BACKGROUND:Many studies have focused on acupuncture,such as silver needles,for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,but there are few studies based on the myofascial trigger point theory. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of silver needle comprehensive therapy on the ultrasound morphology and clinical efficacy of multifidus muscles in patients with lumbar disc herniation based on the theory of myofascial trigger points. METHODS:A total of 159 patients with lumbar disc herniation who were seen from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into three groups:conventional group(n=53),traditional acupuncture group(n=53),and silver needle group(n=53).The conventional group received routine western medicine treatment;the traditional acupuncture group used traditional acupuncture therapy based on meridian pathways and symptom localization;and the silver needle group used silver needle warm acupuncture at myofascial trigger points for intervention.All three groups received continuous treatment for 4 weeks.The number of myofascial trigger points,pain assessment,lumbar function evaluation,ultrasound morphology changes of multifidus muscles,clinical efficacy,and traditional Chinese medicine symptom score were recorded before and after treatment in the three groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After treatment,the number of myofascial trigger points in the lumbar muscles decreased in all groups,and the silver needle group showed a significant reduction compared with the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(2)The pain rating index score,visual analogue scale score,present pain intensity score,Oswestry disability index score,and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire score in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(3)The ultrasound morphology indexes of multifidus muscles in the silver needle group were superior to those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(4)Traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(5)There were significant differences in clinical efficacy among the three groups(P<0.05).To conclude,applying silver needle comprehensive therapy based on the theory of myofascial trigger points can effectively reduce pain,improve clinical efficacy,and enhance lumbar spine dysfunction and multifidus muscle morphology in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: Paridis Rhizoma (Chonglou in Chinese), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown have strong anti-tumor effects. Paris saponin VII (PSVII), an active constituent isolated from Paridis Rhizoma, was demonstrated to significantly suppress the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in our previous study. Here, we aimed to elucidate the anti-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) effect of PSVII and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Cell viability was determined by CCK-8, colony formation, and cell migration assays. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/propidine iodide (Annexin V/PI) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. Pyroptosis was evaluated by morphological features, Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). JC-1 fluorescent dye was employed to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the levels of proteins or mRNAs. The effect in vivo was assessed by a xenograft tumor model. RESULTS: PSVII inhibited the viability of PDAC cells (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and Capan-2 cells) and induced gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, as well as the simultaneous cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP). Knockdown of GSDME shifted PSVII-induced pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the effect of PSVII was significantly attenuated by Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), on the induction of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. PSVII also elevated intracellular ROS accumulation and stimulated Bax and Caspase-3/GSDME to conduct pyroptosis in PDAC cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) suppressed the release of LDH and inhibited Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME cleavage in PDAC cells, ultimately reversing PSVII-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor model, PSVII markedly suppressed the growth of PDAC tumors and induced pyroptosis. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that PSVII exerts therapeutic effects through Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis and may constitute a novel strategy for preventing chemotherapeutic resistance in patients with PDAC in the future.

Objective To establish the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)chromatographic fingerprint of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix;To determine the contents of ferulic acid,nodakenin,ammijin,notopterol,isoimperatorin and volatile oil of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix from different producing areas;To provide reference for quality evaluation of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix.Methods Waters BEH C18 chromatographic column(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.7 μm)was used,with mobile phase acetonitrile-0.02%formic acid aqueous solution gradient elution,flow rate 0.25 mL/min,column temperature 25℃,detection wavelength 330 nm,injection volume 2 μL.UPLC fingerprints of 25 batches of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix were established,and the similarity analysis and chemometrics analysis were carried out.The contents of ferulic acid,nodakenin,ammijin,notopterol and isoimperatorin were determined simultaneously,and the contents of volatile oil was determined by steam distillation method.Results Totally 23 common fingerprint peaks were calibrated,11 known components were identified.According to the results of the cluster analysis and principal component analysis,25 batches of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix samples were divided into 3 categories,and the 6 potential differential components were screened out by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA).The results showed that the contents of notopterol and volatile oil from Sichuan Province were higher than those from Gansu Province and Qinghai Province.Conclusion The method established in the study is accurate and reliable,which can provide scientific basis and reference for the quality evaluation and control of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix.

This article introduces a recent paper published in JAMA titled " Tirzepatide for weight reduction in Chinese adults with obesity: The SURMOUNT-CN randomised clinical trial". The paper details the design, results, and implications of a randomized controlled clinical study of the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in overweight/obese adults in China(SURMOUNT-CN). This study represents the first Chinese evidence supporting tirzepatide for the treatment of obesity, offering a potent therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of obesity and weight-related comorbidity.

Objective To translate the fear-avoidance components scale(FACS)into Chinese and test its reliability and validity.Methods In September 2023,the Chinese version of the Fear-avoidance component scale(FACS)was translated from the English version with translation,back-translation,cultural adjustment and pre-experiment according to Brislin's translation-back-translation model,after having been granted the rights by the author of FACS in August 2023.In October 2023,with the convenience sampling method,402 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in a Grade IIIA hospital were selected as the trial subjects to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of FACS.Results A total of 376 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain had completed the study.The Chinese version of FACS encompassed 2 dimensions with 18 items:fear-avoidance psychology(12 items)and fear-avoidance behaviour(6 items).The total Cronbach α coefficient of the scale was 0.907 with the split-half reliability at 0.836 and test-retest reliability at 0.895.The Cronbach α coefficients of the two dimensions were at 0.884 and 0.812,split-half reliability at 0.871 and 0.896 and the test-retest reliability at 0.808 and 0.921,respectively.The content validity index of the scale level was 0.935,with a range from 0.870 to 1.000 at the item level.The KMO value for exploratory factor analysis was at 0.909,the spherical test value at 3134.208(P<0.01)and the cumulative variance contribution rate at 66.514%.Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fitted the data well.Conclusion The Chinese version of FACS exhibits good reliability and validity.It can serve as an effective tool in the assessment of fear-avoidance in the patients with chronic pain in China.

Objective:To design and develop a WeChat mini-program for risk assessment and health management of people at high-risk of stroke.Methods:Relying on the network platforms and smartphones, a WeChat mini-program based health management network platform was designed and developed based on the analysis of the needs of high-risk stroke populations and medical staff for the management of high-risk stroke populations, with health data collection, stroke risk assessment, health education and knowledge base matching and intervention programs and data privacy and security as the key technologies.Results:The mini-program included three ports, such as the patient end, medical staff end and backend management end. It had the main functions of stroke risk assessment, intelligent promotion of health management follow-up plans, recording of health indicators and medication reminders, interactive consultation, and health knowledge promotion.Conclusions:The development of risk assessment and health management WeChat mini-program for high-risk stroke populations and the use of a simple and effective intelligent assessment to realize rapid classification of stroke risk in population lay a foundation for the WeChat mini-program function module to carry out individualized, accurate and efficient brain-heart health management.

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) refer to urinary system infections that occur after the insertion of a urinary catheter or within 48 hours after its removal. CAUTI exacerbate patient conditions, prolong hospital stays, increase medical costs and economic burdens on patients, and can be life-threatening in severe cases. The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC) convened a working group of infection prevention and control experts from the Asia-Pacific region to publish the APSIC guideline for prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) (referred to as the "APSIC Guideline"). This guideline encompasses the prevention and management of CAUTI in patients with indwelling catheters, covering the entire process from catheter insertion, maintenance, to removal, and are characterized by their practicability and directive nature. This article interprets the APSIC Guideline from aspects such as risk factors of CAUTI, diagnosis, development of prevention strategies, monitoring, and implementation of prevention plans, aiming to provide scientific guidance for clinical healthcare professionals in preventing CAUTI.

Objective:To establish ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) characteristic chromatogram of Pulsatilla chinensis; To provide reference for the origin identification and quality control of Pulsatilla chinensis. Methods:UPLC Method was adopted. The determination was performed on a column of Agilent SB C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) . The mobile phase was acetonitrile-methanol (2:1) -0.1% phosphoric acid solution by fradient elution at a flow rate of 0.30ml/min. The column temperature was 30 ℃. The detection wavelength was 215 nm. The injection volume was 2 μl. The common counterfeit products and medicinal herbs of Pulsatilla chinensis from different areas were evaluated by comparison of characteristic chromatogram, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results:There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatogram of Pulsatilla chinensis, and 8 common peaks were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry and comparison of reference materials. Through PCA analysis, it was possible to clearly distinguish the medicinal herbs of Pulsatilla chinensis from different areas. Combined with OPLS-DA analysis, it was found that peak 2, peak 3, peak 6 were the main markers of Pulsatilla chinensis from different producing areas. Conclusion:The established method has good specificity, repeatability and durability, and it can effectively distinguish the common counterfeits of Pulsatilla chinensis, and provide the basis of quality control and selection of origin for Pulsatilla chinensis.

Objective:To establish the ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprints of Mume flos at different flowering stages; To provide reference for the quality research of Mume flos.Methods:The fingerprints of Mume flos were established by UPLC method, and the common peaks were identified by high performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Chemometrics analysis was carried out with the fingerprints' common peak area of plum blossom at different flowering stages as a variable. Semiquantitative analysis of changes in flavonoids and phenolic acids in Mume flos at different flowering stages was conduct using peak area calculation method.Results:Totally 31 common peaks were identified in the fingerprints of plum blossom medicinal materials at different flowering stages and 9 components were identified. Clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) both classified plum blossom medicinal herbs at different flowering stages into three categories. Among them, there were significant differences between the groups at the bud stage, blooming period, and final flowering period, while the differences between the groups at blooming period and final flowering period were relatively small. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) screened 16 different components with VIP>1.0. The contents of phenolic acids in different flowering stages were as follows: bud stage>blooming period>final flowering period, while the contents of flavonoids were as follows: blooming period>final flowering period>bud stage.Conclusions:This method is simple and reliable, and can provide reference for the quality evaluation of plum blossom medicinal materials at different flowering stages.

Objective:To analyze the drug-resistant gene loci of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Methods:From November 2022 to October 2023, 697 clinical samples (including sputum, alveolar lavage fluid and blood) of 686 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae positive detected by mNGS were retrospectively analyzed. Samples were divided into intensive care unit (ICU) group and non-ICU group, Chi-square test was used to compare groups, and Mann-Kendall trend test was used to analyze the change trend of the detection rate of drug resistance gene loci over time. Results:Of the 697 samples, 164 were from the ICU group and 533 were from the non-ICU group. The detection rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae resistance gene was 44.3% (309/697), and all detected drug-resistant gene loci of MP were A2063G. The detection rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in ICU group was 50.0% (82/164), and the detection rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae resistance gene loci in sputum, alveolus lavage fluid and blood samples were 75.0% (18/24) and 48.4% (62/128), respectively. The detection rate in sputum was higher than alveolus lavage fluid samples ( χ2=5.72, P=0.017). The detection rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in non-ICU group was 42.6% (227/533), the detection rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae resistance gene loci in sputum and alveolar lavage fluid was 40.0% (16/40), 44.3% (201/454), and no detection rate in blood samples (0/12). There was no significant difference in the detection rate of alveolar lavage fluid and sputum ( χ2=0.27, P=0.602). From November 2022 to October 2023, the detection rate of submitted samples showed an increasing trend month by month (overall: Z=3.99, ICU inspection group: Z=2.93, non-ICU group: Z=3.01, all P<0.01). Among the bacteria commonly detected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for the highest proportion, the detection rate was 15.5% (108/697), and Epstein-Barr virus accounted for the highest proportion of 17.6% (123/697). Conclusions:From November 2022 to October 2023, the detection rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae drug resistance gene loci showed an increasing trend. The detection rate of drug resistance gene loci in sputum samples of ICU group was higher than alveolus lavage fluid. No new drug resistance site were detected.