Diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is a major threat to global health. As a key mechanism in the occurrence and progression of DCM， the inflammatory response persists throughout the entire course of the DCM. The Gaozhuo theory suggests that the basic pathogenesis of inflammatory injury in DCM is the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and Gaozhuo invasion， and divides the pathological process into three phases： Gaozhuo invasion， turbid heat damage to the channels， and turbid blood stasis and heat junction. Among them， the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo represent the process of inflammatory factor formation induced by glucose metabolism disorders. Turbid heat damage to the channels refers to the process of myocardial inflammatory injury mediated by inflammatory factors， and turbid blood stasis and heat junction are the process of myocardial injury developing toward myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling. As the disease continues to progress， it eventually develops into a depletion of the heart Yang， leading to the ultimate regression of heart failure. According to the theory of Gaozhuo， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） should regulate inflammatory injury in DCM by strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney to address the root cause， and resolving dampness and lowering turbidity to treat the symptoms. If the turbidity has been stored for a long time and turns into heat， strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney， and clearing heat and resolving turbidity should be the therapy. If the turbidity， stasis， and heat are knotted in the heart and collaterals， strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney， and resolving stasis and lowering turbidity should be the therapy. TCM compounds and monomers can regulate the inflammatory response in DCM. TCM compounds can be divided into the categories for benefiting Qi to resolve turbidity， benefiting Qi and clearing heat to resolve turbidity， and benefiting Qi and activating blood to reduce turbidity. The compounds can inhibit upstream signals of inflammation and expression of inflammatory factors， improve the inflammatory damage to myocardium and blood vessels， myocardial fibrosis， and cardiac systole and diastole， and thus slow down the onset and progression of DCM.

Intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment is an important force in promoting the inheritance, innovation, and modernization of acupuncture-moxibustion. This paper reviews the development status of intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment and related new technologies, as well as the challenges faced. It is found that, with the advancement of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment has shown characteristics of greater precision, miniaturization, intelligence, and portability. However, deficiencies remain in areas such as standardization and regulation, including relatively low rates of effective transformation and a lack of innovation in research outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate corresponding strategies: improving the development of relevant standards for intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment, encouraging the integration of medicine and engineering, cultivating interdisciplinary talents, and strengthening the protection of invention patents. It is necessary to establish a demand-oriented pathway connecting "equipment development, equipment evaluation, product formation" through multiple stages such as talent training and research project initiation, thereby promoting the modernization and standardization of intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment and supporting the revitalization of traditional medicine.
Moxibustion/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/trends* ; Artificial Intelligence

OBJECTIVE To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker （QAMS） method for simultaneous determination of six flavonoids and two phenolic acids in Perilla frutescens leaves using scutellarin and rosmarinic acid as internal reference substances， and apply this method to determine the contents of eight components in 20 batches of P. frutescens leaves samples from different regions. METHODS Scutellarin served as the internal reference to calculate relative correction factors （RCFs） for scutellarin-7-O-diglucuronide， luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide， apigenin-7-O-diglucuronide， luteolin-7-O- β-D-glucuronide and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide. Rosmarinic acid was employed as the internal reference to determine the RCF for caffeic acid. The contents of the above flavonoids and phenolic acids were calculated with QAMS， and compared with the results of external standard method. RESULTS The eight analytes demonstrated excellent linearity within their respective concentration ranges （r≥0.999 0）. The mean recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 95.60% to 102.15%， with relative standard deviations （RSDs） of 0.72% to 2.70% （n＝6）. The method exhibited good precision， repeatability， and stability （RSD＜2.50%， n＝6）. Variations in instruments， columns， column temperature， flow rate， and formic acid volume fraction had minimal impact on the RCFs （RSD＜3%， n＝3）. Comparison with the external standard method showed no significant differences in the content of each component across batches， except for caffeic acid in the ZS12 batch （absolute value of RE＜5%， n＝2）. The contents of six CARS-21） flavonoid components in P. frutescens leaves samples varied significantly across different geographic origins， while the content of total flavonoids showed no significant difference. In contrast， the contents of two phenolic acid components and total phenolic acid exhibited significant variation among samples from different regions. CONCLUSIONS The developed QAMS method can simultaneously determine the contents of six flavonoids and two phenolic acids in P. frutescens leaves. It is convenient for detection， highly accurate， and cost-effective. This method is suitable for the quality control of P. frutescens leaves， and the variation of flavonoid and phenolic acid content in samples from different regions provides a reference for the selection of optimal cultivation areas.

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) have garnered increasing attention in the field of stomatology and have become an established research area in biomedical research. This article reviews the engineering of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and their application in the field of stomatology, in order to provide new ideas for the development of stomatology. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane vesicles secreted by cells and contain a variety of proteins, RNAs, lipids, and other biomolecules. They are transported through the circulatory system and can interact with other cells to regulate their biological behavior and participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In the treatment of oral diseases, exosomes have shown great potential due to their natural biological activity and versatility. However, studies have found that relying solely on the function of natural exosomes may not fully meet the complex clinical requirements. Therefore, the concept of engineered exosomes has emerged. Engineered exosomes can be modified by bioengineering technology to enhance their targeting, allowing them to reach the lesion site more accurately. At the same time, engineered exosomes can also be surface modified or loaded internally to carry specific therapeutic molecules, such as drugs, gene editing tools or signaling molecules to improve the therapeutic effect. In addition, this engineered treatment can also confer greater stability to exosomes, making them better able to resist clearance by the immune system when circulating in the body, extending their half-life, and improving the effectiveness of treatment. Although engineered exosomes have attracted extensive attention in the fields of stomatology and other fields, their application is still mainly in the stage of basic research. To promote the clinical application of engineered exosomes, it is necessary to provide more sufficient evidence of biocompatibility and clarify their therapeutic effect and mechanism.

Animal models combining disease and syndrome are important research tools to explore the nature of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes. At present, the construction and evaluation methods of animal models have preliminarily established the foundation for standardized development. Qi-yin deficiency syndrome is a common type of TCM syndrome in cardiovascular diseases. It is an important pathogenic factor causing the onset, pathological damage, and chronic nature of cardiovascular diseases, as well as triggering other illnesses. The establishment of an animal model of cardiovascular disease with the characteristics of Qi-yin deficiency, along with an objective and standardized evaluation system, has become an important part of modern cardiovascular disease research. In recent years, research on the construction and evaluation of animal models of heart Qi-yin deficiency syndrome has increased, but the construction methods and evaluation criteria vary. Compared with other animal models, the literature is limited, lacking statistics and overall analysis. Therefore, based on the scientific connotation of heart Qi-yin deficiency syndrome, this article systematically reviews the evaluation system of its animal model, covering multidimensional methods such as macroscopic characterization assessment, physicochemical indicators and objective evaluation, and syndrome differentiation based on prescriptions. The specific model construction strategies are described, including single-factor induction methods (sleep deprivation, chronic intermittent hypoxia, arterial occlusion, high-salt feeding) and the compound-factor induction methods (sleep deprivation combined with drug method, chronic intermittent hypoxia combined with drug method, exhaustive swimming combined with drug method). Meanwhile, application examples of each model in the research are listed, the existing problems in the current model construction and evaluation are analyzed, and optimization directions are proposed, such as promoting the compound factor induction strategy and improving the objectivity of the evaluation criteria. This article aims to provide theoretical references for constructing an animal model of heart Qi-yin deficiency syndrome that conforms to TCM characteristics, and thereby laying a scientific foundation for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with TCM.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term effectiveness between Gamma 3 intramedullary nails and Gamma 3 U-Blade system in the treatment of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 124 elderly patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures, who were admitted between February 2020 and February 2023 and met the selection criteria. The fractures were fixed with Gamma 3 intramedullary nails in 65 patients (control group) and Gamma 3 U-Blade systems in 59 patients (UB group). The differences between the two groups were not significant in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, bone mineral density, time from injury to operation, fracture classification, and affected side ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and fracture healing time were recorded; the tip-apex distance, fracture reduction quality, and lag screw position were evaluated on X-ray films at immediate after operation; the lag screw sliding distance and change value of neck-shaft angle were measured on X-ray films at last follow-up. Harris hip score at 1 year after operation and the occurrence of internal fixation-related complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay in the UB group increased compared to the control group, but the differences were not significant ( P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.1 months). At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in the Harris hip score between the two groups ( P<0.05). Radiological examination showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in terms of tip-apex distance, fracture reduction quality, and lag screw position. Fractures healed in both groups, and there was no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the change value of neck-shaft angle and lag screw sliding distance in the UB group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). During follow-up, no related complications occurred in the UB group, while 6 cases (9.2%) in the control group experienced complications, and the difference in the incidence was significant ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION For the osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly, the Gamma 3 U-Blade system fixation can achieve good short-term effectiveness, with better imaging results compared to Gamma 3 intramedullary nails fixation.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Hip Fractures/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Bone Nails ; Bone Screws ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Fracture Healing ; Operative Time ; Length of Stay

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study is a subgroup analysis of the China Moderate to Severe Valvular Heart Disease Registry, which has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075006). METHODS: Patients undergoing TAVR with the Sentinel CEPD from October 2023 to September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 80 patients were included, with a median age of 72 (68, 76) years, including 52 males (65.0%) and 28 females (35.0%); 62 patients (77.5%) with tricuspid valves, and 18 patients (22.5%) with bicuspid valves; 34 patients (42.5%) with type Ⅰ aortic arch, 24 patients (30.0%) with type Ⅱ aortic arch, 12 patients (15.0%) with type Ⅲ aortic arch, and 10 patients (12.5%) with bovine-type aortic arch. Clinical data of the patients were summarized and analyzed. The primary endpoints were success rate of Sentinel CEPD implantation, as well as all-cause death, symptomatic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and Sentinel CEPD access vessel complications during hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In the 80 patients, self-expanding valves were used in 68 cases (85.0%) and balloon-expandable valves in 12 cases (15.0%). Seventy-nine patients (98.8%) successfully underwent TAVR with Sentinel CEPD deployment. Macroscopically visible debris was captured in 92.5% (74/80) by filters of Sentinel CEPD. Although the procedure time for Sentinel CEPD placement was slightly longer in patients with bovine-type aortic arch, there was no statistically significant difference in deployment time among different aortic arch types (P>0.05). During hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively, only one case of transient ischemic attack occurred, and there was no all-cause mortality, symptomatic stroke, or access-site vascular complications related to the Sentinel CEPD observed. CONCLUSIONS The Sentinel CEPD demonstrates high feasibility across aortic arch types, potential efficacy in embolic capture, and excellent safety in TAVR.
Humans ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Embolic Protection Devices ; Retrospective Studies ; Intracranial Embolism/prevention & control* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery* ; Aortic Valve/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To precise classify sacral meningeal cysts, effective guide minimally invasive neurosurgery and postoperative personalized rehabilitation by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI. METHODS: From March to December 2021, based on the original 3D-fast imaging employing steadystate acquisition (FIESTA) scanning sequence, 92 patients with sacral meningeal cysts were pre-operatively evaluated by multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI. The shape of nerve root and the leakage of cyst were reconstructed according to the direction of nerve root or leakage track showed on original MRI scans. Sacral canal cysts were accurately classified as including nerve root and without nerve root, so as to accurately design the incision of skin and formulate corresponding open range of the posterior wall of the sacral canal. Under the microscope intraoperation, the shape of the nerve roots inside cysts or leakage track of the cysts without nerve roots were verified and explored. After the reinforcement and shaping operation, several reexaminations of multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI were performed to understand the deformation of the nerve root and hydrops in the operation cavity, so as to formulate a persona-lized rehabilitation plan for the patients. RESULTS: Among the 92 patients with sacral mengingeal cyst, 58 (63.0%) cysts with nerve root cyst, 29 (31.5%) cysts without nerve root cyst, and 5 (5.4%) cysts with mixed sacral canal cyst. In 58 patients with nerve root cysts, the accuracy of preoperative clinical classification on MRI image reached 96.6% (56/58) through confirmation by operating microscope. Only 2 cases of large single cyst with nerve root on the head of cyst were mistaken for without nerve root type. In 29 patients with sacral cyst without nerve root, the accuracy of preoperative image reached 100% through confirmation by operating microscope. The accuracy of judging the internal nerve root and leakage of 12 cases with recurrent sacral cyst was also 100%. Two cases of delayed postoperative hydrops were found one month after operation. After rehabilitation treatment by moxibustion and bathing, the hydrops disappeared 4-6 months after operation. CONCLUSION Multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI can precisely make clinical classification of sacral meningeal cysts before operation, guide minimally invasive neurosurgery effectively, and improve the rehabilitation effect.
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Sacrum/surgery* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Cysts/rehabilitation* ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Spinal Nerve Roots/diagnostic imaging* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Neurosurgical Procedures/methods*

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.