ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.

Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P＜0.05)and promoted proliferation(P＜0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P＜0.05),while pRB increased(P＜0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and pRB notably increased(P＜0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P＜0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P＜0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P＜0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.

This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.

Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P＜0.05)and promoted proliferation(P＜0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P＜0.05),while pRB increased(P＜0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and pRB notably increased(P＜0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P＜0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P＜0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P＜0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.

Objective To carry out quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.Methods Five brands of ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment were selected and noted as test equipment A,test equipment B,test equipment C,test equipment D and test equipment E,which underwent quality inspection in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current based on YY/T 0644-2008 Ultrasonics-surgical systems—Measurement and declaration of the basic output characteristics,YY/T 1750-2020 Ultrasonic surgical equipmetn for soft tissue excision and hemostasia and GB 9706.1-2020 Medical electrical equipment—Part 1:General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.Results The test data of the five brands in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current met the technical requirements of YY/T 0644-2008,YY/T 1750-2020,GB 9706.1-2020.Conclusion The quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment contributes to enhancing the accuracy and stability of the equipment and decreasing the risk during its clinical application.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):49-53]

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Shengmai Yin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in-jury(MI/RI)in vitro and in vivo and to unravel the underlying mechanism.Methods SD rats were divid-ed into the sham group,model group,and Shengmai Yin group(SM).Rat MI/RI model was established.Cardiac function,infarct area,pathological changes,cardiomyocyte apoptosis,macrophage infiltration,and serum cTnT and CK-MB levels were measured.The mRNA and protein expressions of Calpain-1 and Cal-pain-2 were assessed.The hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)model was constructed in H9c2 cells.The active ingredients of Shengmai Yin were screened using net-work pharmacology and verified by CCK-8.In the car-diomyocytes H/R model,Fluo-4 AM staining was used to detect the changes of Ca2+levels.Results Com-pared with model group,LVEF and LVFS of Shengmai Yin-treated rats increased,myocardial infarction area was reduced,while myocardial tissue injury was allevi-ated.Myocardial apoptosis rate and the number of macrophages were reduced.Similarly,cTnT and CK-MB levels decreased.In addition,the expression lev-els of Calpain-1 and Calpain-2 mRNA and protein de-creased in the SM treatment group.Under the H/R model,all the active ingredients of Shengmai decoction had protective effects on cardiomyocytes,and the treat-ment could reduce the level of Ca2+in cardiomyocytes.Conclusions Shengmai Yin has protective effects on MI/RI in rats.This effect may be related to the de-crease in Ca2+levels,as well as Calpain-1 and Calap-in-2 mRNA and protein expression.

Objective To analyze the imaging features of cerebral small vessel disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by multimodal MRI.Methods The clinical data of 160 patients with cerebral small vessel disease admitted to our hospital from January to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether they were complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus,they were divided into the diabetic group and the non-diabetic group,with 80 cases in each group.Both groups underwent multimodal MRI scans.And the severity of lacunar infarction,the severity of subcortical and periventricular white matter lesions,white matter integral and cerebral microbleeds of patients in the two groups were compared.Results The severity of lacunar infarction(χ2=34.076,P=0.001),subcortical white matter lesions(χ2=25.000,P=0.001),periventricular white matter lesions(χ2=22.895,P=0.001)and white matter integral(t=12.370,P=0.001)of patients in the diabetic group were significantly higher than those in the non-diabetic group.No cerebral microbleeds were detected in either group of patients.Conclusion Patients with cerebral small vessel disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus show characteristic multimodal MRI changes.The increase in the number of lacunar infarction lesions and the aggravation of white matter lesions can be used as the characteristic imaging basis for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus related cerebral small vessel disease.

Objective To carry out quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.Methods Five brands of ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment were selected and noted as test equipment A,test equipment B,test equipment C,test equipment D and test equipment E,which underwent quality inspection in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current based on YY/T 0644-2008 Ultrasonics-surgical systems—Measurement and declaration of the basic output characteristics,YY/T 1750-2020 Ultrasonic surgical equipmetn for soft tissue excision and hemostasia and GB 9706.1-2020 Medical electrical equipment—Part 1:General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.Results The test data of the five brands in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current met the technical requirements of YY/T 0644-2008,YY/T 1750-2020,GB 9706.1-2020.Conclusion The quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment contributes to enhancing the accuracy and stability of the equipment and decreasing the risk during its clinical application.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):49-53]