ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of Lutongning granules in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in animal models and study its mechanism of action， so as to provide laboratory data support for the clinical application of Lutongning granules and precise treatment. MethodMale SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， carbamazepine group （0.06 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， high-dose Lutongning group （2.70 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and low-dose Lutongning group （1.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1） according to the stratified basic mechanical pain thresholds， with 10 rats in each group. A trigeminal neuralgia model of rats was prepared by injecting 30% talc suspension into the infraorbital foramen area of the rat. The drug groups were administered 10 mL·kg^-1 of drugs by gavage after 2 h of modeling. The normal group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage under the same conditions once a day for 10 consecutive days. Von Frey brushes were used to determine the mechanical pain threshold of rats. A fully automated blood and body fluid analyzer was employed to detect the blood routine of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was utilized to detect the pathological changes in the trigeminal ganglion and medulla oblongata tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to scan the ultrastructure of the medulla oblongata tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors interleukin （IL）-1， IL-6， IL-8， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， neuropeptide substance P， and β-endorphins （β-EP） in the serum of rats， and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of IL-1β， purinergic receptor P2X7 （P2X7R）， and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK）. ResultCompared with that in the normal group， the pain threshold of rats in the model group was significantly lower （P<0.01）. The absolute value of neutrophils （NEUT#） and the percentage of neutrophils （NEUT） were significantly improved， and the percentage of lymphocytes （LYMPH） was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. The serum levels of IL-1， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α were significantly increased （P<0.01）. SP content in brain tissue was significantly increased， and β-EP content was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The relative protein expression of IL-1β， P2X7R， and p-p38 MAPK was significantly increased （P<0.05）. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy results of medulla oblongata tissue revealed neuronal degeneration， mild proliferation of microglial cells， reduction in the number of myelinated nerves， and obvious demyelination. The trigeminal nerve fibers of rats were disarranged， and some nerve fibers showed vacuolization. Axons were swollen， and Schwann cells proliferated. Demyelination was observed. Compared with the model group， each administration group significantly increased the pain threshold of rats （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced NEUT# and NEUT， and elevated LYMPH （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The administration group significantly decreased the levels of IL-1， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α in serum and SP in brain tissue （P<0.01） and increased the level of β-EP （P<0.01）. They significantly down-regulated the protein expression of IL-1β， P2X7R， and p-p38 MAPK（P<0.05， P<0.01） and significantly ameliorated the pathological changes in medulla oblongata tissue and trigeminal nerves of rats. ConclusionLutongning Granules had significant therapeutic effects on trigeminal neuralgia induced by injection of talc into the infraorbital foramen of model rats， and the mechanism may be related to amelioration of P2X7R-mediated neuroinflammation and inhibition of demyelination of myelinated nerves.

Objective:To investigate the impact of air pollution on dynamic changes in lung function and further explore the association between genetic factors and lung function and its changes.Methods:Research data were from 14 506 participants in the United Kingdom Biobank with two complete baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Particulate matter [including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm (PM 2.5 and PM 10)], nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), and nitrogen oxides (NO x) concentrations were estimated using land-use regression models. Annual changes in lung function were calculated based on baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) of lung function [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio of FEV 1 to FVC (FEV 1/FVC)] were constructed by genetic variations. The association between air pollution concentrations and lung function changes was analyzed by multiple linear regression models, and the impact of genetic factors on lung function and its changes was also assessed. Results:PM 2.5, PM 10, NO 2, and NO x showed a negative correlation with FVC changes [PM 2.5: -6.66 (95% CI: -9.92- -3.40) ml/year; PM 10: -0.40 (95% CI: -0.77- -0.03) ml/year; NO 2: -1.84 (95% CI: -2.60- -1.07) ml/year; NO x: -1.37 (95% CI: -2.27- -0.46) ml/year]. Additionally, PM 2.5, PM 10and NO 2 were also negatively correlated with changes in FEV 1 [PM 2.5: -3.19 (95% CI: -5.79- -0.59) ml/year; PM 10: -3.00 (95% CI: -5.92- -0.08) ml/year; NO 2: -0.95 (95% CI: -1.56- -0.34) ml/year]. PRS of lung function were positively correlated with baseline lung function (FVC, FEV 1, and FEV 1/FVC) and lung function changes (all β>0, all P<0.001). In different PRS stratification analyses, the effect of air pollution on lung function changes remained significant, and there was no apparent heterogeneity. Conclusions:PRS of lung function are significantly associated with baseline and lung function changes. Long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates the decline of lung function indicators such as FVC and FEV 1. The effects of air pollution are consistent in individuals with different genetic risk scores.

Objective To establish a county-level trauma treatment model,designed to prioritize efficiency and guided by a multidisciplinary approach for emergency green channels.Methods Adhering to the Consensus of Experts on the Construc-tion and Management of Trauma Centers in Municipal Comprehensive Hospitals(2020),and using the trauma center creation plan from Guangdong Province as a reference,we established a county-level trauma center,leveraging its strengths and unique at-tributes,with the emergency department as its core.Results The application of information technology facilitated the establish-ment of a two-way referral information platform and a three-tiered diagnosis and treatment system for county medical communities,thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare.The implementation of the emergency green channel multidisciplinary treatment team model significantly improved the admission rates for complex and critical cases and increased the utilization of new technologies.Conclusion The development of a county-level emergency treatment system,spearheaded by the establishment of a provincial-level trauma center and a multidisciplinary team model for emergency green channels,can expedite trauma patient care,augment diagnostic efficiency and treatment efficacy,and catalyze advancements in medical technology within county hospitals.

Objective:To explore the real experience and needs of successful aging among urban elderly people who participated in intergenerational raising.Methods:This study was a qualitative study. From February to April 2023, purposive sampling was used to select 10 elderly individuals from Fanjingjiayuan Community in Changqing District, Jinan City who participated in intergenerational raising as the research subject. Semi-structured interviews and face-to-face nonverbal behavior observation methods were used to collect data, while Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method was used to summarize, analyze the data and extract themes.Results:A total of three themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted, namely positive psychological feelings (self-realization, obtaining emotional support, health benefits), negative psychological feelings (intergenerational raising pressure, decreased life satisfaction, mental stress, physical and mental exhaustion), and the need to promote successful aging (family support, community support, policy support) .Conclusions:Urban elderly people who participate in intergenerational raising have both negative and positive psychological experiences. Families and society should pay attention to the psychological feelings of participating in intergenerational raising of elderly people in urban communities, so as to promote successful aging of the elderly people.

Objective:To investigate the trajectories of intrinsic capacity in older adults and explore the impact of leisure activities on the decline of intrinsic capacity.Methods:This study is a prospective cohort study conducted in a community in Beijing, China.A convenience sampling method was used to select 284 cases of older adults from November to December 2020.The purpose of the study was to gather information on the general conditions, intrinsic abilities(including cognitive, vitality, motor, psychological, and sensory dimensions), and participation in leisure activities of older adults.A 2.5-year follow-up of the respondents was conducted.Results:A total of 243(85.6%, 243/284)respondents completed the 2.5-year follow-up.The follow-up intrinsic capacity score decreased from a baseline level of 4(3, 4)to 3(3, 4)( Z=-4.667, P<0.001).Among the respondents, 113(46.5%, 113/243)older adults showed a decrease in intrinsic capacity, with more significant decreases observed in the locomotor and psychometric dimensions( χ2=16.953, 23.510, both P<0.001).The number of declines in intrinsic ability was higher in the low group of leisure activities compared to the high group[62.2%(56/90) vs.37.3%(57/153), χ2=14.199, P<0.001].There was a positive correlation between leisure activity scores and the follow-up intrinsic capacity score( r=0.200, P=0.002), as well as with the value of change in the score of intrinsic capacity( r=0.146, P=0.023).The results of Logistic regression analysis indicated that leisure activities( OR=0.644, 95% CI: 0.507 to 0.818, P<0.001), physical leisure activities( OR=0.565, 95% CI: 0.395 to 0.809, P=0.002), and intellectual leisure activities( OR=0.742, 95% CI: 0.555 to 0.992, P=0.044)independently influenced the decline of intrinsic ability in the elderly, even after accounting for demographic information, number of diseases, and type of medicine taken. Conclusions:The decline in intrinsic abilities is a common occurrence among the elderly population.Engaging in leisure activities has been found to be effective in reducing this decline.It is important to emphasize the impact of leisure activities on the overall health of older individuals.

Objective:To explore a preliminary method for comprehensive motor function assessment in older adults in order to promote functional maintenance and independent living.Methods:Cross-sectional study.A total of 1, 680 elderly people aged 60 years and above, aged(69.3±6.8)years, were recruited by volunteer recruitment at the Beijing Hospital Physical Examination Centre and Dongcheng District community, and exercise data were collected on 5 sit-ups, 6 m daily stride, 3 m rise and walk, grip strength, back grip test, chair sit forward bending, and three-posture standing, and the method of exercise function assessment was determined by applying statistical analysis combined with expert guidance.Results:Handgrip strength, Five-time-repeated sit-to-stand, usual gait speed, and 3-meter-timed up and go test were selected for motor function assessment(factor loadings: 0.428, 0.767, 0.725, 0.841, respectively).The motor score was calculated by weighted sum of each indicator with the same weight.Through calculating, the motor score significantly decreased with ageing(60-64 years: 13.9, 65-69 years: 13.4, 70-74 years: 12.7, 75-79 years: 11.3, 80+ years: 9.1; F=89.469, P<0.001).Older adults with moderate activities had higher scores than those without moderate activities(13.6 and 12.4, respectively; t=-8.003, P<0.001). Conclusions:A method for motor function assessment in older adults was established, which can be used in the early recognition of motor function impairment, such as sarcopenia, fall, and disability.

Objective:To investigate age-related characteristics of gait parameters in the elderly.Methods:From February 2023 to August 2023, a convenient sampling method was used to investigate the elderly over 60 years old in communities in Beijing.General characteristics and anthropometric data were collected.Gait parameters of the subjects during normal speed walking were measured using a wearable gait analyzer.Comparisons were made of the basic characteristics, physical status and gait parameters in different age groups.Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the changes of physical status and gait parameters with age, with the 60-69-year-old group as the baseline standard.Results:A total of 670 elderly people were included, including 324(48.4%)aged 60-69 years, 285(42.5%)aged 70-79 years, and 61(9.1%)aged ≥80 years.Linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, with increasing age, skeletal muscle mass index(SMI)( β=-0.018, 95% CI: -0.029--0.007), calf circumference( β=-0.096, 95% CI: -0.142--0.051), upper limb flexibility( β=-0.200, 95%, 95% CI: -0.355--0.046), lower limb flexibility( β=-0.244, 95% CI: -0.377--0.111), grip strength( β=-0.397, 95% CI: -0.491--0.303), the Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB)( β=-0.080, 95% CI: -0.100--0.060)decreased( P<0.05), and the gait parameter such as speed( β=-0.010, 95% CI: -0.014--0.007), cadence( β=-0.398, 95% CI: -0.634--0.162), step length/height( β=-0.002, 95% CI: -0.003--0.002), stride length( β=-0.009, 95% CI: -0.011--0.007), swing power( β=-0.009, 95% CI: -0.012--0.006), ground impact( β=-0.020, 95% CI: -0.026--0.014), foot fall( β=-0.050, 95% CI: -0.064--0.036), pre-swing angle( β=-0.545, 95% CI: -0.714--0.377)all decreased( P<0.05), while stride time( β=0.005, 95% CI: 0.001-0.009), single limb support time( β=1.566, 95% CI: 0.499-2.633), terminal double limb support time( β=0.609, 95% CI: 0.084-1.134), swing duration( β=1.288, 95% CI: 0.024-2.552), single step time( β=2.417, 95% CI: 0.462-4.372)and support phase time( β=1.935, 95% CI: 0.421-3.449)all increased( P<0.05). Conclusions:The walking ability tends to decline with age in older people in the community who walk at a normal walking speed.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Feishu" (BL 13) + "Dingchuan" (EX-B 1) and "Kongzui" (LU 6) + "Yuji" (LU 10) for the airway remodeling in asthma rats based on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/ Smad family member 3 (Smad3) signaling pathway; and explore the efficacy difference between the two acupoint combinations. METHODS: Forty SPF male SD rats, aged 4 weeks, were randomly divided into a blank group (n = 10) and a modeling group (n = 30). The ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization method was used to establish asthma model in the modeling group. After successful model preparation, the rats of the modeling group were randomized into a model group, an acupuncture at "Feishu" (BL 13) + "Dingchuan" (EX-B 1) (AAF) group, and acupuncture at "Kongzui" (LU 6)+"Yuji" (LU 10) (AAK) group, with 10 rats in each one. Starting from day 15 of the experiment, 5 min after motivating, acupuncture was applied to "Feishu" (BL 13) + "Dingchuan" (EX-B 1) and "Kongzui" (LU 6)+"Yuji" (LU 10) in the AAF group and the AAK group respectively. The intervention was delivered for 30 min each time, once daily, lasting 3 weeks consecutively. Using lung function detector, the airway resistance (RL) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) of the lungs were detected. The histomorphology of lung tissues was detected with HE staining and Masson staining, and the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissues was detected with the real-time PCR and Western blot methods. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, RL was increased and Cdyn was decreased in the rats of the model group (P<0.01); and RL was reduced and Cdyn was increased in the AAF group and the AAK group when compared with those in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The rats of the model group had bronchial lumen stenosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fibre hyperplasia and thickened smooth muscle in the lung tissues when compared with those in the blank group; and in comparison with the model group, all of the above morphological changes were attenuated in the AAF group and the AAK group. Besides, these morphological changes of the lung tissues were more alleviated in the AAF group when compared with those in the AAK group. In comparison with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 of the lung tissues was increased in the model group (P<0.01), and it was reduced in the AAF group and the AAK group when compared with that in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 was lower in the AAF group when compared with that in the AAK group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture at either "Feishu" (BL 13)+"Dingchuan" (EX-B 1) or "Kongzui" (LU 6)+"Yuji" (LU 10) reduces the airway remodeling in the rats with asthma, which may be related to the down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3. The better efficacy is obtained with acupuncture at "Feishu" (BL 13)+"Dingchuan" (EX-B 1).
Male ; Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics* ; Airway Remodeling ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Signal Transduction ; Asthma/therapy* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of total laparoscopic versus laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy and investigate the safety and replicability of total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in older patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age ≥65 years; (2) malignant gastric tumor diagnosed pathologically preoperatively; (3) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score 0-1; (4) Grade I-III American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status; (5) preoperative clinical tumor stage I-III; (6) total laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy performed; and (7) gastrointestinal tract reconstruction using uncut Roux-en-Y or Billroth-II+Braun procedure. Patients who had received neoadjuvant therapy, undergone conversion to open surgery, or had serious comorbidities or incomplete data were excluded. The clinical data of 129 patients who met the above criteria and had undergone laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer from January 2012 to December 2021 in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center in the Beijing Cancer Hospital were analyzed. According to the operation method, the patients were divided into total laparoscopic group and laparoscopic-assisted group. Variables studied comprised: (1) surgical procedure and postoperative recovery; (2) postoperative pathological findings; and (3) postoperative complications. Measurement data with skewed distribution are represented as mean(quartile 1, quartile 3). Comparisons between groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: After propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio, there were 40 patients in the total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy group and 40 in the laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy group. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05).Compared with the laparoscopic-assisted group, the total laparoscopic group had shorter main incisions (4.1±1.0 cm vs. 8.5±2.8 cm, t=9.375, P<0.001), time to fluid intake [4.0 (3.0, 4.8) days vs. 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) days, Z=2.167, P=0.030], and duration of indwelling abdominal drainage catheter [6.0 (6.0, 7.0) days vs. 7.0 (6.0, 8.0) days, Z=2.323, P=0.020]. Numerical Rating Scale scores on postoperative days 1 and 2 were higher in the total laparoscopic than the laparoscopic-assisted group [2.5 (1.0, 3.0) vs. 1.5 (1.0, 2.0), Z=1.980, P=0.048; 2.0 (1.0, 3.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0, 2.0), Z=2.334, P=0.020, respectively]. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, or albumin concentration on postoperative day 1, time to ambulation, mean time to bowel movement, postoperative admission to the intensive care unit, length of postoperative hospital stay, or Numerical Rating Scale scores on postoperative day 3 (all P>0.05). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in maximum tumor diameter, pathological tumor type, total number of lymph nodes dissected, or total number of positive lymph nodes (all P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 15.0% (6/40) in the total laparoscopic group and the laparoscopic-assisted group; these differences are not significant (χ²<0.001, P>0.999). Conclusions: Compared with laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer, total laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of shorter incision, shorter time to fluid intake, and shorter duration of indwelling abdominal drainage catheter in older patients (age ≥65 years). Total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer does not increase the risk of postoperative complications and could therefore be performed more frequently.
Aged ; Humans ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Laparoscopy/methods* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Surgical Wound ; Treatment Outcome

Mammals exhibit limited heart regeneration ability, which can lead to heart failure after myocardial infarction. In contrast, zebrafish exhibit remarkable cardiac regeneration capacity. Several cell types and signaling pathways have been reported to participate in this process. However, a comprehensive analysis of how different cells and signals interact and coordinate to regulate cardiac regeneration is unavailable. We collected major cardiac cell types from zebrafish and performed high-precision single-cell transcriptome analyses during both development and post-injury regeneration. We revealed the cellular heterogeneity as well as the molecular progress of cardiomyocytes during these processes, and identified a subtype of atrial cardiomyocyte exhibiting a stem-like state which may transdifferentiate into ventricular cardiomyocytes during regeneration. Furthermore, we identified a regeneration-induced cell (RIC) population in the epicardium-derived cells (EPDC), and demonstrated Angiopoietin 4 (Angpt4) as a specific regulator of heart regeneration. angpt4 expression is specifically and transiently activated in RIC, which initiates a signaling cascade from EPDC to endocardium through the Tie2-MAPK pathway, and further induces activation of cathepsin K in cardiomyocytes through RA signaling. Loss of angpt4 leads to defects in scar tissue resolution and cardiomyocyte proliferation, while overexpression of angpt4 accelerates regeneration. Furthermore, we found that ANGPT4 could enhance proliferation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and promote cardiac repair in mice after myocardial infarction, indicating that the function of Angpt4 is conserved in mammals. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of heart regeneration at single-cell precision, identifies Angpt4 as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration, and offers a novel therapeutic target for improved recovery after human heart injuries.
Humans ; Mice ; Rats ; Cell Proliferation ; Heart/physiology* ; Mammals ; Myocardial Infarction/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Pericardium/metabolism* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Zebrafish/metabolism*