Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is largely attributed to impaired endogenous repair. Nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) senescence leads to endogenous repair failure. Small extracellular vesicles/exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (mExo) have shown great therapeutic potential in IDD, while whether mExo could alleviate NPSCs senescence and its mechanisms remained unknown. We established a compression-induced NPSCs senescence model and rat IDD models to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of mExo and investigate the mechanisms. We found that mExo significantly alleviated NPSCs senescence and promoted disc regeneration while knocking down thioredoxin (TXN) impaired the protective effects of mExo. TXN was bound to various endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins. Autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) mediated TXN K63 ubiquitination to promote the binding of TXN on ESCRT proteins and sorting of TXN into mExo. Knocking down exosomal TXN inhibited the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). NRF2 and AP-1 inhibition reduced endogenous TXN production that was promoted by exosomal TXN. Inhibition of NRF2 in vivo diminished the anti-senescence and regenerative effects of mExo. Conclusively, AMFR-mediated TXN ubiquitination promoted the sorting of TXN into mExo, allowing exosomal TXN to promote endogenous TXN production in NPSCs via TXN/NRF2/AP-1 feed-forward circuit to alleviate NPSCs senescence and disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yangxue Qingnao Pills (YXQNP) combined with amlodipine in treating patients with grade 1 hypertension. METHODS: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Adult patients with grade 1 hypertension of blood deficiency and Gan (Liver)-yang hyperactivity syndrome were randomly divided into the treatment or the control groups at a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group received YXQNP and amlodipine besylate, while the control group received YXQNP's placebo and amlodipine besylate. The treatment duration lasted for 180 days. Outcomes assessed included changes in blood pressure, Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome scores, symptoms and target organ functions before and after treatment in both groups. Additionally, adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, and diarrhea, were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 662 subjects were enrolled, of whom 608 (91.8%) completed the trial (306 in the treatment and 302 in the control groups). After 180 days of treatment, the standard deviations and coefficients of variation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were lower in the treatment group compared with the control group. The improvement rates of dizziness, headache, insomnia, and waist soreness were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the overall therapeutic effects on CM clinical syndromes were significantly increased in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 180 days of treatment, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle brachial index and albumin-to-creatinine ratio were improved in both groups, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). No serious treatment-related adverse events occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of YXQNP with amlodipine significantly improved symptoms such as dizziness and headache, reduced blood pressure variability, and showed a trend toward lowering urinary microalbumin in hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that this regimen has good clinical efficacy and safety. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900022470).
Humans ; Amlodipine/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Hypertension/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Double-Blind Method ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/adverse effects*

This study was aimed at understanding the Babesia species makeup and distribution in small mammals in Jinsha River Basin of Yunnan Province,and the Babesia carriage status in small mammals in this area,to provide a scientific basis for the preven-tion and control of Babesia disease.A total of 1 493 small mammals belonging to 5 orders,10 families,25 genera,and 54 species were captured from 10 counties(cities)in the Jinsha River Basin of Yunnan Province in various agricultural and forest environments.DNA was extracted from liver and tick tissues,and 150 bp fragments of Babesia 18S rRNA were detected through molecular biological methods.The positive samples showed amplification of a 1 600 bp target fragment of 18S rRNA.Species characteristics were assessed through sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis.A total of 14 small mammals infected with Babesia were detected in six coun-ties(cities)of Jinsha River Basin,Yunnan Province,with a positivity rate of 0.93%(14/1 493).The Otsu and Kobe types of Babesia voles were analyzed,and their sequences were compared with the sequences from human Babesia cases with high similarity and close evolutionary relationships.The positivity rates were 2.34%(3/128)in Qiaojia County,2.06%(2/97)in Yongshan County,1.88%(4/213)in Yuanmou County,1.03%(3/291)in Deqin County,0.95%(1/105)in Shangri-La City,and 0.78%(1/128)in Shuifu County.The positive small mammals belonged to one order,two families,six genera,and the following eight species:P.leucurus 5.56%(1/18),R.brunneusculus 3.36%(4/119),M.minutus 3.33%(1/30),E.custos 2.94%(1/34),N.confucianus 2.65%(3/113),N.fulvescens 2.35%(2/85),A.latronum 1.16%(1/86),and A.draco 0.98%(1/102).The detection of Babesia in M.minutus was re-poorted first time.Small animals infected with Babesia were detected in all three habitats and altitudes,and higher infection rates were observed in forest regions between 1 500 and 2 500 meters and high-altitude residential areas.Babesia infection was found in many small mammals in several counties(cities)along Jinsha River in Yunnan Province,and the epidemic status of Babesia in these areas warrants attention.

Severe intra-abdominal infections are life-threatening conditions and a significant challenge for surgeons. This article presents a case of an elderly patient with a severe intra-abdominal infection complicated by an anastomotic leak. This patient had experienced prolonged sepsis and multiple surgical traumas. Upon admission to our department, exploratory surgery revealed extensive bowel edema and adhesions, an anastomotic leak, and abdominal contamination with infection. In accordance with the principles of damage control surgery, the anastomotic leak was exteriorized, the abdomen was left open, and continuous intra-abdominal lavage with dual-lumen catheters was implemented to effectively control the infection. Negative pressure wound therapy was used to manage the open abdomen, and a negative pressure-assisted drainage device was used to manage the enteroatmospheric fistula. After granulation of the abdominal wound, split-thickness skin grafting was performed. The enteroatmospheric fistula was converted into an enterocutaneous fistula. A 3D-printed stoma baseplate was used to manage the digestive fistula. Concurrently, enhanced parenteral and enteral nutritional support was provided. Six months later, the patient successfully underwent definitive fistula resection and abdominal wall defect repair.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the comprehensive management of full-thickness perineal wound dehiscence following pelvic exenteration (PE).Methods:This study employed a descriptive case series design. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 29 patients who developed postoperative perineal wound infections with full-thickness dehiscence after PE. These cases included 16 patients from the Department of General Surgery at Jiangyin People's Hospital (Jiangsu Province) and 13 patients from the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital). VSD was applied to manage the dehisced wounds, with outcomes assessed based on wound healing time, complications, and follow-up data.Results:A total of 29 patients were included in the study. The operative time for PE was (498 ± 83) minutes. Among them, 23 patients underwent combined sacrococcygeal resection. The median number of VSD devices used was 28 (22, 39). The postoperative perineal wound healing time was 95 (82, 110) days in patients who underwent combined sacrococcygeal resection, 74 (63, 89) days in those without sacrococcygeal resection, 93 (79, 102) days in those treated with simple pelvic-abdominal isolation using a biological basement membrane mesh and 76 (60, 91) days in those who received combined pelvic packing with a pedicled omental flap. All patients uniformly developed Clavien-Dindo grade III complications at 2 weeks postoperatively, manifesting as perineal wound infection and dehiscence, which were successfully managed with VSD therapy. Subsequent evaluation identified delayed (>30 days) grade III complications, including enterocutaneous (3 cases) and urinary (2 cases) fistulae, all requiring surgical revision. All patients completed the follow-up at 6 months postoperatively. Three patients still presented with minimal exudate from the perineal wound, which resolved after standardized wound care and packing with alginate silver ion dressings. Four cases (13.8%) developed stoma high-output syndrome, which improved after oral medication. Eight patients (27.6%) developed adhesive intestinal obstruction, which improved with conservative treatment.Conclusions:VSD demonstrates unique advantages in managing complex wounds. For full-thickness perineal wound dehiscence after PE, VSD is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy.

This study was aimed at understanding the Babesia species makeup and distribution in small mammals in Jinsha River Basin of Yunnan Province,and the Babesia carriage status in small mammals in this area,to provide a scientific basis for the preven-tion and control of Babesia disease.A total of 1 493 small mammals belonging to 5 orders,10 families,25 genera,and 54 species were captured from 10 counties(cities)in the Jinsha River Basin of Yunnan Province in various agricultural and forest environments.DNA was extracted from liver and tick tissues,and 150 bp fragments of Babesia 18S rRNA were detected through molecular biological methods.The positive samples showed amplification of a 1 600 bp target fragment of 18S rRNA.Species characteristics were assessed through sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis.A total of 14 small mammals infected with Babesia were detected in six coun-ties(cities)of Jinsha River Basin,Yunnan Province,with a positivity rate of 0.93%(14/1 493).The Otsu and Kobe types of Babesia voles were analyzed,and their sequences were compared with the sequences from human Babesia cases with high similarity and close evolutionary relationships.The positivity rates were 2.34%(3/128)in Qiaojia County,2.06%(2/97)in Yongshan County,1.88%(4/213)in Yuanmou County,1.03%(3/291)in Deqin County,0.95%(1/105)in Shangri-La City,and 0.78%(1/128)in Shuifu County.The positive small mammals belonged to one order,two families,six genera,and the following eight species:P.leucurus 5.56%(1/18),R.brunneusculus 3.36%(4/119),M.minutus 3.33%(1/30),E.custos 2.94%(1/34),N.confucianus 2.65%(3/113),N.fulvescens 2.35%(2/85),A.latronum 1.16%(1/86),and A.draco 0.98%(1/102).The detection of Babesia in M.minutus was re-poorted first time.Small animals infected with Babesia were detected in all three habitats and altitudes,and higher infection rates were observed in forest regions between 1 500 and 2 500 meters and high-altitude residential areas.Babesia infection was found in many small mammals in several counties(cities)along Jinsha River in Yunnan Province,and the epidemic status of Babesia in these areas warrants attention.

Severe intra-abdominal infections are life-threatening conditions and a significant challenge for surgeons. This article presents a case of an elderly patient with a severe intra-abdominal infection complicated by an anastomotic leak. This patient had experienced prolonged sepsis and multiple surgical traumas. Upon admission to our department, exploratory surgery revealed extensive bowel edema and adhesions, an anastomotic leak, and abdominal contamination with infection. In accordance with the principles of damage control surgery, the anastomotic leak was exteriorized, the abdomen was left open, and continuous intra-abdominal lavage with dual-lumen catheters was implemented to effectively control the infection. Negative pressure wound therapy was used to manage the open abdomen, and a negative pressure-assisted drainage device was used to manage the enteroatmospheric fistula. After granulation of the abdominal wound, split-thickness skin grafting was performed. The enteroatmospheric fistula was converted into an enterocutaneous fistula. A 3D-printed stoma baseplate was used to manage the digestive fistula. Concurrently, enhanced parenteral and enteral nutritional support was provided. Six months later, the patient successfully underwent definitive fistula resection and abdominal wall defect repair.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the comprehensive management of full-thickness perineal wound dehiscence following pelvic exenteration (PE).Methods:This study employed a descriptive case series design. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 29 patients who developed postoperative perineal wound infections with full-thickness dehiscence after PE. These cases included 16 patients from the Department of General Surgery at Jiangyin People's Hospital (Jiangsu Province) and 13 patients from the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital). VSD was applied to manage the dehisced wounds, with outcomes assessed based on wound healing time, complications, and follow-up data.Results:A total of 29 patients were included in the study. The operative time for PE was (498 ± 83) minutes. Among them, 23 patients underwent combined sacrococcygeal resection. The median number of VSD devices used was 28 (22, 39). The postoperative perineal wound healing time was 95 (82, 110) days in patients who underwent combined sacrococcygeal resection, 74 (63, 89) days in those without sacrococcygeal resection, 93 (79, 102) days in those treated with simple pelvic-abdominal isolation using a biological basement membrane mesh and 76 (60, 91) days in those who received combined pelvic packing with a pedicled omental flap. All patients uniformly developed Clavien-Dindo grade III complications at 2 weeks postoperatively, manifesting as perineal wound infection and dehiscence, which were successfully managed with VSD therapy. Subsequent evaluation identified delayed (>30 days) grade III complications, including enterocutaneous (3 cases) and urinary (2 cases) fistulae, all requiring surgical revision. All patients completed the follow-up at 6 months postoperatively. Three patients still presented with minimal exudate from the perineal wound, which resolved after standardized wound care and packing with alginate silver ion dressings. Four cases (13.8%) developed stoma high-output syndrome, which improved after oral medication. Eight patients (27.6%) developed adhesive intestinal obstruction, which improved with conservative treatment.Conclusions:VSD demonstrates unique advantages in managing complex wounds. For full-thickness perineal wound dehiscence after PE, VSD is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy.

Child ; Humans ; East Asian People ; Quality of Life ; Students ; Child Abuse, Sexual ; Young Adult ; Resilience, Psychological

To explore the feasibility of applying magnetic stimulation technology to the movement control of animal robots, the influence of coil radius, number of turns and other factors on the intensity, depth and focus of magnetic stimulation was simulated and analyzed for robot pigeons. The coil design scheme was proposed. The coil was placed on the head and one of the legs of the pigeon, and the leg electromyography (EMG) was recorded when magnetic stimulation was performed. Results showed that the EMG was significantly strengthened during magnetic stimulation. With the reduction of the output frequency of the magnetic stimulation system, the output current was increased and the EMG was enhanced accordingly. Compared with the brain magnetic stimulation, sciatic nerve stimulation produced a more significant EMG enhancement response. This indicated that the magnetic stimulation system could effectively modulate the functions of brain and peripheral nerves by driving the coil. This study provides theoretical and experimental guidance for the subsequent optimization and improvement of practical coils, and lays a preliminary theoretical and experimental foundation for the implementation of magnetic stimulation motion control of animal robots.
Animals ; Columbidae ; Robotics ; Motion ; Brain ; Magnetic Phenomena