OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with sepsis, identify the key factors affecting their clinical outcomes, construct a death risk assessment scale for elderly patients with sepsis, and evaluate its predictive value. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinical data of sepsis patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2021 to September 2023 were collected, including basic information, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes. The patients were divided into non-elderly group (age ≥ 65 years old) and elderly group (age < 65 years old) based on age. Additionally, the elderly patients were divided into survival group and death group based on their 30-day survival status. The clinical characteristics of elderly patients with sepsis were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen the independent risk factors for 30-day death in elderly patients with sepsis, and the regression equation was constructed. The regression equation was simplified, and the death risk assessment scale was established. The predictive value of different scores for the prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis was compared. RESULTS: (1) A total of 833 patients with sepsis were finally enrolled, including 485 in the elderly group and 348 in the non-elderly group. Compared with the non-elderly group, the elderly group showed significantly lower counts of lymphocyte, T cell, CD8⁺ T cell, and the ratio of T cells and CD8⁺ T cells [lymphocyte count (×10⁹/L): 0.71 (0.43, 1.06) vs. 0.83 (0.53, 1.26), T cell count (cells/μL): 394.0 (216.0, 648.0) vs. 490.5 (270.5, 793.0), CD8⁺ T cell count (cells/μL): 126.0 (62.0, 223.5) vs. 180.0 (101.0, 312.0), T cell ratio: 0.60 (0.48, 0.70) vs. 0.64 (0.51, 0.75), CD8⁺ T cell ratio: 0.19 (0.13, 0.28) vs. 0.24 (0.16, 0.34), all P < 0.01], higher natural killer cell (NK cell) count, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, ratio of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during hospitalization, and 30-day mortality [NK cell count (cells/μL): 112.0 (61.0, 187.5) vs. 95.0 (53.0, 151.0), APACHE II score: 16.00 (12.00, 21.00) vs. 13.00 (8.00, 17.00), IMV ratio: 40.6% (197/485) vs. 31.9% (111/348), 30-day mortality: 28.9% (140/485) vs. 19.5% (68/348), all P < 0.05], and longer length of ICU stay [days: 5.5 (3.0, 10.0) vs. 5.0 (3.0, 8.0), P < 0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) between the two groups. (2) In 485 elderly patients with sepsis, 345 survived in 30 days, and 140 died with the 30-day mortality of 28.9%. Compared with the survival group, the patients in the death group were older, and had lower body mass index (BMI), white blood cell count (WBC), PCT, platelet count (PLT) and higher IL-6, IL-10, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), total bilirubin (TBil), blood lactic acid (Lac), and ratio of in-hospital IMV and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.783, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.678-0.905, P = 0.001], IL-6 (OR = 1.073, 95%CI was 1.004-1.146, P = 0.036), TBil (OR = 1.009, 95%CI was 1.000-1.018, P = 0.045), Lac (OR = 1.211, 95%CI was 1.072-1.367, P = 0.002), and IMV during hospitalization (OR = 6.181, 95%CI was 2.214-17.256, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for 30-day death in elderly patients with sepsis, and the regression equation was constructed (Logit P = 1.012-0.244×BMI+0.070×IL-6+0.009×TBil+0.190×Lac+1.822×IMV). The regression equation was simplified to construct a death risk assessment scale, namely BITLI score. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of BITLI score for predicting death risk was 0.852 (95%CI was 0.769-0.935), and it was higher than APACHE II score (AUC = 0.714, 95%CI was 0.623-0.805) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (AUC = 0.685, 95%CI was 0.578-0.793). The determined cut-off value of BITLI score was 1.50, while achieving a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 74.0%. CONCLUSIONS Elderly patients with sepsis often have reduced lymphocyte counts, severe conditions, and poor prognosis. BMI, IL-6, TBil, Lac, and IMV during hospitalization were independent risk factors for 30-day death in elderly patients with sepsis. The BITLI score constructed based above risk factors is more precise and reliable than traditional APACHE II and SOFA scores in predicting the outcomes of elderly patients with sepsis.
Humans ; Sepsis/mortality* ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Case-Control Studies ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Intensive Care Units ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged

【Objective】 To investigate the status quo of disease perception and partner support of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients, and to analyze their correlation. 【Methods】 With convenient sampling method, 220 ED patients in a first-class hospital in Taiyuan were surveyed with the short version of disease perception questionnaire (BIPQ) and partner support coping questionnaire (DCI). 【Results】 The BIPQ score was (41.90±7.33), and the DCI score was (116.79±20.37). Pearson correlation analysis showed that except life influence, treatment control and emotional influence, the mutual support dimension of partner support of ED patients was correlated with all dimensions of disease perception (r=-0.173, 0.151, -0.182, 0.163, 0.188,P<0.05).Except cognitive comprehension, the negative support dimension of partner support of ED patients was correlated with the dimensions and total score of disease perception (r=0.399, 0.185, -0.167, -0.306, 0.269, 0.445, 0.320, 0.357,P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 ED patients have negative disease perception, and their partners have better coping strategies. Medical staff may pay more attention to partner support so as to reduce patients’ negative perception of disease and promote recovery.

BACKGROUND:Kidney deficiency is the main pathogenesis of osteoporosis.To study the relationship between the two major syndrome types of kidney deficiency,Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency,is beneficial for the development of clinical diagnosis and treatments based on the combination of disease and syndrome. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biomechanical differences of the rat femurs with Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency caused by Yougui pills,and to demonstrate the scientific efficacy of medication based on the combination of disease and syndrome in osteoporosis from a biomechanical perspective. METHODS:The bilateral ovaries of 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically removed to establish an ovariectomized osteoporosis model.At 10 weeks after modeling,all the rats were randomly divided into a Kidney-Yang deficiency group(n=30)and a Kidney-Yin deficiency group(n=30).Rats with Kidney-Yang deficiency were given gluteal intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone,while rats with Kidney-Yin deficiency were orally administered with thyroid tablet suspension,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,20 rats in each group were given a suspension of Yougui pills by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks and the remaining 10 rats were used as the control group without intervention.After gavage,the microstructural parameters of the bone were measured using Micro-CT scanning.Three-point bending,finite element simulation,femoral head compression,and surface indentation distribution experiments of the femurs were performed on a mechanical testing machine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Micro-CT revealed that the femoral bone density,bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular separation were improved in the Kidney-Yin deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yin deficiency group(P＜0.05);the femoral bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular thickness were improved in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group(P＜0.05).The three-point bending experiment showed that the femur elastic modulus,maximum bending strength and bending fracture strength were decreased(P＜0.05)and toughness was increased(P＜0.05)in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.Finite element simulation showed that Yougui pills could significantly improve the bending resistance of the femurs in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but had no significant effect on the Kidney-Yin deficiency group.The femoral head compression experiments showed that Yougui pills could enhance the ability of the femoral head to resist deformation in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but there was no significant difference in the effect of Yougui pills on the surface properties of the femoral head in the Kidney-Yin deficiency group and the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.To conclude,Yougui pills can significantly enhance the biomechanical properties of the osteoporotic bones with Kidney-Yang deficiency,but have no significant effect on the osteoporotic bone with Kidney-Yin deficiency.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have successfully constructed erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.It was found that the apoptosis of ischemic and hypoxic human neuroblastoma cell line(SH-SY5Y)was significantly reduced by erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible neuroprotective mechanisms of erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells against ischemic-hypoxic SH-SY5Y and their associated epigenetic mechanisms. METHODS:Oxygen-glucose deprivation was applied to ischemia-hypoxia-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury,and multifactorial assays were applied to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factors in the cells before and after hypoxia and co-culture,respectively,with mesenchymal stem cells,as well as lentiviral-transfected null-loaded plasmids of the negative control mesenchymal stem cells and erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.The expression levels of supernatant inflammatory factors were detected by multifactor assay after co-culture.Proteomics was used to detect the differentially expressed proteins of negative control mesenchymal stem cells and erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.Cleavage under targets and tagmentation sequencing was applied to detect genomic H3K4me2 modification,and joint analysis was conducted with RNA-sequencing.Lentiviral vector infection was applied to construct the stable knockdown of REST in SH-SY5Y cells.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression level of REST.The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry after co-culture of oxygen-glucose deprivation treatment with erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.The expression difference of H3K36me3 group proteins was detected by western blot assay,and transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the differentially expressed genes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,monocyte chemotactic protein 1,interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and interleukin-1 beta,interferon α2,and interleukin-23 levels significantly increased in the cerebrospinal fluid supernatant of patients with ischemic-hypoxic encephalopathy(P<0.01).(2)After co-culturing SH-SY5Y cells with erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells under ischemia and hypoxia,the expression levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and interleukin-6 were significantly reduced.(3)Analysis of protein network interactions revealed significant downregulation of monocyte chemotactic protein 1,interleukin-6 related regulatory proteins CXCL1 and BGN.(4)Transcriptome sequencing analysis found that pro-inflammatory genes were down-regulated,and functional enrichment of histone modifications,and the expression of transcription factors REST and TET3 significantly up-regulated in the erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell group compared with the negative control mesenchymal stem cell group.(5)Combined analysis of transcriptome sequencing and cleavage under targets and tagmentation revealed changes in epigenetic levels as well as significant activation of the promoter regions of transcription factors REST and TET3.(6)Stable knockdown REST in SH-SY5Y cells was successfully constructed;the transcript levels of REST mRNA and protein expression were both decreased.(7)After the REST knockdown SH-SY5Y cells were co-cultured with erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,apoptosis was significantly increased and H3K36me3 expression was significantly decreased.Transcriptome sequencing results showed that the expression of inflammation-related genes Aldh1l2 and Cth,as well as apoptosis-suppressor genes Mapk8ip1 and Sod2 was reduced at mRNA transcription level(P<0.01).(8)It is concluded that erythropoietin-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells activated the expression of REST and TET3 by altering the kurtosis of H3K4me2 and upregulated the modification level of H3K36me3,which in turn regulated the expression of inflammation-related genes Aldh1l2 and Cth,as well as apoptosis-suppressor genes Mapk8ip1 and Sod2,and facilitated neuronal survival.

The source and process of mandible development are significantly different from those of other bones in the body,and abnormal development can lead to various bone-related diseases,seriously affecting the quality of life of patients.In recent years,the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in bone development has received increasing atten-tion.The Hedgehog gene includes three subtypes:Sonic Hedgehog(Shh),Indian Hedgehog(Ihh),and Desert Hedgehog(Dhh).Shh and Ihh can participate in bone metabolism regulation through various pathways,with Shh primarily involved in limb development and Ihh playing a key role in endochondral osteogenesis.The Hedgehog signaling pathway includes Hedgehog signaling protein ligands,Patched(Ptch)receptors,Smoothed(Smo)receptors,nuclear transcription factors,glioma-associated oncogene homologues(Gli),and downstream target genes.The activation of typical Hedgehog signal-ing pathways requires the involvement of Gli,whereas atypical Hedgehog signaling is mainly regulated by Ptch,Smo,and others.Shh regulates various biological behaviors during early vertebrate embryogenesis,such as organ differentia-tion,neural stem formation,stem cell differentiation and proliferation,limb bone development,and tooth germ develop-ment.During the process of bone cell differentiation,Shh,Ptch1,and Gli1 are expressed in osteoblasts,further promot-ing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and chondrocytes.IHh plays an indis-pensable functional role in bone growth,development,and homeostasis and participates in the formation of intramem-brane bone collars,proliferation,and maturation of chondrocytes.IHh is expressed in mature skull osteoblasts and can act as a promoter of bone factor regulation of Ptch and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)expression to induce intra-membrane ossification.Brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1(BMAL1)can regulate the Hedgehog signaling pathway by binding to Ptch1 and Ihh,playing a crucial role in cartilage formation and endochondral osteogenesis in the temporo-mandibular joint.Hedgehog signal activators can improve the reduction in mandibular bone mass caused by BMAL1 de-ficiency.Hedgehog signaling imbalance can have a significant impact on bone development and lead to a series of bone diseases,such as abnormal bone development,fractures,osteoporosis,and osteoarthritis.The mechanism of the Hedge-hog signaling pathway in relation to mandibular diseases has not been fully elucidated,and future research should seek to further explore Hedgehog signaling as a potential target for treating mandibular developmental-related diseases.

To investigate the genomic features and perform cluster analysis of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) to provide an experimental basis for guiding the prevention and treatment of CRKP infections.A retrospective case-cohort study was conducted on 19 non-redundant CRKP strains isolated from the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University between January and June 2023. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to compare genomic features and analyze the resistance genes and homology of the strains.The results showed that the 19 CRKP strains were isolated from 8 different clinical departments, mainly from respiratory specimens. The whole genome sequencing revealed that the genomic lengths of CRKP ranged from 4.90 to 5.85 Mbp, with contigs N50 values>20 kb for each genome. The median overall GC content was 57.0% (50.4%-57.1%). Comparative genomic analysis identified three regions with high genomic variability. WGS detected 32 resistance genes across 11 categories. All 19 strains carried carbapenem resistance genes ( blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-48), blaTEM-1B extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance genes, qnrS1 quinolone resistance gene, and fosA fosfomycin resistance gene, with each strain carrying only one carbapenemase gene. The detection rate of blaKPC-2 was 94.7% (18/19). MLST identified three sequence types: ST11, ST437 and ST147, with ST11 being predominant (89.5%, 17/19). Clustering analysis based on acquired resistance genes revealed three clonal transmission patterns among strains 72 and 90, and strains 88, 84, 66 and 79.In conclusion, CRKP strains carry multiple resistance genes, and clustering analysis indicating that nosocomial clonal transmission is closely related to acquired resistance genes. The ST11- blaKPC-2 type strain is the predominant clone. Strengthened surveillance and effective control strategies are necessary to reduce nosocomial transmission of CRKP.

To investigate the genomic features and perform cluster analysis of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) to provide an experimental basis for guiding the prevention and treatment of CRKP infections.A retrospective case-cohort study was conducted on 19 non-redundant CRKP strains isolated from the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University between January and June 2023. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to compare genomic features and analyze the resistance genes and homology of the strains.The results showed that the 19 CRKP strains were isolated from 8 different clinical departments, mainly from respiratory specimens. The whole genome sequencing revealed that the genomic lengths of CRKP ranged from 4.90 to 5.85 Mbp, with contigs N50 values>20 kb for each genome. The median overall GC content was 57.0% (50.4%-57.1%). Comparative genomic analysis identified three regions with high genomic variability. WGS detected 32 resistance genes across 11 categories. All 19 strains carried carbapenem resistance genes ( blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-48), blaTEM-1B extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance genes, qnrS1 quinolone resistance gene, and fosA fosfomycin resistance gene, with each strain carrying only one carbapenemase gene. The detection rate of blaKPC-2 was 94.7% (18/19). MLST identified three sequence types: ST11, ST437 and ST147, with ST11 being predominant (89.5%, 17/19). Clustering analysis based on acquired resistance genes revealed three clonal transmission patterns among strains 72 and 90, and strains 88, 84, 66 and 79.In conclusion, CRKP strains carry multiple resistance genes, and clustering analysis indicating that nosocomial clonal transmission is closely related to acquired resistance genes. The ST11- blaKPC-2 type strain is the predominant clone. Strengthened surveillance and effective control strategies are necessary to reduce nosocomial transmission of CRKP.

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of miR-6838-5p on DDR1 gene expression and proliferation of breast cancer cells.Methods The expression levels of miR-6838-5p in normal breast epithelial cells and breast cancer cells were detected using qRT-PCR,and the potential target genes of miR-6838-5p was predicted using TargetscanV 8.0.Double luciferase reporter gene experiment was performed to verify the binding between miR-6838-5p and DDR1.Breast cancer MCF-7 cells were transfected via liposome,miR-6838-5p mimic,miR-6838-5p inhibitor,DDR1 siRNA,DDR1-overexpresisng vector,or both miR-6838-5p mimic and DDR1-overexpressing vector,and the changes in cell proliferation were examined with CCK-8 and EdU assays;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of DDR1.The mediating role of DDR1 in miR-6838-5p overexpression-induced inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation was verified in a nude mouse model bearing MCF-7 cell xenografts.Results The expression of miR-6838-5p was significantly lower in breast cancer cells than in normal breast epithelial cells.In MCF-7 cells,miR-6838-5p overexpression induced significant inhibition of cell proliferation.Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment demonstrated a binding relationship between miR-6838-5p and DDR1(P<0.01).Western blotting showed that miR-6838-5p overexpression significantly lowered DDR1 expression in MCF-7 cells,and DDR1 overexpression promoted proliferation of the cells;co-transfection of the cells with DDR1-overexpressing vector significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-6838-5p mimic on cell proliferation.In the tumor-bearing nude mice,the xenografts overexpressing miR-6838-5p showed a significantly smaller volum with obviously the expression of DDR1.Conclusion Overexpression of miR-6838-5p inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by regulating DDR1 expression.

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of miR-6838-5p on DDR1 gene expression and proliferation of breast cancer cells.Methods The expression levels of miR-6838-5p in normal breast epithelial cells and breast cancer cells were detected using qRT-PCR,and the potential target genes of miR-6838-5p was predicted using TargetscanV 8.0.Double luciferase reporter gene experiment was performed to verify the binding between miR-6838-5p and DDR1.Breast cancer MCF-7 cells were transfected via liposome,miR-6838-5p mimic,miR-6838-5p inhibitor,DDR1 siRNA,DDR1-overexpresisng vector,or both miR-6838-5p mimic and DDR1-overexpressing vector,and the changes in cell proliferation were examined with CCK-8 and EdU assays;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of DDR1.The mediating role of DDR1 in miR-6838-5p overexpression-induced inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation was verified in a nude mouse model bearing MCF-7 cell xenografts.Results The expression of miR-6838-5p was significantly lower in breast cancer cells than in normal breast epithelial cells.In MCF-7 cells,miR-6838-5p overexpression induced significant inhibition of cell proliferation.Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment demonstrated a binding relationship between miR-6838-5p and DDR1(P<0.01).Western blotting showed that miR-6838-5p overexpression significantly lowered DDR1 expression in MCF-7 cells,and DDR1 overexpression promoted proliferation of the cells;co-transfection of the cells with DDR1-overexpressing vector significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-6838-5p mimic on cell proliferation.In the tumor-bearing nude mice,the xenografts overexpressing miR-6838-5p showed a significantly smaller volum with obviously the expression of DDR1.Conclusion Overexpression of miR-6838-5p inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by regulating DDR1 expression.