This paper presents an automatic acquisition and analytic procedure of acupuncture manipulation based on optical navigation, aiming at solving the shortcomings of existing acquisition methods of acupuncture manipulation. An acquisition holder installed at the handle tail of filiform needle was designed to display the movement trajectory of the needle during acupuncture delivery by collecting the movement trajectory of holder. The 3-month old male Bama miniature pig was selected as the experimental subject, and 6 points, "Bojian" "Qiangfeng" "Housanli" "Xiaokua" "Huiyang" (BL35) and "Baihui" (GV20), were selected during acupuncture manipulation. The optical navigation system was used to collect the real-time data, and these data were per-processed and analyzed using mean filtering and Fourier transform. The acupuncture procedure was divided into 3 stages, inserting, lifting-thrusting, and twisting. The results showed that the accuracy was 96.3% at lifting-thrusting stage, and that was 100.0% at twisting stage. The decomposition effect of the entire procedure was satisfactory. This study provides a new approach to the quantitative analysis of acupuncture manipulation. In the future, it needs to further optimize the algorithm and expand the sample size so as to improve the accuracy of this analytic technique.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Male ; Animals ; Swine ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Swine, Miniature ; Needles

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is widely used to treat common bile duct stones (CBDS); however, long-term studies have revealed the increasing incidence of recurrent CBDS after EST. Loss of sphincter of Oddi function after EST was the main cause of recurrent CBDS. Reparation of the sphincter of Oddi is therefore crucial. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoclip papilloplasty (ECPP) for repairing the sphincter of Oddi and elucidate its mechanism. METHODS: Eight healthy Bama minipigs were randomly divided into the EST group and the ECPP group at a 1:1 ratio, and bile samples were collected before endoscopy and 6 months later. All minipigs underwent transabdominal biliary ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis 6 months after endoscopy. The biliary microbiota composition and alpha and beta diversity were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Differential metabolites were analyzed by bile acid metabolomics to explore the predictive indicators of cholelithiasis. RESULTS: Three minipigs were diagnosed with cholelithiasis in the EST group, while none in the ECPP group showed cholelithiasis. The biliary Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was increased after EST and decreased after ECPP. The Chao1 and observed species index significantly decreased 6 months after EST ( P  = 0.017 and 0.018, respectively); however, the biliary α-diversity was similar before and 6 months after ECPP. The β-diversity significantly differed in the EST group before and 6 months after EST, as well as in the ECPP group before and 6 months after ECPP (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM]: R  = 0.917, P  = 0.040; R  = 0.740, P  = 0.035; respectively). Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) accumulated in bile 6 months after EST. CONCLUSIONS ECPP has less impact on the biliary microenvironment than EST and prevents duodenobiliary reflux by repairing the sphincter of Oddi. The bile levels of GLCA and TLCA may be used to predict the risk of cholelithiasis.
Animals ; Swine, Miniature ; Swine ; Cholelithiasis/prevention & control* ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic/methods* ; Sphincter of Oddi/surgery* ; Female ; Male

This study aims to investigate the antipyretic effects and mechanisms of ethanol extracts from Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bile from different sources on a rat model of fever induced by a dry-yeast suspension. The rat model of fever was established by subcutaneous injection of 20% dry-yeast suspension into the rat back. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum, as well as prostaglandin E_2(PGE_2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) in the hypothalamus, were determined by ELISA. Metabolomics analysis was then performed on serum and hypothalamus samples based on UPLC-Q-TOF MS to explore the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. The results showed that the body temperatures of rats significantly rose 4 h after modeling. After oral administration of high-dose ethanol extracts of Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bovine bile(NCH) and porcine bile(ZCH), the body temperatures of rats declined(P<0.05), and the NCH group showed better antipyretic effect than the ZCH group. Additionally, compared with the model group, the NCH and ZCH groups showed lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE_2, and cAMP(P<0.01). The results of serum and hypothalamus metabolomics analysis indicated that both NCH and ZCH exerted antipyretic effects by regulating phenylalanine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Collectively, both NCH and ZCH can play an obvious antipyretic role in the rat model of dry yeast-induced fever, and the underlying mechanism might be closely associated with inhibiting inflammation and regulating metabolic disorders. Moreover, NCH demonstrates better antipyretic effect.
Animals ; Rats ; Male ; Fermentation ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhizome/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Bile/chemistry* ; Antipyretics/chemistry* ; Fever/metabolism* ; Cattle ; Swine ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Ethanol/chemistry* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Interleukin-1beta/blood*

OBJECTIVE: To prepare decellularized nerve grafts from alpha-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-edited pigs and explore their biocompatibility for xenotransplantation. METHODS: The sciatic nerves from wild-type pigs and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs were obtained and underwent decellularization. The alpha-galactosidase (α-gal) content in the sciatic nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was detected by using IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA method to verify the knockout status of the GGTA1 gene, and using human sciatic nerve as a control. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were used to observe the structure of the nerve samples. Immunofluorescence staining and DNA content determination were used to evaluate the degree of decellularization of the nerve samples. Fourteen nude mice were taken, and subcutaneous capsules were prepared on both sides of the spine. Decellularized nerve samples of wild-type pigs ( n=7) and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs ( n=7) were randomly implanted in the subcutaneous capsules. Blood was drawn at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after implantation to detect neutrophil counting. RESULTS: IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA detection showed that GGTA1 gene was successfully knocked out in the nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs. HE staining showed that the structure of the decellularized nerve from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was well preserved; the nerve basement membrane tube structure was visible under scanning electron microscopy; no cell nuclei was observed, and the extracellular matrix components was retained in the nerve grafts by immunofluorescence staining; and the DNA content was significantly reduced when compared with the normal nerves ( P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the number of neutrophils in the two groups were similar at 1, 3, and 7 days after implantation, with no significant difference ( P>0.05); only at 5 days, the number of neutrophils was significantly lower in the GGTA1 gene-edited pigs than in the wild-type pigs ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The decellularized nerve grafts from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs have well-preserved nerve structure, complete decellularization, retain the natural nerve basement membrane tube structure and components, and low immune response after xenotransplantation through in vitro experiments.
Animals ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Galactosyltransferases/genetics* ; Sciatic Nerve/immunology* ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Humans ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Gene Editing ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Heterografts/immunology* ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of bone density, plate bending degree and proximal screw type on the stress fracture of clavicle hook. METHODS: Three sows weighing between 45 and 50 kg were selected, from which a total of 40 rivs were collected. The 15 ribs of sows were divided into 3 groups according to bone density and bone hardness with 5 rivs in each group. And then the 3 groups were fixed with 6-hole collarbone hook plates and 3 locking screws. Measure the maximum torsion force when the ribs were fractured by force. The same size 15 rids were divided into 3 groups, named forward bending group, 0° group(the angle between the plate surface and the rib surface) and reverse bending group. All fixed with 6-hole collarbone hook plates and locking screws to measure the maximum torsion force of rib stress fracture. Then the same size 10 rids were divided into 2 groups, the normal screw group and the locking screw group with 5 ribs in each group. Both groups were fixed with 6-hole collarbone hook plates and screws. The normal screw group was a normal screw, fixed in proximal end, and two locking screws. The locking screw group was fixed by locking screws. Measure the maximum torsion force of the two groups when the ribs fracture by force. RESULTS: In the bone density experiment, the torque force of hard bone group (104.51±6.27) N was greater than the normal bone group (75.04±3.81) N(t=8.979, P<0.05). The force of normal bone group was greater than the osteoporosis group (49.99±2.12) N(t=12.832, P<0.05). In the bending collarbone hook experiment, the order of the torque force generated by each group as follow:the forward bending group (343.59±6.18) N greater than the 0° group (106.01±5.29) N(t=65.279, P<0.05) greater than the reverse bending group (95.82±4.12) N(t=3.398, P<0.05). The force of the normal screw group (98.68±0.70) N was greater than the locking screw group (50.20±0.95) N(t=91.484, P<0.05). The data comparisons of each group were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Bone density, plate bending degree and proximal screw type had an impact on stress fracture of clavicle hook plate. Higher bone density, forward bending of the steel plate, and ordinary screws in proximal end can reduce the rates of stress fractures of clavicle hooks.
Animals ; Bone Plates ; Clavicle/surgery* ; Swine ; Fractures, Stress/etiology* ; Female ; Risk Factors ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Bone Screws ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Density

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss. METHODS: This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group. CONCLUSIONS Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals ; Perfusion/methods* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain Injuries/etiology* ; Swine ; Male ; Hypothermia, Induced/methods*

PURPOSE: To construct a decision-making app for pre-hospital damage control resuscitation (PHDCR) for severely injured patients, and to make a preliminary trial test on the effectiveness and usability aspects of the constructed app. METHODS: Decision-making algorithms were first established by a thorough literature review, and were then used to be learned by computer with 3 kinds of text segmentation algorithms, i.e., dictionary-based segmentation, machine learning algorithms based on labeling, and deep learning algorithms based on understanding. B/S architecture mode and Spring Boot were used as a framework to construct the app. A total of 16 Grade-5 medical students were recruited to test the effectiveness and usability aspects of the app by using an animal model-based test on simulated PHDCR. Twelve adult Bama miniature pigs were subjected to penetrating abdominal injuries and were randomly assigned to the 16 students, who were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 8 each): group A (decided on PHDCR by themselves) and group B (decided on PHDCR with the aid of the app). The students were asked to complete the PHDCR within 1 h, and then blood samples were taken and thromboelastography, routine coagulation test, blood cell count, and blood gas analysis were examined. The lab examination results along with the value of mean arterial pressure were used to compare the resuscitation effects between the 2 groups. Furthermore, a 4-statement-based post-test survey on a 5-point Likert scale was performed in group B students to test the usability aspects of the constructed app. RESULTS: With the above 3 kinds of text segmentation algorithm, B/S architecture mode, and Spring Boot as the development framework, the decision-making app for PHDCR was successfully constructed. The time to decide PHDCR was (28.8 ± 3.41) sec in group B, much shorter than that in group A (87.5 ± 8.53) sec (p < 0.001). The outcomes of animals treated by group B students were much better than that by group A students as indicated by higher mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation and fibrinogen concentration and maximum amplitude, and lower R values in group B than those in group A. The post-test survey revealed that group B students gave a mean score of no less than 4 for all 4 statements. CONCLUSION A decision-making app for PHDCR was constructed in the present study and the preliminary trial test revealed that it could help to improve the resuscitation effect in animal models of penetrating abdominal injury.
Animals ; Swine ; Resuscitation/methods* ; Mobile Applications ; Humans ; Algorithms ; Emergency Medical Services/methods* ; Male ; Decision Making ; Female

To address the limitations of traditional minimally invasive thermal ablation technology such as poor conformability, carbonization and electromagnetic radiation, this paper proposes a steam thermal ablation technology that uses saturated steam internal energy to replace the traditional electromagnetic radiation energy. Through the steam thermal ablation system and the steam thermal ablation needle designed based on simulation, the ex vivo pig liver experiments were carried out. The results have the characteristics of the maximum ablation axis ratio (short diameter / long diameter) and non-carbonization with the same type of thermal ablation technology. Based on the near-infrared light, in this paper the curative effect of the reduced scattering coefficient of the steam thermal ablation results was evaluated. The reduced scattering coefficients of the coagulation area all exceeded 16, reaching the completely damaged state, which verified that the steam thermal ablation can effectively inactivate the tumor cells.
Steam ; Animals ; Swine ; Liver Neoplasms/surgery* ; Ablation Techniques/methods* ; Liver/surgery* ; Equipment Design

Meniscus injuries are widespread and the available treatments do not offer enough healing potential. Here, we provide critical support for using pigs as a biological model for meniscal degeneration and the development of cutting-edge therapies in orthopedics. We present a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the meniscus, consisting of cell clusters corresponding to four major cell types: chondrocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Five distinct chondrocyte subclusters (CH0‒CH4) were annotated, of which only one was widespread in both the red and white zones, indicating a major difference in the cellular makeup of the zones. Subclusters distinct to the white zone appear responsible for cartilage-specific matrix deposition and protection against adverse microenvironmental factors, while those in the red zone exhibit characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are more likely to proliferate and migrate. Additionally, they induce remodeling actions in other chondrocyte subclusters and promote the proliferation and maturation of endothelial cells, inducing healing and vascularization processes. Considering that they have substantial remodeling capabilities, these subclusters should be of great interest for tissue engineering studies. We also show that the cellular makeup of the pig meniscus is comparable to that of humans, which supports the use of pigs as a model in orthopedic therapy development.
Animals ; Swine ; Chondrocytes/physiology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Meniscus/blood supply* ; Endothelial Cells/cytology* ; Transcriptome ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology* ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Cell Proliferation

Tissue interactions play a crucial role in tooth development. Notably, extracellular vesicle-mediated interactions between the mandible and tooth germ are considered essential. Here, we revealed that mandible extracellular vesicles could modulate the proliferation and differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells by regulating the histone demethylase KDM2B. Further investigation showed that mandible derived extracellular vesicles could deliver miR-206 to KDM2B, thereby regulating tooth development. An animal study demonstrated that the miR-206/KDM2B pathway affected tooth morphogenesis and mineralization after eight weeks of subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice. In conclusion, this study suggested that the mandible played a critical role in tooth morphogenesis and mineralization, which could be a potential therapeutic target for abnormal tooth development and an alternative model for tooth regeneration.
Animals ; Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism* ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Swine ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Mandible ; Mice, Nude ; Odontogenesis/physiology* ; Swine, Miniature ; Mice ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation