ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory， this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin （太阴）， shaoyang （少阳）， and jueyin （厥阴） channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin， impaired pivot function of shaoyang， and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly， the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi， harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism， and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice， Yihuang Powder （益黄散） and Tongxie Important Formula （痛泻要方） are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions， while Xiaochaihu Decoction （小柴胡汤） and Sini Powder （四逆散） are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot， and Wumei Pill （乌梅丸）， Danggui Sini Decoction （当归四逆汤）， and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction （黄连阿胶汤） combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction （芍药甘草汤） are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition， traditional daoyin （导引） exercise yi jin jing （易筋经） is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement， thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.

Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory， this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin （太阴）， shaoyang （少阳）， and jueyin （厥阴） channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin， impaired pivot function of shaoyang， and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly， the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi， harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism， and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice， Yihuang Powder （益黄散） and Tongxie Important Formula （痛泻要方） are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions， while Xiaochaihu Decoction （小柴胡汤） and Sini Powder （四逆散） are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot， and Wumei Pill （乌梅丸）， Danggui Sini Decoction （当归四逆汤）， and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction （黄连阿胶汤） combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction （芍药甘草汤） are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition， traditional daoyin （导引） exercise yi jin jing （易筋经） is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement， thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for brucellar spondylitis.Electronic medical record data for patients with brucellosis at Yidu Central Hospital in Weifang City were retrospectively collected from January 2018 to April 2024,including general data,clinical characteristics,and laboratory examinations.The patients were divided into a spinal in-volvement group and a no spinal involvement group.The risk factors for brucellar spondylitis were determined through multi-factorial logistic regression model analysis.Of the 124 patients with brucellosis,59 had brucellar spondylitis,and 65 had bru-cellosis alone.There were more patients with age ≥55 years(x2=17.71),time from onset to diagnosis ≥30 days(x2=26.17),and low back pain(x2=52.71)in the spinal involvement group than in the group without spinal involvement,and the difference was statistically significant(all P＜0.001);there were more patients with headaches in the group without spinal in-volvement than in the group with spinal involvement,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=8.34,P＜0.05).and there were more patients in the spinal involvement group with neutrophil percent(NEU％)(t=2.94),platelet count(PLT)(t=122.00),blood sedimentation rate(ESR)(Z=-6.74),C-reactive protein(CRP)(Z=-5.74),and interleukin-6(IL-6)(Z=-2.08)were higher in the spine-involved group than in the group without spine-involvement,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P＜0.05);Lactate dehydrogenase was significantly lower in the spine-involved group(LDH)than the group without spinal involvement(t=-2.04,P＜0.042).A multifactorial logistic regression analysis indicated that a du-ration of out-of-hospital symptoms ≥30 days(OR=6.265,95％CI 1.181-33.241),symptoms of low back pain(OR=14.885,95％CI 3.144-70.472),elevated PLT(OR=1.013,95％CI 1.004-1.023),and elevated ESR(OR=1.053,95％CI 1.008-1.100)were risk factors for brucellar spondylitis(all P＜0.05).The optimal cut-off values for ROC analysis were PLT＞278.5 ×109/L(sensitivity 89.2％,specificity 59.3％)and ESR＞16.5 mm/h(sensitivity 69.2％,specificity of 86.4％);using both PLT and ESR for diagnosis yielded an AUROC of 0.891(95％CI 0.831-0.950),a sensitivity of 86.2％,and a specificity of 84.7％.When patients with brucellosis present with symptoms of low back pain,a time from onset to diagnosis of ≥30 days,and markedly elevated ESR and PLT,lumbar magnetic resonance examination is recommended to rule out brucellar spondylitis,to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment,improve patient prognosis,shorten illness duration,and improve patient quality of life.

The study aims to investigate the effects of adding different proportions of Codonopsis radix compound crude extracts to the rabbit diet on growth performance,immune status,intesti-nal enzyme activity,structure,and microbial composition.A total of 96 5-week-old New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 6 replicates per group.The control group(BC)was fed a basal diet,while the experimental groups(CM-H and CM-L)were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1 000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Codonopsis radix compound crude extracts,re-spectively.The antibiotic group(CK)was fed a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg of keto-tifen.The experimental period was 42 days.Blood samples were collected at days 21 and 42,and se-rum biochemical and immune markers were determined.Intestinal segments and contents were col-lected at day 42 for analysis of intestinal health.The results showed that compared with the BC group,the average daily gain,feed-to-gain ratio,and diarrhea rate were significantly higher(P＜0.05)in the CM-H and CM-L groups.The total cholesterol(Tchol)content in the serum was sig-nificantly lower in the CM-H group at day 21 and the CM-L group at day 42(P＜0.05).The high-density lipoprotein(HDL)was significantly higher in the CM-H and CM-L groups than in the CK group at day 42(P＜0.05),and the total protein(TP)in the serum was significantly higher in the CM-H and CM-L groups than in the BC group(P＜0.05).The IgG and IgM levels in the serum were significantly higher in the CM-H and CM-L groups than in the BC group(P＜0.05).In the CM-H and CM-L groups,the content of acetic acid in the colon was significantly higher than that in the BC group(P＜0.05).The content of propionic acid in the colon of the CM-L group was also significantly higher than that in the BC group(P＜0.05).The content of α-amylase in the duode-num,the content of trypsin in the duodenum,the pancreas,and the ileum of the CM-H group were significantly higher than those in the BC group(P＜0.05),and the content of trypsin in the duode-num of the CM-H group was significantly higher than those in the BC group and the CM-L group(P＜0.05).Compared with the BC group,the content of GPX1 in the ileum and jejunum of the CM-L group and the ileum of the CM-H group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the length of the villi in the duodenum of the CM-H group was significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the BC group,the expression level of ZO-1 in the ileum of the CM-H group was significantly upregulated(P＜0.05),and the expression level of Claudin in the jejunum of the CM-H group and the CM-L group was significantly higher than that in the CK group(P＜0.05).The high-throughput sequencing results showed that the Sob index was significantly higher in the CM-L group compared to the BC group(P＜0.05).At the phylum level,the Firmicutes and Bacteroid-ota phyla were the main phyla.At the genus level,Akkermansia and Ruminococcus were the main genera.The relative abundance of Papillibacter and Eubacterium_ruminantium_group in the CM-L group was significantly higher than that in the CK group(P＜0.05).In summary,adding a Codonopsis radix compound crude extract to the diet can improve the growth performance,immu-nity,antioxidant capacity,integrity of intestinal mucosal structure,enzyme activity in the intestine,and increase the diversity of microorganisms in the blind intestine when the diet is supplemented with 500 mg/kg of Codonopsis radix compound crude extract.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cardioprotective effect and impact of Qishen Granules (QSG) on different ischemic areas of the myocardium in heart failure (HF) rats by evaluating its metabolic pattern, substrate utilization, and mechanistic modulation. METHODS: In vivo, echocardiography and histology were used to assess rat cardiac function; positron emission tomography was performed to assess the abundance of glucose metabolism in the ischemic border and remote areas of the heart; fatty acid metabolism and ATP production levels were assessed by hematologic and biochemical analyses. The above experiments evaluated the cardioprotective effect of QSG on left anterior descending ligation-induced HF in rats and the mode of energy metabolism modulation. In vitro, a hypoxia-induced H9C2 model was established, mitochondrial damage was evaluated by flow cytometry, and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) was observed by immunofluorescence to assess the mechanism of energy metabolism regulation by QSG in hypoxic and normoxia conditions. RESULTS: QSG regulated the pattern of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the border and remote areas of the heart via the HIF-1 α pathway, and improved cardiac function in HF rats. Specifically, QSG promoted HIF-1 α expression and entry into the nucleus at high levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), thereby promoting increased compensatory glucose metabolism; while reducing nuclear accumulation of HIF-1 α at relatively low levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), promoting the increased lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS QSG regulates the protein stability of HIF-1 α, thereby coordinating energy supply balance between the ischemic border and remote areas of the myocardium. This alleviates the energy metabolism disorder caused by ischemic injury.
Animals ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Rats ; Fatty Acids/metabolism* ; Myocardium/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: The results of limited studies on the relationship between environmental pollution and dementia have been contradictory. We analyzed the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in an elderly community-dwelling Chinese population. METHODS: We assessed 24,117 individuals along with the annual average PM _2.5 concentrations from 2012 to 2016. Dementia was confirmed in the baseline survey at a qualified clinical facility, and newly suspected dementia was assessed in 2017, after excluding cases of suspected dementia in 2015. National census data were used to weight the sample data to reflect the entire population in China, with multiple logistic regression performed to analyze the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking frequency on dementia and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Individuals exposed to the highest PM _2.5 concentration and smoked daily were at higher risk of dementia than those in the lowest PM _2.5 concentration group ( OR, 1.603; 95% CI [1.626-1.635], P < 0.0001) and in the nonsmoking group ( OR, 1.248; 95% CI [1.244-1.252]; P < 0.0001). Moderate PM _2.5 exposure and occasional smoking together increased the short-term risk of cognitive impairment. High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia, so more efforts are needed to reduce this risk through environmental protection and antismoking campaigns. CONCLUSION High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia. Lowering the ambient PM _2.5, and smoking cessation are recommended to promote health.
Humans ; Dementia/etiology* ; Male ; Aged ; Female ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Smoking/epidemiology* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of diarrhea during early enteral nutrition(EEN)therapy in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Method:A total of 154 patients with temporary ileostomy who received EEN in the Department of General Surgery,Jinling Hospital from November 2019 to November 2023 were included in this study.All patients were divided into two groups:the diarrhea group(n=43)and the non-diarrhea group(n=111).The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed,and univariate analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups.The indicators with significant differences were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the influencing factors of diarrhea during EEN therapy in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Result:Among the 154 patients,43 developed diarrhea during EEN therapy,with an incidence of 27.9%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that enteral nutrition(EN)infusion rate(OR=6.342,P=0.001,95%CI:2.055～19.572),antibiotics type(OR=8.342,P=0.013,95%CI:1.577～44.119),mechanical ventilation(OR=7.011,P=0.001,95%CI:2.272～21.629),EN formulation type(OR=6.497,P=0.001,95%CI:2.177～19.392),and diabetes(OR=3.321,P=0.036,95%CI:1.080～10.215)were closely associated with EN-related diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Conclusion:There was a high incidence of diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy who received EEN.EN infusion rate,antibiotics use,mechanical ventilation,EN formulation type and diabetes were the influencing factors for presence of EEN-related diarrhea in the patients.Our data could provide a reference for preventing EEN-related diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy after surgery.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of multimodal prehabilitation in patients with refractory functional constipation undergoing Jinling procedure(modified Duhamel surgery).Methods:In this prospective randomized controlled trial,80 patients with refractory functional constipation scheduled for Jinling procedure at the Department of General Surgery,the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command between January 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled.Participants were randomly assigned to either the observation group(n=40,multimodal prehabilitation)or control group(n=40,routine nursing care).Outcome measures included:time to first flatus,time to first ambulation,defecation volume on postoperative day 5,length of hospitalization,nutritional markers(hemoglobin,albumin,total protein at postoperative day 7),anxiety/depression scores(Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,HADS),and total complication rates.Results:Compared to controls,the first ventilation time(48.02±6.15)h,first ambulation time(49.92±5.58)h,defecation volume on the fifth day(234.50±51.03)mL,hospital stay(13.15±2.64)d,anxiety score(43.68±3.45)points,depression score(43.81±1.58)points,and the total incidence of postoperative complications(15%)were significantly lower in the observation group(all p values<0.05).By contrast,the serum levels of hemoglobin(115.60±11.60)g/l,albumin(41.19±5.79)g/L and total protein(61.64±4.94)g/L on day 7 post-operatively were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Multimodal prehabilitation enhances postoperative intestinal recovery,reduces complications,improves nutritional status,and shortens hospital stays in refractory functional constipation patients undergoing Jinling procedure,supporting its clinical adoption.