BACKGROUND:Acupuncture is an effective method for lumbar pain in lumbar disc herniation,but its mechanism has not yet been clarified.Factors related to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway regulate the body's inflammatory response and are involved in the process of neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE:To study the mechanism of acupuncture on lumbar disc herniation in a rat model based on the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. METHODS:Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation group,model group,acupuncture group,and acupuncture+agonist group,with 10 rats in each group.Animal models of L5 lumbar disc herniation was constructed through autologous disc cell transplantation in the model group,acupuncture group,and acupuncture+agonist group.Rats in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture+agonist group received acupuncture treatment(Yanglingquan,Shenshu,Huantiao,and Dachangshu acupoints)at 3 days after modeling,and acupuncture treatment was given once a day,20 minutes each,for 15 consecutive days.Rats in the acupuncture+agonist group were injected intrathecally with coumermycin A1,a JAK2 agonist,into the L4/L5 intervertebral space,once a day,20 minutes each,prior to the acupuncture at 6,12,and 18 days after modeling.Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold was detected before and 3,6,9,12,15,and 18 days after modeling.At 18 days after modeling,serum inflammatory factor levels were detected,hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphology of L5-L6 tissues,RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs in L5-L6 tissues,and western blot was performed to detect the expression of JAK2,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins in L5-L6 tissues. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds of rats in the model group at different time points after modeling were lower than those in the sham operation group(P<0.05),the paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds of rats in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the model group at 9,12,15,and 18 days after modeling(P<0.05),and the paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds of rats in the acupuncture+agonist group were lower than those in the acupuncture group at 9,12,15,and 18 days after modeling(P<0.05).The levels of interleukin 6,tumor necrosis factor α,neurotransmitter substance P,and brain neuropeptide Y were elevated in the model group compared with the sham operation group(P<0.05);the levels of all four inflammatory factors were reduced in the acupuncture group compared with the model group(P<0.05);and the levels of all four inflammatory factors were elevated in the acupuncture+agonist group compared with the acupuncture group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that lumbar degeneration was obvious in the model group but reduced in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture+agonist group.Moreover,the reduction was more obvious in the acupuncture group compared with the acupuncture+agonist group.The JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expression as well as the p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression were elevated in the model group compared with the sham operation group(P<0.05),were decreased in the acupuncture group compared with the model group(P<0.05),and were increased in the acupuncture+agonist group compared with the acupuncture group(P<0.05).To conclude,acupuncture can alleviate inflammation to exert analgesic effects in the rat model of lumbar disc herniation,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Objective To analyze the virus subtypes, molecular evolutional and molecular transmission network features of the first confirmed mpox case in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into understanding of the transmission and evolution dynamics of mpox virus and formulation of the mpox control strategy in the city. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from swabs of the first confirmed mpox case’s skin lesions in Huai’an City, and the amplicon sequencing library was constructed using the hypersensitive mpox virus whole-genome capture kit. High-throughput sequencing was performed using the GridION X5 nanopore sequencer on the Nanopore sequencing platform, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of mpox virus genome sequences was performed following sequence assembly. In addition, phylogenetic analysis, genetic genealogy and molecular traceability analysis were performed. Results The virus whole genome sequence of the first confirmed mpox case was successfully obtained by high-throughput sequencing, with a full length of 197 182 bp, and was named hMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023, which belonged to the clade IIb (West African clade) lineage B.1.3. Compared with the mpox virus reference sequence MPXV-M5312_HM12_Rivers-001 (GenBank accession number: NC_063383), the genome sequence of the Huai’an virus isolate carried 86 SNPs, including 40 SNPs in the coding region as non-synonymous mutations and 73 SNPs as nucleotide mutations caused by APOBEC3 (APOBEC3). Of the 97 mpox virus gene sequences, 79 sequences were included in the molecular network (81.44%), and the threshold of the genetic distance accessed to the network was 0.35/10⁵. There were two large molecular transmission clusters and one scattered cluster in the molecular transmission network of the mpox virus, andthehMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023 sequence was located in the large cluster. The 97 gene sequences formed 92 haplotypes, including three shared haplotypes Hap_4, Hap_6 and Hap_38, and an exclusive haplotype Hap_1 of hMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023 generated from mutation of the exclusive haplotype Hap_43, while the exclusive haplotype Hap_43 was generated from mutation of the shared haplotype Hap_38. Conclusions The whole genome sequence of the mpox virus isolated from the first confirmed mpox case in Huai’an City has been successfully obtained, and the molecular evolutionary and molecular transmission network characteristics of the virus have been preliminarily understood.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of the Jianpi Yishen Huatan Formula （健脾益肾化痰方，JPYSHF） in treating squamous cell lung cancer through the LncRNA ALAL-1/USP4/HDAC2 signaling pathway. MethodsForty Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a control group and high-， medium-， and low-dose JPYSHF group with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the JPYSHF groups were administered JPYSHF concentrated liquid at doses of 45， 30， and 15 g/（kg·d） via intragastric gavage， respectively， while the control group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of normal saline， once daily for 10 consecutive days before preparation of drug containing serum. Human lung squamous carcinoma SK-MES-1 cells were divided into a control group and low-， medium-， and high-dose JPYSHF-medicated serum groups. The control group was cultured with 10% saline-containing serum， while the JPYSHF groups were cultured with 10% low-， medium-， or high-dose medicated serum. After 48 hours of incubation， flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis rates， and a cell scratch assay was performed to evaluate migration areas at 0 h and 24 h to calculate migration rate. Additional SK-MES-1 cells were divided into control serum， JPYSHF-medicated serum （low-， medium-， high-） dose， LncRNA-silenced group （transfected with ALAL-1 siRNA）， USP4-inhibited group （treated with 35 μmol/L PR-619， a deubiquitinase inhibitor）， and HDAC2-inhibited group （treated with 60 μmol/L Vorinostat）. After 24 and 48 hours of culture， cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay； LncRNA ALAL-1， USP4， and HDAC2 mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR after 24 hours； USP4 and HDAC2 protein levels were measured by Western Blot after 48 hours. ResultsCompared with the control serum group， the total apoptosis rate of cells in middle- and high-JPYSHF-medicated serum group significantly increased， and the cell migration rate of cells in the low-， middle- and high-JPYSHF-medicated serum group significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The cell migration rate of the low-， medium- and high-JPYSHF-medicated serum groups decreased with the increase of concentration in a concentration-dependent manner （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the control serum group at the same time， the cell viability at 24 h and 48 h significantly decreased in all groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the low-JPYSHF-medicated serum group at the same time， the cell viability at 24 h and 48 h also decreased in the high-JPYSHF-medicated serum group and the LncRNA silencing group （P＜0.05）. Compared with the control serum group， the expression of USP4 and HDAC2 mRNA reduced in the low- and medium-dose JPYSHF-medicated serum groups and the USP4 inhibitor group， and the expression of LncRNA ALAL-1， USP4 and HDAC2 mRNA reduced in the high-dose JPYSHF-medicated serum group and LncRNA-silencing group， and HDAC2 mRNA expression reduced in the HDAC2 inhibitor group. USP4 and HDAC2 protein levels were reduced in cells of all groups except for USP4 protein level in HDAC2 inhibitor group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionJPYSHF-medicated serum inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human lung squamous carcinoma cells， and its mechanism of action may be related to its inhibition of the LncRNA ALAL-1/USP4/HDAC2 pathway， with best effect at a high concentration.

ObjectiveTo multidimensionally analyze the clinical effects of Qianyang Yuyin granules on elderly hypertensive patients through an "energy-inflammation-aging" network. MethodsRelevant datasets were retrieved from the GEO database. Gene set enrichment analysis （GSEA） was performed on the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood cells from patients with essential hypertension in dataset GSE24752. The GSEA referenced "GO gene sets" and "KEGG gene sets" to identify significantly enriched gene sets. A clinical trial was conducted using a randomized controlled study design. A total of 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The control group received standard antihypertensive treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers （ARBs） or combined calcium channel blockers （CCBs）. In contrast，the treatment group received Qianyang Yuyin Granules in addition to the standard treatment for 12 weeks. Blood pressure levels and clinical efficacy were observed，and changes in energy metabolism indicators，DNA damage markers，and senescence-associated secretory phenotype （SASP） in blood were measured using ELISA before and after treatment. ResultsGSEA results indicated significant energy metabolism dysregulation in hypertensive patients. Clinical findings showed that both groups achieved blood pressure control without significant intergroup differences. In terms of clinical efficacy，the treatment group had a significantly higher effective rate compared to the control group （95% vs 65%，P0.05）. After treatment，the treatment group showed a significant increase in NAD⁺ levels （P0.01），with higher levels compared to the control group （P0.05）. The treatment group also exhibited a greater reduction in DNA damage marker 8-OHdG （P0.01） and cell adhesion factors ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 （P0.01） compared to the control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the treatment group （P0.01），with greater reductions compared to the control group （P0.05，P0.01）. Anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-α，IL-4，and IL-10 were significantly elevated in the treatment group （P0.01），with higher levels compared to the control group （P0.01）. No significant adverse reactions were reported in either group. ConclusionThe "energy- inflammation- aging" network plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of hypertension patients. Qianyang Yuyin granules may delay the aging process by increasing patients' energy metabolism levels，reducing DNA oxidative damage，and maintaining the balance of inflammatory factors.

Objective To investigate the effects of total flavones from Oxytropis falcata Bunge on hepatic fibrosis(HF)induced by carbon tetrachloride and liver transforming growth factor(TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway.Methods Forty-eight male rats were randomly divided into normal group(intraperitoneal injection of peanut oil,intragastric administration of 0.9％NaCl),model group(intraperitoneal injection of 40％CC14 peanut oil solution induced HF model,intragastric administration of 0.9％NaCl),positive control group(modeling,intragastric administration of 0.2 mg·kg-1 of colchicine),experimental-L,-M,-H groups(modeling,intragastric administration of 100,200 and 400 mg·kg-1 of total flavonoid extract of Oxytropis falcata Bunge),8 individuals in each group,for 4 consecutive weeks.The histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.Serum liver function and liver fibrosis were measured;erum inflammatory factors were detected;fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to determine gene expression in liver.Results The pathological injury of liver tissue in the model group was serious,and a large number of inflammatory factors and collagen fibers were accumulated,while the rest of the treatment groups had different degrees of remission.In normal group,model group,positive control group,experimental-L,-M,-H groups,glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels were(49.28±12.44),(5 885.42±948.37),(4 454.60±489.27),(4 650.47±843.53),(3 761.75±887.30)and(3 544.90±1 066.75)μg·L-1;glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels were(186.90±46.89),(5 936.23±793.81),(3 971.37±780.28),(4 360.30±863.35),(3 943.10±439.47)and(3 971.38±631.08)μg·L-1;hyaluronic acid levels were(45.08±17.16),(104.32±36.06),(66.83±20.09),(70.30±21.07),(60.00±9.68)and(59.02±10.73)μg·L-1;laminin levels were(23.13±3.89),(60.85±13.66),(35.67±9.92),(39.98±9.39),(36.55±12.21)and(34.68±24.83)μg·L-1;type Ⅲ procollagen level were(24.98±5.34),(82.58±30.14),(40.70±16.14),(51.08±23.21),(43.60±12.48)and(44.20±11.66)p±g·L-1;interleukin(IL)-1β levels were(37.63±1.24),(46.10±3.23),(39.22±2.36),(41.33±0.93),(40.25±2.04)and(39.18±2.23)pg·mL-1;tumor necrosis factor-α levels were(314.58±20.56),(383.71±16.97),(349.00±7.93),(348.88±25.11),(325.75±27.84)and(335.07±21.33)pg·mL-1;TGF-β1 mRNA expression of relative quantity respectively were 1.00±0.00,60.99±15.70,9.61±1.59,7.37±1.09,6.41±0.64,6.87±1.09;Smad7 mRNA relative expression were 1.00±0.00,0.34±0.05,0.21±0.03,0.35±0.02,0.38±0.02,0.42±0.03.The above indexes in the model group were compared with the normal group,and the above indexes in the experimental-M,-H groups were compared with the model group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Conclusion Total flavonoids of Oxytropis falcata Bunge have protective effects on CC14-induced liver fibrosis in rats,and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of TGF-β/Smad pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at sensitized acupoints could reduce sympathetic-sensory coupling (SSC) and neurogenic inflammatory response by interfering with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)ergic neural pathways to relieve colitis and somatic referred pain, and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were treated with 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for 7 days to establish a colitis model. Twelve rats were randomly divided into the control and model groups according to a random number table (n=6). According to the "Research on Rat Acupoint Atlas", sensitized acupoints and non-sensitized acupoints were determined. Rats were randomly divided into the control, model, Zusanli-EA (ST 36), Dachangshu-EA (BL 25), and Xinshu (BL 15) groups (n=6), as well as the control, model, EA, and EA + GR113808 (a 5-HT inhibitor) groups (n=6). The rats in the control group received no treatment. Acupuncture was administered on 2 days after modeling using the stimulation pavameters: 1 mA, 2 Hz, for 30 min, with sparse and dense waves, for 14 consecutive days. GR113808 was injected into the tail vein at 5 mg/kg before EA for 10 min for 7 consecutive days. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed with von Frey filaments. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) scores of rats were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe colon histopathology. SSC was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect 5-HT and substance P (SP) expressions. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in skin tissue and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in DRG were detected by Western blot. The levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in skin tissue, 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin transporters (SERT), 5-HT 3 receptor (5-HT3R), and 5-HT 4 receptor (5-HT4R) in colon tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: BL 25 and ST 36 acupoints were determined as sensitized acupoints, and BL 15 acupoint was used as a non-sensitized acupoint. EA at sensitized acupoints improved the DAI score, increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds, and alleviated colonic pathological damage of rats. EA at sensitized acupoints reduced SSC structures and decreased TH and CGRP expression levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA at sensitized acupoints reduced BK, PGI2, 5-HT, 5-HT3R and TPH1 levels, and increased HA, 5-HT4R and SERT levels in colitis rats (P<0.05). GR113808 treatment diminished the protective effect of EA at sensitized acupoints in colitis rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA at sensitized acupoints alleviated DSS-induced somatic referred pain in colitis rats by interfering with 5-HTergic neural pathway, and reducing SSC inflammatory response.
Rats ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serotonin ; Acupuncture Points ; Pain, Referred ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Signal Transduction ; Colitis/therapy* ; Indoles ; Sulfonamides

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of levosimendan on cardiac function， hemodynamics and prognosis of patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression， and evaluate the safety of levosimendan. METHODS Patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression who were admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from April 2021 to August 2023， underwent adequate fluid resuscitation， had a mean arterial pressure （MAP） ≥65 mmHg， and received pulse indicator continuous cardiac output （PiCCO） monitoring were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into dobutamine group and levosimendan group according to a random number table， with 20 patients in each group. Both groups received intravenous infusion of Norepinephrine bitartrate injection at a dose of 0.1-2.0 μg/（kg·min）. On this basis， the dobutamine group additionally received intravenous infusion of Dobutamine hydrochloride injection at a dose of 5- 10 μg/（kg·min） for 3 to 7 days， while the levosimendan group additionally received intravenous infusion of Levosimendan injection at a dose of 0.1-0.2 μg/（kg·min） for 24 hours. Heart rate （HR） and hemodynamic parameters [systolic blood pressure， diastolic blood pressure， MAP， central venous pressure （CVP）]， PiCCO monitoring parameters [cardiac function index （CFI）， cardiac index （CI）， stroke volume index （SVI）， extravascular lung water index， global end-diastolic volume index， pulmonary vascular permeability index （PVPI）， global ejection fraction （GEF）， systemic vascular resistance index， left ventricular contractility index]， and prognosis indicators [death within 3 days after administration， mechanical ventilation time，intensive care unit （ICU） stay time， 28-day mortality rate] were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 24 and 72 hours after treatment. Adverse reactions were E-mail：recorded for both groups. RESULTS Compared with before treatment in the same group， CFI， CI and GEF at 24 hours after treatment， CI and GEF at 72 hours after treatment in the dobutamine group， as well as SVI at 24 hours after treatment and SVI and GEF at 72 hours after treatment in the levosimendan group were significantly increased； PVPI at 72 hours after treatment in the dobutamine group was significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the dobutamine group during the same period， patients in the levosimendan group had significantly lower HR and significantly higher CVP at 24 hours after treatment （P＜0.05）. Within 3 days after administration， there were no deaths in either group； there were no statistically significant differences in mechanical ventilation time， ICU stay time， 28-day mortality rate， or the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS For patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression who have undergone adequate fluid resuscitation and have a MAP of ≥65 mmHg， levosimendan is comparable to dobutamine in improving cardiac function and hemodynamic parameters， without affecting patients’ prognosis or increasing the risk of adverse reactions such as hypotension.

Objective To assess the effects of temperature and rainfall on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) in Guiyang. Methods Using daily CVD incidence data and temperature and rainfall data in Guiyang City from September 2021 to August 2022, a distributed lag non-linear model was used to explore the nonlinear relationship between meteorological and environmental factors and CVD incidence. Results The risk of CVD was higher under cold (average, minimum, and maximum temperatures <2.1 ℃, 1.6 ℃, and 4.2 ℃, respectively) and hot (maximum temperature>32.5 ℃) effects, and the cumulative lag effect reached its maximum at 10 and 17 days, respectively. The risk of CVD increased sharply when there was a small diurnal temperature (<6.9 ℃), sudden drop in temperature (over 6.1 ℃), and heating (over 2.4 ℃ in 24 hours). The incidence risk of CVD was high when the daily rainfall exceeded 21.5 mm and the continuous rainy days exceed 5.7 days. The risk in rainstorm was 0.81 higher than that in heavy rain. Continuous absence of rain helped to prevent CVD patients from developing symptoms. Conclusion Meteorological environments such as hot and cold weather, dramatic change in temperature, significant rainfall and continuous rainfall have an impact on the incidence of CVD. It is necessary to consider the changes of the meteorological environment during the prevention and control of CVD.

OBJECTIVE To compare the contents of schizandrin A, schizandrin B, schizandrin C, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, anwuligan, and schisanhenol in Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus on market from 12 habitats. METHODS The samples were pre-treated by 96-well fitration plates. The assay was performed on ACE EXCEL 1.7 C18-AMIDE(100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column with 0.1% formic acid-water(A) and methanol(B), gradient elution, flow speed was 0.4 mL·min–1. Ion source was electric spray ion source, positive ion monitoring mode, multireaction monitoring mode for quantitative analysis. Linear, instrument precision, stability, repeatability, average recovery were investigated. RESULTS The content of schisantherin A in 10 of 12 producing areas reached the standard of ≥0.2% of Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus in 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION UHPLC-MS/MS is suitable for simultaneous determination of multiple components in Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus. The Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus in the market basically meet the national legal standards.

Objective:To explore the experience and learning curve of single-line suspension suction rod-assisted hybrid cavity-building thyroid surgery via the oral vestibular approach.Methods:Clinical data of 138 patients undergoing single-line suspension suction rod-assisted hybrid cavity-building thyroid surgery via oral vestibular approach from Sep. 2019 to Dec. 2021 in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method and best-fit curve analysis were used to compare the differences in each index such as operative time, intraoperative bleeding, number of lymph nodes cleared in the central region and postoperative related complications at various stages of the learning curve.Results:All 138 patients underwent single-line suspension rod-assisted hybrid cavity-building thyroid surgery via the oral vestibular approach, and one patient was converted to open surgery due to large intraoperative bleeding in the mass. There were 14 males and 124 females, mean age (36.07±8.49) years (20-55 years), thyroid tumor size (7.74±6.49) mm (2.4-50mm), 5 cases underwent Subtotal thyroidectomy, 129 cases underwent Unilateral lobectomy + lymph node dissection in the middle region, and 4 cases total thyroidectomy + central zone lymph node dissection. The number of surgical cases corresponding to the apex of the CUSUM learning curve was 45, and the learning curve was divided into two stages: the learning improvement stage (1-45 cases) and the mastery stage (46-138 cases). The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, and chin numbness were all lower in the proficiency period than in the learning and training period ( P<0.05), and the number of lymph nodes cleared in the central region was larger than that in the learning and improvement stage ( P<0.05), while the differences in other indexes between the two stages were not statistically significant ( P>0.05) . Conclusion:The single-line suspension suction rod-assisted hybrid cavity-building thyroid surgery via the oral vestibular approach has clinical application value and is worth promoting, and the number of surgical cases to be accumulated to master this technique is 45.