Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction combined with meridian acupoint massage in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH)patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome,and to analyze its effects on serological indicators.Methods A total of 120 LDH patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome admitted to Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled.The patients were randomly divided into control group and study group using a random number table,with 60 cases in each group.The control group received conventional treatment(including lumbar traction and drug therapy)combined with meridian acupoint massage,while the study group received additional Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction based on the treatment for the control group.Before and after treatment,the scores of traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores for pain,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores for lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores,and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin 6(IL-6)in the two groups were compared.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated between groups.Results(1)After 20 days of treatment,the total effective rate was 95.00%(57/60)in the study group versus 81.67%(49/60)in the control group(tested by chi-square test,P＜0.05),demonstrating significantly superior therapeutic effects in the study group.(2)After treatment,both groups showed significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores(P＜0.01),and the study group exhibited markedly decrease compared to the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the VAS scores for pain in both groups were significantly decreased compared to those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the study group exhibited obvious decrease of the scores than the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,JOA scores for lumbar function in both groups were increased(P＜0.05),while Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were decreased(P＜0.05),compared to those before treatment,and the study group demonstrated more significant improvements in both JOA score elevation and ODI score reduction(P＜0.05).(5)For serum inflammatory factors,interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels in both groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.05)after treatment,and the study group showed more pronounced decrease in both markers(P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared with meridian acupoint massage alone,the combined therapy of Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction and meridian acupoint massage is effective on significantly alleviating clinical symptoms,reducing serum inflammatory factors,and enhancing overall therapeutic outcomes in LDH patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome.

Objective To investigate the relationship between biological aging and the rate of cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly populations.Methods Longitudinal tracking data of cognitive function were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS).We employed the Klemera and Doubal method(KDM)to estimate biological age(BA),and calculate the biological aging index(BAI)and biological aging type(BAT).A multivariate linear regression model was employed to analyze the relationships between baseline BAI,BAT,and cognitive function scores.Based on the baseline analysis,a mixed-effects model was used to examine the longitudinal associations between baseline BAI,BAT,and cognitive function during follow-up.Results A total of 5 897 participants were included in the study.BAI was found to be negatively associated with baseline cognitive function scores,with the partial regression coefficient(β)(95％CI)being-0.185(—0.231,—0.139)(P＜0.001).Compared with the lagged aging group,the premature aging group had lower cognitive function scores(β[95％CI]:—0.741[—0.966,—0.516]).For age and sex,for each additional year of baseline BAI,cognitive function scores declined by an average of 0.012(95％CI:—0.019,—0.005)points per year after adjusting for age and sex,and declined by 0.011(95％CI:—0.018,—0.004)points per year after adjusting for other covariates.Compared with participants with lagged aging,those with premature aging experienced,on average,an additional decline of 0.042(95％CI:—0.075,0.009)points per year in cognitive function scores after adjusting for age and sex alone,and by 0.039(95％CI:—0.072,—0.007)points per year after adjusting for other covariates.Conclusion Biological aging affects the rate of cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly populations.A higher BAI is associated with a faster decline in cognitive function.Compared with those with lagged aging,individuals with premature aging exhibit a more rapid rate of cognitive decline.

Objective To analyze and preliminarily verify key genes and pathways in the transcriptome of peripheral blood of lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastasis bone pain(MBP),and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Nine lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastasis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2020 to May 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,including 4 patients with typical MBP clinical manifestations and visual analogue scale(VAS)≥4(MBP group)and 5 patients without suffering any pain(control group).Peripheral blood mRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by functional pathways analysis and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.The most significant modules and hub genes were confirmed and visualized using Cytoscape software.The target miRNAs regulating these hub genes were predicted using Targetscan database,and long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)interacting with these miRNAs were also predicted using lncBase database.The relationships among lncRNA,miRNA and mRNA were visualized to construct a competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network through Cytoscape software,and the nodes of this network were verified using quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 1466 DEGs were identified,including 666 up-regulated genes and 800 down-regulated genes.Chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3),pro-opiomelanocortin(POMC),neuromedin U receptor 1(NMUR1),chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)and endocannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1)were identified as hub genes.The most significant enriched processes and pathways of DEGs included osteoclast differentiation,NOD like receptor signal transduction pathway,type Ⅰinterferon signal pathway,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signal pathway,apoptosis/autophagy pathway,chemokine signal pathway,interleukin(IL)-1β pathway.Two ceRNA networks were identified:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.qPCR results showed that the expression levels of CCL2,CXCR3,MALAT1,NEAT1 and hsa-miR-325 were higher in MBP group than these in control group(P<0.05).Conclusions CXCR3,POMC,NMUR1,CCL2 and CNR1 may serve as key genes in the occurrence of MBP and could be important regulatory targets for MBP.The development of MBP in lung adenocarcinoma may be associated with the dysregulation of the networks:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.

Objective This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of Fujiu Patch(composed of Sinapis Semen,Kansui Radix,Corydalis Rhizoma and Asari Radix et Rhizoma)on the CD4+ T helper 17 cell(Th17)/CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell(Treg)balance in asthmatic rats via the signal pathway of IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)as well as IL-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5(STAT5),and to reveal its anti-asthma mechanisms.Methods An experimental asthma model was constructed by ovalbumin(OVA)combined with aluminum hydroxide sensitization and challenge,and then the rats were administered with Fujiu Patch at Dazhui(DU14),Feishu(BL13)and Shenshu(BL23)points for 4 hours each time,once every other day for 7 times.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of Th17 specific cytokine(IL-17)and Treg transcription factor(Foxp3)in rat lung tissue.The percentage of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood was examined by flow cytometry analysis,and the expressions of IL-6/STAT3 and IL-2/STAT5 pathway-related proteins in lung tissue were assayed with Western Blot.Results Compared to the model group,IL-17 positive expression in the rat lung showed a significant reduction in the Fujiu Patch group(P＜0.01),while the positive expression of Foxp3 was obviously increased(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of IL-6 and phospho-STAT3 were were significantly declined(P＜0.01),and the protein expression levels of IL-2 and phospho-STAT5 were were significantly elevated(P＜0.01).However,there was no significant alteration in the total protein expressions of STAT3 and STAT5(P＞0.05).Furthermore,the proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood of rats in the Fujiu Patch group was lower than that in the model group,while the proportion of Treg cells was higher than that in the model group.Statistically-significant differences were observed(all P＜0.01).Conclusion These findings indicate that Th17/Treg immune imbalance occurs in asthmatic rat.Fujiu Patch may exert anti-asthma effects via inhibiting the expression of IL-6,downregulating the expression of phospho-STAT3,diminishing the level of IL-17-producing Th17 cells,as well as increasing the expressions of IL-2-mediated STAT5 phosphorylation,raising the level of Foxp3-expressing Treg cells,promoting Th17/Treg balance and suppressing immune responses in rat with asthma.

Pathological vascular remodeling is a hallmark of various vascular diseases. Previous research has established the significance of andrographolide in maintaining gastric vascular homeostasis and its pivotal role in modulating endothelial barrier dysfunction, which leads to pathological vascular remodeling. Potassium dehydroandrographolide succinate (PDA), a derivative of andrographolide, has been clinically utilized in the treatment of inflammatory diseases precipitated by viral infections. This study investigates the potential of PDA in regulating pathological vascular remodeling. The effect of PDA on vascular remodeling was assessed through the complete ligation of the carotid artery in C57BL/6 mice. Experimental approaches, including rat aortic primary smooth muscle cell culture, flow cytometry, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, Boyden chamber cell migration assay, spheroid sprouting assay, and Matrigel-based tube formation assay, were employed to evaluate the influence of PDA on the proliferation and motility of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Molecular docking simulations and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to examine protein interactions. The results revealed that PDA exacerbates vascular injury-induced pathological remodeling, as evidenced by enhanced neointima formation. PDA treatment significantly increased the proliferation and migration of SMCs. Further mechanistic studies disclosed that PDA upregulated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression in SMCs and interacted with T-cadherin (CDH13). This interaction augmented proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition, culminating in pathological vascular remodeling. Our findings underscore the critical role of PDA in the regulation of pathological vascular remodeling, mediated through the MyD88/CDH13 signaling pathway.
Mice ; Rats ; Animals ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; Vascular Remodeling ; Cell Proliferation ; Vascular System Injuries/pathology* ; Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Cell Movement ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Signal Transduction ; Succinates/pharmacology* ; Potassium/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Diterpenes ; Cadherins

OBJECTIVE To investigate the application of endoscopic Draf Ⅱ-Ⅲ frontal sinus surgery in the treatment of recurrent frontal sinus infection and fistula formation after craniocerebral trauma.METHODS There were 8 cases of recurrent frontal sinus infection after craniocerebral trauma,the main manifestations were headache,recurrent frontal infection,discharge of pus,fistula formation.The average onset time was 43.25 months.The patients underwent DRAF Ⅱ-Ⅲ frontal sinus surgery under nasal endoscopy,including Draf Ⅱa 2,Draf Ⅱb 5,and Draf Ⅲ1,respectively.During the operation,the frontal sinus ostium was expanded.It was found that bone wax blocked the frontal sinus ostium in the frontal sinus.The bone wax was removed,and the frontal sinus drainage was smooth.No facial incision was made in all patients.RESULTS There were 8 patients with frontal infection who were cured after surgery.No cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or intracranial infection occurred during or after operation.After discharge,the outpatient follow-up review was conducted in 1,3,6,and 12 months.It was found that the frontal sinus remained unobstructed.The frontal sinus did not become infected again,and the fistula gradually healed.CONCLUSION Draf Ⅱ-Ⅲ frontal sinus surgery under nasal endoscopy is an effective way to treat recurrent frontal sinus infection and fistula formation after craniocerebral trauma.

In the progression of end-stage liver disease,the incidence of sleep disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis is high.Currently,western medicine treatment has obvious liver and kidney damage and adverse reactions after discontinuation,which affects the therapeutic effect.Cirrhosis and sleep disorders can be separately attributed to the category of"abdominal mass"and"insomnia"in traditional Chinese medicine.The"abdominal mass"is caused by the disorder of liver and spleen qi movement,as well as the obstruction of phlegm-dampness and blood stasis.In the development of"abdominal mass",the liver failed in ensuring free movement of qi,the spleen failed in transportation and transformation,liver yin and liver blood became insufficiency and the imbalance of yin and yang in the zang-fu organs became imbalanced,and then the ethereal soul depart from the housing,which leads to"insomnia"as an outward manifestation.Professor ZHOU Xiao-Zhou focuses on the concept of qi and blood,and points out that the pathogenesis of sleep disorder in cirrhosis is characterized by liver stagnation and spleen deficiency.He proposed that the treatment principle is to regulate the liver and spleen simultaneously,as well as to nourish the heart and calm the mind.Professor ZHOU has developed Ganyinghua Anshen Formula for treating sleep disorders in cirrhosis,which is derived from the modification of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction,and is composed of 14 Chinese medicines of vinegar-prepared Cyperi Rhizoma,Amomi Fructus,Coicis Semen,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,bran-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum,Gardeniae Fructus,Codonopsis Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Sclerotium Poriae Pararadicis,Longan Arillus,Albiziae Cortex,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle.The formula has achieved remarkable clinical effect.The clinical experience of Professor ZHOU Xiao-Zhou for treating sleep disorders in cirrhosis through regulating the liver and spleen simultaneously will provide a reference for its clinical treatment with traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To conduct a survey of the current status of education service offered to professional master's students in clinical medicine in a grade-A tertiary hospital in Chongqing, China based on the SERVQUAL model, and to discuss the problems with education service as well as measures for improvement.Methods:Based on the SERVQUAL model, a questionnaire consisting of 30 items in 5 dimensions was designed. Each item was rated for an expected score and a perceived score. Medical professional master's students in a Chongqing grade-A tertiary hospital in the first half year of 2022 were surveyed for the expected and perceived quality of education service to calculate service quality (SQ). SPSS 26.0 was used for reliability and validity analyses and descriptive statistical analyses. The results were analyzed using a two-dimensional quadrant graph.Results:A total of 263 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective response rate of 97.77%. For both the expectation scale and the perception scale, the Cronbach's α values were >0.8, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin values were >0.7, indicating good reliability and validity. The mean expected value of education service quality was 4.28, the mean perceived value was 3.96, and the mean gap value was -0.32. The SQ scores for all the items were negative, except for "provide neat suits for work". The two-dimensional quadrant analysis showed that 6 items were located in quadrant III (low-expectation and low-perception area), and 7 items were located in quadrant IV (high-expectation and low-perception area).Conclusions:The evaluation scale based on the SERVQUAL model can effectively reflect problems in postgraduate education for medical master's students, helping develop strategies to improve the quality of education service.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the correlation between chronic non-occupational arsenic exposure and hypertension.Methods:A literature search was conducted through Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP) Database and China Biomedical Literature Database to comprehensively collect epidemiological literature related to chronic non-occupational arsenic exposure and hypertension published domestically and internationally for inclusion in the study, with a time limit from database establishment to January 1, 2023. Meta-analysis of dichotomous variables was conducted using Stata MP15 software, with odds ratio ( OR) value [95%confidence interval( CI)] as the effect evaluation indicator. A random-effects model or a fixed-effects model was selected for comprehensive quantitative analysis according to the heterogeneity results; the sources of heterogeneity were identified through subgroup analysis; a funnel plot was used for qualitative analysis of publication bias and the results were further assessed by Egger test. Stata 15.0 software was then used to analyze the dose-response relationship between chronic non-occupational arsenic exposure and hypertension using restricted cubic spline function and generalized least squares estimation (GLST) method. Results:Twenty-nine articles ( n = 127 258) were finally included, including 24 English articles and 5 Chinese articles. Through Meta-analysis, the combined OR value (95% CI) for hypertension was 1.07 (1.04 - 1.09), with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). The combined OR values (95% CI) for urinary arsenic, drinking water arsenic, and hair arsenic in subgroup analysis were 1.10 (1.04 - 1.17), 1.13 (1.07 - 1.20), and 2.55 (1.55 - 4.20), respectively. The combined OR values (95% CI) for cross-sectional studies, case-control studies and cohort studies were 1.11 (1.06 - 1.16), 1.13 (1.04 - 1.23) and 1.04 (1.00 - 1.07), respectively. For every unit (μg/L) increase in arsenic exposure in drinking water, the risk of hypertension increased by 0.13% [ OR value (95% CI): 1.001 269 (1.000 104 - 1.002 434), P < 0.05]. Conclusions:There is a correlation between chronic non-occupational arsenic exposure and adult hypertension, with urinary arsenic, drinking water arsenic and hair arsenic as possible exposure markers. There is a non-linear dose-response relationship between chronic non-occupational arsenic exposure and adult hypertension.