OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XT^TM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Muscle, Skeletal/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cell Proliferation

OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Centella asiatica formula (CCA) for alleviating Schistosoma japonicum (Sj)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS: The active components and targets of CCA were identified using the TCMSP database with cross-analysis of Sj-related liver fibrosis targets. A "drug-component-target-pathway-disease" network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1. Functional enrichment analysis (GO/KEGG) was performed using DAVID. Molecular docking study was carried out to validate interactions between the core targets and the key compounds. For experimental validation of the results, 36 mice were divided into control group, Sj-infected model group, and CCA-treated groups. In the latter two groups, liver fibrosis was induced via abdominal infection with Sj cercariae for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of daily treatment with CCA decoction or saline. Hepatic pathology of the mice was assessedwith HE and Masson staining, and hepatic expressions of collagen-I and collagen-III were detected using immunohistochemistry; serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were determined with ELISA. Hepatic expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 proteins were analyzed with Western blotting. RESULTS: We identified a total of 107 bioactive CCA components and 791 targets, including 37 intersection targets linked to Sj-induced fibrosis. The core targets included TNF, TP53, JUN, MMP9, and CXCL8, involving the IL-17 signaling, lipid metabolism, TLR4/MyD88 axis, and cancer pathways. Molecular docking study confirmed strong binding affinity between quercetin (a primary CCA component) and TNF/TP53/JUN/MMP9. In Sj-infected mouse models, CCA treatment significantly attenuated hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced collagen-I and collagen-III deposition, improved tissue architecture, reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and downregulated TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in the liver. CONCLUSIONS CCA mitigates Sj-induced liver fibrosis by targeting TNF, TP53, JUN, and MMP9 to modulate the TLR4/MyD88 pathway, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine release, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing collagen deposition, and preventing granuloma formation in the liver.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Mice ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; Schistosoma japonicum ; Liver Cirrhosis/parasitology* ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; Signal Transduction ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Inflammation ; Centella/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

Objective: To analyze the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and gallstone disease among middle-aged and elderly population, so as to provide the evidence for the prevention and control of gallstone disease. Methods: Baseline survey data were collected from the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS) and Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS), including demographic information, gallstone disease prevalence and dietary habits. DII was calculated using 29 kinds of food parameters associated with common inflammatory biomarkers and food intake data of residents. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dietary inflammatory index and gallstone disease. Results: A total of 132 312 individuals were included in the analysis. There were 59 627 males and 72 685 females. Among males, the median age was 53.07 (interquartile range, 9.73) years, 41 544 cases (69.67%) had an educational level of middle school, 4 463 cases (7.48%) had gallstone disease, and DII was -6.46 to 5.59. Among females, the median age was 50.27 (interquartile range, 9.05) years, 47 380 cases (65.19%) had an educational level of middle school, 8 090 cases (11.13%) had gallstone disease, and DII was -6.44 to 4.93. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, educational level, income level, smoking, alcohol consumption, tea consumption, physical activity and menopausal status (only for females), DII (OR=1.095, 95%CI: 1.002-1.196) was associated with an increased risk of gallston disease among males, but no statistically association was found among females (P>0.05). Conclusion DII might be associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease among middle-aged and elderly population.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of inducing macrophage polarization induced by acupoint effect of electroacupuncture to promote the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods 45 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group(EA group),sodium chrominate group (DSCG group) and electroacupuncture+sodium chrominate group (hereinafter referred to as EA+DSCG group),with 9 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group and the EA+DSCG group were subjected to EA intervention at the right "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan"(GB34),with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. The gait changes of rats were recorded by animal gait analyzer. The morphological changes of the right gastrocnemius were observed by HE staining. The changes of mast cell aggregation and degranulation in local skin muscles of "chengshan" point were observed by toluidine blue staining. The expressions of Pax7,MyoD and skin mast cells and 5-HT in the right gastrocnemius were detected by immunofluorescence method. The positive expressions of CD68 and CD206 in right gastrocnemius macrophage was observed by immunohistochemical staining.Results Compared with blank group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in model group and DSCG group increased,stride length decreased,HE staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration,myocyte enlargement,degeneration and necrosis. The degranulation rate of local skin mast cells in "Chengshan" (BL57) area increased,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD,CD68 and CD206 increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in EA group and EA+DSCG group decreased,stride length increased,HE staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced,muscle cells were uniform in size and arranged neatly. Mast cell degranulation rate increased significantly in EA group,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with EA+DSCG group,the degranulation rate of mast cells and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased in EA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EA "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) can stimulate acupuncture points to locally induce mast cell degranulation,promote the polarization of macrophages,and then activate muscle satellite cells to play the regulatory process of repairing skeletal muscle injury.

This paper reports the maternal and fetal outcomes of three twin pregnancies with chronic hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) who were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). All three women with twin pregnancies were diagnosed with chronic hypertension. Furthermore, symptoms such as snoring and apnea assisted the diagnosis of OSAHS through polysomnography monitoring. Case 1 was treated with CPAP at 28 gestational weeks. The blood pressure increased gradually after the first month of CPAP treatment, with an elevated urine protein concentration. At 34 gestational weeks, the pregnant woman underwent a cesarean section due to the development of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome. Case 2 was treated with CPAP at 11 gestational weeks, with stable blood pressure throughout the pregnancy, and was delivered through cesarean section at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Case 3 started CPAP at 13 gestational weeks for four months, and increased blood pressure and urine protein were observed. Medication brought the blood pressure down, and urine protein became negative. At 32 gestational weeks, a cesarean section was performed because of premature rupture of the membrane. Her CPAP treatment continued till delivery with good maternal and infant outcomes. The treatment outcomes of the three cases suggest that CPAP may prolong the time of blood pressure rise among twin pregnancies where chronic hypertension and OSAHS coexist, which potentially reduces the occurrence of adverse maternal and infant outcomes.

Objective:To compare the postoperative tunnel enlargement and clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the all-inside technique with the traditional outside-in graft introduction technique.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 47 patients with ACL injuries who were admitted to the First Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China between December 2021 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the surgical approach used for ACL reconstruction. There were 25 cases in the all-inside group, 18 males and 7 females, aged 27.72±7.33 years, 17 cases on the left side and 8 cases on the right side; 22 cases in the traditional group, 11 males and 11 females, aged 27.82±7.12 years, 11 cases on the left side and 11 cases on the right side. Clinical parameters including the length of hospital stay, surgical duration, pain levels assessed via the visual analogue scale (VAS), Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Tegner score were recorded and compared between the two groups. Additionally, femoral and tibial tunnel enlargement was evaluated using postoperative CT scans conducted one year after surgery.Results:All patients were followed up for 15.64±2.04 months (range, 12-21 months). The mean operation time was 178.60±42.90 min in the all-inside group and 133.60±28.77 min in the traditional group, indicating a statistically significant longer operation time in the all-inside group ( P<0.05). On postoperative days 1 and 15, the VAS scores were lower in the all-inside group (7.08±1.29 and 5.56±1.33 points) compared to the conventional group (7.96±1.29 and 6.32±1.13 points), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). However, the differences in VAS scores between the two groups at postoperative months 1, 6, and 12 were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The preoperative Lysholm, IKDC, and Tegner scores in the all-inside group and the conventional group were 34.00±18.63, 36.24±15.01, 1.20±1.12 points and 36.18±13.64, 38.23±14.94, 1.55±1.14 points, respectively, and at 6 months after surgery, respectively were 72.60±13.95, 74.12±12.03, 3.56±1.05 points, and 68.41±10.80, 66.59±17.93, 3.23±1.15 points, and at 12 months postoperatively were 92.32±5.23, 81.40±7.24, 5.28±1.62 points and 91.27±6.32, 82.18±7.26, 4.96±1.25 points. Both groups improved at 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively ( P<0.05), and further improved at 12 months postoperatively compared with 6 months postoperatively ( P<0.05), but the differences in each functional score between the two groups were not statistically significant at all time points ( P>0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the values of femoral and tibial tunnel enlargement in the all-inside group (1.78±1.03 mm, 1.18±0.97 mm) were smaller than those in the conventional group (2.30±1.33 mm, 1.83±1.00 mm), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The difference between the femoral side tunnel enlargement and tibial side enlargement in the traditional group was not statistically significant ( P>0.05), while the femoral side enlargement in the all-inside group was significantly larger than the tibial side ( P<0.05). The difference in Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner scores between grade 0 and grade 1 tunnel enlargement on the femoral side and tibial side was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The short-term clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction using the all-inside technique versus the traditional tunnel technique were comparable. However, early postoperative pain was less severe with the all-inside technique, and tunnel enlargement was smaller. The degree of bone tunnel enlargement did not significantly impact early clinical outcomes.

Objective:To provide consistent data basis for the application of reference intervals for children blood cell analysis in different testing systems.Methods:According to the requirements of American Institute for Clinical and Laboratory Standardization (CLSI) EP9-A3 document, 45 samples were collected and Sysmex XN20-A1 were used as reference system. Beckman DxH800, Siemens ADVIA 2120i, and Mindray BC5310 were comparison systems. Complete blood count and leukocyte classification were performed by four systems. The outliers of the detection results were tested by the generalized extreme student deviate (ESD) method. An optimal regression model was selected by scatter diagram, deviation diagram and frequency distribution diagram, which was used to fit the regression equation and calculate the deviation at the medical decision level and reference interval. The acceptable range for blood count deviation was cited from the Analytical Quality Specifications for Routine Tests in Clinical Hematology. The acceptable range for leukocyte classification was based on the EQA program of Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).Results:After the outliers were deleted, the scatter plot showed a linear relationship between the reference system and the three comparison systems. The deviation plot showed that the differences were variable. Deming regression or Passing-Bablok regression was selected according to the data distribution. The determination coefficient R2 of reference system and three comparison systems ranged from 0.95 to 0.99 in blood count and leukocyte classification. At the upper and lower limits of the reference interval, the deviations between XN-20A1 and ADVIA 2120 system were all acceptable, except for MONO# at 0.12×10 9/L. The deviations of all parameters at medical decision level were within acceptable ranges. The lower limit of PLT is partially unacceptable at the level of medical decision related to treatment and prognosis. Conclusions:The results of complete blood count and leukocyte classification in reference system and the comparison system had good consistency within the children′s reference interval. Our study provided a scientific basis for the feasibility of adopting a unified reference interval for different detection systems.

Objective:To explore the diagnostic process and outcomes of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) who received outpatient treatment in a real-world setting.Methods:The diagnostic processes, treatment regimens, and outcomes of 176 patients with AA treated in outpatient centers from January 2018 to December 2019 were reviewed.Results:The median interval from the onset of symptoms to the first visit was 7 (5-120) months. Complaints during the first visit included bleeding (52.3% ) , anemia (51.7% ) , and infection (6.8% ) . For diagnosis, 168 patients (95.5% ) underwent bone marrow aspiration; however, only 22 of them (17.1% ) consented aspiration in multiple sites (sternum) . The completion rate of bone marrow biopsy was 85.1% (143/168) ; flow immunophenotype and karyotype analyses were performed on 59.5% (100/168) and 58.9% (99/168) of AA patients, respectively, and the culture of clonal forming units by bone marrow mononuclear cells was performed on 26.8% (45/168) of AA patients. The most preferred regimen was cyclosporine combined with androgen and levamisole (43.8% , 77 patients) , followed by cyclosporine combined with androgen (25.6% , 45 patients) . Cyclosporine alone was administered in 24 patients (13.6% ) and androgen alone in 16 patients (9.1% ) . Furthermore, 14 patients (7.9% ) did not consent to any drugs or only chose traditional Chinese medicine. The patients were divided according to the frequencies of follow-up: regular follow-up group (≥4 times/year, n=130) and irregular group (<4 times/year, n=46) . The former had a higher 6-month remission rate (52.5% vs 28.0% , P=0.005) , a greater high-quality remission rate in 12 months (40.7% vs 16.7% , P=0.027) , and a lower relapse rate in 24 months (4.4% vs 36.4% , P=0.001) . Conclusion:In real-world settings, bone marrow aspiration in multiple sites should be addressed in outpatient treatment for AA diagnostic work-up, including PNH clone screening, flow immunophenotype, chromosome karyotype analysis, and culture of clonal forming units. Patients with AA who follow regular visits were more likely to achieve high-quality remission and a lower relapse rate. Visits at least four times per year are recommended for AA patients undergoing outpatient treatment.

Objective:To explore the clinical features and treatment efficiencies of pediatric giant posterior fossa tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed. The clinical data of 18 children with giant posterior fossa tumors, whose maximum diameter of any section was over 5 cm, admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to June 2020, were collected. The surgical treatment results were analyzed.Results:The tumor volume of 18 children was (63.9±20.7) mL (33.2-116.2 mL). Sixteen children had different degrees of preoperative obstructive hydrocephalus; ommaya capsule implantation was performed in 2, ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed in one, and external ventricular drainage was performed in one before surgery; intraoperative external ventricle drainage was performed in 5; and the left 7 had postoperative self-healing. Tumor resection was performed in 17 children, including 10 with total resection and 7 with subtotal resection. The postoperative pathological results indicated medulloblastoma in 10 patients, ependymoma in 3 patients, pilocytic astrocytoma in 2 patients, oligodendroglioma in 1 patient, and yolk sac tumor in 1 patient;12 patients were treated with chemotherapy and 9 with radiotherapy. Postoperative persistent hydrocephalus was noted in 2 patients, cerebellar mutism in 2 patients, and subarachnoid hemorrhage combined with ventricular hematocele in 1 patient. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 67 months: 13 children survived for more than one year (10 lived without tumor recurrence); 8 of the 10 patients with total tumor resection had progression-free survival for more than 1 year (the other 2 patients were lost of follow-up), while 3 of the 7 patients with subtotal resection had progression-free survival for more than 1 year.Conclusion:Pediatric giant posterior fossa tumors have high complication rate, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis; symptomatic treatment, total resection of the tumors, and adjuvant radiotherapy/ chemotherapy are effective treatment methods.

Objective To investigate the effect of Salvianolic Acid B(Sal B)on vascular function of db/db mice and reveal the potential mechanism. Methods 20 male db/db mice were divided into 2 groups,the con-trol group(n=10)and Sal B group(n=10). 10 age-matched male C57BL/KsJ mice were used as the wild type control. Mice in Sal B group were given Sal B ,100 mg/(kg · d)by tube. Mice in db/db control group and in wild type control were given the same volume of saline. Body weight,tail blood pressure,heart rate and fasting blood glucose level were measured every week. After 6-weeks treatment ,thoracic aorta was obtained and used to detect the levels ofsuperoxide anion and NO,vascular function,eNOS,p-eNOS,AMPK and p-AMPK. Results Sal B could reduce the body weight and fasting blood glucose level of db/db mice ,but had no effect on blood pressure. Sal B could decrease the level of superoxide inon,increased NO level,and improved endothelium-dependent but not endothelium- independent diastolic function. Sal B could increase phosphorylation levels of eNOS and AMPK. Conclusion Sal B can reduce the oxidative stress ,increases NO level in vasculature ,and improves the endo-thelium-dependent vasodilation in the diabetic mice ,which may be associated with the promotion of AMPK phos-phorylation.