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Background Uncontrolled proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this work, we defined the precise part of circ_0068481 in PASMC proliferation and migration induced by hypoxia. We hypothesized that circ_0068481 enhanced hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration through the microRNA (miR)-361-3p/Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) pathway. Methods Human PASMCs (hPASMCs) were exposed to hypoxic (3% O2) conditions. Circ_0068481, miR-361-3p, and KLF5 levels were gauged by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected by XTT, EdU incorporation, transwell, and wound-healing assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to confirm the direct relationship between miR-361-3p and circ_0068481 or KLF5. Results Circ_0068481 expression was increased in the serum of PAH patients and hypoxia-induced hPASMCs. Downregulation of circ_0068481 attenuated hypoxia-induced promotion in hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. Circ_0068481 directly targeted miR-361-3p, and miR-361-3p downregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of circ_0068481 silencing on hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. KLF5 was a direct miR-361-3p target, and miR-361-3p upregulation mitigated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting KLF5 expression. Moreover, circ_0068481-induced KLF5 expression by binding to miR-361-3p in hypoxic hPASMCs. Conclusions Circ_0068481 knockdown ameliorated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration at least in part through the miR-361-3p/KLF5 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To unify different definitions of smash Hom-products in a Hom-bialgebra H , we firstly introduce the notion of 𝜃 -twisted smash Hom-product B # 𝜃 H. Secondly, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for the twisted smash Hom-product B # 𝜃 H and the twisted smash Hom-coproduct B × ω H to afford a Hom-bialgebra, which generalize the well-known Radford's biproduct and the Hom-biproduct obtained in [H. Li and T. Ma, A construction of the Hom-Yetter–Drinfeld category, Colloq. Math.137 (2014) 43–65]. Furthermore, we introduce the notion of the category of ϖ -Yetter-Drinfeld modules which unifies the ones of Hom-Yetter Drinfeld category appeared in [H. Li and T. Ma, A construction of the Hom-Yetter–Drinfeld category, Colloq. Math.137 (2014) 43–65] and [A. Makhlouf and F. Panaite, Twisting operators, twisted tensor products and smash products for Hom-associative algebras, J. Math. Glasgow 513–538 (2016) 58]. Finally, we prove that the (𝜃 , ω) -twisted Radford's Hom-biproduct B × ω # 𝜃 H is a Hom-bialgebra if and only if (B , α B) is a Hom-bialgebra in the category of 𝜃 − 1 ω − 1 α H 2 -Yetter–Drinfeld modules H H ℋ 𝒴 𝒟 𝜃 − 1 ω − 1 α H − 2 , generalizing the well-known Majid's conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the category of -Yetter-Drinfeld modules () over a Hom-Hopf algebra. We first prove that every category of -Yetter-Drinfeld modules over a Hom-Hopf algebra with a bijective antipode is a braided tensor category and that every -Yetter-Drinfeld module can provide the solution of the Hom-Yang-Baxter equation. Secondly, we find sufficient and necessary conditions for to be symmetric and pseudosymmetric, respectively. Finally, we construct examples of -Yetter-Drinfeld modules by a quasitriangular Hom-Hopf algebra and study their relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of a group C-ring is introduced. Furthermore, the relationships of weak group entwining structures, invertible weak group entwining structures and group C-rings are investigated, which generalize the recent work of Brzezinski [5] and Brzezinski and Turner [11]. As applications, we finally construct two kinds of examples of weak entwining structures by weak group algebra Galois coextensions and weak Hopf group algebras, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulcer colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific, and noninfectious inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been found to be closely associated with clinical inflammatory diseases. Achieving complete remission in patients with intermittent periods of activity followed by dormancy is challenging. Moreover, no study has explored the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC., Aim: To explore the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC., Methods: This prospective clinical study included patients who met the exclusion criteria in 2020 and 2021. The patients with UC were divided into two groups (control and experimental). The peripheral blood of the experimental and control groups were collected under aseptic conditions. The expression of TLR4 protein, NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-17 was detected in the peripheral blood of patients in the experimental group and control group before and 1 month after taking the drug. Linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the expression level of TLR4 protein and the expression levels of downstream signal NF-κB and inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: There were no significant differences in the patient characteristics between the control and experimental groups. The results showed that the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). The TLR4 protein expression in the experimental group was positively correlated with the expression level of downstream signal NF-κB and was positively correlated with the levels of downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-17 ( r = 0.823, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enema attenuates the inflammatory response of UC through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: Dr. Li has nothing to disclose., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To observe the effect of heat-reinforcing needling (HRN) on inflammatory factors and necrotizing apoptosis of synovial cells in synovial tissues of knee joint in rabbits with cold syndrome rheumatoid arthritis (RA), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in treating RA., Methods: By using the random number table method, 40 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal, model, antagonist(AG), twist-reinforceing needling (TRN) and HRN groups, with 8 rabbits in each group. The model of cold syndrome RA was established by ovalbumin induction combined with Freund's complete adjuvant injection and cryogenic freezing method. In the AG group, the antagonist TAK-632 (25 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically, once every 2 days, for a total of 7 times. Rabbits of TRN and HRN groups were treated with corresponding acupuncture techniques on bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. After intervention, the changes of knee skin temperature and circumference were measured. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to observe the joint cavity effusion, synovial thickness and internal blood flow signal. The histomorphological changes of synovial tissues were observed after HE staining. ELISA was used to detect the contents of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure, necrosis and apoptosis of synovial cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of receptor-interacting protein kinase1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), and phosphorylation （p）-MLKL in synovial tissues., Results: Compared with the normal group, the synovial was diffusely hyperplasia, joint cavity effusion and abnormal blood flow signal were obvious, inflammatory cells were clustered, arranged closely and disordered in the model group. The findings of transmission electron microscopy showed disruption of cell membrane integrity, swollen or ruptured mitochondria, obviously ruptured nucleus, condensed and pyknotic chromatin and nucleolus in the model group. Also, the skin temperature of the knee joint was significantly decreased ( P <0.01), while the circumference of the knee joint, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum, the protein expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, p-MLKL and MLKL in synovial tissues were significantly increased ( P <0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, synovial tissue hyperplasia, joint cavity effusion, abnormal blood flow signals, synovial cell proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, disruption of cell membrane integrity, cell swelling, cell rupture, and nuclear pyknosis were reduced to different degrees in the AG, TRN and HRN groups. Additionally, the skin temperature of the knee joint was increased ( P <0.01, P <0.05), while the circumference of the knee joint, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum, the expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, p-MLKL and MLKL in synovial tissues were decreased ( P <0.01, P <0.05) in the AG, TRN and HRN groups. The effects of HRN and AG were notably superior to that of TRN in up-regulating skin temperature of the knee joint, and down-regulating the circumference of the knee joint, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum, the expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, p-MLKL and MLKL in synovial tissues ( P <0.01, P <0.05)., Conclusion: HRN can reduce synovial inflammation of knee joint in rabbits with cold syndrome RA, which may be related to its function in inhibiting the necrotizing apoptosis of synovial cells.

Objective: To observe the effect of heat-reinforcing needling on the expression of serum inflammatory factors and autophagy of knee synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rabbits with cold syndrome, so as to explore its mechanism of anti-inflammatory in the treatment of RA., Methods: Fifty rabbits were randomly divided into normal, model, heat-reinforcing needling, inhibitor and agonist groups ( n =10 rabbits in each group). The model of RA with cold syndrome was established by Freund's adjuvant and ovalbumin mixed solution injection combined with freezing and wind-cold dampness method. Heat-reinforcing needling was applied at "Zusanli" (ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. Rabbits of the inhibitor and agonist groups were given intraperitoneally injected with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or autophagy agonist rapamycin, once every 2 days for 7 days. The knee circumference and skin temperature of the rabbits in each group were measured. Color doppler ultrasonography was applied to examine the synovial membrane, joint effusion and blood flow signals in the knee joints of the rabbits in each group. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and C-creactive protein (CRP) were detected by ELISA. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosomes of synovial cells. The protein expressions of autophagy-related protein Atg5, serine/threonine protein kinase-dysregulated 51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), and Beclin-1 were detected by Western blot. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)., Results: Compared with the normal group, the circumference of the knee joint was increased ( P <0.01), the skin temperature was decreased ( P <0.01), the knee joint synovium was thickened and the blood flow signal was abundant, the contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and CRP were increased ( P <0.01), the protein expressions of Atg5, ULK1, Beclin-1 and LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠof synovial tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.01), the mRNA expressions of NLRP3 and NF-κB were increased ( P <0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model and inhibitor groups, the circumference of the knee joint was decreased ( P <0.01), whlie the skin temperature was increased ( P <0.01), the synovial membrane became thinner and the blood flow signal was wea-kened, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and CRP were decreased ( P <0.01), the protein expressions of Atg5, ULK1, Beclin-1 and LC3B Ⅱ/LC3B Ⅰ were increased ( P <0.01), and the mRNA expressions of NLRP3 and NF-κB were decreased ( P <0.01) in the heat-reinforcing needling and agonist groups., Conclusion: Heat-reinforcing needling can alleviate the inflammatory response of the knee joint synovium in RA rabbits with cold syndrome, which may be related to its function in enhancing the autophagy activity of synovial cells and inhibiting the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and CRP.

Objective: To observe influences of heat-reinforcing needling (HRN) on scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms and expression of plasma ATP synthase subunit O ( Atp 5 O ) mRNA and lysosomal V 1 subunit B 2 ( Atp 6 V 1 B 2 ) mRNA in patients with wind-cold-damp retention type rheumatoid arthritis (RA), so as to investigate its biological mechanisms in "heat production"., Methods: Sixty wind-cold-damp retention type RA patients were randomly allocated to HRN group ( n =30) and control group ( n =30). Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), and local acupoints near the knee-joint were selected for needling stimulation. Patients of the HRN group were treated by manipulating the acupuncture needle with HRN, and those of the control group treated by manipulating the needle with uniform reinforcing-reducing method. The treatments were performed once daily, 5 days a week, and two weeks altogether. The other 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the normal control group. The TCM symptom scoring system (0-31 points, 11 items as the severities of pain, swelling and tenderness of the knee-joint) was used to evaluate the status of RA, and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of plasma Atp 5 O mRNA and Atp 6 V 1 B 2 mRNA following removal of red blood cells., Results: After the treatment, the TCM scores of both the HRN and control groups were significantly decreased ( P <0.05), and that of the HRN group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P <0.05). Before the treatment, the expression levels of plasma Atp 5 O mRNA and Atp 6 V 1 B 2 mRNA in RA patients were significantly lower than those of the normal group ( P <0.05), and after the treatment, the expression levels of plasma Atp 5 O mRNA and Atp 6 V 1 B 2 mRNA were significantly increased in both HRN and control groups compared to pre-treatment in the same one group ( P <0.05), and the up-regulated Atp 5 O mRNA and Atp 6 V 1 B 2 mRNA levels were remarkably higher in the control group than in the HRN group ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: Both heat-producing needling and uniform reinforcing-reducing needling can improve RA patients' clinical symptoms, which may be associated with their actions in up-regulating expressions of plasma Atp 5 O mRNA and Atp 6 V 1 B 2 mRNA.

Objective: To observe the differences in the efficacy on xerophthalmia treated with the needling technique for warming-promotion at Fengchi (GB 20) as the main acupoint in comparison with the conventional needling technique., Methods: Thirty cases were randomly divided into a warming-promotion needling group (n = 15) and a routine needling group (n = 15). In warming-promotion needling group, the needling technique for warming-promotion was applied to Fengchi (GB 20). Additionally, the local and distal acupoints [such as the point beneath Cuanzu (BL 2), Neiguan (PC 6), Guangming (GB 37), Taichong (LR 3), Fulio (KI 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)], as well as the scalp acupuncture (bilateral supraoccipital lateral line and supraoccipital midline) were selected and stimulated with even-needling technique by rotating the needle. In routine needling group, the acupoints were same as warming-promotion needling group and were stimulated with even-needling technique by rotating the needle. After 2 sessions of treatment, the efficacy, tear secretion volume and the total score of symptoms were compared between two groups., Results: The total effective rate was 86.7% (13/15) in warming-promotion needling group, which was superior to 66.7% (10/15) in routine needling group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the tear secretion volume and the total score of symptoms were all apparently improved in two groups (all P < 0.05), in which, the improvement in warming-promotion needling group was much obvious (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of warming-promotion needling technique is apparently superior to that of conventional one.

The innovated needling methods of "warm reinforcing technique" and "cold reducing technique" by professor ZHENG Kui-shan was analyzed. The discussion on these methods was done in comparison with the techniques of "setting the mountain on fire" and "penetrating the heaven coolness". The innovations and the clinical application advantages were explored. ZHENG's "warm reinforcing technique" and "cold reducing technique" were based on the techniques of setting the mountain on fire" and "penetrating the heaven coolness". These techniques were the complex of the simple techniques of reinforcing and reducing, such as rotating, lifting and thrusting, assistant reinforcing and reducing, as well as reinforcing and reducing by keeping the acupoint open or not. Of those different techniques, reinforcing and reducing by rotating needling and the assistant method are recommended by prof. ZHENG and they are the characteristics of ZHENG's needling technique. Compared with the techniques of "setting the mountain on fire" and "penetrating the heaven coolness", "warm reinforcing technique" and "cold reducing technique" are simple in operation and widely applied in clinical practice. Moreover, these techniques have the same efficacy as the techniques of "setting the mountain on fire" and "penetrating the heaven coolness".

Combined with ancient literature, the authors put forward three roles of Chuaixue in acupuncture manipulation. First, it can ascertain the location of the acupoints, divert the patient's attention and alleviate the sufferings of patient. The second one, it can consolidate ying, wei, qi and blood system. Third, it can discriminate the variations of qi activity and control the trend of needling sensation. To take these advantages of Chuaixue, the doctors must regulate himself vitality firstly. Therefore, we should pay more attention to not only the manipulation of the right hand but also the roles of Chuaixue operated by the left hand, and cooperate perfectly with both hands so as to improve the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.

Through study of Internal Classic and Yijing (The Book of Changes) combined with clinical experiences, the author analyzes characteristics of indications treated by eight methods in Jinzhen Fu ,manipulations as well as clinical applications of infusing and retaining qi, and believes that indications treated by eight methods includ coldness, heat, deficiency, excess and illness of qi, blood, body liquid(viscera), as well as meridians, collaterals, blood vessels. And eight methods have respective speciality according to their corresponding indications. The manipulations of eight methods, expecially infusing and retaining qi, are complete. Therefore, only tracing to the source in understanding and recognition of manipulations and keeping with the indications could show the original meaning of Jinzhen Fu, and then got perfect clinical therapeutic effect of eliminating diseases as soon as exertion of the needle.

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of heat-reinforcing needling manipulation for acute inflammatory arthritis and its underlying mechanism in experimental rheumatoid arthritis rabbits., Methods: A total of 60 rabbits were randomized into control (n=6), model (n=6), needle-twirling (n=24) and heat-reinforcing (n=24) groups, and the later 2 groups were further divided into 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h subgroups,with 6 cases in each. Rheumatoid arthritis model was established by injecting mixed solution of egg-albumin (4 mg/ml) and equal volume of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the subcutaneous tissue (6 points around the shoulder, 0.2 ml/point). Fourteen days later,the injection was repeated once again,and another 6 days later, egg-albumin (0.4 ml, 20 mg/ml) solution was injected into the bilateral knee-joints. "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Hegu" (LI 4) were punctured and stimulated by needle-twirling or by heat-reinforcing needling technique for 1 min, with the needle retained for 30 min. The pain threshold of the paw was detected with K+ import stimulation method. beta-EP and PGE2 contents of the joint tissue were assayed with radioimmunoassay., Results: Compared with model group, the pain threshold of needle-twirling group and heat-reinforcing group at each time-point increased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with needle-twirling group, the pain threshold of heat-reinforcing group at 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h subgroups increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both beta-EP and PGE2 contents of model group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). In comparison with model group, beta-EP contents of needle-twirling group and heat-reinforcing group at each time-point increased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05), and PGE2 contents of needle-twirling group and heat-reinforcing group at each time-point decreased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05). The beta-EP content of heat-reinforcing group was significantly higher than that of needle-twirling group at 2 h (P<0.05), while PGE2 content of the former group was significantly lower than that of needle-twirling group at 0 h (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Both needle-twirling and heat-reinforcing needling can effectively raise the pain threshold in acute arthritis rabbits, which my be closely associated with their effects in upregulating beta-EP content and lowering PGE2 level in the local joint tissue. The analgesic effect of heat-reinforcing needling manipulation is superior to that of needle-twirling.

Through repeated study on the "through joint crossing meridians needling method" in Zhenjiu Dacheng and clinical practice, it is held that it seems hard to induce qi moving along the meridian through joint to the affected region according to the statement of "through joint crossing meridians needling method" in Zhenjiu Dacheng. If "through joint crossing meridians needling method", "activating qi method" and "qi-lifting method" are combined, the possibility of qi constantly flowing centrality through joint from the remote acupoint at four limbs to the affected region will be distinctly elevated. Clinically, the authors used the "through joint crossing meridian" needling method, attaining qi reaching to the affected region, and acupuncture at only one point can achieve a better therapeutic effect.

Objective: To compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) as main with warming-removing obstruction needling method and routine acupuncture on sudden tinnitus and deafness., Methods: Sixty-two cases were randomly divided into a warming-removing obstruction needling method group (n=32) and a routine acupuncture group (n=30). The warming-removing obstruction needling method group were treated with acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) as main point with warming-removing obstruction needling method, in combination with local, distant points of ear with twirling uniform reinforcing-reducing method used; and the routine acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at local and distant points of ear with twirling uniform reinforcing-reducing method adopted. After treatment for 3 courses, their therapeutic effects were compared and followed-up., Results: The cured-markedly effective rate, the effective rate and the recurrence rate were 90.6%, 96.9% and 3.4% in the war ming-removing obstruction needling method group, and 60.0%, 80.0% and 22.2% in the routine acupuncture group, with a very significant difference in the cured-markedly effective rate (P<0.01) and with a significant difference in the effective rate and the recurrence rate (P<0.05) between the two groups., Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of the warming-removing obstruction needling method group is significantly better than that of the routine acupuncture group with lower recurrence rate after cure.

"Wentong needling method" is professor ZHENG Kui-shan's needling manipulation of original creation for treatment of various difficult and complicated cases with distinguishing feature in clinical practice of dozens of years, which has both reinforcing and reducing actions, with functions of promoting the flow of qi by warming the channels, removing the phlegm, dispelling wind and cold, promoting flow of qi and blood circulation, and strengthening the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors. Clinically, it is used for treatment of difficult diseases such as coronary disease, diseases of the head, face and five sense organs, brain diseases, and wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, etc. with good results.