1.Clinical Observation on 60 Cases of Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion
Lu TIAN ; Hongwu XIE ; Meihua LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Shaozhong XU ; Changjun LI ; Zhixiong KOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):492-500
ObjectiveTo explore the central neuroregulation mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis on pain relief. MethodsThirty patients who did not have experience of Deqi (得气) during heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment were assigned to the "non-Deqi group", while another 30 patients who had experience of Deqi were assigned to the "Deqi group". Both groups received moxibustion at the left Heding (EX-LE2) acupoint. In the Deqi group, after the patients experienced sensation of Deqi at the acupoint, moxibustion was applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes; in the non-Deqi group, moxibustion was also applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes. Both groups received treatment once daily for 10 consecutive days. Knee joint pain was assessed before and after treatment using the visual analog scale (VAS). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed on all participants before the first treatment session and after the final session on the 10th day. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) maps before and after treatment were processed using the SPM12 module by MATLAB. ResultsAfter treatment, VAS scores in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), with the Deqi group showing significantly lower VAS scores than the non-Deqi group (P<0.01). Compared to before treatment, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation in the prefrontal cortex (t = 6.28), white matter (t = 6.36), and left temporal lobe (t = 9.33), while significant inhibition was observed in the occipital lobe (t = -9.86) and right cerebrum (t = -4.54, P<0.01); in the non-Deqi group, significant changes after treatment were observed in the left occipital lobe (t = -6.42), left medial frontal gyrus (t = -4.35), left middle frontal gyrus (t = -4.74), right superior frontal gyrus (t = -4.82), right superior temporal gyrus (t = -6.61), and right cerebellar posterior lobe (t = -8.64), all of which were in inhibited states (P<0.01). Compared to the non-Deqi group, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation after treatment in the external nucleus (t = 5.77), white matter (t = 3.58), right cerebrum (t = 5.84), left cerebellum (t = 5.35), and left cerebrum (t = 4.32), while significant inhibition was observed in the prefrontal cortex (t = -4.16), occipital lobe (t = -4.87), and precentral gyrus (t = -4.46, P<0.01). ConclusionsHeat-sensitive moxibustion provides better analgesic effects for knee osteoarthritis under state of Deqi. Its central neuroregulation mechanism may be related to the involvement of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, external nucleus, white matter, right cerebrum, left cerebellum, left cerebrum, and precentral gyrus in modulating pain signals.
2.Molecular epidemiological characterization of influenza A(H3N2) virus in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023
Hongwei ZHAO ; Lixin TAO ; Xiaohong XIE ; Yi HU ; Xue ZHAO ; Meihua LIU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Lijie LU ; Chen’an LIU ; Mei WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):18-22
ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological distribution and gene evolutionary variation of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023, and to provide a reference basis for influenza prevention and control. MethodsThe prevalence of influenza virus in Fengxian District in the 2023 influenza surveillance year (April 2023‒March 2024) was analyzed. The hemagglutinin (HA) gene, neuraminidase (NA) gene, and amino acid sequences of 75 strains of H3N2 influenza viruses were compared with the vaccine reference strain for similarity matching and phylogenetic evolutionary analysis, in addition to an analysis of gene characterization and variation. ResultsIn Fengxian District, there was a mixed epidemic of H3N2 and H1N1 in the spring of 2023, with H3N2 being the predominant subtype in the second half of the year, and Victoria B becoming the predominant subtype in the spring of 2024. A total of 75 influenza strains of H3N2 with HA and NA genes were distributed in the 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.2a.3a.1 and B.4 branches, with overall similarity to the reference strain of the 2024 vaccine higher than that of the reference strain of the 2022 and 2023 vaccine. Compared with the 2023 vaccine reference strain, three antigenic sites and one receptor binding site were changed in HA, with three glycosylation sites reduced and two glycosylation sites added; where as in NA seven antigenic sites and the 222nd resistance site changed with two glycosylation sites reduced. ConclusionThe risk of antigenic variation and drug resistance of H3N2 in this region is high, and it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and education on the 2024 influenza vaccine and long-term monitoring of influenza virus prevalence and variation levels.
3.Efficacy observation of endovascular treatment for acute large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke over 24 h after onset
Meihua HUYAN ; Zhaochen LIU ; Hongjian SHEN ; Pengfei XING ; Lei ZHANG ; Zifu LI ; Pengfei YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Jianmin LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1116-1120
Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)over 24 h after onset.Methods The clinical data of AIS-LVO patients who received endovascular treatment in Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including baseline characteristics,imaging findings,treatment,degree of vascular recanalization(modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b and 3 for successful recanalization)and prognosis.Results A total of 57 patients were included,including 42 males and 15 females,aged from 30 to 84 years old.The most common risk factors were hypertension(39 cases,68.4%),followed by smoking history(24 cases,42.1%),diabetes mellitus(17 cases,29.8%),previous stroke history(16 cases,28.1%),and atrial fibrillation(9 cases,15.8%).Before treatment,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was 12.84±7.04,and the Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score was 9.00(7.00,10.00).Vascular occlusion sites included middle cerebral artery occlusion in 27(47.4%)cases,internal carotid artery occlusion in 24(42.1%)cases,and tandem lesions in 6(10.5%)cases.The time from onset to femoral artery puncture was 38.30(28.17,53.71)h,and the time from femoral artery puncture to vascular recanalization was 52.00(38.50,92.50)min.General anesthesia was the main anesthesia method,accounting for 64.9%(37/57).The etiological types of stroke were mainly large artery atherosclerosis(38 cases,66.7%),cardiogenic embolism(9 cases,15.8%),unknown causes(6 cases,10.5%),and other clear causes(4 cases,7.0%).Mechanical thrombectomy was the first choice in 41(71.9%)cases,balloon dilatation/stenting was used in 35(61.4%)cases,of which 15(26.3%)cases were the first choice.Finally,53(93.0%)cases were recanalized successfully.In terms of complications,1(1.8%)case had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.The 90-d prognosis rate was 59.6%(34/57),and 3(5.3%)cases died.Conclusion Endovascular treatment for AIS-LVO patients over 24 h after onset has high recanalization rate and good safety,but it still needs to be further verified by randomized controlled trials.
4.Exploration on the intervention mechanism of Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules in postmenopausal osteoporosis based on JNK signaling molecules
Meihua WU ; Ronghui LI ; Yunfeng YU ; Bing GUO ; Guomin ZHANG ; Qinghu HE ; Xiaoming LEI ; Xinbin XIA
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(5):630-637
Objective:To investigate the effects of Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules on JNK signaling molecules and their phosphorylated proteins in postmenopausal osteoporosis model female mice.Methods:The rats were divided into sham-operation group, blank group, model group, positive drug group, and Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group according to the random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. The model group, the positive drug group and the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group were prepared by bilateral ovarian detomy to prepare a female mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The positive drug group was given 0.9 mg/kg of alendronate sodium, the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group was given was Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules 1.944 g/kg for gavage, and the blank group, sham-operation group, and model group were given the same volume of normal saline for gavage, once a day for a total of 13 weeks. Rat vaginal exfoliated cells were stained with Wright's staining; serum Omentin-1 and 25(OH)D 3 levels were determined by ELISA; renal tissue and femoral structure were observed by HE staining; JNK and p-JNK protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining; JNK mRNA levels were detected by PCR. Results:Compared with the model group, the serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and Omentin-1 in the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group and the positive drug group increased ( P<0.01), the mean gray values of JNK and p-JNK protein in bone and kidney tissues decreased ( P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of JNK in bone and kidney tissues decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules can effectively improve the bone microstructure of postmenopausal osteoporotic rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of JNK signaling pathway.
5.Research progress in microwave ablation therapy for breast cancer
Xia WANG ; Peng GENG ; Meihua ZHANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(3):335-340
Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women,it seriously threatens women's physical and mental health.Traditional surgical resection is the treatment of first choice.With the innovation of surgical treatment concept and the continuous development of medical technology,the thermal ablation technology,as a kind of local precision treatment,has gradually attracted the attention and application in medical field.Among thermal ablation techniques,micro wave ablation(MW A)is an emerging thermal ablation technology used in the treatment of breast cancer.Compared with traditional surgery,MW A has the advantages of less trauma,quick recovery,less complications,satisfactory cosmetic effect,and maximum protection of patient's organ functions.Moreover,some studies have revealed that MWA can motivate anti-tumor immune response,therefore,it is expected that MW A combined with immunotherapy may become a new therapeutic regimen.This article aims to make a detailed review about the latest research progress in MWA for the treatment of breast cancer.
6.Knowledge, attitude and practice of fall prevention among the elderly
YU Meihua ; ZHANG Qi ; YUN Jingyi ; SHEN Yimei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(10):851-855,860
Objective:
To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of fall prevention among the elderly in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the evidence for the development of fall intervention for the elderly.
Methods:
The permanent residents aged 60 years and over in Huzhou City were selected using multi-stratified cluster sampling method from March to April 2023. Demographic information, activity of daily living (ADL), fall risk, and KAP of fall prevention was collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting KAP of fall prevention were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 2 160 questionnaires were allocated, and 2 104 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.41%. There were 1 063 males (50.52%) and 1 041 females (49.48%), and 861 residents aged 60 to <70 years (40.92%). The awareness of fall prevention knowledge was 84.13%, the percentage of attitude towards fall prevention was 85.88%, and the percentage of practice of fall prevention was 14.59%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, educational level, exercise duration and fall risk were associated with the awareness of fall prevention knowledge; age, educational level, marital status, exercise duration, ADL and fall risk were associated with the attitude towards fall prevention; gender, age, educational level, marital status, exercise duration, chronic diseases, ADL and fall risk were associated with the practice of fall prevention (all P<0.05). The desired access to fall prevention knowledge was mainly dominated by medical personnel, accounting for 75.51% (589/780).
Conclusions
The practice towards fall prevention among the elderly is relatively low in Huzhou City. The KAP of fall prevention is related to age, educational level, exercise duration and fall risk.
7.Perinatal characteristics and early postnatal circulatory function changes in the larger fetus in twin pregnancy with selective intrauterine growth restriction
Yahui ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Yunfeng LIU ; Shi SHI ; Meihua PIAO
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(3):188-195
Objective:To explore the perinatal characteristics and early postnatal circulatory function of the larger fetus in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR).Methods:From February 2018 to August 2022, a total of 91 larger fetuses of the sIUGR pregnancies who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively included. The perinatal factors, clinical monitoring indicators, and echocardiographic data of the larger twins in pregnancies with three types of sIUGR were compared using one-way analysis of variance and LSD test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Chi-square test, and Bonferroni correction. Results:The gestational age, birth weight, and placental weight were (30.6±1.5) weeks, (1 503.9±286.4) g, and (548±120) g in the type Ⅱ sIUGR larger twins and were (30.5±2.3) weeks, (1 523.5±424.4) g, and (560±109) g in type Ⅲ, which were all smaller, lower, and lighter than those in the type Ⅰ[(33.0±1.7) weeks, (2 022.1±372.3) g, and (630±131) g, respectively] (LSD test, all P<0.05). Compared with type Ⅰ sIUGR larger twins, type Ⅱ and Ⅲ sIUGR larger twins had longer hospital stay [36.0 d (27.0-43.0 d) and 32.0 d (15.0-47.0 d) vs. 17.0 d (9.5-22.0 d)], higher proportion of preterm births due to fetal distress [63.6% (21/33) and 75.0% (15/20) vs. 31.6% (12/38), χ2=7.30 and 9.93] (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017); Compared with type Ⅰ sIUGR larger twins, type Ⅱ sIUGR larger twins had higher proportion of postnatal use of vasoactive drugs [45.5% (15/33) vs. 18.4% (7/38), χ2=6.04, P=0.014]. The interventricular septum thickness was larger in the type Ⅲ sIUGR larger twins than those in the type Ⅰ and Ⅱ twins [(4.4±1.4) vs. (3.8±0.9) and (3.3±0.9) mm]; the thickness of left ventricular free wall was the largest in the type Ⅲ larger twins, followed by those in the type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ [(4.6±1.3) vs. (3.1±0.7) vs. (2.7±0.6) mm]; the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, right ventricular outflow tract diameter, right ventricular anteroposterior diameter, and pulmonary artery diameter in type Ⅰ larger twins were increased comparing with those in type Ⅱ and Ⅲ [left ventricular end-diastolic diameter: (15.0±2.1) vs. (13.4±2.3) and (12.3±3.2) mm; right ventricular outflow tract diameter: (8.7±1.4) vs. (7.3±1.4) and (7.1±0.8) mm; right ventricular anteroposterior diameter: (7.1±1.5) vs. (6.5±0.9) and (6.4±1.0) mm; pulmonary artery diameter: (6.8±1.1) vs. (6.3±0.9) and (6.3±0.8) mm] (LSD test, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The larger fetuses of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ sIUGR pregnancies had smaller gestational age and lighter birth weight who are more prone to have fetal distress, so it is necessary to strengthen dynamic monitoring and circulatory support for such neonates during the perinatal period and early postnatal period. The thickening of the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum in the early postnatal period of type Ⅲ larger fetuses may lead to the decrease of ventricular diastolic function reserve, thereby the evaluation and monitoring of the myocardial diastolic function of these neonates in the early postnatal period are critical.
8.Propulsion deficits in hemiplegic gait of stroke patients
Liang ZHI ; Yulong WANG ; Qingfang ZHANG ; Yaqing HONG ; Meihua KE ; Quanquan LIU ; Jianjun LONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(35):5709-5715
BACKGROUND:The abnormal gait of stroke patients seriously affects their propulsive force during walking,which subsequently reduces their walking speed,walking distance,and stability,increases their risk of falls,and seriously affects their quality of life. OBJECTIVE:To review the relevant research on propulsive force deficits in stroke patients with hemiplegia,to summarize the understanding of existing researchers on propulsive force deficits,to analyze the relationship between propulsive force and gait,and finally to explain and compare the latest rehabilitation technologies used to improve propulsive force deficits,providing reference for clinical treatment. METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from WanFang,CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science Core Collection through computer search.The Chinese and English search terms were"propulsive force OR propulsive,stroke OR cerebral infarction OR hemiplegia,walk* OR gait."The search time limit was from 2003 to 2023,and 71 articles were finally included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Training targeting the hip and ankle joints may be more effective for patients'walking function,especially training with the application of flexible exoskeleton robots,but more sufficient evidence is still needed to use propulsion as a prognostic indicator of walking function in stroke patients.Biomechanical variables related to propulsive force include:the hip joint extension angle at terminal stance,ankle joint dorsiflexion torque,and knee joint extension.Damage to the corticospinal tract,cerebellar-cortical pathways,and the reticulospinal tract in hemiplegic patients are associated with reduced propulsive force and gait asymmetry.Propulsive force is crucial for the stability of healthy gait,and a decrease in propulsive force is unfavorable for gait stability.Gait symmetry is correlated with propulsive force,stride length symmetry,trunk displacement,and lower limb swing ability,with propulsive force being a key factor.Propulsive force can serve as a quantitative indicator for assessing the gait of hemiplegic patients,and evaluation of gait using propulsive force is beneficial for the long-term development of walking ability.Main rehabilitation techniques for improving propulsive force include:lower limb exoskeleton robot walking training,treadmill training combined with functional electrical stimulation,adaptive speed treadmill training,biofeedback technology,and whole-body vibration training.Among them,whole-body vibration training and biofeedback technology are more effective.The specific contributions and mechanisms of the hip,knee,and ankle joints in improving propulsive force are still controversial,but it is expected that the contributions of the hip and ankle joints are greater.Focusing on the improvement of propulsive force as a rehabilitation goal may yield more sustainable advancements in walking function.However,several current challenges persist in this field:understanding the neurobiological basis of propulsive force deficits in stroke patients,assessing the long-term efficacy of current rehabilitation techniques for enhancing propulsive force,and determining the most suitable patient populations for the application of major rehabilitation techniques aiming at improving propulsive force.These areas require further exploration by subsequent researchers.
9.Analysis of viral infections in adult acute respiratory infection cases in Shanghai, 2023
Huanru WANG ; Jiabin MOU ; Qi QIU ; Jiajing LIU ; Fang YUAN ; Meihua LIU ; Xiaode TANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Min CHEN ; Huanyu WU ; Zheng TENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(4):439-445
Objective:To elucidate the etiological and epidemiological characteristics and epidemiological patterns of viral acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Shanghai during 2023, with the aim of providing robust laboratory evidence for effective prevention and control strategies against related respiratory diseases and facilitating risk assessment.Methods:Respiratory pathogens were detected in the clinical surveillance specimens submitted by sentinel hospitals through multiplex PCR, as part of the multi-pathogen surveillance of acute respiratory infections in Shanghai during 2023. The obtained detection result were statistically analyzed in conjunction with sample information.Results:The positive detection rate of viral pathogens in 2023 was 21.17% (984/4 648), with rates of 33.53% (504/1 503) observed in ILI cases and 15.62% (480/3 145) in SARI cases. Influenza A virus (FluA) was the predominant virus detected, accounting for 13.7% (637/4 648). Other viruses identified in the surveillance samples included influenza B virus (Flu B), human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/HEV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), adenovirus (ADV) and human bocavirus (HBoV). Regarding temporal distribution, HRV/HEV and RSV exhibited the highest detection rates during the second quarter at 2.27% each (28/1 236). PIV had its peak during the third quarter at a rate of 2.49% (35/1 405), and HMPV showed prevalence mainly during the third and fourth quarters, with detection rates of 2.63% (37/1 405) and 2.35% (32/1 360), respectively.Conclusions:In acute respiratory infection surveillance cases in Shanghai in 2023, Flu A emerged as the predominant respiratory pathogen. The detection rate of HMPV ranked second only to Flu A, while other respiratory viruses such as HRV/HEV, RSV, and PIV were detected during different seasons and co-circulated. The prevalence of various respiratory viruses varied among different infected populations and over times.
10.Metformin ameliorates PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts by inhibiting ferroptosis
Shuxian LI ; Shuping YU ; Yaming MU ; Kai WANG ; Yu LIU ; Meihua ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):437-446
Objective To investigate the protective effect of metformin against PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Sixteen pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups(n=8)for intratracheal instillation of PBS or PM2.5 suspension at 1.5,7.5,and 12.5 days of gestation.The pregnancy outcome of the mice was observed,and placental zonal structure and vascular density of the labyrinth area were examined with HE staining,followed by detection of ferroptosis-related indexes in the placenta.In cultured human trophoblasts(HTR8/SVneo cells),the effects of PM2.5 exposure and treatment with metformin on cell viability,proliferation,migration,invasion,and tube formation ability were evaluated using CCK8 assay,EDU staining,wound healing assay,Transwell experiment,and tube formation experiment;the cellular expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting.Results M2.5 exposure of the mice during pregnancy resulted in significantly decreased weight and number of the fetuses and increased fetal mortality with a reduced placental weight(all P<0.001).PM2.5 exposure also caused obvious impairment of the placental structure and trophoblast ferroptosis.In cultured HTR8/SVneo cells,PM2.5 significantly inhibited proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells by causing ferroptosis.Metformin treatment obviously attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells,and effectively reversed PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in the trophoblasts as shown by significantly increased intracellular GSH level and SOD activity,reduced MDA and Fe2+ levels,and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expression(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and ferroptosis and functional impairment of placental trophoblasts in mice,and metformin can effectively alleviate PM2.5-induced trophoblast impairment.


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