ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory， Qijia Rougan prescription， combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted， and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis （CHB-HF） who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group （Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir） and a control group （entecavir）. The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement （LSM）， fibrosis-4 index （FIB-4）， portal vein diameter， hepatitis B serology， biochemical indicators， hepatic fibrosis markers in serum ［hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， procollagen Ⅲ peptide （PⅢP）， and type Ⅳ collagen （Ⅳ-C）］， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis， with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment， the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 （P<0.01）， as well as notable improvements in LN， Ⅳ-C， and various TCM syndrome scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM， FIB-4， and various TCM syndrome score indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment， the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 （P<0.05）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 （P<0.05）. No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone， the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3， which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of manual acupuncture manipulations (MAMs) on subcutaneous muscle tissue, by developing quantitative models of "lifting and thrusting" and "twisting and rotating", based on machine learning techniques. METHODS: A depth camera was used to capture the acupuncture operator's hand movements during "lifting and thrusting" and "twisting and rotating" of needle. Simultaneously, the ultrasound imaging was employed to record the muscle tissue responses of the participants. Amplitude and angular features were extracted from the movement data of operators, and muscle fascicle slope features were derived from the data of ultrasound images. The dynamic time warping barycenter averaging algorithm was adopted to align the dual-source data. Various machine learning techniques were applied to build quantitative models, and the performance of each model was compared. The most optimal model was further analyzed for its interpretability. RESULTS: Among the quantitative models built for the two types of MAMs, the random forest model demonstrated the best performance. For the quantitative model of the "lifting and thrusting" technique, the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.825. For the "twisting and rotating" technique, R² reached 0.872. CONCLUSION Machine learning can be used to effectively develop the models and quantify the effects of MAMs on subcutaneous muscle tissue. It provides a new perspective to understand the mechanism of acupuncture therapy and lays a foundation for optimizing acupuncture technology and designing personalized treatment regimen in the future.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Machine Learning ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Subcutaneous Tissue/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective:To investigate the use of earplugs among noise-exposed workers (Homo sapiens) in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, measure the personal attenuation rating (PAR) of earplugs when wearing earplugs, (Homo sapiens), analyze factors influencing the protective effect of earplugs, and evaluate the role of targeted wearing interventions in improving protective efficacy.Methods:From December 2022 to January 2023, 220 workers in noise-exposed positions from 3 enterprises in Bao'an District, Shenzhen were selected as subjects using the convenience sampling method. The Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) values of workers wearing earplugs were measured using a fit testing system. Combined with the results of a questionnaire survey, the individual differences in workers' baseline PAR were described. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for earplugs to achieve the protective effect. One-on-one wearing interventions were implemented for workers who failed to achieve the protective effect, and repeated PAR tests were conducted. The changes in PAR of 120 workers before and after the intervention were compared.Results:The median baseline PAR for 220 workers was 7 (0, 14) dB, and the intervention rate was 54.55% (120/220). There were differences in the baseline PAR of workers with different length of service, earplugs wearing time and experience, daily noise exposure time and intensity, training and the comfort of earplug use ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that workers The comfort with earplugs wearing ( OR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.49~5.33, P<0.01) and training ( OR=6.60, 95% CI: 1.70~25.63, P<0.05) were the influencing factors of achieving the protective requirement. The median PAR was increased to 13 (11, 16) dB after intervention. Conclusion:The baseline protective effect of earplugs worn by workers is significantly influenced by comfort and enterprise training. One-on-one interventions can effectively improve the protective efficacy of those who fail to meet the requirements.

Objective::To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and clinical application of the Obstetrical Chinese Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Scoring System (OCDSS).Methods::This study is a retrospective study that collected 1063 cases from Wuhan Union Hospital, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, and the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture between July 2017 and June 2024. These cases were divided into DIC and non-DIC groups based on score standard. Diagnosis of DIC, the rate of hysterectomy, neonatal mortality, and severe asphyxia are the main outcome measures. All the laboratory indicators are all determined by clinical laboratory department of the hospital. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range) and frequencies. Independent sample t-test or non-parametric test were used to compare measurement data, while the chi-square test was used for count data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were used to test the predictive accuracy. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to study the high-risk factors. P < 0.050 indicates a statistical significance. Results::Of 1063 participants in this study, 29 participants (2.73%) were diagnosed with obstetrical DIC by OCDSS score standard, and all the participants were diagnosed as DIC with underlying disease. When the Takao, Clark, and Erez score standard is the "gold standard", the OCDSS score standard always shows good sensitivity and specificity, with all the AUC over 0.75. OCDSS score standard also has better predictive of hysterectomy (68.18%, 91.07%, 0.872), severe neonatal asphyxia and death (79.17%, 75.07%, 0.842) than the other three score standards. All the indicators included in the OCDSS score standard contributed to the DIC diagnosis (all the P < 0.001). The indicators in the DIC group were more abnormal than the non-DIC group (all the P < 0.001). Conclusion::OCDSS is a first score standard, especially for pregnancies, it considers the underlying disease, clinical symptoms, and laboratory results. This score system shared a good diagnosis performance for DIC in the Chinese population and may help clinicians make timely decisions.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) lactylation and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy-ferroptosis during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in mice.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=9 each) using a table of random numbers: sham operation group (Sham group), cerebral IR group (IR group), IR+ glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG group (IR+ 2-DG group), and IR+ 2-DG+ NCOA4 overexpression group (IR+ 2-DG+ LvNCOA4 group). The model of cerebral IR injury was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1 h followed by 24 h of reperfusion using the intraluminal suture method in anesthetized animals. 2-DG 250 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 90 min before ischemia in IR+ 2-DG and IR+ 2-DG+ LvNCOA4 groups. The lentivirus overexpressing NCOA4 2 μl was injected into the ventricles at 7 days before ischemia in IR+ 2-DG+ LvNCOA4 group. The percentage of cerebral infarct volume was determined, the viable neurons were counted, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of SOD2, lysine 114 lactylation of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2-K114la), NCOA4, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3B), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was determined by Western blot. Mitochondrial morphology was examined by electron microscopy. Results:Compared with Sham group, the percentage of cerebral infarct volume was significantly increased, the number of viable neurons was decreased, the levels of ROS and MDA were elevated, the content of GSH was reduced, the expression of SOD2-K114la, NCOA4, LC3B and ACSL4 was up-regulated, the expression of SOD2 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the mitochondrial injury was aggravated in IR group. Compared with IR group, the percentage of cerebral infarct volume was significantly decreased, the number of viable neurons was increased, the mitochondrial injury was alleviated, the levels of ROS and MDA were decreased, the content of GSH was increased, the expression of SOD2-K114la, NCOA4 and ACSL4 was down-regulated, and the expression of SOD2 and LC3B was up-regulated in IR+ 2-DG group ( P<0.05). Compared with IR+ 2-DG group, the percentage of cerebral infarct volume was significantly increased, the number of viable neurons was decreased, the levels of ROS and MDA were elevated, the content of GSH was reduced, and the expression of NCOA4, LC3B and ACSL4 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in the expression of SOD2 and SOD2-K114la ( P>0.05), and the mitochondrial injury was aggravated in IR+ 2-DG+ LvNCOA4 group. Conclusions:SOD2 lactylation promotes NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy-ferroptosis by enhancing oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the cerebral IR injury in mice.

Objective To analyze the impact of the National Centralized Drug Procurement Policy(hereinafter referred to as the"centralized procurement policy")on the utilization of breast cancer treatment drugs in a specialized cancer hospital.Methods The defined daily dose(DDD)method was used to compare the daily drug cost(DDC),drug utilization frequency(DDDs),and affordability of letrozole,anastrozole,and capecitabine before and after the implementation of the centralized pro-curement policy in a tertiary specialized cancer hospital in Guangzhou.Results and Conclusion After the policy implementa-tion,the DDC of all three drugs decreased.The out-of-pocket DDC for the selected drugs remained stable or decreased,while the out-of-pocket DDC for both originator drugs and generic drugs increased,with a more pronounced increase for originator drugs.The proportion of DDDs for the selected drugs increased post-policy.The centralized procurement policy not only reduced the prices of selected drugs but also drove down the prices of generic and originator drugs.It is recommended to further expand the scope of centralized procurement for anticancer drugs and the types of cancers covered,as well as to establish a transitional mech-anism for medical insurance payment standards.

Objective:To investigate the role of resveratrol(RES)in improving airway inflammation in children with asthma by regulating miR-125b-5p/PRDM1 axis and its molecular mechanism.Methods:Rat model of asthma was induced by ovalbumin(OVA).The rats were randomly divided into sham group(sham),asthma group(model),10 μmol/L RES(RES-L)group,50 μmol/L RES(RES-H)group,50 μmol/L miR-125b-5p antagomir(miR-125b-5p antagomir)group and miR-125b-5p antagomir+50 μmol/L RES(miR-125b-5p antagomir+RES)group.The number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was detected.HE staining and Masson three-color staining were used to observe pathological changes of lung tissue.Levels of inflammatory factors in lung homogenates were detected by ELISA.Serum from asthmatic children and healthy children was collected for analysis.Expressions of miR-125b-5p and PRDM1 in lung tissues of asthmatic and healthy children and different groups of rats were detected by RT-qPCR.Targeted binding relationship between miR-125b-5p and PRDM1 was detected by double luciferase assay.Results:HE staining showed that the airway epithelium in asthma group had a variety of inflammatory cell infiltration,while pathological changes in RES group were reduced.Masson staining showed that the area of airway collagen deposition was reduced in RES group compared with asth-ma group.The number of inflammatory cells in BALF in asthma group was higher than that in RES group.RES treatment significantly reduced airway wall and smooth muscle thickness.ELISA results showed that lung tissue in the asthma group had increased levels of IL-1β,IL-10 and TNF-α,while decreased level of IL-12,the RES group showed the opposite trend.Level of miR-125b-5p in lung tissue of asthmatic rats was significantly increased,while level of PRDM1 was decreased,and RES treatment could reverse this result.In addi-tion,treatment with miR-125b-5p antagomir alleviated airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmic rats.Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeting binding relationship between miR-125b-5p and PRDM1.Compared with healthy children,serum levels of IL-1β,IL-10 and TNF-α were increased,while IL-12 level was decreased in children with asthma.Conclusion:RES inhibits the re-lease of inflammatory cytokines through HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway,alleviating asthma-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling.

Objective To analyze the impact of the National Centralized Drug Procurement Policy(hereinafter referred to as the"centralized procurement policy")on the utilization of breast cancer treatment drugs in a specialized cancer hospital.Methods The defined daily dose(DDD)method was used to compare the daily drug cost(DDC),drug utilization frequency(DDDs),and affordability of letrozole,anastrozole,and capecitabine before and after the implementation of the centralized pro-curement policy in a tertiary specialized cancer hospital in Guangzhou.Results and Conclusion After the policy implementa-tion,the DDC of all three drugs decreased.The out-of-pocket DDC for the selected drugs remained stable or decreased,while the out-of-pocket DDC for both originator drugs and generic drugs increased,with a more pronounced increase for originator drugs.The proportion of DDDs for the selected drugs increased post-policy.The centralized procurement policy not only reduced the prices of selected drugs but also drove down the prices of generic and originator drugs.It is recommended to further expand the scope of centralized procurement for anticancer drugs and the types of cancers covered,as well as to establish a transitional mech-anism for medical insurance payment standards.

Objective:To investigate the use of earplugs among noise-exposed workers (Homo sapiens) in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, measure the personal attenuation rating (PAR) of earplugs when wearing earplugs, (Homo sapiens), analyze factors influencing the protective effect of earplugs, and evaluate the role of targeted wearing interventions in improving protective efficacy.Methods:From December 2022 to January 2023, 220 workers in noise-exposed positions from 3 enterprises in Bao'an District, Shenzhen were selected as subjects using the convenience sampling method. The Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) values of workers wearing earplugs were measured using a fit testing system. Combined with the results of a questionnaire survey, the individual differences in workers' baseline PAR were described. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for earplugs to achieve the protective effect. One-on-one wearing interventions were implemented for workers who failed to achieve the protective effect, and repeated PAR tests were conducted. The changes in PAR of 120 workers before and after the intervention were compared.Results:The median baseline PAR for 220 workers was 7 (0, 14) dB, and the intervention rate was 54.55% (120/220). There were differences in the baseline PAR of workers with different length of service, earplugs wearing time and experience, daily noise exposure time and intensity, training and the comfort of earplug use ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that workers The comfort with earplugs wearing ( OR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.49~5.33, P<0.01) and training ( OR=6.60, 95% CI: 1.70~25.63, P<0.05) were the influencing factors of achieving the protective requirement. The median PAR was increased to 13 (11, 16) dB after intervention. Conclusion:The baseline protective effect of earplugs worn by workers is significantly influenced by comfort and enterprise training. One-on-one interventions can effectively improve the protective efficacy of those who fail to meet the requirements.