Objective: To assess the dynamic changes of microcirculation at acupoints in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold congelation and blood stasis syndrome using laser speckle blood flow imaging. Methods: Patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome (primary dysmenorrhea group, n=53) and healthy female college students(control group, n=57) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from October 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine. On the premenstrual and first day of menstruation, a laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to measure the microcirculation blood flow perfusion on the surface of acupoints related to the conception, thoroughfare, and governor vessels, and stomach, spleen, and bladder meridians in the abdomen and lumbosacral regions. The dynamic changes in microcirculation were calculated based on the difference in average blood flow perfusion at each acupoint before and after menstruation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic changes in microcirculation on the surface of each acupoint. The microcirculation sensitization rate of acupoints was calculated. Results: Compared with the control group, the dynamic changes in microcirculation at the following acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group were increased (P<0.05): conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]); left thoroughfare vessel (left Huangshu[KI16], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], left Qixue[KI13], left Dahe[KI12], left Henggu[KI11]); left stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], left Wailing[ST26], left Qichong[ST30]); left spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14]); right thoroughfare vessel (right Huangshu[KI16], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Siman[KI14], right Qixue[KI13], right Dahe[KI12], right Henggu[KI11]); right stomach meridian (right Wailing[ST26], right Daju[ST27], right Shuidao[ST28], right Guilai[ST29], right Qichong[ST30]); and right spleen meridian (right Fujie[SP14]). The area under the ROC curve of conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]), thoroughfare vessel (right Siman[KI14], left Huangshu[KI16], right Qixue[KI13], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Dahe[KI12], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], right Huangshu[KI16], left Qixue[KI13], right Henggu[KI11], left Henggu[KI11], left Dahe[KI12]); stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], right Guilai[ST29], left Wailing[ST26], right Shuidao[ST28], right Daju[ST27], right Wailing[ST26], right Qichong[ST30], left Qichong[ST30]), and spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14], right Fujie[SP14]) was 0.610-0.682 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the sensitization rate of some acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group increased (P<0.05). Conclusion With the onset of menstruation, the blood flow perfusion of some acupoints in the abdomen (thoroughfare, and conception vessels, and stomach and spleen meridians) of patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome increased, and the status of acupoints changed from a resting state to an active state. These acupoints are sensitive in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and have a certain diagnostic efficacy, providing a basis for further analyzing the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat primary dysmenorrhea with cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic angiogenesis has become a promising approach for treating ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present study aims to investigate the effects of Qishen Granule (QSG) on angiogenesis in myocardial ischemia (MI) and the potential mechanism. METHODS: In vivo study was conducted on rat model of myocardial infarction. QSG was performed daily at a dose of 2.352 g/kg for four weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiogram and pro-angiogenic effects were evaluated by Laser Doppler and CD31 expression. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability, wound healing and tube formation assay were used to test functions of HUVECs. ELISA and Western blots were used to assess protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2-delta-like 4-notch homolog 1 (BMP2-Dll4-Notch1) signaling pathway. RESULTS: The results showed that QSG improved heart function, cardiac blood flow and microvessel density in myocardial ischemic rats. In vitro, QSG protected HUVECs by promoting the cell viability and tube formation. QSG upregulated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and downregulated delta-like 4 (Dll4) and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) expressions both in rats and HUVECs. CONCLUSION QSG protected against MI by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway. BMP2 might be a promising therapeutic target for IHD.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the job choice preferences of Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) workers to provide CDC management information and recommendations for optimizing employee retention and motivation policies. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was conducted in nine provinces across China. Seven key attributes were identified to analyze the job preferences of CDC workers. Mixed logit models, latent class models, and policy simulation tools were used. RESULTS: A valid sample of 5,944 cases was included in the analysis. All seven attributes significantly influenced the job choices of CDC workers. Heterogeneity analyses identified two main groups based on different levels of preference for attribute utility. Income-prioritizers were concerned with income and opportunities for career development, whereas bianzhi-prioritizers were concerned with bianzhi and welfare benefits. The policy simulation analysis revealed that income-prioritizers had a relatively higher sensitivity to multiple job preference incentives. CONCLUSION Income and bianzhi were the two key attributes influencing the job choices and retention preferences of CDC workers. Heterogeneity in job preferences was also identified. Based on the preference characteristics of different subgroups, policy content should be skewed to differentiate the importance of incentives.
China ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. ; Middle Aged ; Choice Behavior ; Career Choice ; Motivation

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of SH2B1 rs7359397 （C>T） polymorphism with the progression to hepatic fibrosis in the elderly patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease （MASLD） in Beijing， China， and to provide an important genetic basis for the precise subtyping， prognostic evaluation， and individualized treatment of elderly MASLD patients in China. MethodsA total of 505 elderly patients （aged ≥65 years） who participated in regular physical examination in Mentougou Kuangshan Hospital of Beijing Jingmei Group General Hospital from November 2020 to September 2021 and were diagnosed with MASLD by abdominal ultrasound were enrolled as MASLD group， and 381 elderly population who underwent physical examination in the same community hospital during the same period of time and were not found to have MASLD by abdominal ultrasound were enrolled as control group. FibroScan was used to measure liver fat content and determine fibrosis stage. The 96-well microfluidic chip technique was used to identify SH2B1 rs7359397 polymorphism. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between the two groups， and the chi-square test or the adjusted chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent predictive factors for MASLD and its comorbidities. ResultsCompared with the control group， the MASLD group had a significantly younger age and significantly higher levels of waist circumference， hip circumference， waist-hip ratio， body mass index （BMI）， alanine aminotransferase， aspartate aminotransferase， triglyceride， platelet count， and fibrosis-4 （FIB-4） index， as well as a significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （all P<0.05）. Among the 381 patients in the control group， 264 （69.29%） had genotype CC and 117 （30.71%） had genotype CT+TT， while among the 505 patients in the MASLD group， 317 （62.77%） had genotype CC and 188 （37.23%） had genotype CT+TT， suggesting that the MASLD group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with genotype CT+TT compared with the control group （χ²=4.09， P=0.043）. In the MASLD group， compared with the genotype CC group， the genotype CT+TT group had a significantly lower proportion of patients with FIB-4 ≥2 or atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases （P<0.05）. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age， sex， and BMI， carrying T allele was a protective factor against progressive hepatic fibrosis （odds ratio ［OR］=0.481， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.249 — 0.929， P=0.029）. In the subgroups of comorbidities with hypertension， metabolic syndrome， and obesity， genotype CT+TT was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of progressive hepatic fibrosis （hypertension： OR=0.27， 95%CI：0.09 — 0.77， P=0.014； metabolic syndrome： OR=0.30， 95%CI： 0.11 — 0.79， P=0.015； obesity： OR=0.11， 95%CI： 0.03 — 0.48， P=0.003）. After adjustment for age， sex， and BMI， in the patients with MASLD， the patients with genotype CT+TT had a significant reduction in the prevalence rate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases compared with those with genotype CC （OR=0.506， 95%CI：0.336 — 0.761， P=0.001）. ConclusionSH2B1 rs7359397 （C>T） polymorphism is associated with the reduction in the risk of hepatic fibrosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in MASLD patients.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of different proportion compatibility of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on the extraction kinetics of flavonoids. METHODS The content determination method of flavonoids(with rutin as the control substance) was established, and the concentrations of flavonoids in the extracts of Astragali Radix membranicum and Chuanxiong Rhizoma in different proportions(1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 1∶4, 1∶5, 2∶1, 3∶1, 4∶1, 5∶1) were determined dynamically within 2 h, respectively. The extraction kinetics model was established according to Feck's first diffusion law. The extraction rate constant was calculated and the difference of dissolution kinetics was compared. RESULTS The compatibility of different proportions of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma had significant effects on the extraction rate and concentration of flavonoids. The extraction kinetics models of flavonoids were consistent with the characteristics of the first-order kinetic equation. The extraction rate was the fastest when Astragali Radix ∶ Chuanxiong Rhizoma was 3∶1, the extraction rate was the slowest when Chuanxiong Rhizoma∶ Astragali Radix was 2∶1. The equilibrium concentration of flavonoids was the highest when Chuanxiong Rhizoma∶ Astragali Radix was 3∶1, when the ratio of Astragali Radix∶Chuanxiong Rhizoma was 5∶1, it was the lowest. CONCLUSION The compatibility of different proportions of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma has a significant effect on the extraction rate and concentration of flavonoids.

Objective To develop an asymmetric porous guided bone regeneration(GBR)membrane made from antibacterial zinc oxide nanoparticle(nZnO)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxy butyrate)copolymer(P34HB),and detect its osteogenic performance.Methods Ultrasonic dispersion technique,solvent displacement method and freeze-drying technique were used to prepare P34HB composite GBR membrane loaded with nZnO at different doses(0％,0.5％,1.0％and 1.5％).Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy spectrometry(EDS)were conducted to determine the load of nZnO and observe the structure of the prepared membrane.Then MC3T3-E1 cells were implanted in a 24-well culture plate with the prepared GBR membrane pre-laid in the well.Thus the experiment included blank control group(no membrane)and groups with membranes composing 0％,0.5％,1.0％and 1.5％nZnO,respectively.CCK-8 and cell scratch assays were used to detect cell proliferation capacity and migration ability.The protein adsorption capacity of GBR membrane was detected by protein adsorption experiment.The in vitro degradation of GBR membrane was tested;the activity of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)was detected with chemical test.And calcified nodules were observed with alizzarin red staining;the antibacterial ability of GBR membranes was tested with in vitro antibacterial experiments.Results Four groups of nZnO/P34HB composite GBR membranes with 0％,0.5％,1.0％and 1.5％nZnO were successfully prepared.SEM results showed that the composite membrane was porous on one side and dense on the other side.EDS indicated the incorporation of zinc elements in the composite membrane.The results of cell proliferation assay showed that 0.5％and 1.0％nZnO/P34HB group promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,when compared with the blank control group and 0％and 1.5％nZnO/P34HB groups(P＜0.05).The results of cell scratch assay showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in the 0.5％nZnO/P34HB group migrated significantly over the scratch edge,with the cell mobility higher than that of the other 3 membrane groups in 48 h after culture(P＜0.01).Protein adsorption experiment displayed there was no significant difference in optical density of the 4 group of membrane,indicating that the addition of nZnO had no effect on the protein adsorption capacity of the material itself.The results of enzymatic experiment showed that though the quality of the 4 membranes was continuously decreased with elapse of time,the degradation rate was still relatively lower after 28 d of treatment.ALP staining and alizarin red staining displayed that the 0.5％nZnO/P34HB group obtained the strongest ALP activity and the largest amount of calcified nodules when compared with the other 3 groups(P＜0.01).Higher mineralization was observed in the 0％and 0.5％nZnO/P 34 HB groups than the other 2 groups(P＜0.01).The results of in vitro antibacterial experiments showed that the number of colonies in the 0.5％nZnO/P 34 HB group was significantly less than that in the blank control group and the 0％nZnO/P34HB group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Our prepared P34HB composite GBR membrane loaded with nZnO is in asymmetric porous structure,and can promote cell proliferation,facilitate cell osteogenesis and have bacteriostatic ability.

Objective To understand the relationship between air pollutants and digestive system cancers, and to provide a reference for future research and prevention and control of digestive system cancer. Methods All relevant literature published in English between 1970-2022 was searched through the databases of PubMed, web of science and Embase, and meta-analysis was used to explore the effects of specific air pollutants on digestive system cancers. Results PM_2.5 was able to increase the risk of incidence or mortality of total digestive cancers by 11% (1.05 to 1.17). For specific cancers, PM_2.5 was only associated with an increased risk of liver cancer in this study, with a combined RR (95% CI) of 1.31 (1.19 to 1.46), while there was no statistically significant association with other specific digestive cancers ( P>0.05）. NO2 increased the risk of incidence or mortality of total digestive cancers by 3% (1.00 to 1.07). Conclusion For specific digestive system cancers, PM_2.5 has the most pronounced effect on liver cancer. More evidence is needed to support the relationship between NO₂ and cancer. Currently, it has been observed that NO2 has a negative effect on overall digestive cancers. This study provides insights for the prevention and control of digestive system cancer in countries and regions with high PM_2.5 and NO₂ concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the skin surface microcirculation of acupoints of conception vessel, governor vessel and thoroughfare vessel in patients with primary dysmenorrhea using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and provide acupoint selection basis of acupuncture-moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Ninety-nine healthy female college students with regular menstrual cycles (normal group) and 94 female college students with primary dysmenorrhea (dysmenorrhea group) were recruited. Before menstrual period, on the first day of menstruation, and on the third day after menstruation, LSCI was used to observe the surface microcirculation at the abdominal acupoints of conception vessel, i. e. Yinjiao (CV 7), Qihai (CV 6), Shimen (CV 5), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3) and Qugou (CV 2), acupoints of thoroughfare vessel, i. e. Huangshu (KI 16), Zhongzhu (KI 15), Siman (KI 14), Qixue (KI 13), Dahe (KI 12), Henggu (KI 11) and acupoints of lumbosacral region of governor vessel, i. e. Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Yaoshu (GV 2) as well as two non-acupoints. RESULTS: Before menstrual period, there was no significant difference in the surface blood perfusion of the acupoints between the dysmenorrhea group and the normal group (P>0.05). On the first day of menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and right Huangshu (KI 16) in the dysmenorrhea group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On the third day after menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of the right Henggu (KI 11) in the dysmenorrhea group was lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, on the first day of menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) of governor vessel, and the right Huangshu (KI 16) of thoroughfare vessel is increased, while on the third day after menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of the right Henggu (KI 11) of thoroughfare vessel is decreased. These findings might provide a basis for acupoint selection in the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Humans ; Female ; Microcirculation ; Dysmenorrhea/therapy* ; Menstrual Cycle ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic characteristics of a child with Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and neurodevelopmental syndrome (FSGSNEDS). METHODS: A child with FSGSNEDS who had visited Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital on September 15, 2019 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected, and trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES), Sanger sequencing, chromosomal karyotyping analysis, and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) were used to analyze the child and his parents. RESULTS: The child, a 3-year-old boy, had manifested developmental delay, nephrotic syndrome, and epilepsy. Trio-WES and Sanger sequencing showed that he has carried a heterozygous c.1375C＞T (p.Q459*) variant of the TRIM8 gene, for which both his parents were of the wild type. Based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was predicted to be pathogenic. No abnormality was found in the chromosomal karyotyping and CNV-seq results of the child and his parents. CONCLUSION The child was diagnosed with FSGSNEDS, for which the c.1375C＞T variant of the TRIM8 gene may be accountable.
Male ; Humans ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/genetics* ; Genomics ; Heterozygote ; Karyotyping ; Carrier Proteins ; Nerve Tissue Proteins

Abstract Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a relatively common spinal health problem in the adolescents, whose pathogenesis remains unclear. AIS substantially affects the mind, intellect and body shape in children and adolescents. From a neurophysiological perspective, this article discusses progress in domestic and international research on the anatomical morphology, physiological function and neuromodulation of muscle metabolism in the nervous system in AIS, and analyses the dynamic balance in regulatory mechanisms of the neuromuscular system affecting spinal movement, which argues that an imbalance between the synergistic control of the central nervous system and the spinal neuromuscular system results in a series of kinetic compensatory responses of the spine, thus leading to AIS generation and/or development. This article is aimed at providing theoretical guidance for educational intervention approaches to address adolescent spinal health problems.