1.Acupuncture Treatment for Severe Bell's Palsy and Its Impact on Serum GDNF and NGF:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Li MA ; Xiaonan LI ; Chenyang SU ; Juanjuan FENG ; Jingyi LIU ; Haoyi QIAO ; Peng BAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1297-1304
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating severe Bell's palsy and to explore its potential mechanism by investigating the effect on serum levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). MethodsA randomized, subject-blinded, sham-acupuncture controlled trial was conducted. A total of 130 patients with severe Bell's palsy were randomly allocated into a treatment group or a control group at a 1∶1 ratio. Both groups received conventional western medicine. In addition, the treatment group received acupuncture, while the control group received sham acupuncture, with each session lasting 30 minutes. The treatment course lasted 8 weeks for both groups, followed by a follow-up assessment at week 12. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving House-Brackmann (H-B) grade Ⅱ or lower at week 8. Secondary outcomes included Sunnybrook facial grading system scores at week 0, 4, 8, and 12, the time to satisfactory recovery(the time required to achieve H-B grade≤Ⅱ), distribution of H-B grades and facial disability index (FDI) scores including the physical function subscale (FDIP) and social/well-being function subscale (FDIS) scores at week 0, 4, 8, and 12, and serum GDNF and NGF levels at week 0, 4, and 8. Adverse events and participants' self-assessments of treatment efficacy were also recorded. ResultsA total of 122 participants completed the study, including 62 in the treatment group and 60 in the control group. An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was performed, and missing data were handled using the last observation carried forward (LOCF) method. The proportion of patients achieving H-B grade ≤grade Ⅱ at week 8 was 78.5% (51/65) in the treatment group, significantly higher than 49.2% (32/65) in the control group (P<0.05). The Sunnybrook scores, FDIP and FDIS scores increased, while H-B grades decreased at week 4, 8, and 12 in both groups compared to week 0; moreover, improvements in all outcome measures were significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The median time to satisfactory recovery was 6 weeks (95%CI: 5.697-6.303) in the treatment group, significantly shorter than 12 weeks (95%CI: 8.314-15.686) in the control group (P<0.05). Serum levels of GDNF and NGF were significantly higher in the treatment group at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). No serious acupuncture-related adverse events occurred in either group. Adverse events were reported in 5 patients (7.69%) in the treatment group and 4 patients (6.15%) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.05). Patients' self-assessment of treatment efficacy after 8 weeks treatment was significantly better in the treatment group (P<0.05). ConclusionAcupuncture can effectively improve facial nerve function and shorten recovery time in patients with severe Bell's palsy, with a favorable safety profile. The therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the upregulation of serum GDNF and NGF levels.
2.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
3.Astragalus polysaccharide regulates exosomes derived from breast cancer cells and its effects on macrophage polarization and antitumor effects
Chenjuan Guan ; Caixia Xie ; Xiaojiao Zheng ; Nana Bao ; Lu Wang ; Wenhui Bai ; Shu Qiao ; Haonan Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(10):1790-1798
Objective:
To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Astragalus Polysacharin(APS) on the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells by regulating miR-107 and miR-346-mediated macrophage polarization in breast cancer-derived exosomes.
Methods:
Forty 8-week-old female BALB/c mice were selected and breast cancer xenograft models and 4T1 transplanted tumor models were established. The mice were divided into the control group and the APS group. The APS group mice received daily intragastric administration of APS for 25 days, while the control group mice were given the same amount of normal saline. After all treatments were completed, the mice were euthanized, and tumor tissues were isolated. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to detect the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), Ki-67, CD206, CD163, inducible nitric-oxide synthase(iNOS), and CD86. The apoptosis of single-cell suspensions in tumor tissues was analyzed. Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured and stimulated with APS, and exosomes from the cell culture medium were collected. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, permeability chamber cell invasion assay, and qRT-PCR. Differentially expressed genes were screened by bioinformatics.
Results :
By measuring the expressions of molecules related to breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, it was shown that APS treatment reduced the expressions of proliferation-related proteins(PCNA and Ki-67) and metastasis-related proteins(Vimentin) in MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor tissues; and the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages was observed. APS treatment of 4T1 transplanted tumor tissues could reduce the number of M2 macrophages and increase the number of M1 macrophages, resulting in a decrease in the ratio of M2/M1 macrophages and an increase in cell apoptosis in 4T1 transplanted tumor tissues. The expressions of related proteins iNOS and CD86 increased, and CD206 and CD163 decreased. After APS treatment, the exosomes produced by MDA-MB-231 reduced the polarization of M2 macrophages and affected the expressions of miR-107 and miR-346.
Conclusion
APS inhibits the polarization of M2 macrophages by regulating the expression of miR-107 or miR-346 in breast cancer cell-derived exosomes, ultimately inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
4.Constructing a model of degenerative scoliosis using finite element method:biomechanical analysis in etiology and treatment
Kai HE ; Wenhua XING ; Shengxiang LIU ; Xianming BAI ; Chen ZHOU ; Xu GAO ; Yu QIAO ; Qiang HE ; Zhiyu GAO ; Zhen GUO ; Aruhan BAO ; Chade LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):572-578
BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.
5.Construction of evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):438-442
Objective:
To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease.
Methods:
The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16,18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
Results:
After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level.
Conclusion
The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.
6.Improvement of catalytic activity and thermostability of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus heteromorphus.
Shanglin YU ; Qiao ZHOU ; Honghai ZHANG ; Yingguo BAI ; Huiying LUO ; Xiaojun YANG ; Bin YAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):296-307
Glucose oxidase (GOD) is an oxygen-consuming dehydrogenase that can catalyze the production of gluconic acid hydrogen peroxide from glucose, and its specific mechanism of action makes it promising for applications, while the low catalytic activity and poor thermostability have become the main factors limiting the industrial application of this enzyme. In this study, we used the glucose oxidase AtGOD reported with the best thermostability as the source sequence for phylogenetic analysis to obtain the GOD with excellent performance. Six genes were screened and successfully synthesized for functional validation. Among them, the glucose oxidase AhGODB derived from Aspergillus heteromorphus was expressed in Pichia pastoris and showed better thermostability and catalytic activity, with an optimal temperature of 40 ℃, a specific activity of 112.2 U/mg, and a relative activity of 47% after 5 min of treatment at 70 ℃. To improve its activity and thermal stability, we constructed several mutants by directed evolution combined with rational design. Compared with the original enzyme, the mutant T72R/A153P showcased the optimum temperature increasing from 40 to 50 ℃, the specific activity increasing from 112.2 U/mg to 166.1 U/mg, and the relative activity after treatment at 70 ℃ for 30 min increasing from 0% to 33%. In conclusion, the glucose oxidase mutants obtained in this study have improved catalytic activity and thermostability, and have potential for application.
Glucose Oxidase/chemistry*
;
Enzyme Stability
;
Aspergillus/genetics*
;
Pichia/metabolism*
;
Temperature
;
Catalysis
;
Fungal Proteins/metabolism*
;
Hot Temperature
7.Application and development direction of finite element method in biomechanical analysis of thoracolumbar fractures of the spine
Kai HE ; Wenhua XING ; Feng LI ; Shengxiang LIU ; Xianming BAI ; Chen ZHOU ; Xu GAO ; Yu QIAO ; Qiang HE ; Zhiyu GAO ; Zhen GUO ; Aruhan BAO ; Chade LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(15):3244-3252
BACKGROUND:The highest incidence of spinal fracture is in the thoracolumbar segment,and its symptoms are back pain,posterior convexity deformity,activity limitation,or with spinal cord nerve injury causing lower limb pain,numbness,and even paraplegia and other complications.The finite element method is a digital computer modeling technique,which can simulate the physical model and carry out force analysis realistically.OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in thoracolumbar spine fractures.METHODS:We searched the Chinese and English literature databases PubMed,Web of Science,and CNKI for relevant literature on the application of the finite element analysis method in spinal thoracolumbar fracture published before March 2024.The search terms in Chinese and English were:finite element analysis methods,biomechanical phenomena,stress analysis,thoracolumbar fractures,spinal fractures.Finally,55 papers were included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The exploration of thoracolumbar fractures caused by different etiologies(osteoporotic,traumatic,and pathological)through the finite element method is conducive to a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of various types of thoracolumbar fractures,and to improve the individualized and fine-tuned treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.(2)The finite element analysis of a single sample or a small number of samples has the chance,and a larger number of samples are required for the future finite element analysis to reduce the chance caused by the sample.(3)The rigid structure of bones alone cannot meet the biomechanical working conditions of the integrity of the physical object,and future finite element models need to incorporate all the structures of the physical object(e.g.,soft tissues,such as muscles and ligaments)as far as possible.(4)The finite element method has been used in more studies on osteoporotic and traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures,which will need to be more in-depth in the future,and less in the field of pathologic thoracolumbar fractures,which has a wider scope for future research.
8.Scoping review of assessment tools of transition readiness in adolescents with chronic illnesses
Sa WANG ; Lina BAI ; Dandan ZHANG ; Yuwei LI ; Caicai QIAO ; Weiting SONG ; Huali MIAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(3):234-241
Objective:To summarize domestic and foreign transitional readiness assessment tools for adolescents with chronic diseases and analyze the current status of their application in the clinic, so as to provide references for healthcare professionals to select appropriate tools.Methods:China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP and China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and scholar.google.com were searched for literature related to the assessment tools of transition readiness in adolescents with chronic illnesses from inception to March 29, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted the data.Results:A total of 491 articles were initially retrieved and 24 were included, involving a total of 8 transitional readiness assessment tools for adolescents with chronic diseases, including the Transition Readiness Assessment questionnaire, the University of North Carolina TRxANSITION Scale, Am I ON TRAC for adult care? Questionnaire, Transition Questionnaire, Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment Questionnaire, Good 2 Go Questionnaire, State Assessment Questionnaire for Transition, and Self-assessment Scale of Transition Readiness for Adolescents. The Transition Readiness Assessment questionnaire and Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment Questionnaire have good reliability and validity, comprehensive evaluation, wide applicability, simple use, and are suitable for clinical use.Conclusions:The quality of existing tools for assessing transitional readiness of adolescents with chronic diseases is mixed. The Transition Readiness Assessment questionnaire and Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment Questionnaire are more appropriate options in the clinic, but they still need to be improved. Future studies need to continue to introduce tools to assess transitional readiness for chronic diseases in adolescents and develop localized assessment tools.
9.Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spine fracture and dislocation (version 2025)
Dongmei BIAN ; Ke SUN ; Ningbo CHEN ; Caixia BAI ; Miao WANG ; Yafeng QIAO ; Fei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Mei YAN ; Meng BAI ; Linjuan ZHANG ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yaqing CUI ; Xue JIANG ; Leling FENG ; Ning NING ; Junqin DING ; Lan WEI ; Yonghua ZHAI ; Yu ZENG ; Zengmei ZHANG ; Jiqun HE ; Fenggui BIE ; Hong CHEN ; Zengyan WANG ; Li LI ; Li ZHANG ; Yaying ZHOU ; Bing SHAO ; Ying WANG ; Caixia XIE ; Yanfeng YAO ; Jingjing AN ; Wen SHI ; Xiongtao LIU ; Xiaoyan AN ; Ning NAN ; Lan LI ; Xiaohui GOU ; Qiaomei LI ; Xiuting WU ; Yuqin ZHANG ; Jing LIU ; Fusen XIANG ; Xu XU ; Na MEI ; Jiao ZHOU ; Shan FAN ; Qian WANG ; Shuixia LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(2):138-147
Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.
10.Role of miR-130b-3p/USP47/NLRP3 inflammasome in airway remodeling in asthma
Chang-lin QUAN ; Zhi-guang WANG ; Qiao-yun BAI ; Ning-po DING ; Yi-lan SONG ; Guang-hai YAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1500-1508
Aim To investigate the role of miR-130b-3p in regulating the USP47/NLRP3 inflammasome in airway remodeling associated with asthma and to explore its potential therapeutic value in asthma treat-ment.Methods An OVA-induced asthma mouse mod-el was established,and intervention with miR-130b-3p agomir was performed.Histological staining,quantita-tive real-time PCR,Western blot,immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to analyze the effects of miR-130b-3p on the expression of USP47,NLRP3,and related inflammatory factors,as well as the inflamma-some activity.Results miR-130b-3p was significantly downregulated in asthmatic mice,and its intervention significantly inhibited airway epithelial damage,inflam-matory cell infiltration,and collagen deposition.Addi-tionally,miR-130b-3p targeted USP47 and indirectly suppressed NLRP3 expression,leading to reduced in-flammasome activity and alleviated asthma-related in-flammatory responses.Conclusion miR-130b-3p re-duces asthma-related inflammatory responses by down-regulating USP47 expression and indirectly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activity.


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