Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion at Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on nerve repair, regeneration, and function in rats with sciatic nerve injury (SNI), and explore the possible mechanism of SNI improvement via moxibustion. Methods: A total of 70 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to control group (n = 10) and model group (n = 60). Following replication of SNI to model group rats, 60 SNI model rats were randomly allocated to SNI groups of 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d and moxibustion groups of 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d with 10 rats in each group. Moxibustion groups were given moxibustion at the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on the affected side with a 5 cm distance from the skin under isoflurane respiratory anesthesia and treated once a day for 20 min for 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d, respectively. Control and SNI groups were anesthetized with isoflurane daily for 20 min. Open field tests and thermal pain threshold tests were conducted, and the general condition of rats was observed in each group pre-modeling and on treatment day 1, 3, and 7. At the end of the treatment, immunofluorescence was used to detect the axonal growth rate, axonal growth density, and Schwann cells (SCs) proliferation in the middle 1-mm cross-section of the crush injury segment in rats. The gastrocnemius muscles on both sides of the rats were taken and weighed to calculate the wet weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscles on both sides to observe the muscle atrophy of the rats, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of the gastrocnemius muscles on the affected side. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), interferon (IFN), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin (IL)-4, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the sciatic nerve tissue of the rats. Results: After modeling, rats in both moxibustion and SNI groups showed typical signs of pain behaviors (bending and curling of the hind soles of the affected side, licking claws, and lameness) and decreased activity compared with control group. The main benefits of moxibustion were evident from day 3: compared with SNI group, rats in moxibustion group had marked relief of pain behavior, increased activity levels and movement, and a lower response to thermal pain. At the same time, moxibustion significantly promoted the repair of SNI, as evidenced by the significantly better axonal growth rate, growth density, and SCs proliferation density in the crush injury segment compared with SNI group (P < 0.01). Moxibustion also regulated the local microenvironment of the injury, up-regulated the pro-nerve repair factors NGF, IL-4, and TGF-β (P < 0.05), and down-regulated the pro-inflammatory factors IFN-γ (P < 0.01) and MIF (P < 0.05). By day 7, the histomorphology of the gastrocnemius muscle in moxibustion group was improved, as indicated by enlarged muscle fibers, elevated regular myocyte morphology and wet weight ratio of the affected and unaffected sides (P < 0.05), as well as a sustained high expression levels of NGF, IL-4, and TGF-β (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively), and a maintenance of low level of IFN-γ (P < 0.01). Concurrently, the MIF level was not significantly different from SNI group (P > 0.05). Conclusion Moxibustion at the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint effectively improves motor function and promotes recovery of sensory function and nerve regeneration in SNI rats, which may be related to the regulation of local inflammatory response, the promotion of nerve growth factor expression, the improvement of regenerative microenvironment, and the acceleration of SCs proliferation and axonal growth rate in damaged nerves.

Objective To establish the drug use evaluation(DUE)standard of bivalirudin for injection,and to evaluate the use of the drug by weighted TOPSIS method,so as to provide a reference for rational use of bivalirudin.Methods Based on the package insert,clinical guidelines and consensus of experts of bivalirudin,the DUE standards were developed,and the weighted TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the rationality of the discharge medical records of Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 1st to June 30th in 2022.Results Incorporating 108 medical records involving the use of bivalirudin for injection,88 cases(81.48％)exhibited a high degree of adherence(Ci≥0.8)between the prescribed drug regimens and the optimal recommendations,which is considered reasonable.Additionally,19 cases(17.59％)fell within the range of 0.6＜Ci＜0.8,indicating a generally reasonable adherence.Only one case(0.93％)had a Ci＜0.6,suggesting an unreasonable level of adherence.The irrational situations about various evaluation indicators in the DUE were mainly manifested in the inappropriate dosages of administration(12.04％),inappropriate disposal of adverse reactions(11.11％),using medicine with contraindications(3.70％),using medicine without indication(1.85％),inappropriate monitoring of adverse reactions(0.93％),etc.Conclusion The established DUE standards for bivalirudin are intuitive and comprehensive,and the evaluation results show that there are some unreasonable situations in the use of bivalirudin in the hospital,and it is necessary to standardize the use of bivalirudin in terms of dosages,disposal of adverse reactions,indication and contraindication.

Objective:To analyze the learning styles of intensive care specialist nurses and to explore the application effects of the teaching method based on Kolb's learning style theory in intensive care specialist nurse training.Methods:Nurses who participated in the intensive care specialist nurse training in Chongqing during 2022 and 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Among them, the 49 nurses from 2022 were assigned to the control group, while the 50 nurses from 2023 were assigned to the experimental group. Before the training, the Kolb's Learning Style Scale was used to investigate the two groups of nurses. A new training method based on different learning styles was used in the experimental group, while the conventional training method was used in the control group. The theory, clinical practice, and satisfaction scores were compared between the two groups after training. SPSS 21.0 was used for the t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test. Results:The learning styles of the two groups were similar, with the highest proportion observed in divergent type, followed by assimilation type, and the lowest proportions in convergent type and compliant type, albeit without significant differences. The experimental group showed higher scores of theory, clinical practice, and satisfaction compared to the control group [(77.20±8.34) vs. (80.38±5.50), t=-2.24, P=0.027; (93.73±1.83) vs. (95.31±1.07), t=-5.20, P<0.001; (20.57±2.09) vs. (22.62±1.61), t=-5.46, P<0.001] Conclusion:The teaching method based on Kolb's learning style theory can improve the theory and clinical practice scores and the overall satisfaction of nurses who participate in the intensive care specialist nurse training.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

Background::Renal ischemia-reperfusion (R-I/R) injury is the most prevalent cause of acute kidney injury, with high mortality and poor prognosis. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 ( Ndrg2) in R-I/R injury. Methods::We examined the expression of Ndrg2 in the kidney under normal physiological conditions and after R-I/R injury by immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. We then detected R-I/R injury in Ndrg2-deficient ( Ndrg2-/-) mice and wild type ( Ndrg2+/+) littermates in vivo, and detected oxygen and glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD-R) injury in HK-2 cells. We further conducted transcriptomic sequencing to investigate the role of Ndrg2 in R-I/R injury and detected levels of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage by dihydroethidium staining, biochemical assays, and western blot. Finally, we measured the levels of mitophagy in Ndrg2+/+ and Ndrg2-/- mice after R-I/R injury or HK-2 cells in OGD-R injury. Results::Ndrg2 was primarily expressed in renal proximal tubules and its expression was significantly decreased 24 h after R-I/R injury. Ndrg2-/- mice exhibited significantly attenuated R-I/R injury compared to Ndrg2+/+ mice. Transcriptomics profiling showed that Ndrg2 deficiency induced perturbations of multiple signaling pathways, downregulated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and increased autophagy following R-I/R injury. Further studies revealed that Ndrg2 deficiency reduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Notably, Ndrg2 deficiency significantly activated phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. The downregulation of NDRG2 expression significantly increased cell viability after OGD-R injury, increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1, decreased the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4, and increased the expression of the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Conclusion::Ndrg2 deficiency might become a therapy target for R-I/R injury by decreasing oxidative stress, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.

Objective:To explore the factors influencing lymph node metastasis and prognosis in patients with Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 239 patients with Siewert Type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent surgical treatment at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2013 to December 2022. Among them, there were 204 males and 35 females. The patients′ ages ranged from 27 to 83 years, with a mean age of 63.1 years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software, with categorical data presented as n(%) and compared using χ2 tests, corrected χ2 tests, or Fisher′s exact tests. Ordinal data were expressed as frequencies and percentages and compared using rank-sum tests. Multivariate analysis was conducted using Logistic regression, and survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression model. Follow-up was conducted every 6 months, with the last follow-up conducted in November 2023. Results:Multivariate analysis identified infiltration depth ( OR=0.038, 95% CI: 0.011-0.139, P<0.001), tumor deposit ( OR=0.101, 95% CI: 0.011-0.904, P=0.040) and intravascular cancer embolus ( OR=0.234, 95% CI: 0.108-0.507, P<0.001) as independent predictors of LNM. Lymph nodes No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 11 were more prone to metastasis in the abdominal cavity. Notably, Siewert Ⅲ AEG patients showed a higher metastatic rate in nodes No. 5 and No. 6 compared to Siewert Ⅱ. Mediastinal LNM was predominantly found in nodes No. 110 and No. 111 for Siewert Ⅱ AEG, with rates of 5.45% and 3.64%, respectively. A three-year survival analysis underscored LNM as a significant prognostic factor ( P=0.001). Conclusions:Siewert Ⅱ AEG patients should undergo removal of both celiac and mediastinal lymph nodes, specifically nodes No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 110, and 111. Dissection of nodes No. 5 and No. 6 is not indicated for these patients. In contrast, Siewert Ⅲ AEG patients do not require mediastinal LND, but pyloric lymphadenectomy for nodes No.5 and No.6 is essential. The presence of LNM is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. Perioperative chemotherapy may offer a survival advantage for AEG patients.

Objective:To corelate thromboelastography (TEG)-related parameters and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels with the severity of preeclampsia and pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.Methods:A case-control study was conducted involving 92 patients with preeclampsia who received treatment at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between March 2022 and September 2023 (patient group) and 92 healthy pregnant women who underwent routine check-ups during the same period (control group). All participants underwent TEG tests, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were measured. Intergroup comparisons were performed, and patients were categorized based on the severity of their condition. TEG parameters and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were compared among patients with varying severities of preeclampsia. TEG-related parameters were correlated with D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in the patient group were statistically analyzed, and risk factors for these adverse outcomes in women with preeclampsia were identified.Results:In the patient group, the R and K values were (3.06 ± 0.36) minutes and (1.21 ± 0.14) minutes, respectively, both of which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(5.44 ± 0.61) minutes, (1.79 ± 0.21) minutes, t = 32.22, 22.04, both P < 0.001]. The α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in the patient group were (71.31 ± 7.63)°, (3.89 ± 0.41), (65.71 ± 7.01) mm, (2.22 ± 0.24) mg/L, and (4.51 ± 0.49) g/L, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(64.85 ± 6.79)°, (2.19 ± 0.23), (58.96 ± 6.09) mm, (1.92 ± 0.21) mg/L, (3.75 ± 0.40) g/L, t = -6.06, -34.68, -6.97, -9.02, -11.52, all P < 0.001]. In the patient group, severe cases had significantly lower R and K values compared with mild cases, while the α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in severe cases than in mild cases ( t = 11.06, 7.16, -8.01, -12.05, -3.91, -13.74, -8.269, all P < 0.001). In patients with preeclampsia, the R and K values were negatively correlated with D-dimer levels, and the R value was negatively correlated with fibrinogen level ( r = -0.504, -0.612, -0.493, all P < 0.05). In addition, the MA and CI values were positively correlated with D-dimer level, and the α angle was positively correlated with fibrinogen level ( r = 0.436, 0.534, 0.492, all P < 0.05). Among the participants, 41 women experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes. In patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes, the R and K values were (2.48 ± 0.25) minutes and (1.12 ± 0.14) minutes, which were significantly lower than those in patients without adverse pregnancy outcomes [(2.75 ± 0.29) minutes, (1.28 ± 0.13) minutes, t = 4.71, 5.67; both P < 0.001]. The α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes were (76.62 ± 8.01)°, (4.42 ± 0.46), (69.77 ± 7.06) mm, (2.57 ± 0.27) mg/L, and (4.97 ± 0.51) g/L, all of which were significantly higher than those in patients without adverse pregnancy outcomes [(67.04 ± 7.01)°, (3.46 ± 0.37), (62.45 ± 6.82) mm, (1.94 ± 0.21) mg/L, (4.14 ± 0.43) g/L, t = -6.11, -5.03, -11.09, -12.25, -8.46, all P < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis indicated that R and K values were protective factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes ( OR < 1, P < 0.05), while MA value, α angle, CI value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were independent risk factors ( OR > 1, P < 0.05). Conclusion:TEG-related parameters differ significantly between patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women. These parameters are correlated with the severity of preeclampsia, as well as with D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. TEG-related parameters are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.

Objective This study was to evaluate the application effect of ExoSeal vascular closure device in patients with failed ProGlide suturing after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.Methods Retrospective analysis of 35 patients who underwent TAVR surgery at the Heart Center of the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 2020 to January 2024 and experienced failure in suturing with two ProGlide sutures,and subsequently underwent combined application of the ExoSeal vascular closure device.The efficacy of the ExoSeal vascular closure device was summarized,and the patients'postoperative hemostasis time,manual compression time,lower limb immobilization time,elastic bandage compression time,bleeding volume during compression,postoperative femoral artery complications,and femoral artery ultrasound were observed.The efficacy of the ExoSeal vascular closure device in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement was evaluated through the above indicators.Results(1)Postoperative Hemostatic Effect:The time for postoperative hemostasis through the femoral artery was(6.89±2.66)min,the manual compression time was(4.65±1.33)min,the elastic bandage compression time was(3.79±1.57)h,the lower limb immobilization time was(13.74±5.51)h,and the amount of bleeding during compression was(12.74±3.61)g.(2)Complications of the femoral artery:The success rate of hemostasis was 85.7％;there were 4 cases of local bleeding and hematoma requiring hemostasis(11.4％);there was 1 case of pseudoaneurysm,arteriovenous fistula,vascular laceration or retroperitoneal bleeding(2.8％);there were no ipsilateral vascular insufficiency or embolic manifestations,puncture site infection,related nerve injury,surgical or non-surgical techniques for repairing blood vessels.(3)Preoperative and postoperative ultrasound of the femoral artery:There was no significant difference in the average diameter of the common femoral artery and the peak systolic flow velocity of the common femoral artery(both P＞0.05).Conclusions The application of the ExoSeal vascular closure device in patients with failed ProGlide suturing during transcatheter aortic valve replacement is safe and effective.

Objective This study aimed to explore the diagnostic concordance of fractional flow reserve(FFR)and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)and the characteristics affecting this concordance.Methods Patients with non-acute myocardial infarction admitted to the Department of Cardiology,Peking University Third Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled.The patients were divided into four groups:FFR+/QFR+and FFR-/QFR-,FFR+/QFR-and FFR-/QFR+with FFR or QFR≤0.80 as positive and＞0.80 as negative.Using FFR as the gold standard,the diagnostic value of QFR was analyzed,and differences in clinical features and pathological characteristics among the groups were compared.Results A total of 236 patients were included.The mean age was(64.48±9.63)years,and 67.8％were male.All patients had 30％-70％coronary stenosis.The consistency rate of QFR and FFR was 78.0％(n=184),and the Person correlation coefficient was 0.557(P＜0.001).Among FFR+patients,the minimum lumen diameter was larger[(1.56±0.34)mm vs.(1.39±0.31)mm,P=0.019],lesion length was shorter[(21.37±11.73)mm vs.(36.86±18.09)mm,P＜0.001],and coronary angiography-based index of microcirculartory resistance(AMR)was higher[(277.50±28.87)mmHg·s/m vs.(178.02±49.13)mmHg·s/m,P＜0.001]in the disconcordance group.Multivariate regression analysis suggested that AMR[OR 0.93,95％CI 0.88-0.99,P=0.030]and lesion length[OR 1.27,95％CI 1.01-1.60,P=0.045]were independent predictors of disconcordance.In the FFR-group,the lesion length was longer[(33.08±16.05)mm vs.(21.40±13.36)mm,P=0.020],and AMR[(169.66±24.01)mmHg·s/m vs.(265.95±44.78)mmHg·s/m,P＜0.001]and low-density lipoprotein-C[1.57(1.10,1.97)mmol/L vs.2.15(1.79,2.74)mmol/L,P=0.031]were lower in the disconcordance group.No statistically significant variables were identified by multivariate regression.Conclusions QFR had high diagnostic value compared with FFR.In the FFR+group,AMR and lesion length may have affected the diagnostic consistency of QFR and FFR.The study provided more evidence for the clinical application of QFR.

Objective:To investigate damaging effects of clomifene citrate(CC)on endometrial stromal cells(hEndoSCs),and to study effects of spermidine on autophagy and inflammatory cytokine expression in damaged endometrial stromal cells.Methods:Groups were firstly divided into control group,spermidine group,clomiphene group(CC group),CC+Spermidine group.MTT assay was used to detect cell survival rate of hEndoSCs after co-incubation with different concentrations of CC or Spermidine for 24 h.Con-tent of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and level of apoptosis in cells of the 4 groups were detected by flow cytometry tech-nique.Western blot was used to detect expressions of autophagy pathway-related proteins ULK1,p-ULK1,LC-3Ⅱ,and apoptosis-re-lated proteins Bax,Bcl-2,Cleaved-caspase 3.RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α.Results:Compared with control group,CC group showed decreased cell survival,increased apoptosis rate,ROS content,Bax,Cleaved-cas-pase 3 expressions,decreased Bcl-2 expression,decreased levels of autophagy-related proteins p-ULK1 and LC-3Ⅱ/Ⅰ,and elevated expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA(P<0.01).There was no significant changes viability of cells in spermidine group compared with control group(P>0.05).Compared with CC group,cell survival rate in CC+spermidine group was sig-nificantly increased,apoptosis rate,ROS content,Bax and Cleaved-caspase 3 expressions were decreased,Bcl-2 expression was in-creased,expressions of autophagy-related proteins p-ULK1 and LC-3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were elevated,while expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA were decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:CC can inhibit endometrial stromal cell proliferation,promote apoptosis,and increase the transcript levels of inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α.Spermidine can reduce intracellular ROS in clomiphene-injured endometrial stromal cells by activating cellular autophagy,increase cell survival,and inhibit the expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α.