OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Of 38 newborn rats from 4 healthy SPF pregnant rats, 12 neonatal rats were randomly selected in a normal group. IBS-D model was prepared by the combined measures for the rest rats, including neonatal maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress. Twenty-four successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each one. In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37), 20 min each time, once daily and for 7 consecutive days. Separately, before acetic acid enema (aged 35 days), after modeling (aged 45 days) and after intervention (aged 53 days), the body mass, loose stool rate (LSR) and and the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were observed in the rats of each group. After intervention (aged 53 days), using HE and PAS staining, the morphology of duodenum was observed, the length of villus and the depth of crypt were measured, the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt was calculated; and the numbers of mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells were counted. With ELISA adopted, the contents of γ-interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in duodenal mucosa of rats were detected. The proportion of T cell subsets in duodenal mucosa was detected using flow cytometry. The microvilli and tight junctions of duodenal mucosal epithelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the integrity of duodenal mucosa observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, for the rats in the model group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the proportion of CD₈⁺ T subset were all reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa decreased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were all elevated (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs rose (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was irregular, the villi got shorter, sparse and scattered, with uneven density. The morphology of epithelial cells was destroyed and the tight junctions damaged, with larger spaces. When compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa increased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD₄⁺ T subset, and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were reduced (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs was dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was more regular, the villi were grew, got longer and arranged regularly, with even density. The morphology of epithelial cells was slightly destroyed, and the tight junctions partially damaged. CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) can reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats and relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. Its effect mechanism may be related to the repair of small intestinal mucosal immune barrier and the improvement in the immune function in IBS-D.
Animals ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/immunology* ; Rats ; Moxibustion ; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology* ; Female ; Diarrhea/therapy* ; Intestine, Small/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Disease Models, Animal

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture (for unblocking the obstruction in the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) on depression-like behavior and the hippocampal Endophilin A1/reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats, and explore the mechanism of this therapy for depression. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=36). In the modeling group, CUMS was performed to establish depression model. The successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (referred to as the acupuncture group), and a fluoxetine group, with 12 rats in each group. In the acupuncture group, "Baihui" (GV20), "Shenting" (GV24), "Shuigou" (GV26) and "Dazhui" (GV14) were stimulated with acupuncture. This intervention measure was delivered once a day, continuously for 6 days; it was discontinued on day 7 and was completed in 28 days. In the fluoxetine group, intragastric administration was done with fluoxetine solution (2.1 mg/kg), once a day, and for 28 consecutive days. Before and after modeling, and after intervention completion, the body mass, sucrose preference rate and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment were observed in each group. After intervention, using HE staining, the hippocampal neuron morphology was observed; using Nissl staining, the hippocampal Nissl body number was counted. The hippocampal mitochondria was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal was determined using flow cytometry. With Western blot method, the protein expression of Endophilin A1, growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal was detected; and with RT-qPCR method, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF was recorded. Using the immunofluorescence, the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF in hippocampal tissue was determined. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass, sucrose preference rate, and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure was unclear, the matrix was relatively loose, and the number of Nissl body decreased (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure was disarranged, the outer membrane was ruptured, mitochondrial cristae was irregular or missed; the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue increased (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and its average fluorescence intensity decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group and the fluoxetine group showed the increase in body mass, sucrose preference rate, the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure became relatively clear, the matrix was relatively dense, and the number of Nissl body was elevated (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure got normal and disarranged slightly, the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue were reduced (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and the average fluorescence intensity rose (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the fluoxetine group, the acupuncture group presented the increase in the average fluorescence intensity of ROS, the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, the protein expression of GAP-43 and the mRNA expression of BDNF (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the decrease of the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of BDNF, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, and the average fluorescence intensity of GAP-43 (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tongdu tiaoshen acupuncture alleviates depression-like behaviors in CUMS model rats and protects hippocampal neurons, which may be related to suppressing Endophilin A1/ROS signaling pathway and attenuating oxidative stress reactions.
Animals ; Male ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Depression/psychology* ; Humans ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Acupuncture Points

To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with excessive dynamic airway collapse.Key nursing points include:efficient treatment of airway collapse to avoid causes of airway hyper responsiveness;avoiding the blockage of phlegm suppository,ensuring a safe and smooth airway;preventing the risks of hemorrhage and thrombosis,and strictly implement hospital infection prevention and control measures.After active rescue and careful nursing care,the patient was transferred back to the general thoracic surgery ward 13 days later,improved 17 days later,and was admitted to the cancer hospital for continued treatment.

Objective To investigate the levels of serum neuregulin-4(NRG4)and serum fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4)in patients with diabetes retinopathy(DR)and their diagnostic value.Methods From A-pril 2020 to April 2023,a total of 84 DR patients admitted to Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Hospital Affili-ated to Shandong First Medical University were regarded as the observation group.Based on the type of retinal lesions,they were grouped into proliferative lesion group(35 cases)and non proliferative lesion group(49 ca-ses).In addition,84 patients with simple diabetes in the same period were regarded as the NDR group,and 84 healthy people who underwent physical examination in the same period were regarded as the control group.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect serum levels of NRG4 and FABP4.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of DR occurrence.Receiver operating charac-teristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum NRG4 and FABP4 levels for DR.Results The levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),fasting insulin(FINS)and FABP4 in the observation group were higher than those in the NDR group and the control group(P<0.05),and the serum NRG4 level was lower than those in the NDR group and the control group(P<0.05).The ser-um NRG4 level in the proliferative lesion group was lower than that in the non proliferative lesion group(P<0.05),and the FABP4 level was higher than that in the non proliferative lesion group(P<0.05).NRG4 was a protective factor for the occurrence of DR(P<0.05),while FABP4 was a risk factor for the occurrence of DR(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum NRG4 and FABP4 for diagnosing DR was 0.850 and 0.866,and the AUC of combined diagnosis was 0.930.The efficacy of the combination of the two was su-perior to that of the individual diagnosis of serum NRG4 and FABP4(Zcombination-NRG4=3.467,Zcombination-FABP4=2.987,P=0.001,0.002).Conclusion The serum FABP4 level in DR patients is greatly increased,while the NRG4 level is greatly decreased.The combination of the two has high diagnostic value for DR.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism of Xiaoshuantongmai Decoction(XSTMD)targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to regulate the function of dendritic cells(DCs)in treatment of deep vein thrombosis(DVT).Methods:After treatment of DVT with XSTMD,expressions of fibrinogen beta chain(FGB)and D-dimer(D2D)protein in plasma of patients with DVT were detected by ELISA,proportion of plasmacytoid dendritic cell(pDC)and conventional dendritic cell(cDC),and expression of HLA-DR protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of patients with DVT were detected by flow cytometry,expressions of CD80 and CD86 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR,Western blot was used to detect protein levels of JAK2,STAT3 and phosphory-lation(p-JAK2 and p-STAT3)in PBMC of DVT patients and mice.LPS-induced mouse DC2.4 cells were treated with XSTMD drug-containing serum.Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK2,STAT3,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3.ELISA was used to detect protein levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10 and TGF-β1 in cell culture supernatant.Results:After treatment with XSTMD,weight and length of thrombus were significantly reduced in mice with DVT(P<0.001).Compared with before treatment,expressions of FGB and D2D were significantly decreased in plasma of DVT patients(P<0.001),proportion of pDC was significantly increased,while pro-portion of cDC was significantly decreased in PBMC of DVT patients(P<0.01),expression of HLA-DR protein and mRNA levels of CD80 and CD86 were significantly decreased in PBMC of DVT patients(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001)after treatment with XSTMD.Levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein were significantly increased in PBMC from DVT patients and mice treated with XSTMD(P<0.05).After treatment with serum containing XSTMD,protein levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 induced by LPS were significantly increased in murine DC2.4 cells(P<0.05).Protein expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased,while protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in cell supernatant(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion:XSTMD effectively treats DVT by pre-cisely regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to promote the differentiation of DCs into pDC and alleviate inflammatory injury.

Objective:To explore associated factors of post-discharge depressive symptom severity in patients with bipolar disorder.Methods:A longitudinal follow-up was conducted to investigate the demographic,behavioral,and clinical characteristics,and social function among discharged patients with bipolar disorder who met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.Clinical characteristics were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS).Single factor and multivariate regression were carried out to explore the associat-ed factors of depressive symptom severity in patients with bipolar disorder.Results:A total of 298 discharged pa-tients with bipolar disorder were face-to-face interviewed to complete the follow-up survey.At follow-up time,psy-chotic symptoms(standardized(β)=0.18),housework((β)=0.23),social interaction((β)=0.17)and BPRS total score((β)=0.46)were positively associated with HAMD total score.Productive labor and work((β)=-0.27)and person-al life management((β)=-0.15)were negatively associated with HAMD total scores.Conclusion:Post-discharge depressive symptom severity in bipolar disorder patients is influenced by multiple factors.Effective management of psychotic symptoms,combined with enhanced community-based social rehabilitation and functional recovery,may help reduce the persistence or worsening of depressive symptoms and improve prognosis.

Objective:To explore associated factors of post-discharge depressive symptom severity in patients with bipolar disorder.Methods:A longitudinal follow-up was conducted to investigate the demographic,behavioral,and clinical characteristics,and social function among discharged patients with bipolar disorder who met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.Clinical characteristics were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS).Single factor and multivariate regression were carried out to explore the associat-ed factors of depressive symptom severity in patients with bipolar disorder.Results:A total of 298 discharged pa-tients with bipolar disorder were face-to-face interviewed to complete the follow-up survey.At follow-up time,psy-chotic symptoms(standardized(β)=0.18),housework((β)=0.23),social interaction((β)=0.17)and BPRS total score((β)=0.46)were positively associated with HAMD total score.Productive labor and work((β)=-0.27)and person-al life management((β)=-0.15)were negatively associated with HAMD total scores.Conclusion:Post-discharge depressive symptom severity in bipolar disorder patients is influenced by multiple factors.Effective management of psychotic symptoms,combined with enhanced community-based social rehabilitation and functional recovery,may help reduce the persistence or worsening of depressive symptoms and improve prognosis.

To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with excessive dynamic airway collapse.Key nursing points include:efficient treatment of airway collapse to avoid causes of airway hyper responsiveness;avoiding the blockage of phlegm suppository,ensuring a safe and smooth airway;preventing the risks of hemorrhage and thrombosis,and strictly implement hospital infection prevention and control measures.After active rescue and careful nursing care,the patient was transferred back to the general thoracic surgery ward 13 days later,improved 17 days later,and was admitted to the cancer hospital for continued treatment.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism of Xiaoshuantongmai Decoction(XSTMD)targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to regulate the function of dendritic cells(DCs)in treatment of deep vein thrombosis(DVT).Methods:After treatment of DVT with XSTMD,expressions of fibrinogen beta chain(FGB)and D-dimer(D2D)protein in plasma of patients with DVT were detected by ELISA,proportion of plasmacytoid dendritic cell(pDC)and conventional dendritic cell(cDC),and expression of HLA-DR protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of patients with DVT were detected by flow cytometry,expressions of CD80 and CD86 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR,Western blot was used to detect protein levels of JAK2,STAT3 and phosphory-lation(p-JAK2 and p-STAT3)in PBMC of DVT patients and mice.LPS-induced mouse DC2.4 cells were treated with XSTMD drug-containing serum.Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK2,STAT3,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3.ELISA was used to detect protein levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10 and TGF-β1 in cell culture supernatant.Results:After treatment with XSTMD,weight and length of thrombus were significantly reduced in mice with DVT(P<0.001).Compared with before treatment,expressions of FGB and D2D were significantly decreased in plasma of DVT patients(P<0.001),proportion of pDC was significantly increased,while pro-portion of cDC was significantly decreased in PBMC of DVT patients(P<0.01),expression of HLA-DR protein and mRNA levels of CD80 and CD86 were significantly decreased in PBMC of DVT patients(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001)after treatment with XSTMD.Levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein were significantly increased in PBMC from DVT patients and mice treated with XSTMD(P<0.05).After treatment with serum containing XSTMD,protein levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 induced by LPS were significantly increased in murine DC2.4 cells(P<0.05).Protein expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased,while protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in cell supernatant(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion:XSTMD effectively treats DVT by pre-cisely regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to promote the differentiation of DCs into pDC and alleviate inflammatory injury.

Objective To compare H_p(3) calibration with a homemade (A) thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and an imported (B) TLD in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field, to explore the different responses of A and B, and to provide foundation for the calibration of H_p(3). Methods A column mode was selected. H_p(3) calibration was performed using A and B in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field in the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory, National Institute for Radiological Protection, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Angle response, energy response, and linear response were calibrated with RQR4 (60 kV), RQR7 (90 kV), and RQR9 (120 kV), respectively. Results In terms of angle response, the calibration results of A were relatively high, while the calibration results of B were relatively low. In terms of energy response, the calibration results showed a similar pattern to angle response. In terms of linear response, the calibration results of both A and B were satisfactory. Conclusion Both A and B can be used for normal calibration of H_p(3) in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field. However, in actual monitoring, attention should be paid to the energy and angle response values of TLDs.