OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Qihuang needle therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children with sleep disorder. METHODS: A total of 60 ASD children with sleep disorder were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with structured education intervention, 60 min each time, once a day, 6 times a week. Qihuang needle therapy was applied at Yintang (GV24⁺), Baihui (GV20) and bilateral Jueyinshu (BL14), Xinshu (BL15) in the observation group, multi-direction needling was delivered and without needle retaining. The treatment was given 2 times a week, each treatment was delivered at interval of 2 days at least. Behavioral intervention was adopted in the control group. Treatment for consecutive 12 weeks was required in both groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ), the autism behavior checklist (ABC), the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), and the childhood autism behavior scale (CABS) were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of CSHQ, ABC, CARS and CABS were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and the above scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Qihuang needle therapy can effectively treat ASD with sleep disorder, improve the core symptoms of ASD and the sleep quality.
Humans ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Sleep Wake Disorders/physiopathology* ; Child, Preschool ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Sleep ; Needles

BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Sufei Pingchuan Formula （肃肺平喘方） in the treatment of bronchiectasis with airflow limitation， phlegm-heat obstructing the lung， and lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 72 patients with stable bronchiectasis with airflow limitation of phlegm-heat obstructing the lung and lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group， with 36 cases in each group. On the basis of regular inhalation of tiotropium bromide inhalation spray， the treatment group was given Sufei Pingchuan Formula granules， and the control group was given Sufei Pingchuan Formula granule simulant. The course of treatment in both groups was 12 weeks. The pulmonary function of both groups before and after treatment was observed， specifically focusing on forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV1）； the modified British Medical Research Council （mMRC） dyspnea scale， 24-hour sputum volume， COPD assessment test （CAT）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores were assessed before treatment and after 4， 8， and 12 weeks of treatment； acute exacerbations were recorded at weeks 4， 8， and 12； additionally， changes in routine blood tests， urinalysis， liver and kidney function， and adverse events were monitored before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment， 4 patients in the treatment group and 6 in the control group dropped out. After 12 weeks of treatment， FEV1 increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels （P＜0.05）， but the difference between groups was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Compared to before treatment， the treatment group showed a reduction in mMRC scores after 12 weeks （P＜0.05） and a decrease in 24-hour sputum volume， CAT scores， and TCM syndrome scores at weeks 4， 8， and 12 （P＜0.05）. In the control group， 24-hour sputum volume decreased after 12 weeks （P＜0.05）， and TCM syndrome scores decreased at weeks 8 and 12 （P＜0.05）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group showed a greater reduction in mMRC scores at week 12 （P＜0.05）， a decrease in 24-hour sputum volume and TCM syndrome scores at weeks 4， 8， and 12 （P＜0.05）， and lower CAT scores at weeks 8 and 12 （P＜0.05）. The frequency and number of acute exacerbations in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at week 12 （P＜0.05）. No severe adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionSufei Pingchuan Formula can improve the pulmonary function FEV1， the severity of dyspnea， reduce 24-hour sputum volume and frequent acute exacerbations， and improve the quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis and airflow limitation， with good safety.

Objective To make an investigation on the current situation of the general surgical nurse's knowledge-attitude-practice for mechanical prevention of venous thromboembolism(VTE),and to analyze its influencing factors,so as to provide scientific basis for improving the mechanical prevention care work of VTE.Methods Using convenience sampling method,from April 2023 to May 2023 a total of 508 general surgery nurses from 28 provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions were selected as the study subjects.A VTE mechanical prevention knowledge-attitude-practice questionnaire designed based on expert consensus was used to conduct the questionnaire survey.Linear regression analysis was used to determine the related factors affecting the knowledge-attitude-practice level of mechanical prevention care work of VTE in general surgery nurses.Results Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P＜0.001)and the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention theory training in hospital(P=0.023)were the factors influencing VTE mechanical prevention knowledge dimension score of general surgery nurses;the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P=0.033)was the factor influencing attitude dimension score;the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P＜0.001)and the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention theory training in hospital(P=0.043)were the factors influencing practice dimension score.Conclusion General surgery nurses have a high level of attitude and practice in mechanical prevention of VTE for hospitalized patients,but their knowledge reserve is relatively insufficient.Therefore,the study of VTE-related knowledge and vascular surgery specialty should be strengthened,meanwhile,the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention training at the hospital and department level should be increased.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes. If not intervened in time, NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer, and ultimately threatening life. NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis, and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs. Currently, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and hepatoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention, but these drugs have obvious side effects, and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation, alleviate insulin resistance (IR), suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate autophagy, thereby alleviating NAFLD. Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects. In this article, we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines (such as natural herbal medicine formulas, extracts, polysaccharides, and monomers) that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK, which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

BACKGROUND:Mongolian medicine Echinops sphaerocephalus L.is a commonly used medicine for bone injury in Mongolian medicine.It is effective for tendon injury,fracture,bone nonunion,bone fever,tingling,sore and other diseases.Our previous studies have confirmed that Mongolian medicine Echinops sphaerocephalus L.can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,but its effect on angiogenesis in the process of bone defect repair is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.on in vitro angiogenesis in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells and to explore the angiogenesis-promoting active ingredients and their mechanisms of action of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.using network pharmacology technology.METHODS:The ethanol extract of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.was prepared and preserved by freeze-drying.The proliferation,migration,chemotaxis and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were observed after treatment with different concentrations(1 000,100,and 10 μg/mL)of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.The active components and possible signaling pathways that promoted angiogenesis were enriched and analyzed by network pharmacology.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The effect of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.on angiogenesis was regulated by its mass concentration:at low mass concentration(10 μg/mL),Echinops sphaerocephalus L.could promote the proliferation,migration,chemotaxis and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells;on the contrary,Echinops sphaerocephalus L.inhibited the proliferation,migration,and chemotaxis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells at high mass concentration(1 000 μg/mL).However,the inhibitory effect of Echinops sphaerocephalus L.on angiogenesis was not significant at high mass concentration due to the limitation of experimental time.10 μg/mL Echinops sphaerocephalus L.could up-regulate the mRNA expression of angiogenesis-associated factors,including kinase insert domain receptor,vascular endothelial growth factor A,and hypoxia-inducible factor α,and thereby influenced angiogenesis during bone repair.(2)Network pharmacological analyses indicated that Echinops sphaerocephalus L.may bind to eight core targets(TGFB1,TNF,IL-6,STAT3,CTNNB1,IL-1B,AKT1,and HIF-1A)through four core active components(apigenin,caffeic acid,quercetin,and chlorogenic acid)to exert an effect on angiogenesis,atherosclerosis,multiple viral infections,and tumor angiogenesis-related signaling pathways.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplica-tion for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Method:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 45 patients with GERD who were admitted to Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2019 to July 2022 were collected. There were 26 males and 19 females, aged (46±12) years. All patients underwent laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplication. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative and postoperative conditions; (2) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as Mean± SD. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers. The paired samples t-test was used for comparison of indicators before and after surgery. Result:(1) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. All 45 patients successfully underwent the operation, with no conversion to open surgery or intraoperative complications. The operation time was (86±8)minutes, volume of intraoperative blood loss was (12±3)mL, and time to postoperative first flatus was (2.2±0.8)days. Among the 45 patients after surgery, 4 cases had fever, 3 cases had retrosternal dull pain and discomfort, 4 cases had dysphagia, 3 cases had abdominal distension, and 5 cases had constipation. All these symptoms were cured or relieved spontaneously after sympto-matic treatment. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was (3.5±0.5)days. There was no patient with infection, delayed bleeding or perforation.(2) Follow-up. All 45 patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery, with no recurrence of GERD. Gastroscopy showed no esophageal mucosal damage such as erosion or ulcer, and no hiatal hernia occurred. Before surgery, the reflux symptom index score, GERD questionnaire score, reflux disease questionnaire score, lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure, and DeMeester score of 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were 24.3±1.9, 12.5±2.1,20.1±4.5, (7.1±1.1)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and 31.4±6.4, respectively. At 1 year after surgery, the above indicators were 2.2±0.7, 6.5±0.5, 4.0±2.6, (23.2±2.9)mmHg, and 6.0±1.4, respectively. There were significant differences before and after surgery ( t=80.75, 18.70,20.09, -33.45, 26.15, P<0.05). Conclusion:Laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplication is safe and feasible for GERD, which can improve the clinical symptoms of patients.

Objective To analyze the correlation of preoperative collagen lectin-11(CL-11),urinary nitrite,and urinary heparin-binding protein(U-HBP)with postoperative urinary sepsis(US)in patients with kidney stones,and to explore their predictive value and warning significance for postoperative US.Methods A total of 190 patients with kidney stones who underwent minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September 2021 to June 2023 were selected.According to whether they developed US within 7 days after surgery,they were divided into the US group(n=30)and the non-US group(n=160).Baseline data and preoperative levels CL-11,urinary nitrite and U-HBP were compared between the two groups.The correlation between preoperative CL-11,urinary nitrite,U-HBP and postoperative US was analyzed.The predictive efficacy of preoperative CL-11,urinary nitrite,and U-HBP for postoperative US was evaluated.Results The positive rates of CL-11,urinary nitrite,and U-HBP in the US group were(313.68±38.73)ng/mL,46.67%and(157.82±41.61)ng/mL,respectively,which were higher than those in the non-US group at(234.00±41.25)ng/mL,12.50%,and(128.59±36.38)ng/mL(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative CL-11,urinary nitrite,and U-HBP were influencing factors for the occurrence of US.The area under the curve(AUC)for predicting postoperative US was 0.797 for CL-11,0.624 for urinary nitrite,and 0.826 for U-HBP,while the combined AUC for predicting postoperative US was 0.923,with a sensitivity of 90.00%and specificity of 88.75%.Conclusion Patients with postoperative US following kidney stone surgery exhibited elevated levels of urinary nitrite,CL-11,and U-HBP,which were positively correlated with the occurrence of postoperative US.These markers have certain predictive value for postoperative US,and their combined detection offers superior predictive efficacy,potentially serving as warning biomarkers for postoperative US,thereby providing a reference for clinical prevention and control measures.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes.If not intervened in time,NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer,and ultimately threatening life.NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis,and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs.Currently,insulin sensitizers,lipid-lowering agents and hep-atoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention,but these drugs have obvious side effects,and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed.Adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis.Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation,alleviate insulin resistance(IR),suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response,and regulate autophagy,thereby alleviating NAFLD.Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects.In this article,we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines(such as natural herbal medicine formulas,extracts,polysaccharides,and monomers)that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK,which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.