OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion robot for improving the depressive state of methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with methamphetamine addiction accompanied with depressive state were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (20 cases, 2 cases dropped out). The control group received routine health education and addiction treatment in compulsory isolation drug rehabilitation center. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, in the observation group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion robot was used to locate sensitive points at the Shenque (CV8) and Danzhong (CV17), and dual-point sparrow-pecking moxibustion was delivered for 60 min per session. The moxibustion therapy was performed 4 times in the 1st week, 3 times in the 2nd and 3rd weeks respectively, and 2 times in the 4th week, for 12 times totally. The scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), self-rating depression scale (SDS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for drug craving, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were observed before treatment, at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment, and 4 weeks after the treatment completion (follow-up) in the two groups. RESULTS: At each time point after treatment, in the observation group, the HAMD, VAS, HAMA and PSQI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up, the SDS and SAS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01). Compared before treatment, there were no significant differences in the above scores at each time point after treatment in the control group (P>0.05). In the observation group, at each time point after treatment, the HAMD and VAS scores were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up, the SDS and HAMA scores were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment, the PSQI score was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Heat-sensitive moxibustion robot effectively improves depression, anxiety and sleep quality, and reduces drug craving in methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period.
Humans ; Moxibustion/methods* ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Methamphetamine/adverse effects* ; Depression/therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Robotics ; Young Adult ; Amphetamine-Related Disorders/psychology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/psychology*

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Daotan Xixin Decoction on APP/PS1 mice. Twelve APP/PS1 male mice were randomized into four groups: APP/PS1 and low-, medium-, and high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction. Three C57BL/6 wild-type mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory abilities of mice in each group were examined by the Morris water maze test. The pathological changes of hippocampal nerve cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of β-amyloid(Aβ)_(1-42) in the hippocampal tissue. The high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction group with significant therapeutic effects and the model group were selected for high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed gene(DEG) analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA) were performed on the sequencing results. RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of some DEGs. Compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, ameliorated the neuropathological damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, increased the number of neurons, and decreased the deposition of Aβ_(1-42) in the brain. A total of 1 240 DEGs were screened out, including 634 genes with up-regulated expression and 606 genes with down-regulated expression. The GO analysis predicted the biological processes including RNA splicing and protein folding, the cellular components including spliceosome complexes and nuclear spots, and the molecular functions including unfolded protein binding and heat shock protein binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of neurodegenerative disease pathways, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and splicing complexes. Further GSVA pathway enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated pathways involved nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) signaling pathway, UV response, and unfolded protein response, while the up-regulated pathways involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), NF-κB, and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Daotan Xixin Decoction can improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Male ; Alzheimer Disease/metabolism* ; Computational Biology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Presenilin-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Memory/drug effects* ; Maze Learning/drug effects* ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal

To determine the optimal cultivation duration and harvest period for cultivated Notopterygium incisum and promote its industrial development, this study established a characteristic chromatographic profile of cultivated N. incisum and employed chemometrics combined with entropy-weighted grey correlation analysis to assess differences in agronomic traits and quality indicators across different cultivation years and harvest periods. By comparing with reference substances, ten common peaks were identified, including chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, marmesinin, nodakenin, isochlorogenic acid B, notopterol, phenethyl ferulate, isoimperatorin, and falcarindiol. The similarity between the characteristic chromatographic profiles of N. incisum at different cultivation years and the reference profile was all above 0.932. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) revealed that the quality of 1-to 3-year-old cultivated N. incisum was highly dispersed and unstable, whereas the quality of 4-year-old cultivated N. incisum remained relatively stable across different harvest periods. This suggests that the accumulation of relevant compounds in the medicinal material had reached a plateau, confirming that the optimal cultivation period for N. incisum is four years. Entropy-weighted grey correlation analysis indicated that the quality of 4-year-old cultivated N. incisum across different harvest periods ranked from highest to lowest as follows: November, December, October, August, July, and September, demonstrating that November is the optimal harvest time. The findings of this study establish the suitable cultivation duration and optimal harvest period for N. incisum, providing a scientific basis for cultivation guidance and quality standardization.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Apiaceae/chemistry* ; Entropy ; Chemometrics/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Principal Component Analysis ; Quality Control

Arginine methylation is a critical post-translational modification that plays multifaceted biological functions. However, the manipulation of protein arginine methylation largely depends on genetic or pharmaceutic inhibition of the regulatory enzymes, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), or non-methylation substitution of corresponding arginine residue to lysine or alanine of protein of interest (POI), which inevitably affects other substrates, or disrupts the structure of POI. Thus, it urges an approach to specifically modulate the arginine methylation of a POI under physiological conditions. To this end, we report the discovery of a methylation tagging system (MeTAG), that enables targeted modification of protein arginine methylation. Through bridging the methyltransferase PRMT5 proximity to a POI, MeTAG facilitates the arginine methylation of POIs, including known arginine methylated proteins, androgen receptor (AR) and protein kinase B (AKT), as well as a neo-substrate E1A binding protein (p300), in a reversible and PRMT5-dependent manner. Moreover, MeTAG can regulate downstream signaling in a methylation dependent manner, leading to downregulation of PSMA mRNA level and activation of AKT. Therefore, MeTAG represents a feasible approach to modulate protein methylation and thereby perturbs protein function in biological and therapeutic contexts.

Digital technologies have become an integral part of complete denture restoration. With advancement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), tools such as intraoral scanning, facial scanning, 3D printing, and numerical control machining are reshaping the workflow of complete denture restoration. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on clinical experience and manual techniques, digital technologies offer greater precision, predictability, and efficacy. They also streamline the process by reducing the number of patient visits and improving overall comfort. Despite these improvements, the clinical application of digital complete denture restoration still faces challenges that require further standardization. The major issues include appropriate case selection, establishing consistent digital workflows, and evaluating long-term outcomes. To address these challenges and provide clinical guidance for practitioners, this expert consensus outlines the principles, advantages, and limitations of digital complete denture technology. The aim of this review was to offer practical recommendations on indications, clinical procedures and precautions, evaluation metrics, and outcome assessment to support digital restoration of complete denture in clinical practice.
Humans ; Denture, Complete ; Computer-Aided Design ; Denture Design/methods* ; Consensus ; Printing, Three-Dimensional

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in eukaryotes, with nearly 800 genes coding for these proteins. They are involved in many physiological processes, such as light perception, taste and smell, neurotransmitter, metabolism, endocrine and exocrine, cell growth and migration. Importantly, GPCRs and their ligands are the targets of approximately one third of all marketed drugs. GPCRs are traditionally known for their role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the cell's interior via the plasma membrane. However, emerging evidence suggests that GPCRs are also localized on mitochondria, where they play critical roles in modulating mitochondrial functions. These mitochondrial GPCRs (mGPCRs) can influence processes such as mitochondrial respiration, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By interacting with mitochondrial signaling pathways, mGPCRs contribute to the regulation of energy metabolism and cell survival. Their presence on mitochondria adds a new layer of complexity to the understanding of cellular signaling, highlighting the organelle's role as not just an energy powerhouse but also a crucial hub for signal transduction. This expanding understanding of mGPCR function on mitochondria opens new avenues for research, particularly in the context of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role. Abnormalities in the phase conductance pathway of GPCRs located on mitochondria are closely associated with the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we examined the various types of GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes and analyzed the complex relationships between mGPCRs and the pathogenesis of various diseases. We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the emerging significance of mGPCRs in health and disease, and to underscore their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these conditions.

Schistosomiasis was once hyper-endemic in Yunnan Province. Following concerted efforts for over 70 years, remarkable achievements have been made for schistosomiasis control in the province. In 2004, the Mid- and Long-term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in Yunnan Province was initiated in Yunnan Province, and the target for transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in the province in 2009. Following the subsequent implementation of the Outline for Key Projects in Integrated Schistosomiasis Control Program (2009—2015) and the 13th Five - year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control in Yunnan Province, no acute schistosomiasis had been identified in Yunnan Province for successive 12 years, and no local Schistosoma japonicum infections had been detected in humans, animals or Oncomelania hupensis snails for successive 6 years in the province by the end of 2020. The transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted in Yunnan Province in 2020. This review summarizes the history of schistosomiasis, changes in schistosomiasis prevalence and progress of schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province, and proposes the future priorities for schistosomiasis control in the province.

Objective:To investigate the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease among residents ≥30 years in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, and analyze the effect of physical activity level on the risk of morbidity of cerebrovascular disease.Methods:From 2004 to 2008, people from Pengzhou, Sichuan Province were randomly selected. All the local people aged 30-79 were asked to receive a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and long-term follow-up to determine the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease. The physical activity level and the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease were described, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association of domain-specific physical activity with the risk of morbidity of cerebrovascular disease.Results:In 55 126 participants, there were 5 290 new cases of cerebrovascular disease, with a cumulative incidence of 9.60%. After the adjustment for multiple confounding factors, multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that increased levels of occupational, transportation, and total physical activity reduced the risk of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). The highest group of occupational physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with a hazard ratio ( HR) value of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75-0.88), the highest group of transportation physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with an HR value of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), the highest group of total physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with an HR value of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.94), compared with the lowest group of corresponding physical activity. No association was found between the household/leisure-time physical activity level and the risk of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). Conclusions:In project areas of Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, increased physical activity has been associated with reduced morbidity of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). Increased levels of physical activity in adults are encouraged for health benefits.

Objective:To analyze the acute poison epidemic and provide evidence for developing prevention and control strategies for acute poisoning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on acute poisoning cases collected from 2016 to 2022 in a health emergency information platform for acute poisoning accidents. The cases were grouped according to the distribution of poisoning occurrence time, geographic distribution, demographic distribution, types of toxicants, poisoning causes, and outcomes. Data were organized and analyzed using Excel 2016 and R 4.2.3.Results:A total of 95 754 acute poisoning cases were included in this study. The primary toxicants were pesticides, drugs, and industrial/household chemicals, accounting for 30.4%, 22.4%, and 20.4% of the total cases, respectively. Acute poisoning occurred throughout the year, with the highest frequency from June to August, accounting for 31.9%. The seasonal distribution varied among different types of toxicants. Except for plant poisoning, which showed a bimodal distribution, the other poisonings showed an unimodal distribution. There was a strong seasonality in fungal poisoning, which peaked in July. There was an obvious seasonality in animal poisoning, with a peak in August. The proportion of biological poisonings in the southwest region was higher than in other regions, including plants, animals, and fungi. There were more females than males, and their education level was mainly junior high school and below (35.2%). The main occupation was farmers (34.2%), and the main causes of poisoning were accidents and suicides. The case fatality rate of all poisoning cases was 1.24%. Pesticide poisoning was the most common type, and chlorfenapyr (11.68%), Diquat (7.23%), and paraquat (7.05%) ranked as the top three toxicants.Conclusions:The occurrence of acute poisoning has an obvious seasonal trend, and the toxicant spectrum of different regions and populations is different. A comprehensive poisoning surveillance system can provide a better understanding of the occurrence of poisonings, and facilitate the formulation of more scientifically precise poisoning prevention and control strategies.