The seasonal onset or worsening of allergic rhinitis is consistent with the characteristics of not develo-ping， lurking in the body， and recurrent attacks due to the suffering of latent pathogen. Based on the theory of latent pathogen， a seasonal acupuncture treatment approach for allergic rhinitis is proposed. Qi is in the channels in spring， and it is advisable to take the Luo-connecting points and the Ying-spring points and transport points between the muscle interspaces of the body； qi is in the minute collaterals in summer， it is advisable to take the superficial collateral vessels and puncture them for bloodletting； qi is on the skin in autumn， and He-sea points and back-shu points are recommended； qi is in the bone marrow in winter， so it is advisable to take the Jing-well points and Ying-spring points and needle them deeply to the bone.

ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of Zuojinwan in improving liver fibrosis through hepatic tissue metabolomics analysis. MethodsTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated into normal group， model group ， positive drug group （silymarin， 100 mg·kg^-1）， and Zuojinwan group （Zuojinwan solution， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， with per group six mice. Liver fibrosis model was induced via intraperitoneal injection of olive oil solution with 10% carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄） （0.5 μL·g^-1， three times weekly for 8 weeks） in all groups except the normal group. During the final 4 weeks， the silymarin group received silymarin （100 mg·kg^-1） by gavage thrice weekly， while the Zuojinwan group was administered Zuojinwan solution （2.5 g·kg^-1） under the same regimen. After the last administration， the levels of liver fibrosis indicators and liver injury markers in serum were detected. The pathological morphological changes of the liver tissues were observed. The levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and Collagen Ⅰ（ColⅠ） were detected. Metabolomics was analyzed on mice's liver tissues. The mice's serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. ResultsCompared with the model group， Zuojinwan significantly improved indicators related to liver fibrosis and liver injury. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly elevated levels of fibrosis markers such as laminin （LN）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， procollagen typeⅢ （PC-Ⅲ）， and type Ⅳ Collagen （Ⅳ-C）， while liver injury indicators such as alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and total bilirubin （TBIL）， exhibited a marked upward trend （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the silymarin group showed a significant decrease in the aforementioned indicators （P<0.05）. Notably， compared with the model group， the Zuojinwan group exhibited a significant reduction in all these indicators （P<0.05）， with efficacy comparable to that of the silymarin group. Zuojinwan reduced mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ColⅠ in the liver tissue. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group， Zuojiinwan significantly reduced levels of glucose metabolism-related metabolites such as D-fructose 1，6-bisphosphate （FBP）， nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH）， sodium beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate （F6P）， dihydroxyacetone phosphate （DHAP）， fumaric acid， and D-glucose 6-phosphate （G6P） （P<0.05）. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect glucose metabolism indicators and further validate the regulatory effect of Zuojinwan on glucose metabolism. ConclusionThese results suggest that Zuojinwan may improve liver fibrosis by regulating the dysregulated levels of glucose metabolism during the progression of liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND:In 2019,the modified cortical bone trajectory technique was proposed by our team,significantly improving traditional methods.Previous studies have highlighted its superior biomechanical properties for segment fixation.However,a comprehensive systematic analysis of its specific biomechanical effects on adjacent segment degeneration is lacking,particularly regarding its influence on range of motion and intervertebral disc stress in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of modified cortical bone trajectory screw techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.METHODS:CT scans were performed on three human cadaver specimens to establish and validate three-dimensional intact finite element models of the L1-S1 segment.For each of these,the posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with three different fixation techniques was reconstructed at the L4-L5 segment.The L4-L5 segment was fixed using three different internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws).The range of motion and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were recorded with a 400 N compressive load and 7.5 N moments in flexion,extension,left-right bending,and left-right rotation.The impacts of the three internal fixation techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in the two kinds of fusion were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group showed a reduced range of motion on adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)under six loading conditions compared to both the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional bone trajectory screw group.Specifically,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared to the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.005),while the stress on the intervertebral disc in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)exhibited greater dispersion.Similarly,the cortical bone trajectory screw group also significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared with the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.03).(2)Compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,the three internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws)showed a trend of reduced range of motion in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)under six loading conditions.In contrast,the maximum stress on the intervertebral discs in both the superior and inferior adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)exhibited an increasing trend in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model.(3)It is concluded that in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw exhibited superior biomechanical properties in reducing the range of motion at adjacent segments,which may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.

BACKGROUND:In 2019,the modified cortical bone trajectory technique was proposed by our team,significantly improving traditional methods.Previous studies have highlighted its superior biomechanical properties for segment fixation.However,a comprehensive systematic analysis of its specific biomechanical effects on adjacent segment degeneration is lacking,particularly regarding its influence on range of motion and intervertebral disc stress in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of modified cortical bone trajectory screw techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.METHODS:CT scans were performed on three human cadaver specimens to establish and validate three-dimensional intact finite element models of the L1-S1 segment.For each of these,the posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with three different fixation techniques was reconstructed at the L4-L5 segment.The L4-L5 segment was fixed using three different internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws).The range of motion and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were recorded with a 400 N compressive load and 7.5 N moments in flexion,extension,left-right bending,and left-right rotation.The impacts of the three internal fixation techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in the two kinds of fusion were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group showed a reduced range of motion on adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)under six loading conditions compared to both the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional bone trajectory screw group.Specifically,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared to the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.005),while the stress on the intervertebral disc in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)exhibited greater dispersion.Similarly,the cortical bone trajectory screw group also significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared with the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.03).(2)Compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,the three internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws)showed a trend of reduced range of motion in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)under six loading conditions.In contrast,the maximum stress on the intervertebral discs in both the superior and inferior adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)exhibited an increasing trend in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model.(3)It is concluded that in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw exhibited superior biomechanical properties in reducing the range of motion at adjacent segments,which may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained considerable attention as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis. Unfortunately, the activation of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) by PDT triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, which exacerbate skin inflammation. Herein, we combined glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural anti-inflammatory compound and immunomodulator derived from the herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., with PDT actuated by the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) by co-loading them in GA-based lipid nanoparticles coated with a catechol-modified quaternary chitosan salt (GC NPs/QCS-C). GC NPs/QCS-C exhibited high drug loading efficacy, uniform size distribution, an ideal topical adhesive property, enhanced skin retention and penetration in psoriasis-like lesions, and high intracellular uptake in epidermal cells compared with the counterparts. Subsequently, the transdermal administration of GC NPs/QCS-C followed by near-infrared laser radiation in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model significantly ameliorated psoriasis symptoms, promoted the apoptosis of hyperproliferative epidermal cells, and alleviated the inflammatory cascade. The significant therapeutic outcomes of GC NPs/QCS-C were attributed to the synergistic effects of GA and PDT on modulating immune cell recruitment and inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Our results demonstrated that the topical bio-adhesive nanosystem that combines GA and Ce6 offers a synergistic chemo-phototherapeutic strategy for psoriasis treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, holding a crucial position in the medical field. However, the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization, completeness, and accuracy, primarily due to the decentralized distribution of TCM resources. To address these issues, we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery (TCMKD, https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/). Seven types of data, including syndromes, formulas, Chinese patent drugs (CPDs), Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs), ingredients, targets, and diseases, were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD. To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine, TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining, enrichment analysis, and network localization and separation. These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights. In addition to its analytical capabilities, a quick question and answer (Q&A) system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently, thereby improving the interactivity of the platform. The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool, offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining. Overall, TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM, delving into the pharmacological foundations of TCM treatments, but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems, extending beyond just TCM.

Objective:To develop a deep learning model based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound（ERUS）images for the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion（PNI）in patients with rectal cancer，thereby providing a reference for risk stratification and individualized treatment planning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 382 patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between June 2019 and February 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set（ n=305）and a test set（ n=77）at a ratio of 8∶2，and further grouped into PNI-negative group and PNI-positive group subgroups based on pathological results. Super-resolution ultrasound images were generated from original ERUS images using a generative adversarial network（GAN）. Deep convolutional neural networks were developed based on features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions to identify the optimal region of interest（ROI）. The dSR5_ResNet18 and dSR5_ResNet50 models were constructed using the super-resolution images with a 5-pixel peritumoral extension. Representative clinical features were selected for subgroup analysis based on sample size and intergroup statistical differences between PNI-positive and PNI-negative patients. Forest plots were used to evaluate model applicability and robustness across subgroups. Results:The dSR5_ResNet18 model，built using super-resolution images of the tumor combined with a 5-pixel peritumoral region，achieved the best predictive performance，with an AUC of 0.867（95% CI=0.782 - 0.952）in the test set. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the dSR5_ResNet18 model provided the greatest net clinical benefit. Forest plot analysis indicated strong generalizability of the models across subgroups such as pathological N stage，maximum lesion length，and lymph node enlargement，though relatively weaker performance was observed in the carcinoembryonic antigen（CEA）subgroup. Among all models，dSR5_ResNet18 exhibited the most consistent performance across subgroups，with the narrowest confidence intervals and highest robustness. Conclusions:The deep learning model incorporating ERUS-based super-resolution reconstruction demonstrated excellent performance in the preoperative prediction of PNI in rectal cancer. It offers significant advantages in image quality and generalizability，and may serve as a valuable tool to assist clinicians in formulating personalized treatment strategies.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge,holding a crucial position in the medical field.However,the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization,completeness,and accuracy,primarily due to the decen-tralized distribution of TCM resources.To address these issues,we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery(TCMKD,https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/).Seven types of data,including syndromes,formulas,Chinese patent drugs(CPDs),Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs),ingredients,targets,and diseases,were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD.To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine,TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining,enrichment analysis,and network localization and separation.These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights.In addition to its analytical capabilities,a quick question and answer(Q&A)system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently,thereby improving the interactivity of the platform.The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool,offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining.Overall,TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM,delving into the pharmaco-logical foundations of TCM treatments,but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems,extending beyond just TCM.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture on the clinical efficacy, TCM syndromes and quality of life of patients with chronic eczema (CE) of blood deficiency stirring wind. METHODS: Forty-eight patients of CE with blood deficiency stirring wind were randomly divided into an observation group (24 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (24 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Both groups received basic skin care. The observation group received acupuncture at bilateral Shenmai (BL62), Houxi (SI3), Yinlingquan (SP9), Quchi (LI11), Ligou (LR5), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuehai (SP10), additional acupoints were supplemented based on symptom differentiation, 20 min each time, 3 times a week for the first 2 weeks, 2 times a week for the subsequent 2 weeks. The control group was treated with mometasone furoate cream, once a day for the first 2 weeks, twice a week for the subsequent 2 weeks. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The scores of eczema area and severity index (EASI), itch visual analogue scale (VAS), TCM syndrome, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) of the two groups were observed before and after treatment, the serum level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) was detected, and the clinical efficacy after treatment and follow-up recurrence rate after 4 weeks of treatment completion of the two groups were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of EASI, itch VAS, DLQI and serum levels of IgE in both groups and the score of TCM syndrome in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01)；the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 91.3% (21/23), which was higher than 63.6% (14/22) in the control group (P<0.05). In follow-up, the difference in recurrence rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms, TCM syndrome, quality of life of CE patients with blood deficiency stirring wind.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Eczema/blood* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Young Adult ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Adolescent ; Aged

Objective:To investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) in delaying cardiac aging in mice.Methods:In vitro, a senescence model of H9C2 cells (a cardiomyocyte line) was induced using H 2O 2. A control group (without H 2O 2 treatment) and three H 2O 2-treated groups (at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 μmol/L) were set up. The CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the proliferative activity of cells in each group; Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression level of CHK1; and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to determine the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of P16 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In vivo, C57BL/6 wild-type mice aged 2 months ( n=15) and 24 months ( n=40), as well as myocardial-specific CHK1-overexpressing (CHK1-TG) mice aged 2 months ( n=15) and 24 months ( n=40), were selected. The mice were divided into four groups based on age and genotype: 2-month-old wild-type (WT-2M), 24-month-old wild-type (WT-24M), 2-month-old CHK1-TG (CHK1-TG-2M), and 24-month-old CHK1-TG (CHK1-TG-24M). Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function of mice in the WT-24M and CHK1-TG-24M groups. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression levels of CHK1, total Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1), NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), and Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (Rap1-GTP, the active form of Rap1) in the cardiac tissue of mice in each group. qRT-PCR was used to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of CHK1, collagen type Ⅰ (Coll1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (Mmp2), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), P53, P21, P16, thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), glutathione recluctase (GR), Rap1, and Nox4. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to determine the protein expression levels of P53, P21, and P16, as well as the proportion of histone H2AX phosphorylation-positive cells. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the relative intensity of DHE. Wheat germ agglutinin staining, HE staining, Masson staining and Sirius red staining were applied to measure the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, cardiac morphology, and myocardial fibrosis area. Mice in the WT-24M and CHK1-TG-24M groups were intraperitoneally injected with the Rap1 activity inhibitor GGTI298 (25 μmol/kg). After injection, the oxidative stress damage in the cardiac tissue of the mice was detected, along with the mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators (Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA) and cell cycle inhibitory proteins (P16, P21, and P53). Results:A concentration of 30 μmol/L was determined as the optimal concentration for establishing an H 2O 2-induced senescence model of myocardial cells in vitro. The expression level of CHK1 in H9C2 cells of the 30 μmol/L H 2O 2 group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Echocardiographic examination showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction ((61.08±1.13)% vs. (52.55±2.02)%) and fractional shortening ((31.80±1.27)% vs. (25.18±1.59)%) of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were higher than those in the WT-24M group (both P<0.05). qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that, compared with the WT-24M group, mice in CHK1-TG-24M group had higher expression levels of CHK1 and its mRNA, lower expression levels of Nox4 and its mRNA, and higher expression level of Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (Rap1-GTP) (all P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the total expression level of Rap1 and its mRNA between the two groups (both P>0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA in myocardial tissue of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were lower than those in the WT-24M group (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression levels of P53, P21, and P16 proteins, as well as the proportion of phosphorylated histone H2AX-positive cells in myocardial tissue of mice in the WT-24M group were higher than those in the CHK1-TG-24M group (all P<0.05). qRT-PCR further confirmed that the mRNA expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins in cardiac tissue of mice in the WT-24M group were higher than those in the CHK1-TG-24M group (all P<0.05). DHE staining results indicated that the relative intensity of DHE in cardiac tissue of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group was lower than that in the WT-24M group ( P<0.05). Meanwhile, the left ventricular internal diameter, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and myocardial fibrosis area of mice in the CHK1-TG-24M group were all smaller than those in the WT-24M group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the degree of DNA damage in cardiac tissue as well as the mRNA levels of fibrosis-related indicators (Coll1, Mmp2, and α-SMA) and cell cycle inhibitory proteins (P53, P21, P16) in mice of the WT-24M+GGTI298 group were higher than those in the WT-24M group and the CHK1-TG-24M+GGTI298 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:CHK1 alleviates oxidative stress-induced damage in mouse cardiomyocytes by activating the Rap1/Nox4 signaling pathway, thereby delaying cardiac aging in mice.