ObjectiveThis paper aims to assess the effects of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on the quality of life and immune function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in stable phase. MethodsA multi-center randomized controlled trial design was employed，and the 220 cases of patients with COPD in stable phase from three grade A class-Ⅲ hospitals were included as research objects. The patients were randomly divided into the test group and control group，with each group consisting of 110 cases. Both groups received standardized treatment of western medicine，and the test group received Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion twice weekly for 13 weeks，followed by a 26-week follow-up period. Quality of life was evaluated by using the COPD assessment test （CAT），the modified COPD patient-reported outcomes （mCOPD-PRO） measure，and the modified effectiveness satisfaction questionnaire for COPD （mESQ-COPD） before treatment，four weeks， eight weeks， and 13 weeks of the treatment period，as well as 13 weeks and 26 weeks of the follow-up period. The number of acute exacerbation cases of patients in both groups was recorded during study period to evaluate the effect of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on acute exacerbations. 30 cases were randomly selected in both observation group and control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment and at 13 weeks of treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of immunoglobulin A （IgA），immunoglobulin G （IgG），immunoglobulin M （IgM），interleukin 10 （IL-10），interleukin 17A （IL-17A），transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1），and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）. Flow cytometry was used to detect cluster of differentiation 4 positive （CD4⁺），cluster of differentiation 8 positive （CD8⁺），T helper 17 （Th17），and Treg levels， thereby preliminarily exploring the effect of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on immune function. ResultsA total of 220 patients were included，with five cases dropping out. 215 cases were finally included in the per-protocol set，including 107 in the treatment group and 108 in the control group. Baseline characteristics of the first two groups before treatment were compared between the two groups. In terms of life quality evaluation， the main effect of group differences on the CAT scores was significant （F=15.108，P<0.01）. The main effects of group differences on the physical domain （F=38.807，P<0.01），psychological domain （F=38.996，P<0.01），environmental domain （F=17.436，P<0.01），and total score of mCOPD-PRO （F=41.972，P<0.01） were significant. The main effects of group difference on clinical symptoms domain of mESQ-COPD （F=81.516，P<0.01），work-life ability domain （F=36.549，P<0.001），environmental adaptation ability domain （F=22.677，P<0.01），therapeutic effect domain （F=74.055，P<0.01），and total score of mESQ-COPD （F=73.251，P<0.01） were significant. Regarding acute exacerbations，during the entire study period，as well as the treatment period and follow-up period，the observation group showed fewer patients experiencing acute exacerbations compared to the control group，but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. In terms of immune indicators，after 13 weeks of treatment，the levels of IgA，IgG，and IgM in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group （P<0.05）. The level of IL-10 was significantly higher than that in the control group （P<0.05），and the levels of IL-17A，TGF-β1，and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the control group，the level of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in the observation group was significantly increased （P<0.05），while the levels of CD4⁺ and Treg were slightly increased，but the difference was not statistically significant. The levels of CD8⁺，Th17，and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionWenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion can improve the quality of life， and immune function in patients with COPD in stable phase. It is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

The high content of sucrose and raffinose reduces the prebiotic value of soybean oligosaccharides. Fructan sucrases can catalyze the conversion of sucrose and raffinose to high-value products such as fructooligosaccharides and melibiose. To obtain a fructan sucrase that can efficiently convert soybean oligosaccharides, we first mined the fructan sucrase gene from microorganisms in the coastal areas of Xisha Islands and Bohai Bay and then characterized the enzymatic and catalytic properties of the enzyme. Finally, recombinant extracellular expression of this gene was carried out in Bacillus subtilis. The results showed that a novel fructan sucrase, BhLS 39, was mined from Bacillus halotolerans. With sucrose and raffinose as substrates, BhLS 39 showed the optimal temperatures of 50 ℃ and 55 ℃, optimal pH 5.5 for both, and K_cat/K_m ratio of 3.4 and 6.6 L/(mmol·s), respectively. When 400 g/L raffinose was used as the substrate, the melibiose conversion rate was 84.6% after 30 min treatment with 5 U BhLS 39. Furthermore, BhLS 39 catalyzed the conversion of sucrose to produce levan-type-fructooligosaccharide and levan. Then, the recombinant extracellular expression of BhLS 39 in B. subtilis was achieved. The co-expression of the intracellular chaperone DnaK and the extracellular chaperone PrsA increased the extracellular activity of the recombinant BhLS 39 by 5.2 folds to 17 U/mL compared with that of the control strain. BhLS 39 obtained in this study is conducive to improving the quality and economic benefits of soybean oligosaccharides. At the same time, the strategy used here to enhance the extracellular expression of BhLS 39 will also promote the efficient recombinant expression of other proteins in B. subtilis.
Oligosaccharides/metabolism* ; Glycine max/metabolism* ; Bacillus subtilis/metabolism* ; Sucrase/biosynthesis* ; Raffinose/metabolism* ; Fructans/metabolism* ; Sucrose/metabolism* ; Bacillus/genetics* ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis* ; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis*

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence rate and mortality of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and their changing trends among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City from 2017 to 2023, so as to provide references for formulating policies related to AMI prevention. MethodsThe morbidity and mortality data of AMI among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District from 2017 to 2023 were collected through the Hangzhou Chronic Disease and Death Cause Monitoring System. Software such as Excel 2019, SPSS 25.0 and Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 were used to calculate the incidence rate, mortality, and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of AMI. ResultsFrom 2017 to 2023, the average annual crude incidence rate, age-standardized incidence rate using China standard population (ASIRC), and the age-standardized incidence rate using World standard population (ASIRW) of AMI in Xiaoshan District were 48.25/100 000, 29.14/100 000, and 21.64/100 000, respectively, and, from which the AAPCs were 5.495%, 6.010%, and 6.533%, respectively, all showing an upward trend. The average annual crude mortality rate, the age-standardized mortality rate using China standard population (ASMRC), and the age-standardized mortality rate using World standard population (ASMRW) were 11.76/100 000, 6.52/100 000, and 4.71/100 000, respectively, from which the AAPCs were -9.669%, -10.433% and -9.615%, respectively, all showing a downward trend. The average annual crude incidence rate of AMI was higher in males (65.87/100 000) than that in females (31.31/100 000). Moreover, the average annual crude mortality rate of AMI was higher in males (14.08/100 000) than that in females (9.52/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.001) .After age grouping, the crude incidence rate of AMI among the residents aged 35-, 45-, 55-, and 65- years in Xiaoshan District from 2017 to 2023 showed an upward trend over time, with AAPCs of 16.993%, 17.149%, 8.523%, and 5.002%, respectively. While the crude mortality rate in residents aged 35-, 75-, and 85-102 years showed an decreasing trend over time, with AAPCs of -23.977%, -15.467%, and -17.415%, respectively, but there was no statistically significant difference in the trends in incidence rate and mortality of other age groups (all P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of AMI prevention and control among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District is not optimistic, and targeted measures should be strengthened for the male residents aged ≥35 years old.

Objective:To study the effects of Qingre Lishi Prescription on ATP-P2X7R-IL-1β signaling pathway in rats with acute gouty arthritis.Methods:Otally 60 SPF-grade SD rats were divided into normal group, model group, colchicine group, and Qingre Lishi Prescription low-, medium- and high-dosage groups according to random number table method; the normal group and model group were given distilled water at a dosage of 10 ml/kg by gavage, the colchicine group was given colchicine solution at a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg by gavage, and Qingre Lishi Prescription low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were given Qingre Lishi Prescription extract suspension at dosages of 11.76, 23.52, and 47.04 g/kg by gavage, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Except for the normal group, AGA models were prepared by gavage on the 4th day in all other groups, and the swelling index of the right posterior ankle joint of rats was measured at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after modeling; after 7 days of administration, samples were taken and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the synovial tissue of the right posterior ankle joint. ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum ATP, IL-1 β, IL-8, and IL-37, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive rates of P2X7R and IL-1 β proteins in the synovial tissue of the right posterior ankle joint.Results:At 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after modeling, compared with the model group, the swelling index of the colchicine group and Qingre Lishi Prescription low-dosage group decreased ( P<0.01); the levels of serum ATP, IL - β, IL-8, and IL-37 decreased in the colchicine group and Qingre Lishi Prescription low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups ( P<0.01); the expressions of P2X7R and IL-1 β proteins in the synovial tissue of the right posterior ankle was reduced in the colchicine group and Qingre Lishi Prescription high-dosage group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Qingre Lishi Prescription may improve joint swelling and alleviate synovial tissue inflammation in AGA model rats through ATP/P2X7R/IL-1β-mediated inflammatory factor pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD), mainly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a significant public health concern worldwide. This study aims to quantify the burden of NAFLD in CLD globally and within China, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, providing crucial insights for global and local health policies. METHODS: The study used comprehensive data from the GBD study 2021. It included estimates of prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Age-standardized rates and average annual percent change (AAPC) from 2011 to 2021 were reported. A meticulous decomposition analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 1582.5 million prevalent cases, 47.6 million incident cases, 1.4 million deaths, and 44.4 million DALYs attributable to CLD, globally. Among these, NAFLD has emerged as the predominant cause, accounting for 78.0% of all prevalent CLD cases (1234.7 million) and 87.2% of incident cases (41.5 million). Correspondingly, NAFLD had the highest age-standardized prevalence (15,017.5 per 100,000 population) and incidence (876.5 per 100,000 population) rates among CLDs. In addition, China's CLD age-standardized prevalence rate was 21,659.5 per 100,000 population, and the age-standardized incidence rate was 752.6 per 100,000 population, higher than the global average. From 2011 to 2021, the global prevalence rate of CLD increased slowly (AAPC = 0.17), consistent with the trend in China (AAPC = 0.23). Furthermore, the prevalence rate of NAFLD rose significantly in China (AAPC = 1.30) compared with the global average (AAPC = 0.91). Decomposition analysis also showed the worldwide increase in deaths and DALYs for NAFLD, which were primarily attributable to population growth and aging. CONCLUSIONS The burden of CLD and NAFLD remains substantial globally and within China in terms of high prevalence and incidence. As such, this underscores the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and research to mitigate the growing impact of liver diseases on global and Chinese health systems.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/mortality* ; Global Burden of Disease ; China/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Male ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Female ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Chronic Disease ; Adult ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Liver Diseases/epidemiology* ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of single-stage vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and liposuction (LS) (3L) versus LVA combined with LS (2L) for the treatment of moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, treated between June 2022 and June 2024, who met the selection criteria. Patients were divided into 3L group (n=7) and 2L group (n=9) based on the surgical approach. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data between the groups, including age, body mass index, duration of edema, volume of liposuction, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage, preoperative affected limb volume, preoperative circumferences of the affected limb at 12 levels (from 4 cm distal to the wrist to 42 cm proximal to the wrist), preoperative Lymphoedema Quality of Life (LYMQoL) score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes. The 2L group underwent LS on the upper arm and proximal forearm and LVA on the middle and distal forearm. The 3L group received additional VLNT in the axilla, with the groin serving as the donor site. Outcomes were assessed included the change in affected limb volume at 12 months postoperatively, and comparisons of limb circumferences, LYMQoL score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes between preoperative and 12-month postoperative. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at 12 months in the 3L group to assess lymph node viability. RESULTS: Both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.13 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the groups (t=-1.115, P=0.284). All surgical incisions healed by first intention. No adverse events, such as flap infection or necrosis, occurred in the 3L group. At 12 months after operation, ultrasound confirmed good viability of the transferred lymph nodes in the 3L group. Palpation revealed significant improvement in skin fibrosis and improved skin softness in both groups. Affected limb volume significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively (P<0.05). The reduction in limb volume significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Circumferences at all 12 measured levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The reduction in circumference at all 12 levels was better in the 3L group than in the 2L group, with significant differences observed at 7 levels (8, 12, 16, 30, 34, 38, and 42 cm) proximal to the wrist (P<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in the frequency of cellulitis episodes and LYMQoL scores postoperatively (P<0.05). While the improvement in LYMQoL scores at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), the reduction in cellulitis episodes was significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of VLNT+LVA+LS provides more durable and comprehensive outcomes for moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery compared to LVA+LS, offering an improved therapeutic solution for patients.
Humans ; Female ; Lipectomy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Lymphedema/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Upper Extremity/surgery* ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Lymph Nodes/blood supply* ; Adult ; Lymphatic Vessels/surgery* ; Iliac Artery/surgery* ; Postoperative Complications/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Treatment Outcome ; Mastectomy/adverse effects* ; Quality of Life ; Aged

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with high global prevalence and long course, which affects more than 30% of the population and seriously endangers human health. Lipid metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence and development of MASLD. An increasing number of studies have shown that active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine can regulate lipid metabolism to improve MASLD. Due to the obvious advantages of multi-target regulation and fewer side effects, the active ingredients have shown great potential and value for application. However, the pathological mechanism of MASLD is intricate and the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine can improve MASLD from multiple aspects, there is currently a lack of systematic discussion on lipid metabolism. Therefore, this review focuses on lipid metabolism and reviews the latest research progress of active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine in ameliorating MASLD from the aspects of lipid uptake, lipid synthesis, lipid oxidation, lipid secretion, etc., in order to provide more theoretical references for active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating lipid metabolism to improve MASLD.