OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of single-balloon and double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosing pediatric small bowel diseases and assess the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography enterography (CTE) for small bowel diseases using enteroscopy as the reference standard. METHODS: Clinical data from 576 children who underwent enteroscopy at Hunan Children's Hospital between January 2017 and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. The children were categorized based on enteroscopy type into the single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) group (n=457) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) group (n=119), and the clinical data were compared between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity of CTE for diagnosing small bowel diseases were evaluated using enteroscopy results as the standard. RESULTS: Among the 576 children, small bowel lesions were detected by enteroscopy in 274 children (47.6%).There was no significant difference in lesion detection rates or complication rates between the SBE and DBE groups (P>0.05), but the DBE group had deeper insertion, longer procedure time, and higher complete small bowel examination rate (P<0.05). The complication rate during enteroscopy was 4.3% (25/576), with 18 cases (3.1%) of mild complications and 7 cases (1.2%) of severe complications, which improved with symptomatic treatment, surgical, or endoscopic intervention. Among the 412 children who underwent CTE, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases were 44.4% and 71.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS SBE and DBE have similar diagnostic efficacy for pediatric small bowel diseases, but DBE is preferred for suspected deep small bowel lesions and comprehensive small bowel examination. Enteroscopy in children demonstrates relatively good overall safety. CTE demonstrates relatively low sensitivity but comparatively high specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases.
Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Single-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Operative Time ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Intestine, Small/surgery* ; Intestinal Diseases/surgery*

BACKGROUND: The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups. CONCLUSION: The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity* ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism. METHODS: Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin. CONCLUSION Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cupping Therapy/methods* ; Signal Transduction ; Imiquimod ; Ion Channels/genetics* ; Male ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To study the effects of Jinshui Liujun decoction(JLD)on airway inflammation and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)/interleukin-4(IL-4)imbalance in asthma.Methods The ovalbumin(OVA)was used to replicate the asthmatic mouse by injection and nebulization inhalation.Asthmatic mice were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(1.0 mg·kg-1 dexamethasone)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(4.1,8.2 and 16.4 g·kg-1 JLD).The blank group and the model group were given purified water by gavage for 2 consecutive weeks.The lung function[tidal volume(TV)and respiratory rate(RR)]of mice was measured by lung function test system after administering JLD by gavage.IFN-γ,IL-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and their genes in lung tissue were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively.Results The TV levels in blank group,model group,positive control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(118.90±24.20),(87.10±13.36),(112.70±18.92),(105.20±15.24),(107.60±16.47)and(110.10±17.41)μL;RR levels were(126.60±17.57),(178.80±31.06),(133.00±19.45),(146.00±25.82),(141.30±24.78)and(137.00±22.81)bpm;IFN-γ levels were(110.95±9.26),(60.16±2.75),(98.09±8.21)、(79.58±6.49)、(88.16±7.58)and(97.26±7.23)pg·mL-1;IL-4 levels were(118.06±8.47)、(416.08±22.21)、(272.17±13.14)、(319.34±15.27)、(298.77±14.83)and(278.71±14.24)pg·mL-1;the IFN-γ mRNA levels were 2.70±0.08,1.00±0.00,2.65±0.06,1.89±0.04,2.24±0.05 and 2.58±0.06;IL-4 mRNA levels were 0.25±0.02,1.00±0.00,0.26±0.02,0.61±0.05,0.50±0.03 and 0.33±0.03,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between the above indicators of model group and blank group,and experimental-L,-M,-H groups and model group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion JLD has a certain antiasthmatic effect and one of mechanisms is to alleviate the IFN-γ/IL-4 immune imbalance and inhibit airway inflammation.

Objective To investigate the expression of m6 A methyltransferase-like protein 14(METTL14)in the hippocampus of depression-like mice,and to provide a theoretical basis for further study of the molecular mecha-nism of depression and new drug targets.Methods 1)Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into con-trol group and depression model group.The control group was fed normally,and the model group was kept in single animal cage for 4 months and added with Chronic Unpredictable Animal Stress(CUMS)to establish the depression-like model.2)After modeling,depression-like behaviors in model group were tested using forced swimming test(FST),sucrose preference test(SPT)and tail suspension test(TST).3)Twenty-four hours after completion of behavioral test,the hippocampus tissues of mice were collected,and the expression of m6 A methyltransferase-like protein METTL14 in the hippocampus of mice was detected by molecular biology experiments.Results 1)The mice in the model group showed significant depression-like behavior;2)The expression of MET-TL14 in the hippocampus of the model group showed an increased mRNA expression with the increased m6 A modifi-cation.3)In the model group,the expression of METTL14 in hippocampal CA1,CA3 and DG districts increased and there was neuronal damage found.Conclusions m6 A methylation function has been proved to be more active in the hippocampus of depressed mice.

The working principle and development of flexible semiconductor devices based on organic field effect transistor(OFET)technology were introduced.The current research status of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were reviewed,including biomechanical monitoring devices,tattoo biomonitoring devices and cellular detection devices and etc.The deficiencies of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were analyzed,and it's pointed out that miniaturization,personalization and diversification were the directions for the development of the future OFET-based wearable flexible moni-toring devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):93-100]

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 effects of Jinshui Liujun decoction(JLD)on airway inflammation and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)/interleukin-4(IL-4)imbalance in asthma.Methods The ovalbumin(OVA)was used to replicate the asthmatic mouse by injection and nebulization inhalation.Asthmatic mice were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(1.0 mg·kg-1 dexamethasone)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(4.1,8.2 and 16.4 g·kg-1 JLD).The blank group and the model group were given purified water by gavage for 2 consecutive weeks.The lung function[tidal volume(TV)and respiratory rate(RR)]of mice was measured by lung function test system after administering JLD by gavage.IFN-γ,IL-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and their genes in lung tissue were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively.Results The TV levels in blank group,model group,positive control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(118.90±24.20),(87.10±13.36),(112.70±18.92),(105.20±15.24),(107.60±16.47)and(110.10±17.41)μL;RR levels were(126.60±17.57),(178.80±31.06),(133.00±19.45),(146.00±25.82),(141.30±24.78)and(137.00±22.81)bpm;IFN-γ levels were(110.95±9.26),(60.16±2.75),(98.09±8.21)、(79.58±6.49)、(88.16±7.58)and(97.26±7.23)pg·mL-1;IL-4 levels were(118.06±8.47)、(416.08±22.21)、(272.17±13.14)、(319.34±15.27)、(298.77±14.83)and(278.71±14.24)pg·mL-1;the IFN-γ mRNA levels were 2.70±0.08,1.00±0.00,2.65±0.06,1.89±0.04,2.24±0.05 and 2.58±0.06;IL-4 mRNA levels were 0.25±0.02,1.00±0.00,0.26±0.02,0.61±0.05,0.50±0.03 and 0.33±0.03,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between the above indicators of model group and blank group,and experimental-L,-M,-H groups and model group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion JLD has a certain antiasthmatic effect and one of mechanisms is to alleviate the IFN-γ/IL-4 immune imbalance and inhibit airway inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the incidence of knee donor -site morbidity after autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Wanfang Medical Network, and CNKI databases from January 2010 to April 20, 2021. Relevant literature was selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were evaluated and extracted. The correlation between the number and size of transplanted osteochondral columns and donor-site morbidity was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 13 literatures were included, comprising a total of 661 patients. Statistical analysis revealed an incidence of knee donor-site morbidity at 8.6% (57/661), with knee pain being the most common complaint, accounting for 4.2%(28/661). There was no significant correlation between the number of osteochondral columns and postoperative donor-site incidence (P=0.424, N=10), nor between the diameter size of osteochondral columns and postoperative donor-site incidence(P=0.699, N=7). CONCLUSION Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty is associated with a considerable incidence of knee donor-site morbidity, with knee pain being the most frequent complaint. There is no apparent correlation between donor-site incidence and the number and size of transplanted osteochondral columns. Donors should be informed about the potential risks.
Humans ; Incidence ; Cartilage/transplantation* ; Knee ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Pain ; Cartilage, Articular ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Bone Transplantation