OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) on hippocampal neuronal ferritinophagy mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)/ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) signaling pathway in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture for VD. METHODS: A total of 60 male rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group (12 rats), a sham surgery group (12 rats) and a modeling group (36 rats). In the modeling group, the modified 4-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The 24 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at left and right "Sishencong" (EX-HN1), and bilateral "Fengchi" (GB20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min a time, once daily for 21 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test before modeling, after modeling and after intervention, as well as the novel object recognition test after intervention. After intervention, the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus was observed by Nissl staining; the iron deposition was observed by Prussian blue staining; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining; the levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by the colorimetric assay, TBA method, and WST-1 method, respectively; the positive expression of NCOA4, FTH1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expression of NCOA4, FTH1, GPX4, and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham surgery group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of platform crossings reduced (P<0.01), the recognition index (RI) was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons displayed a blurred laminar structure, disorganized cellular arrangement, and the number of Nissl bodies was decreased (P<0.01); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were increased (P<0.01), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the escape latency was shortened and the number of platform crossings was increased (P<0.01), the RI was increased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons exhibited more regular morphology, better-organized cellular structure, and the number of Nissl bodies was increased (P<0.05); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus reduced (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) can improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the hippocampal NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferritinophagy, and alleviation of oxidative stress damage.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Dementia, Vascular/genetics* ; Male ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Memory ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/genetics* ; Ferritins/genetics* ; Learning ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points

AIM:To investigate the effects of emo-din on autophagy and apoptosis in rats with severe pneumonia(KP)caused by K.pneumoniae and its possible mechanism.METHODS:The KP rat model was established by infecting K pneumonia was treat-ed with Emodin.The rats were grouped into Sham surgery group,KP group,low concentration Emodin group,medium concentration Emodin group,high concentration Emodin group,and Emodin+sirtinol(SIRT1 activity inhibitor)group;Arterial partial pres-sure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),arterial partial pres-sure of oxygen(PaO2)and arterial oxygen saturation(SaO2)were measured by blood gas analyzer;the white blood cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveo-lar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured by Wright-Gi-emsa staining;HE staining was applied to detect pathological changes in lung tissue in each group;ELISA was applied to detect the expression of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in lung tissues of each group;elec-tron microscopy scanning was applied to observe the autophagy of cells in lung tissues of each group;the expression of LC3B in lung tissues was observed by immunofluorescence staining;TUNEL method was applied to detect changes in cell apoptosis in lung tissue of rats in each group;Western blot was applied to detect the expression of silent informa-tion regulatory factor(SIRT1),adenosine monophos-phate activated protein kinase(AMPK),LC3-Ⅱ,LC3-Ⅰ,c-caspase-3,and caspase-3 proteins in lung tissue.RESULTS:K.pneumoniae caused severe lung tissue damage in rats with pneumonia,increased inflam-matory infiltration and cytokine release in the lungs,arterial blood PaO2 and SaO2 levels de-creased,PaCO2 levels increased,white blood cells and neutrophils count increased in BALF,increased cell apoptosis rate and c-caspase-3/caspase-3 level,and the cell autophagy and the levels of autophagy related proteins LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were decreased(all P＜0.05),after Emodin treatment,SIRT1/AMPK signal-ing pathway was activated,PaO2 and SaO2 levels in arterial blood were increased,PaCO2 levels was de-creased,inflammatory reaction was inhibited,cell apoptosis in lung tissue was inhibited(all P＜0.05),and cell autophagy level was restored,sirtinol,a SIRT1 inhibitor,partially reversed the therapeutic ef-fect of Emodin on KP rats after inhibiting SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Emodin may enhance autophagy of lung tissue cells and inhibit apoptosis of rat lung tissue cells by acti-vating SIRT1/AMPK pathway,which may provide po-tential therapeutic options for KP.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Euphorbia Lathyrol on expressions of IL-7,IL-10 and VEGF in renal clear cell neoplasias(RCCN)mice by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Methods:RCCN xenograft mice were established and divided into model group,Euphorbia Lathyrol group and Cisplatin group.Euphorbia Lathyrol group were given 20 mg/kg Euphorbia Lathyrol solution intragastric administration,model group were given 0.9%NaCl gastric feeding,Cisplatin group were given intraperito-neal injection of 4 mg/kg cisplatin solution,then mice weight and tumor volume were recorded.Expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad4 were tracked down through Western blot.Expressions of immune factors IL-7 and IL-10 in serum of xenograft mice were detected by ELISA.Expression of VEGF in tumor mass was detected by IHC.Results:After 14 days of administration,compared with model group,the proliferation of tumor grafts in Cisplatin group and Euphorbia Lathyrol group was inhibited(P<0.05),and the expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad4 protein and VEGF were observably decreased(P<0.05),expressions of IL-7 in serum was increased,while level of IL-10 in serum was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Euphorbia Lathyrol is able to reduce expressions of IL-7,IL-10,as well as VEGF in RCCN xenograft mice by impeding TGF-β1/Smad signaling transduction system.

Objective To observe the complication incidences after percutaneous lung biopsy and sealed the tract with different sealants.Methods A total of 129 patients with solitary pulmonary nodule who underwent CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy were retrospectively included and divided into group A(n=37),B(n=47)and C(n=45).The biopsy tract was sealed with sealant A(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with 10 ml 50％glucose solution)in group A,with sealant B(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with 10 ml normal saline)in group B,while with sealant C(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with the coagulant enzyme from Bothrops atrox venom and 10 ml normal saline)in group C.The incidence rate of complications such as pneumothorax and hemoptysis were comparatively observed among groups.Binary logistic regression was performed to screen the independent influencing factors associated with complications of percutaneous lung biopsy.Results No significant difference of gender,age,proportion of smoking history nor emphysema,diameter of pulmonary nodules,depth of puncture into lung parenchyma nor times of puncture was found among groups(all P＞0.05).Complications occurred in 43 cases(43/129,33.33％),i.e.27 cases in group B(27/47,57.45％),11 cases in group A(11/37,29.73％)and 5 cases in group C(5/45,11.11％),and the complication rates decreased order of group B,A and C(all P＜0.05).Compared with sealant A,sealant B was associated with increased risk(OR[95％CI]=3.190[1.183,8.598],P=0.022),whereas sealant C was associated with reduced risk(OR[95％CI]=0.266[0.079,0.889],P=0.031)of complications.Conclusion After percutaneous lung biopsy,the complication incidences decreased sequentially when the needle tract was sealed with saline B,A and C.

Objective To observe the complication incidences after percutaneous lung biopsy and sealed the tract with different sealants.Methods A total of 129 patients with solitary pulmonary nodule who underwent CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy were retrospectively included and divided into group A(n=37),B(n=47)and C(n=45).The biopsy tract was sealed with sealant A(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with 10 ml 50％glucose solution)in group A,with sealant B(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with 10 ml normal saline)in group B,while with sealant C(1 g gelatin sponge particles mixed with the coagulant enzyme from Bothrops atrox venom and 10 ml normal saline)in group C.The incidence rate of complications such as pneumothorax and hemoptysis were comparatively observed among groups.Binary logistic regression was performed to screen the independent influencing factors associated with complications of percutaneous lung biopsy.Results No significant difference of gender,age,proportion of smoking history nor emphysema,diameter of pulmonary nodules,depth of puncture into lung parenchyma nor times of puncture was found among groups(all P＞0.05).Complications occurred in 43 cases(43/129,33.33％),i.e.27 cases in group B(27/47,57.45％),11 cases in group A(11/37,29.73％)and 5 cases in group C(5/45,11.11％),and the complication rates decreased order of group B,A and C(all P＜0.05).Compared with sealant A,sealant B was associated with increased risk(OR[95％CI]=3.190[1.183,8.598],P=0.022),whereas sealant C was associated with reduced risk(OR[95％CI]=0.266[0.079,0.889],P=0.031)of complications.Conclusion After percutaneous lung biopsy,the complication incidences decreased sequentially when the needle tract was sealed with saline B,A and C.

AIM:To investigate the effects of emo-din on autophagy and apoptosis in rats with severe pneumonia(KP)caused by K.pneumoniae and its possible mechanism.METHODS:The KP rat model was established by infecting K pneumonia was treat-ed with Emodin.The rats were grouped into Sham surgery group,KP group,low concentration Emodin group,medium concentration Emodin group,high concentration Emodin group,and Emodin+sirtinol(SIRT1 activity inhibitor)group;Arterial partial pres-sure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),arterial partial pres-sure of oxygen(PaO2)and arterial oxygen saturation(SaO2)were measured by blood gas analyzer;the white blood cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveo-lar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured by Wright-Gi-emsa staining;HE staining was applied to detect pathological changes in lung tissue in each group;ELISA was applied to detect the expression of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in lung tissues of each group;elec-tron microscopy scanning was applied to observe the autophagy of cells in lung tissues of each group;the expression of LC3B in lung tissues was observed by immunofluorescence staining;TUNEL method was applied to detect changes in cell apoptosis in lung tissue of rats in each group;Western blot was applied to detect the expression of silent informa-tion regulatory factor(SIRT1),adenosine monophos-phate activated protein kinase(AMPK),LC3-Ⅱ,LC3-Ⅰ,c-caspase-3,and caspase-3 proteins in lung tissue.RESULTS:K.pneumoniae caused severe lung tissue damage in rats with pneumonia,increased inflam-matory infiltration and cytokine release in the lungs,arterial blood PaO2 and SaO2 levels de-creased,PaCO2 levels increased,white blood cells and neutrophils count increased in BALF,increased cell apoptosis rate and c-caspase-3/caspase-3 level,and the cell autophagy and the levels of autophagy related proteins LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were decreased(all P＜0.05),after Emodin treatment,SIRT1/AMPK signal-ing pathway was activated,PaO2 and SaO2 levels in arterial blood were increased,PaCO2 levels was de-creased,inflammatory reaction was inhibited,cell apoptosis in lung tissue was inhibited(all P＜0.05),and cell autophagy level was restored,sirtinol,a SIRT1 inhibitor,partially reversed the therapeutic ef-fect of Emodin on KP rats after inhibiting SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Emodin may enhance autophagy of lung tissue cells and inhibit apoptosis of rat lung tissue cells by acti-vating SIRT1/AMPK pathway,which may provide po-tential therapeutic options for KP.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Euphorbia Lathyrol on expressions of IL-7,IL-10 and VEGF in renal clear cell neoplasias(RCCN)mice by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Methods:RCCN xenograft mice were established and divided into model group,Euphorbia Lathyrol group and Cisplatin group.Euphorbia Lathyrol group were given 20 mg/kg Euphorbia Lathyrol solution intragastric administration,model group were given 0.9%NaCl gastric feeding,Cisplatin group were given intraperito-neal injection of 4 mg/kg cisplatin solution,then mice weight and tumor volume were recorded.Expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad4 were tracked down through Western blot.Expressions of immune factors IL-7 and IL-10 in serum of xenograft mice were detected by ELISA.Expression of VEGF in tumor mass was detected by IHC.Results:After 14 days of administration,compared with model group,the proliferation of tumor grafts in Cisplatin group and Euphorbia Lathyrol group was inhibited(P<0.05),and the expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad4 protein and VEGF were observably decreased(P<0.05),expressions of IL-7 in serum was increased,while level of IL-10 in serum was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Euphorbia Lathyrol is able to reduce expressions of IL-7,IL-10,as well as VEGF in RCCN xenograft mice by impeding TGF-β1/Smad signaling transduction system.

Objective To investigate the composition of symptom clusters in early postoperative breast cancer patients and analyze the sentinel symptoms of each cluster of symptoms. Methods A total of 309 patients who underwent mastectomy were conveniently sampled and surveyed using the Chinese version of the Anderson Symptom Inventory. Principal component analysis and varimax orthogonal rotation were employed to analyze the symptom clusters, and their associations were analyzed using the Apriori algorithm model to identify the sentinel symptoms of each cluster of symptoms. Results Three symptom clusters were identified in early postoperative breast cancer patients: neuro-sleep symptom cluster [fatigue (weakness)-distress-pain-sleepiness-restless sleep], sensory-perception symptom cluster (numbness-forgetfulness-shortness of breath-sadness-dry mouth), and digestive system symptom cluster (nausea-vomiting-loss of appetite). Fatigue was the sentinel symptom of the neuro-sleep symptom cluster, numbness was the sentinel symptom of the sensory-perception symptom cluster, and nausea was the sentinel symptom of the digestive system symptom cluster. Conclusion Early postoperative breast cancer patients experience multiple symptom clusters, with sentinel symptoms existing in each cluster. Healthcare staff should develop intervention measures based on sentinel symptoms to improve the efficiency of symptom management and reduce the degree of symptom distress for patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) on learning and memory impairment in vascular dementia (VD) rats by observing the influences on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway and the excitotoxicity induced by hippocampal calcium overload. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats of SPF grade were selected and randomized into a normal group (6 rats), a sham-operation group (6 rats) and an operation group (20 rats). VD model was established with the modified Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method. Twelve rats after successfully modeled were assigned randomly into a model group and an EA group, 6 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was delivered at bilateral "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1), with the continuous wave, the frequency of 2 Hz and the electric current of 1 mA. Stimulation intensity was adjusted depending on the slightly trembling of rat head. EA was given once daily, 30 min each time; and EA intervention was delivered for 21 days continuously. Using Morris water maze test, the learning and memory function was assessed. The neuronal morphology in the hippocampal CA1 was observed with HE staining; the level of glutamate (GLU) in serum and hippocampal tissue, as well as the activity of calcium pump (Ca²⁺-ATP) in the hippocampus were detected using colorimetric method. The protein expression of NMDAR, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ), phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (p-CaMKⅡ), phosphorylated cyclic phosphoradenosine effector element binding proteins (p-CREB), CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampal CA1 was detected using immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of NMDAR, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue was detected using Western blot method. RESULTS: Compared to the sham-operation group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged and the platform crossing times of rats were reduced (P<0.01), the hippocampal neuron structure was damaged to different degrees, the structure in hippocampal CA1 was loosened, the arrangement disorganized, with clear grid-like structure; the neuronal morphology was irregular, pyknosis and even dissolution occurred, glial cells increased, blood capillary was dilated and the inflammatory cells were infiltrated and scattered. The level of GLU in the serum and hippocampal tissue and the protein expression of hippocampal NMDAR were elevated (P<0.01), the activity of Ca²⁺-ATP and the protein expression of CaMKⅡ, p-CaMKⅡ, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05); and the ratio of p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ and that of p-CREB/CREB were dropped (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, in the EA group, the escape latency was shortened and the platform crossing times of rats rose (P<0.01), the arrangement was improved in the hippocampal CA1, the neuronal morphology was intact, the nucleoli were clear relatively and the pyknosis or dissolution were attenuated, the numbers of glial cells reduced relatively, the dilation of blood capillary was alleviated. The level of GLU in the serum and hippocampal tissue and the protein expression of NMDAR were reduced in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.01), the activity of Ca²⁺-ATP and the protein expression of CaMKⅡ, p-CaMKⅡ, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01); and the ratio of p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ and that of p-CREB/CREB increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA at "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) can attenuate learning and memory impairment in VD rats, which may be obtained by reducing GLU level in hippocampal tissue, inhibiting hippocampal excitotoxicity, mediating protein expression related to the NMDAR/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway, and maintaining neuronal survival and growth.
Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Learning ; Memory ; Signal Transduction ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism* ; Memory Disorders/therapy* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism* ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism* ; Dementia, Vascular/therapy*

Objective:To explore the feasibility of long board detector of digital radiography(DR)in clinical application.Methods:The long board detector(detector)was erected and placed upright.The scale long ruler with marked metal lead wire was placed at 20 cm in front of the center of long axis of the board of detector,which paralleled medial axis.Three test cards of spatial resolution were respectively placed at three positions(upper,middle and lower)of detector,and they were stuck on the board of detector as 30cm intervals between each other and 45° position.The exposures were conducted at 100,150,and 200 cm of source image distance(SID).The incident doses were tested,which obtained from different SID spots of upper,middle and lower positions of detector.The spatial resolutions of 3 positions were determined through observed the images of cards.The ratio of the marked scale length with metal lead wire to actual length of lead wire was measured through the projection of the scale length,so as to obtain the amplification rate of different spot positions.The spatial distribution of effective focal plane on the direction of long axis of detector,and the morphological change of that were observed.Results:When SID spots were respectively 100,150 and 200cm,the amplification rates of images decreased with increasing SID.The difference of amplification rates among three SID spots was significant(F=223.80,P<0.001).There was significant difference in the corresponding radiation doses among different SID spots(F=7.57,P<0.05).The spatial resolution was constantly 1.8 LP/mm.There was heel effect along with the direction of short axis of detector.The effective focal spot on the direction of long axis of detector appeared up-down symmetrical display.Conclusion:The long board detector of DR equipment has realized the capture for the images of the overall length of spine or the overall length of lower limbs in one exposure,which can meet the clinical requirement,and improve the detection efficiency of X-ray.