ObjectiveTo clarify whether epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG） is involved in the clearance of amyloid β-protein （Aβ） and autophagy induction by microglia， so as to explore the potential mechanisms of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease （AD）. MethodsSix-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model and EGCG groups， with some additional wild type （WT） mice as the control group， each group consisting of 15 mice. The EGCG group received continuous gavage administration［5 mg/（kg·d）］ for 8 weeks， followed by the open field test and Y-maze to assess the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Thioflavin-S staining was used to evaluate the content and distribution of amyloid β-protein （Aβ）in the brain parenchyma of the mice， and immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression levels of Aβ_1-42， glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba1） in the hippocampal tissue of the mice. Additionally， N9 mouse microglial cells were induced with 20 µmol/L Aβ_1-42， and the cell viability was measured after treatment with different concentrations of EGCG （5 µmol/L， 10 µmol/L， 20 µmol/L）. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of Aβ_1-42， low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1（LRP1）， receptor for advanced glycation endproducts （RAGE）， amyloid precursor protein （APP）， insulin degrading enzyme （IDE）， neprilysin （NEP）， microtubule associated protein 1 hydrogen chain 3（LC3）-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ， phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase（PI3K）， p-PI3K， protein kinase B （AKT）， p-AKT， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， p-mTOR， and histone deacetylase 6（HDAC6）. Finally， through the co-culture of microglial cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells， cell viability and Caspase-3 levels were measured to verify the protective effect of EGCG-mediated Aβ clearance on neurons. ResultsEGCG increased the activity time and frequency of APP/PS1 mice in the central area of the open field （P<0.05）， and enhanced the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test （P<0.01）； EGCG reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice and increased the number of microglia； in vitro experiments showed that EGCG improved the survival rate of Aβ-induced N9 cells （P<0.01）， upregulated RAGE activity （P<0.05）， and promoted the internalization and phagocytosis of Aβ （P<0.01）. ECGC activated microglial autophagy by downregulating the level of HDAC6 （P<0.05）， inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K， AKT， mTOR （P<0.001）， and increasing the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I ratio （P<0.001）； EGCG improved the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells （P<0.05） and reduced the activity of Caspase-3 （P<0.01） by clearing Aβ_1-42 through microglia， and had a protective effect on neurons. ConclusionEGCG activates microglial autophagy to clear Aβ by targeting and inhibiting the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with umbilical therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Thirty cases of NB after SCI with anxiety and depression were selected and treated with acupuncture and moxibustion combined with umbilical therapy. Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV24⁺), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shenmen (HT7), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), once a day, continuous treatment for 4 weeks. Ginger moxibustion was applied at the bladder meridian of foot taiyang and governor vessel, once a day, continuous treatment for 4 weeks. In treatment of umbilical therapy, Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Yujin (Radix Curcumae), Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) were ground and mixed with the same amount of honey, put into the application, and the application was placed on the navel after filling the navel with fine salt, once a day for 4 weeks. Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, urodynamic indexes (maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax], maximum detrusor pressure [Pdet-max], residual urine volume [RUV]), neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS), urinary symptom distress scale (USDS) score were compared before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of HAMA, HAMD, NBSS, USDS and RUVwere lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and Qmax and Pdet-max were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3 (28/30). CONCLUSION Acupuncture and moxibustion combined with umbilical therapy can effectively relieve anxiety and depression symptoms, improve urination disorders in patients with NB after SCI.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Spinal Cord Injuries/psychology* ; Depression/etiology* ; Anxiety/etiology* ; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic/etiology* ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Acupuncture Points

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical phenotypes and genetic variant characteristics in children with epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 91 children with epilepsy admitted to the Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University from July 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the children for whole exome sequencing. Candidate genetic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). The clinical phenotypes and treatment outcomes of the children with epilepsy were followed up, and an analysis of the relationship between genotype and phenotype was conducted. This study was approved by the Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University (Ethics No.: EC2020-048). RESULTS: Among the 91 children with epilepsy, 21 cases (23.08%, 21/91) were found to carry pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Of these, 18 cases had involved single base variant or insertional deletion, while 3 cases involved copy number variations. The gene with the highest detection rate was PRRT2 (38.10%, 8/21). Among the children with genetic variants, 47.62% (10/21) had onset during infancy, with 8 diagnosed with Benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), 8 with Developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), and 3 with Epileptic encephalopathy (EE). One case of Dravet syndrome (DS) and one case of Infantile spasms (IS) were also noted. The clinical manifestations of children were diverse and primarily included generalized tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures. Among them, 52.38% (11/21) had exhibited cluster seizures, 23.81% (5/21) showed fever sensitivity, and 14.29% (3/21) experienced status epilepticus. After pharmacological treatment, 42.86% (9/21) of children had achieved complete seizure control, while 61.90% (13/21) had intellectual disability and 19.05% (4/21) had co-morbid autism spectrum disorder. CONCLUSION Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 23.08% of the pediatric epilepsy cases, with the PRRT2 gene being the most frequently involved. Among children carrying genetic variants, 47.62% had seizure onset during infancy. Genetic factors are an important cause of epilepsy, and early genetic testing may facilitate precise diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Phenotype ; Genotype ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Infant ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Exome Sequencing

Objective To investigate the effects of honokiol on proliferation and apoptosis of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hADSCs),and to investigate the effect of the drug on the tumor microenvironment.Methods hADSCs were incubated with different concentrations of honokiol,the proliferation of hADSCs was detec-ted by MTS and Trypan blue staining,and cell apoptosis was assessed by annexin V/PI double staining.In the meantime,expression of mRNA and protein related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by qPCR and Western blot,respectively.The expression of total MEK,phosphorylated MEK,total ERK and phosphorylated ERK proteins in the MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.Results The effect of honokiol on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of hADSCs was significantly enhanced with the increase of concen-tration.The expressions of proliferation-related genes CCND1,MKI67 and PCNA were down-regulated.The expres-sions of pro-apoptotic genes BAX and TP53 was up-regulated,and the expressions of anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 was down-regulated.Honokiol inhibited MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner.Conclusions Honokiol inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hADSCs,and the specific mechanism is po-tentially related to the inhibition of MEK-ERK1/2 pathway.

AIM: To investigate the differences in varying stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 77 cases(77 eyes)of diabetic patients were included, and they were divided into non-diabetic retinopathy(NDR; 23 eyes)and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR; 54 eyes)groups, further subdivided into mild NPDR(20 eyes), moderate NPDR(20 eyes), and severe NPDR(14 eyes). Foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, superficial and deep capillary plexus densities(SSP and DSP), and visual acuity(LogMAR)were compared between NDR and NPDR groups. Furthermore, the visual acuity, FAZ area and levels of SSP and DSP were compared in different degrees of NPDR. Correlation analysis were conducted to elucidate relationships between FAZ area, visual acuity, SSP, DSP, and severity of the disease.RESULTS: Compared with the NDR group, the visual acuity(LogMAR)and macular FAZ area increased, while SSP and DSP were decreased in the NPDR group(P<0.05); there were significant differences in visual acuity, FAZ area and SSP and DSP levels in different degrees of NPDR(P<0.05). Visual acuity(LogMAR)and FAZ area displayed a positive correlation with the severity of disease, while SSP and DSP showed a negative correlation.CONCLUSION: With the progression of NPDR, the visual acuity(LogMAR)and FAZ area increased, and the SSP and DSP decreased.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the qualitative research on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients′experience of participating in advance care planning (ACP), so as to provide reference for the application of ACP in HIV/AIDS patients.Methods:Computer searched qualitative studies on HIV/AIDS patients′participation in ACP experience in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database. The search time limit was from inception to December 1, 2023, and the research results were integrated using Meta integration method after quality evaluation.Results:A total of 10 articles were included, and 58 research results were extracted, forming 12 new categories, and 4 integrated results were obtained: HIV/AIDS patients′understanding of ACP; attitudes of HIV/AIDS patients towards ACP; the influencing factors of HIV/AIDS patients′participation in ACP; suggestions for implementing ACP for HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions:Medical staff should promptly identify the needs of HIV/AIDS patients for ACP, help them increase their awareness and acceptance of ACP. At the same time, based on China′s unique cultural background and healthcare system, relevant laws and regulations should be continuously improved to promote the development and improvement of ACP in China.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of SECI (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) model in clinical practice training of hematology nurses.Methods:A total of 86 students from the clinical practice training course for hematology nurses from October 2022 to September 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The 43 trainees who received practical training from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 were included in the traditional group, and the 43 trainees who received practical training from April 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 were included in the observation group. The traditional group received traditional teaching, while the observation group received SECI teaching. After the training, basic assessment and satisfaction evaluation were conducted, and a long-term evaluation was conducted at 6 months after the training. The t test and chi-square test were performed using SPSS 25.0. Results:The observation group had higher scores in case reports [(92.03±2.21) vs. (88.14±2.36)], theoretical assessments [(95.61±3.79) vs. (86.58±3.75)], and operational assessments [(96.24±1.45) vs. (90.13±1.41)] compared with the traditional group (all P<0.05). The observation group had higher scores for teaching plans, teaching methods, teaching effectiveness, teaching atmosphere, internship content, and overall satisfaction with practical training than the traditional group ( P<0.05). The long-term evaluation showed that the theoretical and operational assessment scores of the observation group were higher than those of the traditional group at 6 months after training (both P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of SECI teaching in the clinical practice training of hematology nurses has shown good results, which can help nurses better grasp clinical theoretical knowledge and significantly improve their practical operation ability and training satisfaction.

Objective:To develop a Core Competency Scale for Ophthalmic Specialist Nurses and test its reliability and validity.Methods:This study was a questionnaire development study. This study transformed the core competency evaluation indicators for ophthalmic specialist nurses constructed through literature review, semi-structured interviews, expert consultations, and other methods to form the initial draft of the Core Competency Scale for Ophthalmic Specialist Nurses. From October 2022 to March 2023, a survey was conducted on 364 ophthalmic specialist nurses in China using purposive and snowball sampling. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and reliability testing were performed on the scale.Results:The final Core Competency Scale for Ophthalmic Specialist Nurses included six dimensions of ophthalmic specialized knowledge, ophthalmic specialized skills, essential nursing practice ability, communication and education ability, scientific research ability, and professional competence, totaling 30 items. Exploratory factor analysis extracted six common factors, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 73.077%. The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.955, the half reliability coefficient was 0.796, and the retest reliability coefficient was 0.973.Conclusions:The Core Competency Scale for Ophthalmic Specialist Nurses has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the core competency of ophthalmic specialist nurses.

Scientific research design is the premise of scientific research, and also an important concern of the editor in the process of nursing paper review. It plays a vital role in the quality of nursing papers and the recruitment of the editorial department. Aiming at the common problems of scientific research design encountered by the editors during the review of nursing papers, this paper analyzes them from two aspects: the overall unreasonable scientific research design and the unscientific scientific research design process, in combination with cases, in order to provide help for nursing staff in writing papers.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of clinical practice of cancer chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms (CGIS) management among oncology nurses in Ningxia, and to explore the correlation between CGIS management and nurses′ knowledge and attitude and medical and nursing cooperation, so as to provide evidence for improving the clinical practice of cancer patients CGIS management among oncology nurses in Ningxia.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From January 25 to 31, 2021, the general data questionnaire and the questionnaire of clinical practice of CGIS management for cancer patients were used to survey 289 nurses in oncology department in Ningxia.Results:The scores of medical and nursing cooperation, CGIS knowledge, attitude, and CGIS management clinical practice activities of nurses in oncology department were (24.94 ± 3.20), (20.19 ± 3.82), (52.19 ± 6.17) and (129.93 ± 36.33) points, respectively. Among the scores of CGIS management clinical practice activities, gastrointestinal symptoms evaluation dimension scored the lowest, and the highest was CGIS health education dimension. There was a significant positive correlation between the scores of clinical practice of CGIS management of cancer patients and the scores of knowledge and attitude of oncology nurses ( r values were 0.225-0.293, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The clinical practice of cancer patients′CGIS management by oncology nurses needs to be improved, especially the evaluation of cancer patients′CGIS by oncology nurses. Nursing managers should formulate the activity guide of CGIS management clinical practice as soon as possible, strengthen the training of nurses′ relevant knowledge, and provide nurses with appropriate evaluation tools to improve the clinical practice of CGIS management.