OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of bone acupuncture in improving pain and function in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) and compare it with Jiaji acupuncture. METHODS: From January to December 2023, 80 DLSS patients were treated with acupuncture and divided into bone acupuncture and Jiaji acupuncture groups. Among them, 40 patients in the bone acupuncture group included 15 males and 25 females, with a mean age of (60.60±6.98) years old;anthor 40 patients in the Jiaji acupuncture group included 16 males and 24 females, with a mean age of (61.48±9.55) years old. The Roland Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ), walking distance, visual analogue scale(VAS), and the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36) of two groups at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment were compared. RESULTS: Eighty patients were followed up for 3 to 5 months with an average of (3.62±0.59) months. There was no significant differences in general data and the scores before treatment between two groups(P>0.05). The RMDQ scores in both groups decreased significantly at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment(P<0.05), at each time point after treatment, the decrease was more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05). The VAS of waist and leg in both groups was significantly lower at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment that before treatment(P<0.05). At all time points after treatment, the waist VAS in the bone acupuncture group was reduced more significant than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in leg VAS at 2 and 12 weeks after treatment between two groups(P>0.05), the improvement was more significant in the bone acupuncture group in the 4 weeks after treatment than in the Jiaji acupuncture group. The SF-36 scores in both groups were significantly higher at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05);the SF-36 score raised more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupunture group(P<0.05). No significant difference in the walking distance between two groups at 2 weeks after treatment(P>0.05);the walking distance in the bone acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). CONCLUSION Bone-penetrating acupuncture moderately improves functional impairment, pain, and quality of life in patients with DLSS, showing better efficacy than Jiaji acupuncture.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Spinal Stenosis/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Pain Management

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg)exposure on human gene transcription and expression,and its potential biological mechanisms. Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation.Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN low-expression models were established in vitro using 293T cells.PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR,and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN,AKT,and PI3K protein levels.IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA. Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis,bioinformatics,and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group.In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L),a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed,accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 expression.Similarly,a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 levels. Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene,activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway,and increases the expression of inflammatory factors,ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

Objective:To compare the effects of extrafine-particle versus fine-particle inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with formoterol on clinical symptoms, airway inflammation and airway function in patients with bronchial asthma (referred to as asthma).Methods:This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled a total of 111 patients diagnose of asthma and cough variant asthma with forced expired volume in one second (FEV 1) percentage of predicted (FEV 1%pred) >70% in Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from November 2020 to October 2022. The patients were divided into observation group (57 cases) and control group (54 cases) by random digits table method. The patients in observation group were treated with extrafine-particle ICS combined with formoterol, while the patients in control group were treated with fine-particle ICS combined with formoterol. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. During treatment 10 patients lost follow up and a total of 101 patients complete the final study: 52 cases in observation group and 49 cases in control group. At baseline, the asthma control test (ACT) score was calculated to evaluate the clinical symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was applied to evaluate the airway inflammatory level, and the pulmonary function test and bronchodilation test were perfromed. The symptom relief time was record. After treatment, all of the parameters were reevaluated. Results:The FEV 1, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expired flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (MEF 50), forced expired flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (MEF 25), maximal expiratory flow-volume curve (MMEF) and ACT score after treatment in both groups were significantly improved compared to baseline, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The improvement of ACT score in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group: (5.90 ± 2.25) scores vs. (4.10 ± 2.18) scores, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the symptom relief time and the improvement rates of FEV 1, PEF, MEF 50, MEF 25, MMEF between the two groups ( P>0.05). Further subgroup analysis was performed on 78 patients with small airway dysfunction, 39 patients were treated with extrafine-particle ICS combined with formoterol (observation subgroup), and 39 patients were treated with fine-particle ICS combined with formoterol (control subgroup). The improvement of ACT score in observation subgroup was significantly higher than that in control subgroup: (6.05 ± 2.22) scores vs. (3.95 ± 2.19) scores, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the symptom relief time and the improvement rates of FEV 1, PEF, MEF 50, MEF 25, MMEF between the two subgroups ( P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis result showed that the improvement rates of MEF 50, MEF 25 and MMEF after treatment were positive correlated with baseline bronchodilator responses of FEV 1, FEV 1/FVC, MEF 50, MEF 25, MMEF ( r = 0.22 to 0.58, P<0.05), but not with baseline bronchodilator responses of PEF ( P>0.05). In terms of safety, neither of the two treatments had major adverse reactions that affect treatment. Conclusions:For asthma patients with baseline FEV 1%pred>70%, the extrafine-particle ICS combined with formoterol has more significantly improved of clinical symptoms compared to fine-particle ICS combined with formoterol, and potentially with better safety profile. The improvement ratio of small airway function parameters in baseline bronchodilation test could potentially predict treatment response.

Humans ; Spine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective: To compare the outcomes of modified Appleby procedure and sub-adventitial divestment technique for locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic body cancer. Methods: A total of consecutive 58 patients(33 males and 25 females) who were diagnosed as locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic body cancer and underwent distal pancreatectomy at Pancreas Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between September 2013 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The age(M(IQR)) was 62(9)years(range: 43 to 79 years). Thirty-one patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) and 27 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with sub-adventitial divestment technique(SDT). Perioperative parameters and follow-up data of these patients were analyzed. Quantitative data were compared with Wilcoxon test while categorical variables were compared with χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Survival results were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier survival method with a Log-rank test. Results: There were no differences in age,gender,body mass index,abdominal symptoms,comorbidity or preoperative serum CA19-9 between two groups(all P>0.05). Obvious preoperative weight loss was more common in the group of SDT(48.1%(13/27) vs. 19.4%(6/31),χ²=5.431,P=0.020). Longer operative time(310(123) minutes vs. 254(137)minutes, Z=2.277,P=0.023),higher rate of combined organ resection(41.9%(13/31) vs. 14.8%(4/27),χ²=5.123,P=0.041) and longer postoperative hospital stay(15(10) days vs. 11(5)days,Z=2.292,P=0.022) were observed in the group of DP-CAR. Moreover,rate of overall morbidities was also higher (71.0%(22/31) vs. 29.6%(8/27),χ²=9.876,P=0.003),implicated by clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula(61.3%(19/31) vs. 29.6%(8/27),χ²=5.814,P=0.020) in the DP-CAR group. Tumor size of the DP-CAR group was bigger(4.9(1.5)cm vs. 4.0(1.2)cm,Z=2.343,P=0.019) but no difference was seen between the DP-CAR group and SDT group in R0+R1(<1 mm) resection rate (84.0%(21/25) vs. 90.0%(18/20),P=0.678) and LNR(12.0(23.0)% vs. 9.0(18.0)%,Z=1.238,P=0.216),as well as median disease free survival(11.7 months vs. 11.4 months,Z=0.019,P=0.892) and median overall survival(16.3 months vs. 13.7 months,Z=0.172,P=0.679). Conclusions: Both DP-CAR and distal pancreatectomy with SDT are relatively safe and feasible for locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic body cancer. Compared with arterial resection,SDT may contribute to lower rates of postoperative complications and shorter duration of hospitalization,but no significant benefit is seen in long-term survival.
Celiac Artery/surgery* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pancreatectomy/methods* ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

Child ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Respiratory System

Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture from 2012 to 2021, and to provide reference for formulating relevant prevention and control measures. Methods　The data of public health emergencies reported in Xishuangbanna from 2012 to 2021 were collected and analyzed through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Results A total of 78 public health emergencies (including "Unrated" events) were reported in Xishuangbanna from 2012 to 2021. The highest 21 cases and the lowest 3 cases were reported every year. A total of 1 0374 cases were reported in 78 public health emergencies, involving a population of 1 703 049, with a morbidity of 609.14/100 000, 24 deaths, mortality of 1.41/100 000 and fatality rate of 231.35/100 000. The event level was mainly "general (level Ⅳ)" with 52 incidents, accounting for 66.67%, and 17 incidents of "major (level Ⅲ)", accounting for 21.79%. 51 cases were mainly infectious diseases, accounting for 65.39%. The peak periods for incidents were May-July and November-February of the next year; there were 39 incidents in schools, accounting for 50%, followed by 20 incidents in families, accounting for 25.64%. The top three reported cases were food poisoning (32.05%), chicken pox 17 (21.79%) and dengue fever 10 (12.82%). Among the 24 deaths in public health emergencies, 22 were caused by food poisoning. Wild bacteria poisoning and alcohol poisoning were the main causes of food poisoning, accounting for 45.83% and 37.5% of the total deaths, respectively. Conclusion Infectious diseases, especially respiratory diseases and food poisoning are the focus of the prevention and control of public health emergencies in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, of which Schools and families should be pay close attention. Plague, a Class A infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis has occurred in two inter-animal outbreaks in 10 years and spread to the population, which should be of great concern.

Today, there is greater awareness on the association between oral diseases and respiration diseases after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, confusion regarding the oral health management and medical risk prevention for patients with chronic airway diseases has been remained among dental clinicians. Therefore, the dental experts of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association, combined with the experts of respiratory and critical care medicine, undertook the formation of consensus on the oral health management of patients with chronic airway diseases in order to help dental clinicians to evaluate medical risks and make better treatment decision in clinical practice. In the present consensus report, the relationship of oral diseases and chronic airway diseases, the oral health management and the treatment recommendations of patients with chronic airway diseases are provided.
COVID-19 ; Consensus ; Humans ; Oral Health ; Oral Medicine

With the aging process of population in the society, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China is increasing continuously and the number of dental patients with CVD is increasing gradually too. Due to the lack of guidelines for dental patients with CVD in our country, how to implement standardized preoperative evaluation and perioperative risk prevention remains a problem to be solved for dentists at present. The present expert consensus was reached by combining the clinical experiences of the expert group of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association and respiratory and cardiology experts in diagnosis and treatment for CVD patients, and by systematically summarizing the relevant international guidelines and literature regarding the relationship between CVD and oral diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of dental patients with heart failure, hypertension and antithrombotic therapy. The consensus aims to provide, for the dental clinicians, the criteria on diagnosis and treatment of CVD in dental patients in China so as to reduce the risk and complications, and finally to improve the treatment levels of dental patients with CVD in China.
Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control* ; China/epidemiology* ; Consensus ; Dental Care ; Humans ; Oral Medicine

Objective:To investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of resveratrol on obesity in elderly mice.Methods:In this study, 3 groups were randomly formed for 32-week-old mice and for 48-week-old mice.The normal diet group received regular chow and 0.3 ml saline by gavage once a day, the high-fat diet group received a high-fat diet(containing 21% fat and 1.25% cholesterol)and 0.3 ml saline once a day, and the high-fat diet plus resveratrol group received a high-fat diet and resveratrol(22.4 mg/kg, dispersed in 0.3 ml saline)by gavage once a day.After 12 weeks, body weight and adipose tissues were measured.Plasma leptin concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and values for hypertrophic obesity-related indexes of mice were obtained by quantitative real-time PCR.Results:The body weight and the proportion of subcutaneous fat tissues were lower in the high-fat diet plus resveratrol group than in the high-fat diet group[(34.43±3.23)g vs.(53.16±2.16)g, (3.21±1.58)% vs.(4.86±0.64)%, P<0.01], and were similar to those in the normal diet group.Resveratrol had a more obvious inhibitory effect on leptin in elderly mice than in middle-aged mice.In elderly mice, the plasma leptin concentration was lower in the high-fat diet plus resveratrol group than in the high-fat diet group[(0.015±0.009)g/L vs.(0.100±0.027)g/L]and the normal diet group( F=19.85, P=0.001), and it was similar to that in the middle-aged mice on a normal diet.Resveratrol significantly increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ)and glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)and reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)( F=10.79, 9.31 and 7.02, P=0.003, 0.006 and 0.010). Conclusions:Resveratrol can significantly improve hypertrophic obesity in elderly mice, and the inhibition of leptin secretion and up-regulation of PPARγ may be the key mechanisms.