This study explores the diagnosis and treatment of needle knife therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at middle and advanced stage based on the theory of meridian tendons, from a holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation. The treatment strategy includes "harmonizing yin and yang" to address root causes and "tendons-based release" to harmonize qi and blood, with the "tendons nodule points" as the core acupoint selection criterion. Based on this approach, the study systematically elaborates on two needle knife methods for AS: "governor vessel bone-piercing technique" and "below-the-umbilicus release technique", covering indications, acupoint location, and procedures. Clinical case examples are provided to enrich needle knife therapy guided by the theory of meridian tendons, offering insights for clinical and research work on AS.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Meridians ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Tendons/physiopathology*

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of children with Chikungunya fever.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical data of 91 children with Chikungunya fever at the Department of Pediatrics, Foshan women and Children Hospital between July 2025 and August 2025. The patients were divided into four groups based on onset-age: 0-<1 year, 1-<3 years, 3-<6 years, and 6-14 years. One-way ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare the clinical features of children with Chikungunya fever at different ages.Results:Among the 91 children with chikungunya fever, 55 were male and 36 were female, with an onset age of 6 (2, 11) years, age groups comprised 0-<1 year (10 cases), 1-<3 years (13 cases), 3-<6 years (17 cases) and 6-14 years (51 cases). Fever occurred in 87 cases (96%), with 50 cases (57%) had high fever. Skin rash was observed in 89 cases (98%), and 60 cases (67%) had a generalized rash. Joint pain was reported in 57 cases (63%), among which 35 cases (61%) had pain in two or more locations, with the knee involved in 21 cases (37%), the ankle in 15 cases (26%), and the wrist in 6 cases (11%).The knee was the most commonly affected joint 21 cases (37%), followed by the ankle 15 cases (26%) and wrist 6 cases (10%). Joint ultrasound was performed in 31 cases (34%), all showed joint effusion, including 8 cases (26%) without complaints of joint pain. The incidence of high fever was significantly lower in the 3-<6 years and 6-14 years groups compared to the 0-<1 year group (both P<0.05). The 6-14 years group also had a lower incidence of high fever than the 1-<3 years group ( P<0.05). The 1-<3 years group had longer duration of fever than the 3-<6 years and 6-14 years groups (both P<0.05). The incidence of joint pain was higher in the 3-<6 years and 6-14 years groups compared to the 1-<3 years group (both P<0.05), and higher in the 6-14 years group than in the 3-<6 years group ( P=0.007). Among all 91 children, 22 cases (24%) had abnormal liver function, 49 cases (54%) showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 2 cases (2%) had elevated creatine kinase. The proportions of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and LDH were higher in the 0-<1 year and 1-<3 years groups compared to the 3-<6 years and 6-14 years groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The clinical characteristics of children with Chikungunya fever vary among children of different ages. Children in the 0-<3 years are more prone to high fever with longer duration and generalized maculopapular rash, while the children in the 6-14 years have have a higher proportion of joint pain, and joint ultrasound revealed effusion in all examined children. AST and LDH levels are elevated in the 0-<3 years groups.

BACKGROUND:Obesity negatively affects dynamic balance during walking,and crossing barriers is a more routine functional activity that requires more stability in controlling body posture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in dynamic stability between obese and average males,and to assess the balance ability of obese males using a relatively more challenging obstacle crossing. METHODS:A total of 24 male youths(12 each in the obese and normal groups)were recruited to complete the tests of walking on level ground and crossing obstacles of different heights(4 cm,11 cm,15 cm)in random order.Kinematic and dynamic data were collected using the Qualisys motion capture system and Kistler force stage.Statistical analysis was performed using two-factor(2 groups * 4 movement types)repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The obese group had a lower step speed than the normal group(P<0.05),the proportion of the first single support period decreased and the proportion of the second double support period increased when crossing the 11 cm versus 15 cm hurdles(P<0.05).When walking on level ground,the margin of stability in the internal and external directions in the normal group was greater than that of the obese group(P<0.05).When crossing the 4 cm hurdles,the margin of stability in the obese group was less than that in the normal group(P<0.05).When crossing the 11 cm hurdles,there was no significant difference between the two groups in the anterior-posterior direction(P>0.05),while there was a significant difference in the internal-external direction(P<0.05).When crossing the 15 cm hurdles,the margin of stability in the obese group was lower than that in the normal group(P<0.05).Overall,obesity decreases the body's ability to control the body,reduces dynamic stability during crossing the barrier,and increases the risk of falls compared with the general population.In addition,compared with level ground walking,the decrease in the dynamic stability when crossing barriers is more significant in the obese group than the general population.

Objective To evaluate the impact of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes on percutaneous microwave ablation(MWA)treatment in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRLM)and to construct a multidimensional prediction model prognostic based on TCM syndrome classification.Methods Clinical data were collected from 86 CRLM patients who underwent MWA at Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2012 and October 2023.The clinical information covered TCM syndrome types of qi-blood deficiency and spleen-kidney yang deficiency,tumor characteristics,and treatment parameters.Logistic regression was used to screen feature variables for constructing the prognostic predication model,and cross validation was performed to evaluate the prognostic predictive performance.Results(1)Among the 86 CRLM patients,31(36.05%)had spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome,while 55(63.95%)had qi-blood deficiency syndrome.(2)Compared to the patients with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome,patients with qi-blood deficiency syndrome exhibited significantly long progression-free survival(PFS)and high progression-free survival rate(P＜0.01),while no significant differences were presented in the incidences of postoperative adverse events such as pain,fever,infection,liver function impairment,or ascites/pleural effusion among the patients with the two syndrome types(P＞0.05).(3)Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TCM syndrome type,maximum diameter of metastatic liver tumor,timing of liver metastasis,and Ki-67 expression rate of primary tumors were the independent prognostic factors for 1-year PFS(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)The constructed model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for PFS,with an area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)of 0.905(95%CI:0.830-0.980).Conclusion TCM syndromes have significant influence on the prognosis of CRLM patients undergoing MWA,and the patients with qi-blood deficiency syndrome have favorable prognosis.This study pioneers a multidimensional prognostic prediction model integrating TCM syndromes for MWA-treated CRLM patients,highlighting the unique value of TCM syndromes in assessing disease progression and predicting prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of prenatal ultrasound in assessing fetal low-lying conus medullaris and prognostic factors.Methods:Prenatal ultrasound images and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively analyzed for 54 pregnant women with fetal conus medullaris position below the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level detected by prenatal ultrasound at Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children from May 2017 to January 2024. Based on postnatal follow-up results (clinical symptoms, imaging data, or surgical findings within 5-year old), they were divided into normal (42 cases) and abnormal (12 cases) groups. Basic clinical data were collected, including initial conus medullaris position at first diagnosis (conus medullaris at L3 level defined as 3, between L3 and L4 as 3.5, and so on; at first sacral vertebra as 6, second sacral vertebra as 7), and changes in conus medullaris position during prenatal ultrasound or MRI follow-up. Independent sample t-tests and Chi square tests were used to compare changes in conus medullaris position, tethered cord phenomenon, and presence of spinal masses between groups. Results:The initial conus medullaris position in the abnormal group was significantly lower than in the normal group (4.7±1.5 vs. 3.7±0.4, t=－3.75, P<0.001), and the proportion of rising to L3 or above in utero was lower than in the normal group [2/9 vs. 78.1% (25/32), χ2=9.76, P=0.002]. The abnormal group had higher proportions of tethered cord phenomenon [5/12 vs. 0.0% (0/42), χ2=19.29, P<0.001] and spinal masses [9/12 vs. 2.4% (1/42), χ2=32.62, P<0.001] compared to the normal group. Among the abnormal group children, eight underwent postoperative surgery (three with tethered cord and meningocele, four with tethered cord and lipoma, one with tethered cord, meningocele, and lipoma), with an overall good postoperative prognosis. Conclusion:Prenatal ultrasound enables dynamic monitoring of fetal conus position, while characteristic findings (tethered cord signs and spinal masses) help identify potential tethered cord syndrome, providing crucial evidence for comprehensive prenatal evaluation and early intervention.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules on type 2 diabetes mice,and explore the mechanisms of its treatment of type 2 diabetes based on network pharmacology.Methods TCMSP,ETCM databases were used to query all components and of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and their targets.OMIM and DrugBank databases were used to search for targets of type 2 diabetes.The targets of type 2 diabetes and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were intersected by Venny 2.1.0.to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on those intersecting targets using the Metascape website.Then,a mouse model of type 2 diabetes was established,and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were given to low,medium,and high dose groups(234,468,and 936 mg/kg,respectively),and metformin(MET)group(200 mg/kg)for 2 weeks.The weight of each mouse was measured before and after treatment,and fasting blood glucose was also measured.After the 2 weeks,fasting insulin was measured;ELISA was used to detect levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4,and NF-κB in serum;Hematoxylin eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of pancreatic islets;and Caspase 3 and INS immunofluorescence were used to detect apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells and the number of pancreatic beta cells.Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of pancreatic tissue proteins such as p-Akt,Akt,p-PI3K,PI3K,Bax,Bcl2.Results 1260 active ingredient targets were identified in Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules;1205 targets of type 2 diabetes were found.Of these,312 targets were intersected by Venny,with core targets involving Akt1,TNF,IL-6,TLR4,among others.Enrichment analysis identified 240 KEGG pathways,among which"insulin resistance""PI3K/Akt signaling pathway"were the key pathways enriched.The animal experiment result showed that compared with the model group,the intervention of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and metformin significantly improved blood glucose and insulin resistance;the content of inflammatory factors in serum decreased,and the apoptosis rate of pancreatic islet cells significantly decreased;the number of pancreatic beta cells significantly increased;the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax decreased,the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 significantly increased,and the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt was upregulated.Conclusions Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules can significantly reduce blood glucose levels,restore insulin sensitivity,and reduce islet cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetic mice.The mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Liraglutide in rats with diabetic kidney disease(DKD)by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)ferroptosis signaling pathway.Methods Twelve male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into normal control(NC)group,DKD group,and Liraglutide treatment(Lir)group,with 4 rats in each group.The 24 hUAlb,TC,TG,LDL-C,serum creatinine(Scr),BUN,ferrous ion(Fe2+),the activity of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected in each group.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE),periodic acid-Schiff(PAS),and periodic acid-silver methenamine-Masson(PASM-Masson)staining were used to observe the pathological changes of the kidneys.Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the localization and expression of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the renal tissue.The protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the NC group,the levels of 24 hUAlb,Scr,BUN,TC,TG,LDL-C,MDA,ROS,and Fe2+were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the expressions of GSH-Px,Nrf2,and GPX4 proteins were decreased in the DKD group(P＜0.01).Compared with the DKD group,the levels of 24 hUAlb,BUN,TC,TG,LDL-C,MDA,ROS,and Fe2+were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the expressions of GSH-Px,Nrf2,and GPX4 proteins were increased in the Lir group(P＜0.01).Conclusions Liraglutide may exert a protective effect in DKD by upregulating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis.

Objective·To construct truncations of CYLD,and to preliminarily analyze their effects on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.Methods·TCGA,GTEx,and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were used to analyze the differences in the expression levels of CYLD between gastric cancer tissues and normal tissues,and their relationship with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of CYLD in cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues.Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression levels of CYLD in gastric mucosal epithelial cells and gastric cancer cells.According to the sequence and structural characteristics of CYLD gene,primers were designed to construct its truncations.Their expression was detected and identified by agarose gel electrophoresis and Western blotting,and localization was observed by immunofluorescence.In the human gastric adenocarcinoma cells(AGS)with CYLD knockdown,blank NC was added to the control group,and the full-length CYLD,enzyme-inactivated mutant,and three truncated plasmids were added to the experimental group.The proliferation changes of cells in each group were detected by CCK-8 and plate cloning assays.Co-immunoprecipitation,deubiquitination,and Western blotting assays were performed to examine the binding ability of full-length CYLD,the enzyme-inactivated mutant,and the truncated variants to CAMK2A,the level of CAMK2A deubiquitination,and the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 proteins.Results·CYLD expression in normal gastric tissues and cells was significantly higher than in gastric cancer tissues and cells,and the prognosis of patients with high expression of CYLD was better.The truncations of human CYLD were successfully constructed,and full length CYLD,enzyme-inactivated mutant,and truncations were mainly localized in the cytoplasm.Knockdown of CYLD in gastric cancer cells significantly enhanced the proliferative ability of gastric cancer cells.Reconstitution of CYLD-knockdown cells with CYLD-WT,or truncated variants containing the CAP3 or USP domains significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.In addition,CYLD bound to CAMK2A mediated K63 deubiquitination modification,and inhibited CAMK2A-induced phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusion·The human CYLD truncation plasmids are successfully constructed,and the full length CYLD and its CAP3 and USP segments significantly inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules on type 2 diabetes mice,and explore the mechanisms of its treatment of type 2 diabetes based on network pharmacology.Methods TCMSP,ETCM databases were used to query all components and of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and their targets.OMIM and DrugBank databases were used to search for targets of type 2 diabetes.The targets of type 2 diabetes and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were intersected by Venny 2.1.0.to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on those intersecting targets using the Metascape website.Then,a mouse model of type 2 diabetes was established,and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were given to low,medium,and high dose groups(234,468,and 936 mg/kg,respectively),and metformin(MET)group(200 mg/kg)for 2 weeks.The weight of each mouse was measured before and after treatment,and fasting blood glucose was also measured.After the 2 weeks,fasting insulin was measured;ELISA was used to detect levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4,and NF-κB in serum;Hematoxylin eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of pancreatic islets;and Caspase 3 and INS immunofluorescence were used to detect apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells and the number of pancreatic beta cells.Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of pancreatic tissue proteins such as p-Akt,Akt,p-PI3K,PI3K,Bax,Bcl2.Results 1260 active ingredient targets were identified in Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules;1205 targets of type 2 diabetes were found.Of these,312 targets were intersected by Venny,with core targets involving Akt1,TNF,IL-6,TLR4,among others.Enrichment analysis identified 240 KEGG pathways,among which"insulin resistance""PI3K/Akt signaling pathway"were the key pathways enriched.The animal experiment result showed that compared with the model group,the intervention of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and metformin significantly improved blood glucose and insulin resistance;the content of inflammatory factors in serum decreased,and the apoptosis rate of pancreatic islet cells significantly decreased;the number of pancreatic beta cells significantly increased;the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax decreased,the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 significantly increased,and the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt was upregulated.Conclusions Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules can significantly reduce blood glucose levels,restore insulin sensitivity,and reduce islet cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetic mice.The mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.