1.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
2.Nigella sativa L. seed extract alleviates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Ben NIU ; Xiaohong AN ; Yongmei CHEN ; Ting HE ; Xiao ZHAN ; Xiuqi ZHU ; Fengfeng PING ; Wei ZHANG ; Jia ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(2):203-213
Nigella sativa L. seeds have been traditionally utilized in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to treat vitiligo. This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. (HZC) enhances melanogenesis and mitigates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes. In accordance with established protocols, the ethanol fraction from Nigella sativa L. seeds was extracted, concentrated, and lyophilized to evaluate its herbal effects via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, tyrosinase activity evaluation, measurement of cellular melanin contents, scratch assays, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis for expression profiling of experimentally relevant proteins. The results indicated that HZC significantly enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content while notably increasing the protein expression levels of Tyr, Mitf, and gp100 in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, HZC effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence, improved melanocyte condition, and rectified various functional impairments associated with melanocyte dysfunction. These findings suggest that HZC increases melanin synthesis in melanocytes through the activation of the MAPK, PKA, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, HZC attenuates oxidative damage induced by H2O2 therapy by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and enhancing the activity of downstream antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing premature senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Melanocytes/cytology*
;
Cellular Senescence/drug effects*
;
Nigella sativa/chemistry*
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Seeds/chemistry*
;
Mice
;
Animals
;
Melanins/metabolism*
;
Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism*
;
Humans
3.Evidence-based practice for pain management in patients after hepatectomy
Yushuo NIU ; Cuicui LI ; Lin WANG ; Yajun LI ; Runan ZHAO ; Xiaohong HOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(15):2022-2030
Objective:To carry out evidence-based practice for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing hepatectomy based on the knowledge to action (KTA) framework, and to evaluate the application effects of the best evidence.Methods:A systematic review of databases on pain management for hepatectomy patients both domestically and internationally was conducted to form the best evidence. This was combined with the Postoperative pain assessment and nursing in adults group standard to form quality review indicators. From November to December 2023, a baseline review was conducted with 21 healthcare staff and 31 patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Shandong Provincial Hospital. The barriers to evidence-based practice were analyzed, and the best evidence application and transformation actions were implemented. A re-evaluation was conducted from January to March 2024 after applying the evidence with 31 laparoscopic hepatectomy patients and 21 healthcare staff. The execution rates of the review indicators, patient pain levels, satisfaction with pain control, and patient comfort were compared before and after evidence application. Results:After applying the evidence, the execution rate of the review indicators by healthcare staff increased to 19.35%-100.00%. Post-intervention, the pain scores at postoperative immediate, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours were significantly lower than before the evidence application, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Additionally, post-intervention, the patients' satisfaction with pain control and comfort scores were significantly higher than before the evidence application, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The application of the best evidence for pain management in hepatectomy, combined with the construction of quality review indicators and evidence-based practice, can alleviate postoperative pain in patients, improve their satisfaction, and enhance their comfort.
4.Adhere to the principle of innovation while maintaining the core values, and serve healthy China: a deep analysis and prospect of National Diabetes Prevention and Control Center (DPCC) practice in Shanxi Province
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(3):347-349
China is one of the countries with the fastest growth in diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes among adults in China is as high as 12.4%, while the awareness rate of patients is only 36.7%, the standardized diagnosis and treatment rate is 32.9%, and the rate of achieving control targets is 50.1%. Diabetes prevention and control has become a major issue related to national economy and people′s livelihood. The data from 2015 to 2017 in Shanxi indicate that the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 18 and above is 10.4%, while the prevalence of prediabetes is 34.5%. Moreover, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of diabetes among patients remain suboptimal. How to adhere to the principle of innovation while maintaining the core values, and efficiently apply and fully promote the standardized diabetes prevention and control model of National Diabetes Prevention and Control Center (DPCC) in Shanxi Province, is undoubtedly an important topic with great significance for exploration and practice. The Shanxi sub-center of DPCC has sorted out some working ideas based on more than two years of specific practical experience for reference.
5.Clinical features and pathogens for burn wound infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023
Huixin ZHAN ; Xin XUE ; Xiaohong NIU ; Tao YANG ; Nan WANG ; Zejuan JIANG ; Yantan CHENG ; Yigang HE ; Zhongshu PU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2126-2129
OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogens isolated from the burn wound patients with infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023 so as to provide bases for prevention and treatment of burn wound infections in the northwestern region.METHODS The epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogenic isolated from the burn wound patients with infections who were treated in the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2014 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS A total of 2122 burn wound patients were enrolled in the study,397(18.71%)of whom had infections,including 306(14.42%)patients with community-acquired infections and 91(4.29%)patients with hospital-acquired infections.The proportion infections was higher among the patients aged no less than 60 years old(63/154)than among the patients aged less than 14 years old(231/983)and the pa-tients aged between 14 and 60 years old(103/985)(x2=108.840,P<0.001).The proportion of infections was higher among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅲ(146/458)than among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅱ(251/1664)(x2=66.600,P<0.001).The proportion infections was higher among the patients with burn wounds in limbs(370/1881)than among the patients with burn wounds in other sites(1153/1987)(x2=47.244,P<0.001).The isolation rates of methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus epidermidis and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains showed downward trends from 2014 to 2023,the isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and the third generation cephalo-sporins-resistant Escherichia coli showed upward trends,however,there were no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS The patients with no less than 60 years of age,no lower than grade Ⅲ of burn wound depth and burn wounds in limbs are more likely to have burn wound infections.S.aureus is the predominant species of pathogens causing the infections.The isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae strains and the third generation cephalosporins-resistant E.coli strains show upward trends.It is necessary to take targeted prevention and treatment measures for the burn wound infections.
6.Adhere to the principle of innovation while maintaining the core values, and serve healthy China: a deep analysis and prospect of National Diabetes Prevention and Control Center (DPCC) practice in Shanxi Province
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(3):347-349
China is one of the countries with the fastest growth in diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes among adults in China is as high as 12.4%, while the awareness rate of patients is only 36.7%, the standardized diagnosis and treatment rate is 32.9%, and the rate of achieving control targets is 50.1%. Diabetes prevention and control has become a major issue related to national economy and people′s livelihood. The data from 2015 to 2017 in Shanxi indicate that the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 18 and above is 10.4%, while the prevalence of prediabetes is 34.5%. Moreover, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of diabetes among patients remain suboptimal. How to adhere to the principle of innovation while maintaining the core values, and efficiently apply and fully promote the standardized diabetes prevention and control model of National Diabetes Prevention and Control Center (DPCC) in Shanxi Province, is undoubtedly an important topic with great significance for exploration and practice. The Shanxi sub-center of DPCC has sorted out some working ideas based on more than two years of specific practical experience for reference.
7.Clinical features and pathogens for burn wound infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023
Huixin ZHAN ; Xin XUE ; Xiaohong NIU ; Tao YANG ; Nan WANG ; Zejuan JIANG ; Yantan CHENG ; Yigang HE ; Zhongshu PU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2126-2129
OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogens isolated from the burn wound patients with infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023 so as to provide bases for prevention and treatment of burn wound infections in the northwestern region.METHODS The epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogenic isolated from the burn wound patients with infections who were treated in the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2014 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS A total of 2122 burn wound patients were enrolled in the study,397(18.71%)of whom had infections,including 306(14.42%)patients with community-acquired infections and 91(4.29%)patients with hospital-acquired infections.The proportion infections was higher among the patients aged no less than 60 years old(63/154)than among the patients aged less than 14 years old(231/983)and the pa-tients aged between 14 and 60 years old(103/985)(x2=108.840,P<0.001).The proportion of infections was higher among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅲ(146/458)than among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅱ(251/1664)(x2=66.600,P<0.001).The proportion infections was higher among the patients with burn wounds in limbs(370/1881)than among the patients with burn wounds in other sites(1153/1987)(x2=47.244,P<0.001).The isolation rates of methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus epidermidis and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains showed downward trends from 2014 to 2023,the isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and the third generation cephalo-sporins-resistant Escherichia coli showed upward trends,however,there were no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS The patients with no less than 60 years of age,no lower than grade Ⅲ of burn wound depth and burn wounds in limbs are more likely to have burn wound infections.S.aureus is the predominant species of pathogens causing the infections.The isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae strains and the third generation cephalosporins-resistant E.coli strains show upward trends.It is necessary to take targeted prevention and treatment measures for the burn wound infections.
8.Evidence-based practice for pain management in patients after hepatectomy
Yushuo NIU ; Cuicui LI ; Lin WANG ; Yajun LI ; Runan ZHAO ; Xiaohong HOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(15):2022-2030
Objective:To carry out evidence-based practice for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing hepatectomy based on the knowledge to action (KTA) framework, and to evaluate the application effects of the best evidence.Methods:A systematic review of databases on pain management for hepatectomy patients both domestically and internationally was conducted to form the best evidence. This was combined with the Postoperative pain assessment and nursing in adults group standard to form quality review indicators. From November to December 2023, a baseline review was conducted with 21 healthcare staff and 31 patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Shandong Provincial Hospital. The barriers to evidence-based practice were analyzed, and the best evidence application and transformation actions were implemented. A re-evaluation was conducted from January to March 2024 after applying the evidence with 31 laparoscopic hepatectomy patients and 21 healthcare staff. The execution rates of the review indicators, patient pain levels, satisfaction with pain control, and patient comfort were compared before and after evidence application. Results:After applying the evidence, the execution rate of the review indicators by healthcare staff increased to 19.35%-100.00%. Post-intervention, the pain scores at postoperative immediate, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours were significantly lower than before the evidence application, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Additionally, post-intervention, the patients' satisfaction with pain control and comfort scores were significantly higher than before the evidence application, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The application of the best evidence for pain management in hepatectomy, combined with the construction of quality review indicators and evidence-based practice, can alleviate postoperative pain in patients, improve their satisfaction, and enhance their comfort.
9.Finite element analysis of osteoporosis in proximal femur after cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture
Xiaofeng XUE ; Yongkang WEI ; Xiaohong QIAO ; Yuyong DU ; Jianjun NIU ; Lixin REN ; Huifeng YANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuan GUO ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):862-867
BACKGROUND:After the internal fixation of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,because the affected limb is often unable to bear weight in the short term and the implants with high stiffness have a stress shielding effect on the fracture end,it is easy to cause osteoporosis of the affected limb and changes in the biomechanical distribution of the proximal femur,the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is high after surgery.At present,few studies have been conducted on the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis at the proximal end of the femur occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws. OBJECTIVE:Using finite element analysis,to investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws and explore the role of biomechanical factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Based on the obtained CT scan data of the femur in a patient with a femoral neck fracture,a proximal femoral model for internal fixation for femoral neck fracture was established by Mimics 19.0,3-Matic,UG 11.0,Hypermesh 14.0,and Abaqus software.One finite element model of the proximal femur without osteoporosis and three finite element models of the proximal femur with osteoporosis were analyzed using Abaqus software.The stress,contact pressure,displacement peak and cloud map under different components of the four models were measured and analyzed,and the internal stress changes and distribution of the femoral head were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The stresses and contact pressures of the femoral head and lower anterior cannulated screws varied more with the degree of osteoporosis.The peak displacement of the four models increased slowly with the degree of osteoporosis.By one-way analysis of variance,there was no significant effect of the degree of osteoporosis on the peak stress,contact pressure,and displacement of the different components.The internal stress distribution of the femoral head changed with the degree of osteoporosis.Changes in the biomechanical environment of the proximal femur have an important impact on osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
10.Carvacrol improves blood lipid and glucose in rats with type 2diabetes mellitus by regulating short-chain fatty acids and the GPR41/43 pathway
Yan SUN ; Hai QU ; Xiaohong NIU ; Ting LI ; Lijuan WANG ; Hairui PENG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2024;28(1):1-10
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Carvacrol (CAR) has demonstrated the potential to mitigate dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate whether CAR can modulate blood glucose and lipid levels in a T2DM rat model by regulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the GPR41/43 pathway. The T2DM rat model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozocin injection and treated with oral CAR and/or mixed antibiotics. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests were assessed. Serum lipid parameters, hepatic and renal function indicators, tissue morphology, and SCFAs were measured. In vitro, high glucose (HG)-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with CAR, and optimal CAR concentration was determined. HG-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with SCFAs or/and GPR41/43 agonists. CAR significantly reduced blood lipid and glucose levels, improved tissue damage, and increased SCFA levels in feces and GPR41/43 expression in colonic tissues of T2DM rats. CAR also attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of IEC-6 cells and enhanced GPR41/43 expression.Overall, these findings suggest that CAR alleviates blood lipid and glucose abnormalities in T2DM rats by modulating SCFAs and the GPR41/43 pathway.

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