections of liraglutide, while the observation group was treated with liraglutide combined with Zhibitai capsules. All patients were treated for 3 months. Blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, blood lipid levels, liver function, and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups both before and after treatment. The controlled attenuation parameter of liver fat was measured using Fibro Touch. Results:After treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.31 ± 0.40) mmol/L vs. (0.90 ± 0.30) mmol/L, t = -5.56, P < 0.001]. The levels of total cholesterol [(3.70 ± 0.80) mmol/L vs. (4.40 ± 0.90) mmol/L], triglycerides [(1.50 ± 0.40) mmol/L vs. (2.60 ± 0.50) mmol/L], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(1.80 ± 0.50) mmol/L vs. (2.60 ± 0.60) mmol/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 3.94, 11.65, 6.39, all P < 0.001). The controlled attenuation parameter of liver fat in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(249.20 ± 7.60) dB/m vs. (264.70 ± 8.70) dB/m, t = 9.10, P < 0.001]. The level of total bilirubin in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(16.40 ± 1.50) μmol/L vs. (15.00 ± 1.40) μmol/L, t = -4.63, P < 0.05], while the levels of other liver function indicators in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 4.83, 9.57, 3.66, all P < 0.001). After treatment, whole blood viscosity at high shear rates, whole blood viscosity at lower shear rates, plasma viscosity, and platelet aggregation levels were all significantly lower in the observation group compared with the control group ( t = 2.13, 2.62, 2.97, 6.15, 4.00, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Zhibitai capsules combined with liraglutide can improve blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and liver function, while also decreasing blood viscosity in patients with T2MD complicated by MAFLD.

OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy