OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Of 38 newborn rats from 4 healthy SPF pregnant rats, 12 neonatal rats were randomly selected in a normal group. IBS-D model was prepared by the combined measures for the rest rats, including neonatal maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress. Twenty-four successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each one. In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37), 20 min each time, once daily and for 7 consecutive days. Separately, before acetic acid enema (aged 35 days), after modeling (aged 45 days) and after intervention (aged 53 days), the body mass, loose stool rate (LSR) and and the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were observed in the rats of each group. After intervention (aged 53 days), using HE and PAS staining, the morphology of duodenum was observed, the length of villus and the depth of crypt were measured, the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt was calculated; and the numbers of mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells were counted. With ELISA adopted, the contents of γ-interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in duodenal mucosa of rats were detected. The proportion of T cell subsets in duodenal mucosa was detected using flow cytometry. The microvilli and tight junctions of duodenal mucosal epithelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the integrity of duodenal mucosa observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, for the rats in the model group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the proportion of CD₈⁺ T subset were all reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa decreased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were all elevated (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs rose (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was irregular, the villi got shorter, sparse and scattered, with uneven density. The morphology of epithelial cells was destroyed and the tight junctions damaged, with larger spaces. When compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa increased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset, and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were reduced (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs was dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was more regular, the villi were grew, got longer and arranged regularly, with even density. The morphology of epithelial cells was slightly destroyed, and the tight junctions partially damaged. CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) can reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats and relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. Its effect mechanism may be related to the repair of small intestinal mucosal immune barrier and the improvement in the immune function in IBS-D.
Animals ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/immunology* ; Rats ; Moxibustion ; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology* ; Female ; Diarrhea/therapy* ; Intestine, Small/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Disease Models, Animal

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture (for unblocking the obstruction in the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) on depression-like behavior and the hippocampal Endophilin A1/reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats, and explore the mechanism of this therapy for depression. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=36). In the modeling group, CUMS was performed to establish depression model. The successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (referred to as the acupuncture group), and a fluoxetine group, with 12 rats in each group. In the acupuncture group, "Baihui" (GV20), "Shenting" (GV24), "Shuigou" (GV26) and "Dazhui" (GV14) were stimulated with acupuncture. This intervention measure was delivered once a day, continuously for 6 days; it was discontinued on day 7 and was completed in 28 days. In the fluoxetine group, intragastric administration was done with fluoxetine solution (2.1 mg/kg), once a day, and for 28 consecutive days. Before and after modeling, and after intervention completion, the body mass, sucrose preference rate and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment were observed in each group. After intervention, using HE staining, the hippocampal neuron morphology was observed; using Nissl staining, the hippocampal Nissl body number was counted. The hippocampal mitochondria was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal was determined using flow cytometry. With Western blot method, the protein expression of Endophilin A1, growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal was detected; and with RT-qPCR method, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF was recorded. Using the immunofluorescence, the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF in hippocampal tissue was determined. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass, sucrose preference rate, and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure was unclear, the matrix was relatively loose, and the number of Nissl body decreased (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure was disarranged, the outer membrane was ruptured, mitochondrial cristae was irregular or missed; the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue increased (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and its average fluorescence intensity decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group and the fluoxetine group showed the increase in body mass, sucrose preference rate, the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure became relatively clear, the matrix was relatively dense, and the number of Nissl body was elevated (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure got normal and disarranged slightly, the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue were reduced (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and the average fluorescence intensity rose (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the fluoxetine group, the acupuncture group presented the increase in the average fluorescence intensity of ROS, the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, the protein expression of GAP-43 and the mRNA expression of BDNF (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the decrease of the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of BDNF, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, and the average fluorescence intensity of GAP-43 (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tongdu tiaoshen acupuncture alleviates depression-like behaviors in CUMS model rats and protects hippocampal neurons, which may be related to suppressing Endophilin A1/ROS signaling pathway and attenuating oxidative stress reactions.
Animals ; Male ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Depression/psychology* ; Humans ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Acupuncture Points

Objective To compare H_p(3) calibration with a homemade (A) thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and an imported (B) TLD in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field, to explore the different responses of A and B, and to provide foundation for the calibration of H_p(3). Methods A column mode was selected. H_p(3) calibration was performed using A and B in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field in the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory, National Institute for Radiological Protection, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Angle response, energy response, and linear response were calibrated with RQR4 (60 kV), RQR7 (90 kV), and RQR9 (120 kV), respectively. Results In terms of angle response, the calibration results of A were relatively high, while the calibration results of B were relatively low. In terms of energy response, the calibration results showed a similar pattern to angle response. In terms of linear response, the calibration results of both A and B were satisfactory. Conclusion Both A and B can be used for normal calibration of H_p(3) in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field. However, in actual monitoring, attention should be paid to the energy and angle response values of TLDs.

Objective:To explorethe effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on self-disclosure, coping style and post-traumatic growth in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy after surgery.Methods:A total of 84 patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy after surgery were recruited from the gynecology ward of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China for randomized controlled trial, from February 2022 to October 2022. All participants were divided into the intervention group and the control group with 42 patients in each group by random number table method. The patients in control group received routine care. The intervention group was given acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the basis of the control group and intervened for three cycles of chemotherapy. The scores of Distress Disclosure Index (DDI), Cancer Coping Modes Questionnaire (CCMQ), and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were compared between the two groups before and after intervention.Results:There was no significant difference in the scores of DDI, CCMQ and PTGI between the two groups before intervention ( P>0.05). After intervention, DDI scorein intervention group was (38.81 ± 5.96) points, significantly higher than that in control group (34.43 ± 4.79) points, the difference was statistically significant ( t = 3.71, P<0.01). In terms of coping styles, after intervention, the scores of five dimensions of fantasy, resignation, avoidance, catharsis and confrontation were 6.00(6.00, 8.00), 9.00(8.00, 12.00), 9.00(8.75, 11.00), 7.00(6.00, 8.00) and 20.00(16.00, 21.00) points in the invention group, compared with the control group of 8.00(7.75, 9.00), 11.00(9.75, 13.00), 11.00(9.00, 13.00), 9.00(8.00, 12.00) and 16.00(13.00, 18.50) points, the differences were statistically significant ( Z = 2.86 to 5.11, all P<0.01). The total PTGI score in intervention group was (71.43 ± 8.68) points, significantly higher than that in control group(63.98 ± 6.92) points, the difference was statistically significant ( t = 4.35, P<0.01). Conclusions:ACT can increase self-disclosure, enhance positive coping, and promote post-traumatic growth in ovarian cancer patientsundergoing chemotherapy after surgery.

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance and pathogenesis of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) .Methods:The expression of hnRNP U, an RNA binding protein, in patients with AML and healthy controls was compared based on the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database and the data of the center. The Beat AML Dataset ( n=158) was downloaded from the cBioPortal database. The hnRNP U expression level was divided into the high-expression group ( n=89) and low-expression group ( n=69) , and patients’ clinical characteristics were compared. The effect of hnRNP U on the biological behavior of human AML cell lines was studied by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to detect cell proliferation. Annexin Ⅴ-APC/7-AAD antibodies were used to detect cell apoptosis. DNA content (PI staining) was quantitatively analyzed to detect cell cycle changes, and colony formation experiments were performed to detect cell cloning formation ability after hnRNP U knockdown in Kasumi-1 and MOLM-13 cells. To study the effect of hnRNP U knockdown on the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway proteins of cleaved-PARP, immunoblot analysis using p-H2A.X was conducted. Results:①Pan-cancer analysis showed that hnRNP U was highly expressed in patients with AML, and the expression level of hnRNP U mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly higher in patients with AML than in healthy controls (0.0315±0.0042 vs 0.0195±0.0006, respectively, P<0.01) . ②The age of onset was 56 (2-87) years in the high-expression group and 65 (8-85) years in the low-expression group ( t=-2.681, P=0.007) . Moreover, the high-expression group had a higher proportion of combined FLT3 mutations than the low-expression group ( χ2=4.069, P=0.044) . ③Compared with the negative control, hnRNP U knockdown inhibited the proliferation ( P<0.001 and P<0.001) , promoted the apoptosis ( P<0.01 and P<0.001) , decreased the colony formation ability ( P<0.001 and P<0.001) , and arrested the cell cycles in the G 2/M phase ( P<0.05 and P<0.01) of Kasumi-1 and MOLM-13 cells, respectively. ④hnRNP U knockdown could increase the protein expression of cleaved-PARP and p-H2A.X on the DDR pathway. Conclusion:hnRNP U is highly expressed in AML, and hnRNP U knockdown can inhibit the occurrence and development of AML possibly through the activation of the DDR pathway.

【Objective】 To establish and optimize a method for the determination of aluminum (Al) residue by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 【Methods】 Nitric acid solution was used to treat samples and standards. The concentration of nitric acid solution and equipment parameters were optimized, and the specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy, detection limit, quantitative limit and intermediate precision of the optimized detection method were investigated to confirm whether it was suitable for the determination of Al residue in human serum albumin. 【Results】 The concentration of nitric acid was 5%, and digest time was 4 h. The equipment condition of ICP-MS was as follows: RF power: 1600 W, sampling depth: 10 mm, atomizer / carrier gas flow rate: 1.0 L/ min, compensation flow rate: 0.5 L/ min, experimental mode: standard mode, integration time: 0.2 s, data acquisition: 3 times. Specificity: The recoveries of Al: 92% (high concentration, RSD=3.5%), 98% (low concentration, RSD=4.9%). Linearity: In the range of (0~40) μg/L, the correlation coefficient between concentration and optical energy signal (CPS) of standard / sample were higher than 0.999 0. Accuracy/ Repeatability: The recoveries of sample (3 concentration): 108% (RSD=4.7%), 110% (RSD=4.9%) and 110% (RSD=2.8%). The detection limit was 0.006 μg/L, and the quantitation limit was 0.019 μg/L. Intermediate precision: personnel factor and date factor, P>0.05, RSD (12 times)=2%. Comparison between ICP-MS and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS): the deviation between ICP-MS and AAS was 8%, and that of samples was 3%, with no significant difference noticed between the two methods. 【Conclusion】 After optimization, ICP-MS method has shown good performance in terms of specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy, detection limit, quantitative limit and intermediate precision, and is suitable for the determination of Al residue in human albumin products of our company.

A deuterated internal standard quantitative analysis method based on liquid-liquid extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LLE-UPLC-MS/MS) for simultaneous determination of 10 illicit drugs in wastewater was established.Wastewater samples were concentrated by liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane: ethyl acetate (1∶1), and separated by a linear gradient of 0.1% formic acid-5 mmol/L ammonium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile on a C18 column. The samples were then detected by ESI positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) for quantitative analysis.All analytes had a good linear relationship (r ≥ 0.995 7) within the range of their respective standard curves; the limit of quantification was 1 ng/L (except amphetamine at 2.5 ng/L); the relative recovery rate ranged from 96.36% to 106.43%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 4.70%.This method is accurate, reliable and reproducible, and is suitable for the quantitative determination of 10 illicit drugs in wastewater.It is also suitable for wastewater with complex matrixes that affect solid phase extraction and enrichment.It provides a new analytical method for real-time monitoring of drug abuse.

Objective:To investigate characteristics and changes of skin microbiota in atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by different concentrations of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) .Methods:Totally, 30 male specific-pathogen-free BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups by using a random number table: negative control group topically treated with 200 μl of mixture of acetone and olive oil at a volume ratio of 3∶1 on the back twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks; high-and low-concentration DNCB groups both topically treated with 200 μl of 1% DNCB on the first and third day at the first week, followed by topical application of 200 μl of 0.5% and 0.1% DNCB, respectively, twice a week for 5 weeks from the second week. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the severity of skin lesions was evaluated, and the transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration were measured. After the experiment, the mice were sacrificed, and skin tissues were resected from the back of the mice for histopathological examination. Full-thickness skin tissue samples were obtained from the back of 3 mice in each group. Illumina Miseq PE300 high-throughput sequencing was performed to sequence the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene of skin microbiota on the back of the mice, and the composition and structure of the skin microbiota and changes in the relative abundance of different genera were analyzed. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze differences in indices among the 3 groups, and the Games-Howell method was used for multiple comparisons.Results:The severity scores of skin lesions were significantly higher in the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups (9.83 ± 2.45 points, 2.71 ± 0.56 points, respectively) than in the negative control group (0.51 ± 0.12 points, t=-7.19,-2.85, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Compared with the negative control group, the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups showed significantly increased transepidermal water loss ( t=-7.72,-2.68, respectively, both P < 0.05) , but significantly decreased stratum corneum hydration ( t=6.77, 5.99, respectively, both P < 0.05) ; the transepidermal water loss was significantly higher in the high-concentration DNCB group than in the low-concentration DNCB group ( t=2.76, P < 0.05) , while no significant difference in the stratum corneum hydration was observed between the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups ( P > 0.05) . There was a significant difference in the relative abundance of Corynebacterium among the 3 groups ( F=249.85, P < 0.001) , which was highest in the high-concentration DNCB group. No significant differences in the observed species and Chao1 index of the skin samples were observed among the 3 groups (both P > 0.05) , and the Shannon index was significantly lower in the high-concentration DNCB group than in the low-concentration DNCB group and negative control group ( t=6.96,-6.37, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Conclusion:DNCB could induce atopic dermatitis-like dermatitis in mice, and the severity of skin lesions and degree of barrier function impairment were related to the concentration of DNCB; the species diversity of skin microbiota markedly decreased in the high-concentration DNCB group, indicating that high-concentration DNCB modeling has more advantages in studying microbiological changes associated with atopic dermatitis.

The objective was to investigate the effect of kinsenoside (Kin) treatments on macrophage polarity and evaluate the resulting protection of chondrocytes to attenuate osteoarthritis (OA) progression. RAW264.7 macrophages were polarized to M1/M2 subtypes then administered with different concentrations of Kin. The polarization transitions were evaluated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), confocal observation and flow cytometry analysis. The mechanism of Kin repolarizing M1 macrophages was evaluated by Western blot. Further, macrophage conditioned medium (CM) and IL-1 were administered to chondrocytes. Micro-CT scanning and histological observations were conducted on anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mice with or without Kin treatment. We found that Kin repolarized M1 macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, Kin inhibited the phosphorylation of IB, which further reduced the downstream phosphorylation of P65 in nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signaling. Moreover, Kin inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling molecules p-JNK, p-ERK and p-P38. Additionally, Kin attenuated macrophage CM and IL-1-induced chondrocyte damage. , Kin reduced the infiltration of M1 macrophages, promoted M2 macrophages in the synovium, inhibited subchondral bone destruction and reduced articular cartilage damage induced by ACLT. All the results indicated that Kin is an effective therapeutic candidate for OA treatment.

OBJECTIVE： To promote rational use of proton pump inhibitors （PPIs） during perioperative period. METHODS： PDCA （Plan， Do， Check， Action） cycle management was used， the irrational use of PPIs of 300 medical records in neurosurgery department of our hospital were collected. The reasons were analyzed， management target was formulated and measures were implemented. The effects of management were evaluated through comparing the rate of irrational drug use and ratio of irrational type of PPIs in 300 medical records of neurosurgery department during perioperative period after management. RESULTS： Through collecting related data to confirm risk factors of stress ulcer， establishing rationality evaluation criteria for perioperative prophylactic use of PPIs， conducting rational drug use training among medical staff， drawing up various management systems and strengthening supervision and management， the rate of irrational use of PPIs was decreased significantly in our hospital； the number of irrational drug use cases decreased from 240 before management to 156 after management， among which the rate of prophylactic drug use without indication decreased from 37.33％ to 29.00％ （P＜0.05）； the irrational dosage rate decreased from 11.33％ to 6.33％ （P＜0.05）； the rate of irrational dosing frequency dropped from 12.67％ to 5.00％ （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： PDCA cycle management of our hospital can standardize the prophylactic use of PPIs in neurosurgery department during perioperative period and promote rational use of PPIs.