OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture in a rat model of insomnia and its regulatory effect on the glutamic acid (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine (Gln) metabolic loop. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly assigned to control group, model group, Najia group and Nazi group (n=10). In the latter 3 groups, rat models of insomnia were established by intraperitoneal injections of p-chlorophenylalanine and verified using a sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test. After modeling, the rats in Najia and Nazi groups received acupuncture for 7 days at specifically chosen sets of acupoints based on the Ziwuliuzhu rationale in traditional Chinese medicine. Pathological changes in the hypothalamic tissue of the rats were examined with HE staining, and the levels of Glu and GABA in the hypothalamus were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in the hypothalamus, and the expression levels of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65/67) and glutamine synthetase (GS) were determined with Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the rats in Najia and Nazi groups exhibited decreased Glu levels and GABAA receptor expression and increased GABA levels with a decreased Glu/GABA ratio in the hypothalamus. Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture significantly increased the protein expressions of GAD65 and GAD67 and lowered the expression of GS in the hypothalamus in the rat models of insomnia. CONCLUSIONS Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture produces sedative and hypnotic effects in rat models of insomnia possibly by regulating Glu and GABA-Gln metabolism to restore the excitatory/inhibitory balance between Glu and GABA.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Glutamine/metabolism* ; Glutamic Acid/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Receptors, GABA-A/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points

BACKGROUND:There is no consensus on the optimal bone tunnel position in the lateral clavicle,which guides coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction.Postoperative complications such as enlargement of the lateral clavicle bone tunnel,bone osteolysis,clavicle fracture,and failure of internal fixation are likely to occur.Bone mass density plays an important role in the strength and stability of endophytic fixation.Regional differences in the bone mass density of the distal clavicle should not be overlooked in the repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation.Currently,there are no quantitative clinical studies in humans regarding the bone mass density of the distal clavicle. OBJECTIVE:To measure the magnitude of bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle by quantitative CT to provide a reference for surgeons to repair and reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament. METHODS:101 patients undergoing quantitative CT checking in Fuyang People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from October to December 2022 were enrolled,from which 1 616 samples of subdivisional bone mass density of the distal clavicle were measured.For each of the quantitative CT samples,firstly,the distal clavicle was divided medially to laterally into the following four regions:conical nodal region(region A),inter-nodal region(region B),oblique crest region(region C)and distal clavicular region(region D).Secondly,each region was divided into the first half and the second half to determine eight subdivisions,then setting semiautomatic region of interest(ROI)in each subdivision:(ROI A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2).Thirdly,each quantitative CT scan was transferred to the quantitative CT pro analysis workstation,and cancellous bone mass density was measured in the distal clavicle ROI.Finally,the clavicular cortex was avoided when measuring. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density on the different sides of the shoulder(P＞0.05).(2)The analysis of bone mineral density in eight sub-areas of the distal clavicle A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2 showed statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).It could be considered that there were differences in bone mineral density in different areas of the distal clavicle.After pairwise comparison,there was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between A1 and A2,D1 and D2,A2 and B1(P＞0.05),and there was a statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between the other sub-areas(P＜0.05).(3)The bone mineral density in the region A2 of the anatomical insertion of the conical ligament was significantly higher than that in the inter-nodular area(region B)(P＜0.05).The bone mineral density in the region A1 was higher than that in the region A2,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The bone mineral density in the region C1 of the anatomical insertion of the trapezium ligament was higher than that in regions C2,D1 and D2,and the bone mineral density in the inter-nodular area(region B)was significantly higher than that in regions C and D(P＜0.05).(4)These results have suggested that there are differences in bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle;regional differences in bone mass density in the distal clavicle during repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation cannot be ignored.Consideration should be given not only to biomechanical factors but also to the placement of implants or bone tunnels in regions of higher bone mass density,which could improve the strength and stability of implant fixation and reduce the risk of complications such as bone tunnel enlargement,osteolysis,fracture and implant failure.

Objective Polymorphic microsatellite markers developed for Apodemus peninsulae can enrich its genetic data and lay a foundation for genetic quality control and gene mapping.Methods Microsatellite loci were screened based on the genome sequence of Apodemus peninsulae,and microsatellite primers were identified.The genetic diversity of the population was analyzed by multiplex PCR.Results Thirty microsatellite markers were successfully developed and evaluated using 60 samples of Apodemus peninsulae.A total of 152 alleles were detected,with an average of 5.067 alleles per locus.The average observed heterozygosity was 0.592.The average Shannon index was 1.265.The average polymorphism information content was 0.598.Conclusions Based on the microsatellite loci developed in this study,the genetic diversity of Apodemus peninsulae can be effectively analyzed,laying a foundation for establishing genetic quality standards and detection method.

Purpose: This study identified risk factors for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through multidimensional analysis of the medical records of patients, aiming to reduce the incidence of NLUTD, improve prognosis, and facilitate rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, patients with AIS were recruited from two tertiary general hospitals in Shenzhen, China, from March 2021 to October 2023. Patients were divided into NLUTD and non-NLUTD groups based on the presence and absence of NLUTD, respectively. Comparative analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests, with significant variables being included in logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 652 participants enrolled in this study, 119 participants (18.3%) developed NLUTD. Bivariate analysis showed that 39 of 54 screened factors exhibited a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the incidence of NLUTD after AIS. Significant variables identified through logistic regression analysis included Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, anemia, aphasia, pneumonia, brainstem involvement, multiple lesions, urine clarity (CLA), random venous blood glucose (GLU) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels, and white blood cell (WBC) count. Conclusions A total of 11 risk factors for NLUTD were identified in this study. This finding provides valuable guidance for reducing the incidence of NLUTD after AIS and improving the quality of life of patients.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention is the new frontier of interventional cardiology. The LuX-Valve is a radial force-independent orthotopic tricuspid valve replacement device developed in China. The LuX-Valve Plus transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system is changed from the trans-atrial to the transjugular approach, which further reduces trauma and pulmonary complications compared with the first generation LuX-Valve. The first-in-human study has been completed at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and an exploratory multicentre clinical study is underway. Echocardiography plays an important role in pre-TTVR screening, intraoperative guidance and postoperative evaluation and follow-up, especially two-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE). However, there is a lack of appropriate intraoperative guidance and assessment protocols. In this study, we briefly described the protocols and imaging considerations for intraoperative 2D-TEE and 3D-TEE to ensure the successful implantation of TTVR.

Objective:To study the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) after adult orthotopic liver transplantation.Methods:The clinical data of 232 recipients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 195 males and 37 females, aged (49.1±9.4) years old. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether AKI had occurred within 7 days of surgery into the AKI group ( n=112) and the non-AKI group ( n=120). Clinical data including basic information, preoperative hematological indexes, operation time and postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Factors associated with AKI after orthotopic liver transplantation were studied using univariate analysis and those factors with significant differences were included in multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Results:Among 232 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, 112 patients developed AKI after surgery, with an incidence of 48.3% (112/232). There were 64 patients with AKI stage 1 (57.1%, 64/112), 30 patients with AKI stage 2 (26.8%, 30/112), and 18 patients with AKI stage 3 (16.1%, 18/112). Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension ( OR=5.874, 95% CI: 1.931-17.863, P=0.002) and high scores on the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) ( OR=1.041, 95% CI: 1.010-1.074, P=0.010) were independent risk factors for AKI after orthotopic liver transplantation. Conclusion:Hypertension and MELD score were independent risk factors for postoperative AKI in orthotopic liver transplant recipients.

Objective:To develop an ex vivo normothermic mechanical perfusion(NMP)and compare the effect of different portal perfusion pressures on attenuating hepatic injury from donor after cardiac death(DCD).Methods:All rat livers were subjected to in situ warm ischemia for 30 min after cardiac attest and thereafter stored for 8 h under cold preservation. Six livers were harvested and regarded as static cold storage(group CS, n=6). In experimental group, liver received an ex vivo dual NMP with oxygenated perfusion via hepatic artery for 2 h after cold storage. Hepatic injury was assessed and compared from perfused livers with full portal vein pressure(group M1, n=6)and low portal vein pressure(group M2, n=6). The evaluation parameters included perfusion flow, liver enzymes of perfusate, pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Suzuki histological criteria, expression of activation markers of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages, myeloperoxidase (MPO)and CD68 by immunohistochemistry, level of malondialdehyde(MDA)and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD). Results:In experimental group during NMP, perfusion flows tended to increase when portal pressures were stabilized in groups M1 and M2.Perfusion flow during NMP 60~120 min was significantly higher than during NMP 0~20 min.After NMP with full portal pressure, hepatic sinusoidal congestion, hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis and Suzuki criteria were lower in group M1 than those in group CS( P<0.05). Compared with group M1, lower hepatic injury was characterized with a lower change of liver enzymes in perfusate( P<0.05), a better histological evaluation( P<0.05), a lower level of MDA and a higher activity of SOD( P<0.05), lower expressions of CD68 and MPO ( P<0.05)and lower levels of TNF-α and IL-6( P<0.05)in perfused liver. Conclusions:The ex vivo dual NMP with oxygenated perfusion via hepatic artery mimics liver perfusion under the physiological conditions.NMP with a lower portal pressure can attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and confer a better protection against liver damage from DCD.

Objective To explore the role and mechanism of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 1 400W in alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury of human intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells.Methods Human intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (HIBEC) in logarithmic phase were inoculated into culture plate at an appropriate density.The samples were randomly divided into control group (group C),ischemiareperfusion group (group I/R) and ischemia-reperfusion + 1 400W group (group I/R + 1 400W).Group C was cultured routinely;cells in I/R and I/R + 1 400W groups were placed in a three-gas incubator for 12h for simulating ischemia and then normal culture for 6h for simulating reperfusion.The I/R + 1 400W group had a final concentration of 100 μmol/L of 1 400W before ischemia and hypoxia.After reperfusion,cells and culture medium were collected,CCK 8 was used for detecting cell vitality,microplate method for detecting the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in culture medium,AnnexinV-FITC/PI double stain for detecting apoptosis level,Western blot for analyzing the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)related protein cysteinyl aspartic acid protease 12 (caspase-12),glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).Results As compared with group C,cell viability significantly decreased in I/R and I/R+ 1 400W groups (53.8％ ± 2.3％ vs.100％,66.5 ％ ± 2.8 ％ vs.100 ％) (P＜0.05) while LDH increased markedly in cell culture medium (287.4 ±9.0U/L vs 120.2 ± 8.7U/L,212.0 ± 8.3U/L vs 120.2 ± 8.7U/L) (P＜0.05).Apoptosis accelerated markedly (41.5％±2.3％ vs5.2％±0.5％,32.7％± 1.8％ vs 5.2％±0.5％) (P＜0.05) and the expressions of caspase-12,GRP78,CHOP and iNOS spiked (P＜0.05);as compared with I/R group,cell viability of I/R+ 1 400W group rose while LDH,apoptosis level,caspase-12,GRP78 and CHOP declined in cell culture medium (P＜0.05).Conclusions 1 400W may alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury of human intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells and its mechanism may be correlated with a suppression of endoplasrnic reticulum stress.

Objective:To compare the clinical effect of anterior and posterior resection,bone grafting and internal fixation on the spinal tuberculosis.Methods:82 cases of patients with spinal tuberculosis in our hospital from February 2014 to August 2015 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group with 41 cases in each group.Both groups received conventional anti tuberculosis treament and underwent debridement bone graft and internal fixation treatment,the control group underwent anterior internal fixation,while the observation group underwent posterior internal fixation.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,low back pain relief time,ambulation time and hospitalization time were compared between two groups.All patients were followed up for 6 months,the Frankel grade and serum Thl7 cell related factors levels were compared between two groups before and after operation.Results:The low back pain relief time,ambulation time and hospitalization time of observation group were significantly shorter than those of the control group(P＜0.01).After operation,the Frankel classification grade A and B ratio of observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P＜0.05),the serum IL-10,IL-17,IL-23 and TGF-beta 1 levels were significantly lower than those of the control group (P＜0.01).Conclusion:Anterior resection combined with posterior bone graft inFixation could effectively promote the rehabilitation of spinal tuberculosis,reduce the severity of spinal injury,relieve the inflammatory response and promote the recovery of immune function.

OBJECTIVETo investigate effect of Activ L total lumbar disc replacement on lumbar sagittal alignment.

METHODSThe imaging data of patients with degenerative disc disease received Activ L total lumbar disc replacement at Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2009 to March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The average age was 45.6 years(range, 35-60 years)and the surgery levels were as follows: L3-4 2 cases, L4-5 15 cases, L5/S1 5 cases, L3-4+ L4-5 3 cases, L4-5+ L5/S1 7 cases. All patients were followed up for 15 to 63 months(average, 32 months). Radiographic parameters such as lumbar lordosis angle(LL), segment lordosis angle(SL) and sacral slope angle(SS) were recorded. All the radiographic parameters were compared using one-way ANOVA at different stage. Lumbar lordosis angle of the two-level was compared with the one of one-level by using independent sample t-test before and after the operation. A partial correction test was carried out to determine the corrections between the parameters preoperatively, one month after the operation and at final follow-up.

RESULTSOne month after the operation, the lumbar lordosis angle decreased by an average of 1.8°, but there was no statistically significant(P>0.05). Compared with one month postoperation, the lumbar lordosis angle increased by an average of 6.8°(P<0.05), which also increased a lot compared with preoperation(P<0.05). The value of segment lordosis angle was rising up from preoperation to the final follow-up(P<0.05), so was the value of sacral slope angle, but there was no statistically significant between different stage(P>0.05). The lumbar lordosis angle showed no significant difference between double-level ones and single-level ones at different stage(P<0.05). The lumbar lordosis angle showed positive correlation with the sacral slope(P<0.001), however, the lumbar lordosis angle showed no corrected with the segment angle all the time(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe total lumbar disc replacement with Activ L prosthesis had contributed to maintain and improve the lumbar alignment in the short and medium term. Double- or single-level total lumbar disc replacement had no significant effect on the value of lumbar lordosis angle. The lumbar lordosis angle showed positive correlation with the sacral slope all the time with no correlation between lumbar lordosis angle and sacral slope.

Diagnostic Imaging ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; surgery ; Lordosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Lumbosacral Region ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Prostheses and Implants ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Total Disc Replacement