BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

AIM To explore the mechanism of Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction on airway inflammation improvement of rats with bronchial asthma based on IL-25/NF-κB signaling pathway.METHODS 60 rats were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(0.2 mg/mL),the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction groups(1,2,4 g/mL),with 10 rats in each group.Intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA)and aluminum hydroxide suspension was applied to establish the rat asthma model,followed by 2-week corresponding dosing of the drugs.The rats of each group had their daily diet,mental status,hair growth and respiration observed;their differential count of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)detected by automatic hematology analyzer;their pathological changes of lung tissue observed by HE staining;their pulmonary IL-25 protein expression detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC);their levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF measured by ELISA;their pulmonary expression of IL-25 and TRAF6 mRNA detected by RT-qPCR;and their pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,IκBα,p-IκBα,NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed severe damage of the lung tissue and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells;increased number of inflammatory cells and levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF(P<0.01);increased mRNA expressions of IL-25 and TRAF6,and pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,all of the Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction groups shared improved pulmonary infiltration of inflammatory cells;decreased number of inflammatory cells and levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of IL-25 and TRAF6,and pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction can inhibit the airway inflammation in the rat model of bronchial asthma,which may be related to the inhibited activation of IL-25/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduced expression of inflammatory factors.

In this study, inspired by biomimetic mineralization process, we have developed imidazole-zeolite framework (ZIF-8) conjugated VNP20009, and chemotherapy drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was encapsulated to obtain ZD@VNP. The morphology and the combination of ZIF-8 and VNP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to examine the encapsulation rate and in vitro release rate of DOX. CCK-8 and FDA/PI cell viability staining experiments were used to evaluate the ability of ZD@VNP to inhibit cell proliferation. Melanoma mouse model was established to investigate the effect of ZD@VNP to inhibit tumor growth. It was shown that ZIF-8 was evenly bounded to the surface of VNP20009, and laser confocal microscopy results also confirm the combination of ZIF-8 with VNP in ZD@VNP. The encapsulation rate of DOX in ZD@VNP was calculated to be 85.7% ± 3.7%, and the release of DOX under the buffer at pH 6.0 was significantly higher than that of pH 7.4. ZD@VNP treatment resulted in a greater inhibitory effect on B16F10 cell proliferation compared to DOX treatment. Animal experiment results showed that compared with VNP+DOX, ZD@VNP treatment can significantly inhibit the growth of B16F10 tumors in C57BL/6 mice and prolonged survival (all animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Ethics Committee Guangdong Medical University, No. GDMU-2023-2518). In summary, ZD@VNP was prepared through a facile, one-step method, which can significantly enhance the proliferation inhibitory effect of DOX to inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival. Our results demonstrate that ZD@VNP has great application prospects in the field of drug delivery.

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, there is a wide variation in the composition of blood clots that block the blood vessels. Some imaging features are associated with the components of the clot, such as thrombus permeability, which is related to higher red blood cell density and lower fibrinogen density. The different components and mechanical properties of the clot may have an impact on treatment effectiveness and risk. Therefore, this article aims to summarize the correlation between thrombus permeability and biological, imaging characteristics, and explore the clinical significance of thrombus permeability in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke, providing reference and assistance for neurologists.

Objective:To construct and validate a risk prediction model for major complications 30 days after surgery in the elderly patients with hip fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 276 elderly patients with hip fracture who had been admitted to Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, The Hospital Affiliated to Chengde Medical University from June 2019 to December 2021. There were 96 males and 180 females with an age of (74.5±9.3) years, and 139 femoral neck fractures and 137 intertrochanteric fractures. The outcome of this study was whether major complications occurred within 30 days after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the risk factors for major complications in the elderly patients with hip fracture within 30 days after surgery. The forward step-by-step method and likelihood ratio test were used to screen the best prediction model. A nomogram was constructed to display the model. The stability and effectiveness of the model were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve analysis.Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased preoperative hemoglobin ( P< 0.05), time from admission to surgery >72 hours ( OR=3.001, 95% CI: 1.564 to 5.758, P<0.001), control of nutritional status (CONUT) score >4 points ( OR=3.394, 95% CI: 1.724 to 6.680, P<0.001), and age-adjusted modified frailty index (aamFI) >2 points ( OR=2.875, 95% CI: 1.548 to 5.339, P= 0.001), increased operation time ( OR=1.016, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.025, P=0.001), and surgical bleeding >60 mL ( OR=2.373, 95% CI: 1.016 to 5.540, P=0.046) were independent risk factors for major complications within 30 days after surgery in the elderly patients with hip fracture. The area under the ROC curve in the logistic risk prediction model was 0.846 (95% CI: 0.799 to 0.889), and the results of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed ( χ2=8.080, P=0.426). The clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve showed that the prediction model was accurate and effective. Conclusion:Based on the patients' preoperative hemoglobin, time from admission to surgery, control of nutritional status score, age-adjusted modified frailty index, operation time and surgical blood loss, this study has constructed successfully a risk prediction model for complications 30 days after surgery in the elderly patients with hip fracture which enables medical staff to predict the occurrence of major postoperative complications.

Iron is indispensable for the viablility of nearly all living organisms, and it is imperative for cells, tissues, and organisms to acquire this essential metal sufficiently and maintain its metabolic stability for survival. Disruption of iron homeostasis can lead to the development of various diseases. There is a robust connection between iron metabolism and infection, immunity, inflammation, and aging, suggesting that disorders in iron metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. Numerous studies have focused on the significant role of iron metabolism in the development of arthritis and its potential for targeted drug therapy. Targeting iron metabolism offers a promising approach for individualized treatment of arthritis. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which the body maintains iron metabolism and the impacts of iron and iron metabolism disorders on arthritis. Furthermore, this review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets and active substances related to iron metabolism, which could provide promising research directions in this field.

Objective:To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation(IR)on the structure and function of the testis and pro-vide some strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR-induced damage(IRD).Methods:Using radiation dose simulation,se-men analysis,hormone testing,electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptome sequencing,we assessed and analyzed a case of IRD.We established a mouse model of IRD to validate the results of single-cell sequencing,and investigated the specific biological mecha-nisms of IRD and potential strategies for its intervention.Results:IR at 1-2 Gy significantly reduced sperm concentration and mo-tility,which gradually recovered after 12 months but the percentage of morphologically normal sperm remained low.It also caused im-balanced levels of various steroid hormones,decreased testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,increased progesterone,prolac-tin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone.Electron microscopy revealed damages to the testis structure,including loss of germ cells,atrophy of the seminiferous tubules,nuclear membrane depression of the spermatocytes,mitochondrial atrophy and de-formation,and reduction of mitochondrial cristae.Single-cell sequencing indicated significant changes in the function of the Leydig cells and macrophages and disrupted lipid-related metabolic pathways after IRD.Administration of L-carnitine to the mouse model im-proved lipid metabolism disorders and partially alleviated IRD to the germ cells.Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can cause disorders of testicular spermatogenesis and sexual hormones and inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in Leydig cells and macrophages.Improving lipid metabolism can alleviate IRD to germ cells.

Objective To study the correlation of anti-C1q antibodies with active systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and lupus nephritis(LN)in children,as well as their diagnostic value for active SLE and LN.Methods A retrospective selection of 90 hospitalized children with SLE at the Children's Medical Center of Second Xiangya Hospital,Central South University from January 2016 to March 2019 as the SLE group,all of whom were tested for anti-C1q antibodies.A control group was formed by collecting 70 hospitalized children with other autoimmune diseases(OAD)during the same period.The differences in anti-C1q antibody levels were compared between two groups.The correlation of anti-C1q antibodies with various indicators of SLE and LN was analyzed,and the diagnostic value of anti-C1q in SLE and LN was evaluated.Results The serum levels of anti-C1q antibodies in the SLE group were higher than those in the OAD group(P<0.05).The SLE disease activity index score was positively correlated with anti-C1q antibodies(rs=0.371,P<0.001)and positively correlated with anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies(rs=0.370,P<0.001).The sensitivity and specificity of anti-C1q antibodies for diagnosing active SLE were 89.90%and 53.90%,respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.720(P<0.05)and a critical value of 5.45 U/mL.The sensitivity and specificity of anti-C1q antibody levels for diagnosing active LN were 58.50%and 85.00%,respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.675(P<0.05)and a critical value of 22.05 U/mL.Conclusions Anti-C1q antibodies can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating the activity of SLE or predicting the activity of LN in children.

Patient 1,a 12-day-old female infant,presented with fever,cough,dyspnea,and elevated infection markers,requiring respiratory support.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed Legionella pneumophila(LP),leading to diagnoses of LP pneumonia and LP sepsis.The patient was treated with erythromycin for 15 days and azithromycin for 5 days,resulting in recovery and discharge.Patient 2,an 11-day-old female infant,presented with dyspnea,fever,elevated infection markers,and multiple organ dysfunction,requiring mechanical ventilation.mNGS of blood and cerebrospinal fluid indicated LP,leading to diagnoses of LP pneumonia,LP sepsis,and LP intracranial infection.The patient was treated with erythromycin for 19 days and was discharged after recovery.Neonatal LP pneumonia lacks specific clinical symptoms,and azithromycin is the preferred antimicrobial agent.The use of mNGS can provide early and definitive diagnosis for severe neonatal pneumonia of unknown origin.

Objective To explore the application effect of ω-3 fish oil fat emulsion in total parenteral nutrition(TPN)after radical resection of gastric cancer.Methods Patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical resection in the hospital were divided into control group and treatment group.The patients in the control group were treated with TPN after operation,and the energy was mainly glucose and conventional fat emulsion.The daily calorie supply was 100-125 kJ·kg-1,and the deep venous catheter was dripped for 10-12 h.On the basis of the control group,the patients in the treatment group were added with ω-3 fish oil fat emulsion 100 mL,and the daily calorie supply and infusion conditions were the same as those in the control group.Both groups were treated for 7 days.All patients were treated for 7 d.The nutritional status(total protein,transferrin,albumin,nitrogen balance),gastrointestinal function recovery,immune function[CD4+/CD8+,natural killer(NK)cells],inflammatory factors[interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-12p70,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)]in abdominal drainage fluid and the safety was evaluated.Results There were 40 cases in treatment group and 42 cases in control group,respectively.After treatment,total response rates in treatment group and control group were 90.00％(36 cases/40 cases)and 71.43％(30 cases/42 cases),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).In the two groups,total protein,transferrin and albumin decreased at 3 d after surgery,but they all increased at 7 d after surgery,and nitrogen balance increased after surgery.There was no significant difference in total protein,transferrin,albumin or nitrogen balance between the two groups at different time periods(all P＞0.05).The first exhaust time in treatment group and control group were(55.72±9.75)and(61.52±10.43)h.At 7 d after surgery,proportions of peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+levels in treatment group and control group were 1.50±0.38 and 1.29±0.30;proportions of NK cells were(19.64±3.04)％and(17.24±2.96)％;IL-6 levels in drainage fluid were(18.77±4.69)and(32.36±5.18)pg·mL-1;IL-12p70 levels were(6.14±1.86)and(8.93±2.17)pg·mL-1;TNF-α levels were(25.62±4.95)and(30.75±4.88)pg·mL-1,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).During treatment,main adverse drug reactions included vomiting,nausea and persistent abdominal distension in treatment group,while main adverse drug reactions included vomiting,nausea and persistent abdominal distension in control group.There was no significant difference in total incidence of adverse drug reactions between treatment group and control group(20.00％vs 26.19％,P＞0.05).Conclusion ω-3 fish oil fat emulsion can enhance immune function,reduce inflammatory response,abdominal drainage volume and promote postoperative rehabilitation in patients with gastric cancer.