Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in cerebral cortex of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in improving the motor function of ALS mice.Methods The male hSOD1G93A mice were divided into model group and electroacupuncture group,and wild-type male mice in the same litter were set as blank group,with 12 mice in each group.After the mice were 60 days old,"Baihui"and both side of"Tianzhu","Tianshu"were selected for electroacupuncture for 10 min per day,5 days of continuous treatment and 2 days off for 3 weeks.Rotating rod experiment and open field experiment were used to evaluate the motor function of mice,the damage of neurons in cerebral cortex was observed by Nissl staining,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Tar DNA binding protein-43(TDP-43),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein in cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expressions of ion calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in cerebral cortex.Results Compared with the blank group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement in the model group were reduced(P<0.01),the neuron damage was obvious in the cerebral cortex,with Nissl body shrinkage and reduction in quantity(P<0.01),the relative expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein increased(P<0.01),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement increased in electroacupuncture group(P<0.05),the damage of neuron in cerebral cortex was reduced,the number of Nissl bodies increased(P<0.05),the expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 decreased(P<0.05),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve motor function in ALS model mice,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway activity and then relieve neuroinflammation.

The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) has recently updated and published the "2024 EACTS guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery". Based on the latest evidence, the guidelines have been updated in multiple aspects including underlying disease management, antithrombotic medication, arrhythmia treatment and other supportive care, etc. This paper aims to summarize and interpret the guidelines, in order to promote clinicians’ understanding and optimize perioperative medical treatment in adult cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of "olfactory three needles" on cognition, learning and memory abilities, as well as hippocampal microglia (MG) phagocytic activity in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and explore the mechanisms of acupuncture in regulating MG activation and improving remyelination, so as to ameliorate VD. METHODS: Among 38 SD rats meeting experimental requirements, 9 rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operation group, and the remaining rats underwent permanent bilateral common carotid artery ligation to establish VD model. Eighteen successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, with 9 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was performed at "olfactory three needles" ("Yintang" [GV24⁺] and bilateral "Yingxiang" [LI20]), at disperse-dense wave, the frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and the current intensity of 1 mA, for 15 min per intervention, once daily. One course was composed of 7 days, and 2 courses were required, with the interval of 2 days. The novel object recognition test was employed to assess the cognition of rats, and the Morris water maze was adopted to observe learning and memory abilities. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining was performed to evaluate myelin sheath loss in the hippocampus, the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) and proteolipid protein (PLP) in the hippocampus; and the immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expression of PLP, sex determining region Y-box 10 (SOX10), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)⁺ TREM2⁺ and Iba1⁺ lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1)⁺ in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the rats in the model group exhibited the prolonged escape latency on day 3 and 4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), the increase of the total distance traveling (P<0.01) and the decrease of the recognition index (RI) and platform crossing frequency (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the rats in the EA group showed the shortened escape latency on day 3 and 4 (P<0.05), the decrease of total distance traveling (P<0.01) and the increase of RI and platform crossing frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared with the sham-operation group, the rats of the model group presented uneven staining, sparse arrangement of myelin sheath fibers, unclear contours, and prominent vacuole-like changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. When compared with the model group, the EA group showed more dense staining, the increase of myelin sheath fibers with more orderly alignment, and fewer vacuolar changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group exhibited the increase of TREM2 protein expression and the decrease of PLP protein expression in the hippocampus (P<0.01), whereas the EA group showed the up-regulation of TREM2 and PLP protein expression when compared with the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The positive expression of the hippocampal PLP, SOX10, and Iba1⁺LAMP1⁺ in the model group was reduced in comparison with the sham-operation group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the positive expression of Iba1⁺ TREM2⁺ was elevated (P<0.05). In the EA group, the positive expression of PLP, SOX10, Iba1⁺TREM2⁺, and Iba1⁺ LAMP1⁺ was higher compared with that in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Olfactory three needles" can improve the learning and memory, and cognitive functions of VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the up-regulation of TREM2 and LAMP1 to adjust MG phagocytic activity and intracellular degradation, and promote remyelination.
Animals ; Dementia, Vascular/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Remyelination ; Memory ; Hippocampus/cytology* ; Cognition ; Electroacupuncture ; Needles

Objective:To explore the effects of early electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling pathway-related protein expression and oligodendrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS),and uncover the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the improvement of motor function in ALS mice by early EA intervention.Methods:ALS mice carrying the SOD1G93A gene were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group,with 10 mice in each group;10 littermate mice with a negative SOD1G93A genotype served as the control group.In the EA group,Baihui(GV20),Tianzhu(BL10),and Tianshu(ST25)were selected with needles retained for 10 min,5 consecutive days per week,with 2 days of rest.One week constituted a course of treatment,and a total of 3 consecutive courses were performed.The other groups were grasped and fixed similarly,but without intervention.Motor function was assessed using the open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM).Subsequently,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe neuron morphology in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the positive cell rate of TAR DNA-binding protein 43(TDP-43),and double immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive cell rate and cell states of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1)and myelin basic protein(MBP)in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression levels of TDP-43,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins.Results:Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited a reduced total movement distance in the OFT,and an increased escape latency,as well as fewer platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).In the model group,the number of degenerated and necrotic neurons in the M1 region of the ALS mouse cerebral cortex increased,with significant nuclear shrinkage and cytoplasmic vacuolization;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex increased(P<0.01),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein in the cerebral cortex showed a significant increase(P<0.01);the Iba-1 positive cell percentage increased,while the MBP positive cell percentage decreased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins increased(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the EA group showed an increased total movement distance(P<0.01),and a reduced escape latency,and more platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).In the EA group,neurons showed improvement,with reduced degeneration and necrosis,and larger,clearer nuclei;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased(P<0.05),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein also decreased(P<0.05);the percentage of Iba-1 positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased,while the percentage of MBP positive cells increased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:EA intervention can suppress microglial activation,improve the state of oligodendrocytes,and reduce abnormal TDP-43 aggregation in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex in ALS model mice;its mechanism of action may be related to the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Objective To analyze the incidence of cardiovascular events among patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and hypertension(HTN),as well as to identify the associated influ-encing factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with primary hypertension(HTN group,n=64),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD group,n=64),and concomitant primary hypertension and COPD(combined group,n=64)at our hospital between December 2021 and January 2025.Cardiovascular event incidence,pulmonary function parameters-including forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),peak expiratory flow(PEF),and percent predicted FEV1(FEV1%pred)-and blood pressure levels(systolic blood pressure[SBP],diastolic blood pressure[DBP])were compared across the three groups.Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to illustrate and compare the cumulative incidence of cardiovas-cular events.Covariance analysis was performed to assess the impact of hypertension on pulmonary function,and Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to identify factors associated with cardiovascular outcomes.Results The total incidence rate of cardiovascular events in the HTN group was 14.06%,which was significantly lower than that in the COPD group(29.69%)and the combined HTN-COPD group(48.44%)(P<0.05).A highly significant difference was observed in the cumulative incidence rates across the three groups(P<0.05).Specifically,the COPD group exhibited a higher cumulative incidence than the HTN group(P<0.05),while the combined group showed the highest incidence,exceeding both the COPD and HTN groups(P<0.05).Pulmonary function parameters-including FVC,FEV1,PEF,and FEV1%pred-were significantly higher in the HTN group compared to both the COPD and combined groups(P<0.05).Moreover,these indices were also higher in the COPD group than in the combined group(P<0.05).Systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP)levels in the combined group were significantly elevated compared to both the HTN and COPD groups(P<0.05),and SBP and DBP in the HTN group were higher than those in the COPD group(P<0.05).After adjusting for potential confounders,the intergroup dif-ference in FVC remained statistically significant(P<0.05),and the effect of group on FEV1%pred was particularly robust(partial η2=0.754,P<0.05).Compared with patients without cardiovascular events,those who experienced events differed significantly by disease type(P<0.05).The proportions of patients with HTN alone and HTN com-bined with COPD were higher in the event group than in the non-event group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC and FEV1%pred were lower in the event group,whereas SBP and DBP were higher(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis identified disease type,FEV1%pred,and SBP as independent predictors of cardiovascular events(P<0.05).Deci-sion tree analysis further highlighted that the coexistence of HTN and COPD constitutes a critical determinant in cardiovascular risk stratification.Conclusions The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with COPD com-bined with HTN was significantly higher than in those with either condition alone.Furthermore,the coexistence of these diseases,along with impaired lung function(as indicated by reduced FEV1%predicted)and increased SBP,were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Objective To analyze the incidence of cardiovascular events among patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and hypertension(HTN),as well as to identify the associated influ-encing factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with primary hypertension(HTN group,n=64),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD group,n=64),and concomitant primary hypertension and COPD(combined group,n=64)at our hospital between December 2021 and January 2025.Cardiovascular event incidence,pulmonary function parameters-including forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),peak expiratory flow(PEF),and percent predicted FEV1(FEV1%pred)-and blood pressure levels(systolic blood pressure[SBP],diastolic blood pressure[DBP])were compared across the three groups.Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to illustrate and compare the cumulative incidence of cardiovas-cular events.Covariance analysis was performed to assess the impact of hypertension on pulmonary function,and Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to identify factors associated with cardiovascular outcomes.Results The total incidence rate of cardiovascular events in the HTN group was 14.06%,which was significantly lower than that in the COPD group(29.69%)and the combined HTN-COPD group(48.44%)(P<0.05).A highly significant difference was observed in the cumulative incidence rates across the three groups(P<0.05).Specifically,the COPD group exhibited a higher cumulative incidence than the HTN group(P<0.05),while the combined group showed the highest incidence,exceeding both the COPD and HTN groups(P<0.05).Pulmonary function parameters-including FVC,FEV1,PEF,and FEV1%pred-were significantly higher in the HTN group compared to both the COPD and combined groups(P<0.05).Moreover,these indices were also higher in the COPD group than in the combined group(P<0.05).Systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP)levels in the combined group were significantly elevated compared to both the HTN and COPD groups(P<0.05),and SBP and DBP in the HTN group were higher than those in the COPD group(P<0.05).After adjusting for potential confounders,the intergroup dif-ference in FVC remained statistically significant(P<0.05),and the effect of group on FEV1%pred was particularly robust(partial η2=0.754,P<0.05).Compared with patients without cardiovascular events,those who experienced events differed significantly by disease type(P<0.05).The proportions of patients with HTN alone and HTN com-bined with COPD were higher in the event group than in the non-event group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC and FEV1%pred were lower in the event group,whereas SBP and DBP were higher(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis identified disease type,FEV1%pred,and SBP as independent predictors of cardiovascular events(P<0.05).Deci-sion tree analysis further highlighted that the coexistence of HTN and COPD constitutes a critical determinant in cardiovascular risk stratification.Conclusions The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with COPD com-bined with HTN was significantly higher than in those with either condition alone.Furthermore,the coexistence of these diseases,along with impaired lung function(as indicated by reduced FEV1%predicted)and increased SBP,were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Objective:To explore the effects of early electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling pathway-related protein expression and oligodendrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS),and uncover the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the improvement of motor function in ALS mice by early EA intervention.Methods:ALS mice carrying the SOD1G93A gene were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group,with 10 mice in each group;10 littermate mice with a negative SOD1G93A genotype served as the control group.In the EA group,Baihui(GV20),Tianzhu(BL10),and Tianshu(ST25)were selected with needles retained for 10 min,5 consecutive days per week,with 2 days of rest.One week constituted a course of treatment,and a total of 3 consecutive courses were performed.The other groups were grasped and fixed similarly,but without intervention.Motor function was assessed using the open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM).Subsequently,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe neuron morphology in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the positive cell rate of TAR DNA-binding protein 43(TDP-43),and double immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive cell rate and cell states of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1)and myelin basic protein(MBP)in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression levels of TDP-43,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins.Results:Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited a reduced total movement distance in the OFT,and an increased escape latency,as well as fewer platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).In the model group,the number of degenerated and necrotic neurons in the M1 region of the ALS mouse cerebral cortex increased,with significant nuclear shrinkage and cytoplasmic vacuolization;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex increased(P<0.01),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein in the cerebral cortex showed a significant increase(P<0.01);the Iba-1 positive cell percentage increased,while the MBP positive cell percentage decreased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins increased(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the EA group showed an increased total movement distance(P<0.01),and a reduced escape latency,and more platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).In the EA group,neurons showed improvement,with reduced degeneration and necrosis,and larger,clearer nuclei;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased(P<0.05),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein also decreased(P<0.05);the percentage of Iba-1 positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased,while the percentage of MBP positive cells increased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:EA intervention can suppress microglial activation,improve the state of oligodendrocytes,and reduce abnormal TDP-43 aggregation in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex in ALS model mice;its mechanism of action may be related to the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in cerebral cortex of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in improving the motor function of ALS mice.Methods The male hSOD1G93A mice were divided into model group and electroacupuncture group,and wild-type male mice in the same litter were set as blank group,with 12 mice in each group.After the mice were 60 days old,"Baihui"and both side of"Tianzhu","Tianshu"were selected for electroacupuncture for 10 min per day,5 days of continuous treatment and 2 days off for 3 weeks.Rotating rod experiment and open field experiment were used to evaluate the motor function of mice,the damage of neurons in cerebral cortex was observed by Nissl staining,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Tar DNA binding protein-43(TDP-43),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein in cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expressions of ion calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in cerebral cortex.Results Compared with the blank group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement in the model group were reduced(P<0.01),the neuron damage was obvious in the cerebral cortex,with Nissl body shrinkage and reduction in quantity(P<0.01),the relative expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein increased(P<0.01),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement increased in electroacupuncture group(P<0.05),the damage of neuron in cerebral cortex was reduced,the number of Nissl bodies increased(P<0.05),the expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 decreased(P<0.05),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve motor function in ALS model mice,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway activity and then relieve neuroinflammation.

Objective To analyze the distribution and antimicrobial resistance in diabetic foot infection.Methods A cross-section survey was conducted on 277 patients with diabetic foot infection admitted in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023.Their clinical data were collected,and wound characteristics,pathogenic bacteria and drug resistance were analyzed statistically for the distribution of pathogenic bacteria,drug resistance rate,and risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.Results There were 228 strains of pathogenic microorganisms isolated from the 277 patients,including 104 strains of Gram-positive bacteria,115 strains of Gram-negative bacteria,7 strains of fungi,and 2 strains of actinomycetes.The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria was significantly larger in the patients with Wagner grade＞3 and course of ulcers＞30 d.The isolated Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin,and most of them were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid.While the Gram-negative ones were highly resistant to the third-and fourth-generation cephalosporins,and most sensitive to carbapenems.Wagner grade＞3 and course of ulcers＞30 d were independent risk factors for infection of multidrug-resistant organisms.Conclusion There is heterogeneity in the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms in diabetic foot infection.For the patients with Wagner grade＞3 and course of ulcers＞30 d,they have higher rate of Gram-negative bacterial infection,and are at higher risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection,so timely and targeted adjustment should be implemented for their treatment regimens.

Objective To investigate the effect of oral fish oil on wound healing and related indexes in patients with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled design was used to recruit 68 patients with DFU aged 18-80 years old in the hospital,and the baseline clinical data of the patients were collected.The patients were randomly divided into experimental group(32 cases,fish oil soft capsule,3 g/d)and control group(33 cases,corn oil soft capsule,3 g/d)by random number generated by Ex-cel,and the intervention lasted for 12 weeks.The primary endpoints included the proportion of complete wound healing and healing area≥50%.The secondary endpoints included wound area,healing time,inflamma-tion index,glucose metabolism index,nutrition related index and wound reinfection.Additionally,the influen-cing factors of wound healing were analyzed.Results After intervention,the proportion of complete wound healing and healing area≥50%in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P=0.007,0.039).In the subjects with complete wound healing,the mean healing time in the experi-mental group was shorter than that in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.132).The reduction area of wound area in the experimental group was significantly larger than that in the control group(P=0.045).The decrease of interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-8 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the reduc-tion of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)between the two groups(P>0.05).The improvement of prealbumin(PA)in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that oral fish oil intervention(OR=6.771,95%CI:1.787-25.652),HbA1c(OR=4.149,95%CI:1.026-16.770)and ulcer type(OR=4.319,95%CI:1.026-18.173)were the influencing factors of wound healing(P<0.05).Conclusion Oral fish oil promotes wound healing in patients with DFU,which may be re-lated to improving the level of chronic inflammation in the body.