Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Objective To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)can improve the muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of calf muscles in healthy young men,aiming to explore a new method for preventing and combating microgravity-induced muscle atrophy in space environments.Methods 40 healthy young men aged 18-35 years were randomly divided into a Control group(Pseudo Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)and a Experimental group(Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)in a 1∶1 ratio,with 20 participants in each group.In the Control group,the indicator light of the stimulator was covered,and the device was turned on,but the electrodes did not contact the skin,The device automatically turned offafter 3 seconds.In the Experimental group,the TEAS device was connected to the current and TEAS intervention was performed.The electrical stimulation waveform was a sperse-dense wave with a frequency of 4/20 Hz,and the intensity was determined by patient tolerance.The acupoints selected for electrical stimulation in both groups were bilateral Zusanli(ST36)、Liangqiu(ST34),Taixi(KI3),and Fuliu(KI7).Zusanli and Liangqiu were paired,and Taixi and Fuliu were paired.The intervention frequency was 30 min/time,1 time/day,6 days/week,for 2 weeks.The relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral calf muscles were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 0th,7th,and 14d day of the experiment.Results After 1 week of TEAS,compared with Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,compared with Control group,the relative peak torque at 60°/s and the relative peak torque at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles in the Experimental group were significantly increased(all P<0.05).After 2 weeks TEAS;compared with the Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles were significantly increased in the Experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS of Zusanli,Liangqiu,Fuliu and Taixi acupoints on the lower limbs for 2 weeks can effectively improve the maximum muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of the posterior calf muscles in healthy young men.

BACKGROUND:Superovulation is a common therapy in assisted reproductive technology.In clinical practice,some patients experience repeated superovulation to get pregnant. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of repeated superovulation on the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans. METHODS:Both animal experiments and retrospective clinical research were conducted.The animal study involved 90 SPF grade ICR 8-week-old female mice,who were randomly divided into three groups for 1,3,and 5 superovulations,respectively.The clinical study involved 306 patients who had undergone three consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles.The number of ovules obtained and embryonic development in different cycles were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The animal study indicated that repeated superovulation did not affect the embryonic development or developmental speed of mouse embryos.Similarly,there was no significant difference in the mouse blastocyst apoptosis,DNA damage,or the formation of inner cell mass and trophectoderm(P>0.05).(2)The clinical study also revealed no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes(8.60±5.04,8.58±4.87,and 8.38±4.63,P=0.81)and transferable embryos(2.42±1.99,2.40±1.92,and 2.64±2.00,P=0.26)over the three cycles.(3)In both the young group(<35 years)and the old group(≥35 years),the embryo quality was not affected by repeated superovulation(P>0.05).(4)These findings show that repeated superovulation does not affect the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans.

BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have confirmed that tissue engineering scaffolds can almost completely repair osteochondral defects.However,when osteochondral defects are complicated with infection,even after thorough debridement in the early stage,the repair effect of simple osteochondral tissue engineering scaffolds is often unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE:To prepare fibroin/chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold loaded with vancomycin hydrochloride sustained release microspheres,and to investigate the repair effect on infected osteochondral defect in distal femur of rabbit. METHODS:(1)Vancomycin hydrochloride sustained release microspheres were prepared by emulsified solvent evaporation method.The sustained-release microspheres of different weights(7.5,10,and 12.5 mg)were mixed with fibroin protein-chitosan nanohydroxyapatite solution,and the scaffolds of fibroin protein/chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite were prepared by chemical crosslinking method.The porosity,water absorption and expansion rate,hot water loss rate of the scaffolds,and drug sustained-release in vitro were characterized.(2)Forty-five New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into blank group,control group,and experimental group,with 15 rabbits in each group.The osteochondral defect and infection model of the distal femur of the right hind limb was established in both groups.The blank group was not treated,and the control group was implanted with fibroin protein-chitosan-nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold.Vancomycin hydrochloride sustained-release microspheres(10 mg)of fibroin/chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold were implanted in the defect of the experimental group.The levels of C-reactive protein and leukocytes in blood samples were detected 1 week after operation.At 4,8 and 12 weeks after operation,the tissue of the operative area was taken for gross observation and pathological observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of sustained-release microspheres content,the porosity of scaffolds decreased,and there was significant difference among groups(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the pore size,water absorption expansion rate and hot water loss rate among the three groups(P＞0.05).Vancomycin hydrochloride was released sustainably in vitro for more than 30 days in all three groups of scaffolds.(2)The levels of C-reactive protein and leukocytes in blood samples of the experimental group were lower than those of the blank group and control group(P＜0.05).The repair of gross cartilage in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the blank group and the control group.Hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,Alcian blue and type Ⅱ collagen immunohistochemical stainings showed that the osteochondral repair effect of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the blank group and the control group at each time point.(3)The results showed that fibroin/chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffolds loaded with vancomycin hydrochloride sustained-release microspheres could effectively promote the repair of open osteochondral defects.

Objective:To investigate the knowledge of Sixth Chinese national consensus report on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection ( treatment excluded) (hereinafter referred to as sixth national consensus) and 2022 Chinese national clinical practice guideline on Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment (hereinafter referred to as the guideline)among medical staff from general hospitals in Hainan. Methods:From February 20 to May 7, 2023, a questionnaire survey on the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection was conducted among 1 463 medical staff from 15 general hospitals in Hainan Province. The questionnaire was drawn up according to the sixth national consensus and the guideline, covering knowledge of 6 sections, induding H. pylori related diseases, detection of H. pylori, eradication, prevention and influence factors of eradication of H. pylori, etc. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 1 463 valid questionnaires were collected with the effective responsive rate of 100.00%.The 1 463 subjects included 225 gastroenterologists and 1 238 other medical staff(including 503 physicians from other departments, 264 surgeons and 471 medical technologists and pharmacists). About 78.67%(177/225)of gastroenterologists agreed that the overall infection rate of H. pylori in China was more than 20%, the awareness rate was higher than that of other medical staff (physicians from other departments 65.41%(329/503), surgeons 61.74%(163/264), medical technologists and pharmacists 60.30%(284/471); the following datas were sorted by this position), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=30.97, P<0.001). About 51.11%(115/225) of gastroenterologists considered that H. pylori serological antibody test could not be used as a diagnostic method for current infection, the awareness rate was higher than that of other medical staff(22.07%(111/503), 14.02%(37/264), 12.31%(58/471)), and the difference was statistically significant( χ2 =152.66, P<0.001). Proton pump inhibitor and potassium-competitive acid blocker should be discontinued for 2 weeks, and antibiotics and bismuth should be discontinued for 4 weeks before urea breath test, and the awareness rates of gastroenterologists were higher than those of other medical staff (38.67%(87/225) vs. 23.26%(117/503), 19.70%(52/264), 18.47%(87/471); 60.89%(137/225) vs. 26.64%(134/503), 25.76%(68/264), 23.78%(112/471)), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 =133.70 and 165.51, both P<0.001). For refractory H. pylori infection, 98.67%(222/225)of gastroenterologists agreed with the individualized diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection should be guided by bacterial culture, antibiotic susceptibility test or drug resistance gene test, and the awareness rate was higher than that of other medical staff (91.85%(462/503), 93.56%(247/264), 93.21%(439/471)), and the difference was statistically significant( χ2=20.55, P=0.002). About 70.67% (159/225) of gastroenterologists recommended a bismuth containing quadruple regimen, 80.44% (181/225) supported a 10 to 14 day H. pylori eradication course, and the awareness rates were higher than other medical staff (46.92%(236/503), 33.33%(88/264), 32.91%(155/471); 67.20%(338/503), 59.09%(156/264), 53.93%(254/471)), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=111.25 and 59.99, both P<0.001). The understanding rates of the sixth national consensus and the guideline in gastroenterologists was 85.33% (192/225), which was higher than that of other medical staff (64.21%(323/503), 66.67%(176/264), 57.96%(273/471)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=85.47, P<0.001). Conclusions:Gastroenterologists from general hospitals in Hainan Province have a better understanding of the sixth national consensus and the guideline than other medical staff. However, there is still a lack of deep understanding of the sixth national consensus and the guideline, and it is necessary to further strengthen the learning and application of the sixth national consensus and the guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of surgical strategies for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving the C ₂ segment. METHODS: The literature about the surgery for cervical OPLL involving C ₂ segment was reviewed, and the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery were summarized. RESULTS: For cervical OPLL involving the C ₂ segments, laminectomy is suitable for patients with OPLL involving multiple segments, often combined with screw fixation, and has the advantages of adequate decompression and restoration of cervical curvature, with the disadvantages of loss of cervical fixed segmental mobility. Canal-expansive laminoplasty is suitable for patients with positive K-line and has the advantages of simple operation and preservation of cervical segmental mobility, and the disadvantages include progression of ossification, axial symptoms, and fracture of the portal axis. Dome-like laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability and with negative R-line, and can reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, with the disadvantage of limited decompression. The Shelter technique is suitable for patients with single/double segments and canal encroachment >50% and allows for direct decompression, but is technically demanding and involves risk of dural tear and nerve injury. Double-dome laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability. Its advantages are the reduction of damage to the cervical semispinal muscles and attachment points and maintenance of cervical curvature, but there is progress in postoperative ossification. CONCLUSION OPLL involving the C ₂ segment is a complex subtype of cervical OPLL, which is mainly treated through posterior surgery. However, the degree of spinal cord floatation is limited, and with the progress of ossification, the long-term effectiveness is poor. More research is needed to address the etiology of OPLL and to establish a systematic treatment strategy for cervical OPLL involving the C ₂ segment.
Humans ; Longitudinal Ligaments/surgery* ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteogenesis ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Laminoplasty/methods* ; Kyphosis/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies

We here investigated the effect of MS4A6D(the membrane spanning 4-domain subfamily A(MS4A)superfamily protein 6D),one of the tetraspanins which specifically expresses on the membrane of macrophages,on carrageenan(CGN)-induced mouse foot pad swelling and its possible mechanism.Male C57BL/6 wild-type(WT)and various gene knockout(including Ms4a6d-/-,Nlrp3-/-,Casp-1-/-and IlR1-/-)mice were recruited and injected with 100 μl 1%CGN(w/v)and 20 μl CaCl2(50 mmol/L)to establish the foot pad swelling model,and then the severity of foot pad swelling in WT and gene knockout mice were compared.H&E staining was performed to investigate the pathological changes,and immunofluorescence was used to detect the infiltration of F4/80+ macrophages in the foot pad tissue.Finally,Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of NLRP3,IL-1 β,TNF-α and IL-6.Data showed that the combined injection of 100 μl 1%CGN(w/v)and 20 μl CaCl2(50 mmol/L)significantly promoted the swelling of foot pads,while the degree of foot pad swelling in Ms4a6d-/-mice was significantly lower than that in WT littermates(P<0.05);Significant tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration as well as necrotic lesions were observed in the WT foot pads,whereas,the degrees from Ms4a6d-/-foot pads showed significantly reduced;The protein levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1β in the foot pad tissue of the WT model were significantly higher than those of the Ms4a6d-/-groups;Compared with WT controls,the degree of foot pad swelling in Nlrp3-/-,Casp-1-/-,and IlR1-/-mice induced by 1%CGN(w/v)and CaCl2(50 mmol/L)were also significantly reduced(P<0.05).Taken together,MS4A6D promotes the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and induces IL-1β secretion,by thus deteriorates CGN-mediated swelling of mouse foot pads.

【Objective】 To analyze the comprehensive factors causing adverse reactions to apheresis platelet donation(ARAPD), so as to provide references for effective prevention of ARAPD. 【Methods】 The 272 cases of ARAPD from 2012 to 2019 in Lanzhou were statistically analyzed, and factors that induced ARAPD were studied. Statistical analysis were performed according to the gender, nationality, occupation, age, weight, donation units, and number of donations. 【Results】 As to the factors inducing ARAPD, anticoagulant reactions accounted for the first(32.4%, 88/272). Women and students were prone to develop ARAPD. Among all age groups, 18~25 years old were most likely to develop ARAPD(53.68%, 10 572/35 265). The incidence of ARAPD were significantly different by ages and weights(P<0.05), and donors with lighter weight were more prone to develop ARAPD(P<0.05). The incidence of ARAPD were also significantly different between first-time and repeated donors(P<0.05), but not among the donation units. 【Conclusion】 The anticoagulant reactions are the leading reason for ARAPD. For female, student, young, light-weight, and first-time blood donors, special attention should be paid and corresponding interventions taken to them.

【Objective】 To study the current situation of apheresis platelets collection in various regions of Gansu province by comparing and analyzing relevant data from blood stations in 14 prefecture-level cities of Gansu province. 【Methods】 The units of collected platelets and rate of double-dose collection in 13 regional blood stations and 1 provincial blood center from 2016 to 2020, as well as the clinical supply and demand was statistically analyzed. 【Results】 From 2016 to 2020, the total units of platelets collected by 13 blood stations and 1 blood center in Gansu increased from 11 255 U to 15 270 U, with the increase rate at 35.7% in 5 years, and mainly were collected by the provincial blood center (74.57%, 50 253/ 67 392). Although the rate of double-dose collection in the province showed a steady upward trend, only 3 blood stations realized annual double-dose collection more than 20%. There was still a gap of about 10% between supply and clinical needs. 【Conclusion】 Although the number of platelet collections and units in each blood station in Gansu is on the rise in general, the units collected varies in each blood station. Therefore, further measures need to be taken from the aspects of publicity, recruitment, optimizing the collection process, improving the rate of double-dose collection, retention of regular blood donors and regional coordination to increase the collection units, narrow down the regional gap and ensure the balance between supply and demand.

Objective To analyze the related factors of foot blisters caused by long-distance weight-bearing march and to explore the pathogenesis of foot blisters to provide a useful way for the prevention and treatment.Methods After the 300 km march,counted the number who had accomplished the march,and then recorded the number of foot blisters,location of blisters,and abrasion of sole.Collected the data of gender,age,body mass index (BMI),hand dominance,and whether had bliters before the march through questionnaire.And the data were coded for analysis with SPSS 13.0 statistical package.Results The 7 cases who complete the whole march and 17 cases who already had foot blisters before the march were ruled out of the final statistics.Among the remaining 590 cases,there were 554 cases (93.9%)suffered from foot blisters.And there were 1 282 blisters in total,among which the plantar blisters occupied 98% (1 257 cases).The analysis showed that the incidence of foot blisters had no significant correlation with gender,left/right foot,hand dominance,BMI and age.The predilection sites of blisters were the second and third metatarsals (28.2%),the hallux (21.3%),the fifth metatarsal (18.1%),and the calcaneus (15.8%)of the left foot.The predilection sites of blisters were the second and third metatarsals (33.3%),the hallux (22.4%),the fifth metatarsal (18.6%),and the calcaneus (14.5%)of the right foot.In terms of the abrasion of sole,the lateral heel was worn out the most (34.6% on the left and 34.2% on the right).Conclusion The study confirmed that the incidence of foot blisters had no significant correla-tion with gender,left/right foot,hand dominance,BMI and age,which may be affected by the particularity of this march.Most of the foot blisters occurred in the planta,and the predilection sites of blisters were in accord with sites of of the abrasion of sole and the distribution of plantar shear force,which demonstrated the shear force is the most critical factor on the pathogenesis of foot blisters.