OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion in treating low back pain with cold-damp. METHODS: Seventy-two patients of low back pain with cold-damp were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 1 case was eliminated) and a control group (36 cases, 1 case dropped out). The control group received acupuncture at Jizhong (GV6), Yaoyangguan (GV3), ashi points, bilateral Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25), and Weizhong (BL40) for 30 min daily. The observation group was treated with thunder-fire moxibustion in addition to the same acupuncture regimen as the control group, once daily. Both groups were treated for 6 consecutive days followed by one rest day, for a total duration of 4 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, present pain intensity (PPI) score, and serum levels of β-endorphin (β-EP), 5-hydroxytryp tamin (5-HT), and substance P (SP) were compared before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, ODI scores, PPI scores, and serum levels of 5-HT and SP were decreased (P<0.01), while JOA scores and serum levels of β-EP were increased (P<0.01) in both groups after treatment. The observation group showed lower VAS, ODI, and PPI scores and serum levels of 5-HT and SP than those in the control group (P<0.05), as well as higher JOA score and serum level of β-EP (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 94.3% (33/35), higher than 82.9% (29/35) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion could effectively alleviate pain and improve lumbar function in patients of low back pain with cold-damp, possibly by regulating β-EP, 5-HT, and SP levels.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Low Back Pain/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Combined Modality Therapy ; beta-Endorphin/blood* ; Young Adult ; Aged

Skin diseases significantly affect the quality of life of approximately 190 million individuals worldwide.The complexity and diversity of their clinical manifestations are the major challenges for traditional diagnostic approaches,and exploring novel diagnostic strategies has become an urgent priority.In recent years,deep learning(DL)technology has been increasingly applied in the intelligent recognition of skin diseases,demonstrating substantial potential.This study provides a systematic review of the research progress of DL in dermatological diagnosis from three major dimensions.First,at the data input level,it focuses on the characterization and preprocessing of multimodal data,including dermoscopic images,ultrasound images,and histopathological slides.Second,at the algorithmic model level,it explores ensemble learning frameworks,multimodal data fusion strategies,multicenter collaborative training approaches,and interpretable model construction.Finally,at the task recognition level,it evaluates the performance of DL models in benign skin disease screening,malignant skin lesion differentiation,and binary as well as multiclass classification tasks.By comprehensively reviewing advancements in DL-based skin disease diagnostic models from multiple perspectives,this paper aims to provide valuable insights for the further optimization and clinical translation of intelligent diagnostic systems.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [¹⁵N₂]-cystine and [¹³C₅]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.

Objective To review the application scope of risk communication based on eHealth technology in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases,so as to provide references for future research and application.Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,Wanfang database,and SinoMed.The search time limit was from the establishment of databases to March 1,2024.The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 24 articles were included.The forms of eHealth technology applied in risk communication for primary prevention of cardiovascular include online websites,computerized decision support systems,electronic health records,mobile applications,email,telephone,and text messages.The functions include risk assessment,risk notification,personalized advice,risk tracking and reminders.The outcome indicators include risk perception,physiological indicators,lifestyle and behavior,psychological indicators,feasibility evaluation,decision correlation,doctor-patient communication,intention,risk score,and physician drug prescription.Conclusion The use of eHealth technology in risk communication of cardiovascular diseases has potential value in improving patients'risk perception and promoting healthy behaviors.It is necessary to continuously improve the functions of eHealth technology and enhance its precision and intelligence,so as to better meet the needs of medical staff and patients and promote the efficient implementation of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Pyroptosis,a form of programmed cell death primarily mediated by gasdermin D(GSD-MD),plays a crucial role in infections and inflammatory responses.Although the OTU deubiquiti-nase 4(OTUD4)has shown its importance in various cellular processes,its specific function in py-roptosis remains unclear,which necessitates a deeper understanding of its role.This study aims to explore the role of OTUD4 in regulating GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.Through experiments inclu-ding cell transfection,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release assays,co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP),and Western blot(WB)analysis,we investigated the interaction between OTUD4 and GSD-MD and their influence on GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.Our results indicated that OTUD4 could bind to GSDMD,significantly reduce Caspase-1-mediated cleavage of GSDMD,and lower protein levels of GSDMD-p30,thereby inhibiting pyroptosis.Conversely,the enzymatically inactive mutant of OTUD4(C45A)exhibited a markedly diminished inhibitory effect on pyroptosis.Furthermore,OTUD4 also demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on pyroptosis in porcine cells.In conclu-sion,this study reveals that OTUD4 can inhibit GSDMD-p30-mediated pyroptosis through its deu-biquitinating activity,highlighting the critical function of OTUD4 in the regulation of pyroptosis and suggesting a potential target for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Pyroptosis,a form of programmed cell death primarily mediated by gasdermin D(GSD-MD),plays a crucial role in infections and inflammatory responses.Although the OTU deubiquiti-nase 4(OTUD4)has shown its importance in various cellular processes,its specific function in py-roptosis remains unclear,which necessitates a deeper understanding of its role.This study aims to explore the role of OTUD4 in regulating GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.Through experiments inclu-ding cell transfection,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release assays,co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP),and Western blot(WB)analysis,we investigated the interaction between OTUD4 and GSD-MD and their influence on GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.Our results indicated that OTUD4 could bind to GSDMD,significantly reduce Caspase-1-mediated cleavage of GSDMD,and lower protein levels of GSDMD-p30,thereby inhibiting pyroptosis.Conversely,the enzymatically inactive mutant of OTUD4(C45A)exhibited a markedly diminished inhibitory effect on pyroptosis.Furthermore,OTUD4 also demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on pyroptosis in porcine cells.In conclu-sion,this study reveals that OTUD4 can inhibit GSDMD-p30-mediated pyroptosis through its deu-biquitinating activity,highlighting the critical function of OTUD4 in the regulation of pyroptosis and suggesting a potential target for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Objective To review the application scope of risk communication based on eHealth technology in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases,so as to provide references for future research and application.Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,Wanfang database,and SinoMed.The search time limit was from the establishment of databases to March 1,2024.The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 24 articles were included.The forms of eHealth technology applied in risk communication for primary prevention of cardiovascular include online websites,computerized decision support systems,electronic health records,mobile applications,email,telephone,and text messages.The functions include risk assessment,risk notification,personalized advice,risk tracking and reminders.The outcome indicators include risk perception,physiological indicators,lifestyle and behavior,psychological indicators,feasibility evaluation,decision correlation,doctor-patient communication,intention,risk score,and physician drug prescription.Conclusion The use of eHealth technology in risk communication of cardiovascular diseases has potential value in improving patients'risk perception and promoting healthy behaviors.It is necessary to continuously improve the functions of eHealth technology and enhance its precision and intelligence,so as to better meet the needs of medical staff and patients and promote the efficient implementation of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.

AIM:This study investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of rosuvastatin(RST)in mitigating high glucose(HG)-induced damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs),comple-mented by bioinformatics analysis.METHODS:Network pharmacology was employed to identify the potential targets and signaling pathways of RST in treating HG-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction.Molecular docking techniques were used to evaluate the binding affinity of RST to these core targets.The HUVECs were cultured in vitro and assigned into control,HG,and HG+RST(0.01,0.1,1,2,5 and 10 μmol/L)groups.Cell viability was determined using the MTS as-say.Levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and nitric oxide(NO)were quantified using chemical colorimetric assays.The mRNA levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),claudin-1(CLDN-1),occludin(OCLN),zonula oc-cludens-1(ZO-1),aldose reductase(AR),Janus kinase 2(JAK2),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1),Ras homologous gene family member A(RHOA)and heat shock proteins 90AB1(HSP90AB1)were assessed by RT-qPCR.Western blot analysis was used to evaluate protein levels of eNOS,OCLN and ZO-1.RESULTS:Network pharmacology analysis suggested that RST may improve HG-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction by influencing the chemokine sig-naling pathway,tyrosine metabolism,MAPK signaling pathway,and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha signaling pathway.The MTS assay indicated that RST significantly enhanced cell viability in an HG environment(P＜0.01)and reduced HG-induced damage in HUVECs.Compared with the control group,the HG group showed a significant increase in LDH levels(P＜0.01)and decreases in NO,eNOS,CLDN-1,OCLN and ZO-1 levels(P＜0.05).Additionally,the mRNA levels of AR,JAK2,MAPK1 and RHOA were elevated(P＜0.01),and HSP90AB1 was reduced in the HG group(P＜0.05).Rel-ative to the HG group,RST treatment significantly decreased LDH levels(P＜0.01)and increased the levels of NO,eNOS,CLDN-1,OCLN and ZO-1(P＜0.01).Moreover,the mRNA levels of AR,JAK2,MAPK1 and RHOA were re-duced(P＜0.01),and HSP90AB1 expression was increased in the HG+RST group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:RST ef-fectively attenuates HG-induced endothelial injury.This protective effect is potentially mediated by downregulating AR,JAK2,MAPK1,and RHOA expression and upregulating HSP90AB1 expression.

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan point(PC6),acupuncture on the upper limbs and traditional medication for motion sickness.Methods Totally 30 male KM mice were randomly divided into 5 groups(n=6):blank control group,model group(acceleration exposure),acupuncture PC6 group(acupuncture at PC6+acceleration exposure),acupuncture upper limbs group(acupuncture of the arm except PC6+acceleration exposure)and traditional medicine group(difenidol administered intragastrically+acceleration exposure).The motion sickness index(MSI)and the serum levels of serotonin(5-HT),adrenaline,glucagon,insulin and blood glucose were detected.Results MSI and serum 5-HT,adrenaline,glucagon,insulin and blood glucose levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group(P<0.05).Compared with those in the model group,MSI and 5-HT,adrenaline,glucagon and blood glucose levels were decreased in the acupuncture PC6 group and traditional medicine group(P<0.05),while insulin level was not significantly changed(P>0.05).The adrenaline level in the traditional medicine group was lower than that in the acupuncture PC6 group(P<0.05).The acupuncture upper limbs group had lower MSI and higher insulin level than the model group(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in the levels of 5-HT,adrenaline,glucagon or blood glucose between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Both difenidol and acupuncture at PC6 can effectively relieve motion sickness.