1.Mass Spectrometry-based Antibody Sequencing Technologies
Sheng-Mei LIU ; Peng XUE ; Xiao-Jian WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):840-854
Antibodies play a critical role in adaptive immune responses and serve as key components in disease diagnosis and treatment. These molecules exhibit dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate their effector functions. To date, nearly all of our knowledge about antibody repertoires has come from B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (BCR-seq), which facilitates the profiling of clonal composition and the tracing of maturation trajectories within B-cell repertoires. However, circulating antibodies found in bodily fluids—such as serum, saliva, milk, mucosal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid—exhibit diversities and specificities beyond what BCR-seq alone can predict. Therefore, identifying and quantifying antibody clonotypes at the protein level could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies in personalized medicine. The critical gap between genotype and phenotype necessitates complementary methodologies that enable the direct characterization of antibody proteins in their native functional states. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) is currently the only feasible approach for this task and primarily includes database-dependent methods—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—as well as database-independent de novo sequencing technology. These strategies enable multi-level, high-precision characterization ranging from peptides and domains to intact antibody molecules. Unlike the shotgun strategy commonly used in routine proteomics, obtaining full sequences of all antibodies presents unique challenges. It requires specialized methodological adaptations to address issues related to dynamic range, sequence variation, and sample complexity. This review introduces the technical principles, methodological workflows, and recent applications of various mass spectrometry-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) strategies, with a focus on approaches designed to improve sequence coverage and identification accuracy. These include multi-enzyme digestion, hybrid fragmentation methods, and artificial intelligence-assisted de novo sequencing. By systematically comparing database-dependent techniques—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—with database-independent de novo sequencing, this review outlines their respective advantages and limitations in terms of sample throughput, sequence coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and data analysis complexity. In addition, this review discusses emerging technological trends, including the integration of ion mobility separation, native mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-driven data interpretation, which are expected to enhance the depth and accuracy of antibody characterization. Although current methods continue to face challenges related to sample complexity, dynamic range, and unambiguous sequence variant assignment, we emphasize the importance of integrating BCR-seq and Ab-seq data to construct gene-protein association maps. These maps help validate sequence accuracy and facilitate epitope discovery. This dual-platform strategy helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, thereby enhancing both the resolution and scope of antibody repertoire studies. Such an integrative approach also offers a valuable tool for therapeutic antibody development, structure-function analysis, and precise evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
2.Identification and infection rate of densovirus in Culex pipiens pallens in Beijing in 2023
Xiu-yan XU ; Ting YAN ; Si-jie ZHU ; Jing LI ; Mei-de LIU ; Hong-jiang ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Qiu-hong LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Ying TONG ; Yong ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):25-30
Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.
3.Simultaneous TAVI and McKeown for esophageal cancer with severe aortic regurgitation: A case report
Liang CHENG ; Lulu LIU ; Xin XIAO ; Lin LIN ; Mei YANG ; Jingxiu FAN ; Hai YU ; Longqi CHEN ; Yingqiang GUO ; Yong YUAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):277-280
A 71-year-old male presented with esophageal cancer and severe aortic valve regurgitation. Treatment strategies for such patients are controversial. Considering the risks of cardiopulmonary bypass and potential esophageal cancer metastasis, we successfully performed transcatheter aortic valve implantation and minimally invasive three-incision thoracolaparoscopy combined with radical resection of esophageal cancer (McKeown) simultaneously in the elderly patient who did not require neoadjuvant treatment. This dual minimally invasive procedure took 6 hours and the patient recovered smoothly without any surgical complications.
4.Protective effect of Sini Decoction in attenuating cryopreservation-induced injury of rats' sciatic nerves based on apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Kang YANG ; Jun LIU ; Lin-Lan ZHOU ; Yun-Xiao LIU ; Chun-Lin DU ; Xiao-Zhi MEI ; Ying-Ru HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1351-1362
Cryopreservation is the primary technique for in vitro preservation of allogeneic tissue. However, its success is often hindered by factors such as low temperature, ischemia, and hypoxia. This study investigated the potential of Sini Decoction, known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, to reduce cryopreservation-induced injury in rats' sciatic nerves. Sini Decoction was prepared according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and its cytotoxicity on Rsc96 cells was assessed by using the CCK-8 method. Sini Decoction at concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mg·mL~(-1), termed as low-(SL), medium-(SM), and high-(SH) doses group, was used for cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves. A normal control(NC) group and a fresh nerve control(fresh) group were set. Flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural tissue cells after cryopreservation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins(Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8) and nerve regeneration proteins(NGF and BDNF) in vitro after cryopreservation. Oxidative damage of neural tissue after cryopreservation was evaluated by measuring levels of GSH, SOD, MDA, ROS, and ATP. Cryopreserved nerves were then used for allogeneic transplantation. One week after transplantation, CD4~+ and CD8~+ fluorescent double staining assessed inflammatory cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment, and ELISA evaluated the expression of serum inflammatory factors(IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in recipients. Twenty weeks after transplantation, electrophysiology and NF200 neurofilament staining were used to evaluate nerve regeneration. RESULTS:: showed that Sini Decoction at concentrations of below 32 mg·mL~(-1) exhibited no cytotoxicity to Rsc96 cells. During in vitro nerve cryopreservation, Sini Decoction significantly reduced cell apoptosis, ROS, and MDA production compared to the NC group. In the SH group, the protein expression of NGF and BDNF in vitro, as well as ATP, SOD, and GSH production, were significantly increased. In the rejection reaction one week after transplantation, compared to the fresh nerve transplantation group, the SL and SM groups showed reduced CD4~+ and CD8~+ T cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment and down-regulated IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α expression in recipient serum. Twenty weeks after transplantation, the electrophysiological test results of CMAP, NCV, and NF200 neurofilament protein fluorescent staining in the SM and SH groups were superior to those in the NC and fresh groups. These findings indicate that Sini Decoction offers protective benefits in the cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves and holds significant potential for the in vitro preservation of tissue and organs.
Animals
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Rats
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Sciatic Nerve/cytology*
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Cryopreservation
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Protective Agents/pharmacology*
5.Phenylpropanoids from roots of Berberis polyantha.
Dong-Mei SHA ; Shuai-Cong NI ; Li-Niu SHA-MA ; Hai-Xiao-Lin-Mo MA ; Xiao-Yong HE ; Bin HE ; Shao-Shan ZHANG ; Ying LI ; Jing WEN ; Yuan LIU ; Xin-Jia YAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1564-1568
The chemical constituents were systematically separated from the roots of Berberis polyantha by various chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, HP20 column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography, reversed-phase C_(18) column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic techniques(1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, MS, and CD). Four phenylpropanoids were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of B. polyantha, and they were identified as(2R)-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate(2),(+)-syringaresinol(3), and syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4). Compound 1 was a new compound, and other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was evaluated based on the release of nitric oxide(NO) in the culture of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. At a concentration of 10 μmol·L~(-1), all the four compounds inhibited the LPS-induced release of NO in RAW264.7 cells, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Animals
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Mice
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Berberis/chemistry*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Nitric Oxide/metabolism*
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Molecular Structure
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
6.Exploration of pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Jinbei Oral Liquid against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology.
Jin-Chun LEI ; Si-Tong ZHANG ; Xian-Run HU ; Wen-Kang LIU ; Xue-Mei CHENG ; Xiao-Jun WU ; Wan-Sheng CHEN ; Man-Lin LI ; Chang-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2825-2840
This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics*
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Animals
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Network Pharmacology
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Rats
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Male
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism*
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Humans
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Administration, Oral
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
7.Research progress in pharmacological effects of puerarin.
Xiao-Wei MENG ; Feng-Mei GUO ; Qian-Qian WANG ; Jia-Rong LI ; Ni ZHANG ; Fei QU ; Rong-Hua LIU ; Wei-Feng ZHU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2954-2968
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), a treasure of the Chinese nation, contains abundant chemical components and demonstrates unique pharmacological activities, showing important values in clinical applications. With profound connotations and broad application prospects, TCM urgently needs us to further explore and conduct systematic research. Puerarin is a small-molecule natural isoflavonoid carbon glycoside extracted from plants of Pueraria. It is also the main active ingredient of Puerariae Lobata Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible values. Puerarin has a variety of pharmacological effects such as blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury, antithrombotic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, nerve cell-protecting, and intestinal microbiota-regulating effects. It is also an active ingredient that has been widely studied. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of puerarin over the years, aiming to provide references and theoretical support for the in-depth research and development as well as clinical application of puerarin.
Isoflavones/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Pueraria/chemistry*
8.Early clinical observation of the efficacy of a three-stage traditional Chinese medicine external treatment plan for talus Bone bruises caused by acute ankle sprain.
Mei-Qi YU ; Lei ZHANG ; Tian-Xin CHEN ; Ting-Ting DONG ; Yan LI ; Jun-Ying WU ; Bo JIANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Xiao-Hua LIU ; Jin SUN ; Qing-Lin WANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(8):835-841
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the early clinical efficacy of a three-stage external treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of talar bone contusion caused by acute ankle sprain.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 360 patients with primary lateral ankle sprain admitted from September 2021 to July 2024. Patients with talar bone contusion were selected based on MRI examination, and 73 cases were finally included. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into the observation group and the control group. The observation group consisted of 35 cases, including 16 males and 19 females, aged 24 to 37 years old with an average of (30.34±2.68) years old, and received the three-stage external TCM treatment combined with the "POLICE" protocol. The control group included 38 cases, including 18 males and 20 females, aged 24 to 35 years old with an average of (29.87±2.57) years old, and was treated with the "POLICE" protocol alone. The volume of bone marrow edema (BME) area shown by MRI before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment was measured using 3D Slicer software, and the BME improvement rate was calculated. The "Figure of 8" measurement method was used to assess ankle swelling before treatment and at 1 and 3 weeks after treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate ankle pain before treatment and at 1 and 6 weeks after treatment. At 6 weeks after treatment, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Karlsson ankle function score system were used to evaluate the improvement of ankle function.
RESULTS:
A total of 73 patients with talar bone contusion caused by ankle sprain completed the 6-week follow-up. At 6 weeks after treatment, the BME improvement rate in the observation group was (39.18±0.06)%, which was higher than (26.75±0.03)% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). After 1 week of treatment, the VAS score in the observation group was (2.89±0.72) points, lower than (3.37±0.79) points in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The ankle swelling degree in the observation group was (50.20±3.19) cm, lower than (52.00±3.60) cm in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). After 3 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in ankle swelling between the two groups. At 6 weeks after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups. At 6 weeks after treatment, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and Karlsson score in the observation group were (87.43±4.18) and (82.77±5.93) points, respectively, which were higher than (82.92±4.87) and (76.45±6.85) points in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). According to the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, 8 cases were excellent and 27 cases were good in the observation group;2 cases were excellent, 33 cases were good, and 3 cases were fair in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=7.089, P=0.029).
CONCLUSION
The three-stage external TCM treatment combined with the "POLICE" protocol has a significant early clinical efficacy. It can significantly reduce ankle pain and swelling in patients with bone contusion caused by acute lateral ankle sprain, promote the absorption of bone marrow edema, and accelerate the recovery of ankle function.
Ankle Injuries/drug therapy*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Talus/injuries*
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Retrospective Studies
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Administration, Cutaneous
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Humans
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Male
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Female
;
Young Adult
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Adult
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Contusions/etiology*
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Visual Analog Scale
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Musculoskeletal Pain/etiology*
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Recovery of Function/drug effects*
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Treatment Outcome
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Follow-Up Studies
9.Curative effect of ear acupoint bean pressing in improving gastrointestinal function and gastrointestinal hormone level after laparoscopic hysteromyoma operation
Jinhua HUANG ; Wenye ZHANG ; Xiaofeng YOU ; Jing XIAO ; Liurong ZHENG ; Jilai LIU ; Mei WANG ; Shujing XIANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):516-522
Objective:To investigate the effect of ear acupoint bean pressing on gastrointestinal motility and related hormones after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ear acupoint bean pressing.Methods:Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy in the Department of Gynecology of The People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Univer-sity of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2022 to December 2023 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 57 patients in each group.The experimental group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and ear acupoint bean pressing(targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic),and the control group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and sham ear acupoint bean pressing(containing no Vaccaria seed,targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic).After the intervention,the time to first postoperative passing of flatus and defecation,clinical efficacy,and changes in gastrointestinal hormone levels were compared between the two groups.Results:The time to first postoperative passing of flatus[20.31(17.52,22.38)h vs.21.51(18.53,28.15)h]and defecation[35.32(31.47,39.17)h vs.38.12(33.44,42.78)h]in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the clinical efficacy was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differ-ences in motilin(MTL),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SS),and substance P(SP)levels between the two groups before operation(P>0.05).The MTL and GAS levels were increased and the SS and SP levels were decreased after operation.The MTL[(451.52±54.33)pg/mL vs.(476.24±56.35)pg/mL]and GAS[150.50(133.93,164.52)pg/mL vs.173.44(154.45,184.63)pg/mL]levels at 24 h after operation in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the SS[38.34(33.24,40.23)pg/mL vs.33.36(29.13,38.76)pg/mL]level at 24 h after operation was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),with no significant change in the SP level(P>0.05).The results of repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimation equation showed that there were significant differences in the time effect and interaction effect of MTL(P<0.05),a significant difference in the time effect of SP(P<0.05),and significant differences in the time effect,intergroup effect,and interaction effect of GAS and SS(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ear acupoint bean pressing has significant effect on abdominal distension after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,ef-fectively regulates the level of gastrointestinal motility related hormones,and promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function.
10.Improvement effect of rehabilitation nursing based on IKAP theory on patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Ting-Ting XIA ; Wen-Fang CHEN ; Jie LIU ; Xiao-Wen TAN ; Juan LI ; Yan-Yan ZHANG ; Yu-Mei CAO ; Song XU ; Ting-Ling ZHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(5):438-443
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the improvement effect of rehabilitation nursing based on information-knowledge-belief-behavior (IKAP) theory on urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy.
METHODS
Sixty-six patients with urinary incontinence who received robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected and divided into control group (n=33) and observation group (n=33) according to random number table method. The patients in the control group were treated with rehabilitation nursing. The patients in the observation group were treated with rehabilitation nursing guided by IKAP theory. The recovery of urinary incontinence, duration of urinary incontinence, subjective well-being, quality of life, psychological and emotional indexes of patients in the two groups were compared. Results: The total effective rate of urinary incontinence recovery in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (90.91% vs 60.61%,P<0.05). The duration of urinary incontinence in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ([3.36±1.54]d vs [4.15±1.36]d,P<0.05). And the subjective well-being score in observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ([19.36±2.69]points vs [11.65±2.65]points, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative physical function, social function,and mental health scores between the two groups (P>0.05). And all scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the preoperative SAS and SDS scores between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). And the scores of SAS and SDS in observation group were lower than those of the control group after the operation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation nursing based on IKAP theory can significantly improve urinary incontinence in patients with prostate cancer after surgery, which promotes the recovery of urinary incontinence, shortens the time of urinary incontinence, and improves the subjective well-being and quality of life, as well as reduces the negative impact of negative emotions. Therefore, it can be widely promoted and implemented in clinical practice.
Humans
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Prostatectomy/adverse effects*
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Urinary Incontinence/etiology*
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Male
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Quality of Life
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Rehabilitation Nursing
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Middle Aged
;
Aged


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