BACKGROUND:Currently,there are many modeling methods for pelvic organ prolapse animal models,and the commonly used methods are vaginal balloon dilatation,oophorectomy and the combination of the two.There is no study comparing the three modeling methods in detail.OBJECTIVE:To construct and validate a rat animal model of pelvic organ prolapse using three different methods and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of various models.METHODS:Seventy-two 8-week SPF-grade female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups,namely,vaginal balloon dilatation group,ovariectomy group,ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation group(the combined group),and the sham-operated group(no ovariectomy and no vaginal dilatation).The vaginal wall tissues of rats were collected at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,EVG staining and immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 detection,and the pelvic floor muscle tissues were taken at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining and EVG staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hematoxylin-eosi staining showed that there was no significant difference in the decrease of vaginal epithelial layer thickness in the vaginal balloon dilatation group compared with the sham-operated group,(P＞0.05),while the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group and the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.001),and the reduction was more significant in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,remained stable at 8 weeks after surgery and lasted until 12 weeks.(2)The changes in the content of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the vaginal wall stained by Masson and EVG staining were the same as the changes in the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer stained by hematoxylin-eosin,and there were no changes in collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the pelvic floor muscle tissues of the treatment groups.(3)At 4,8 and 12 weeks after treatment,there was no significant difference in the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the vaginal wall tissue of the balloon dilation group compared with the control group(P＞0.05),whereas the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and Vimentin were significantly decreased in the ovariectomy group and ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.01)and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 showed a significant increase(P＜0.01),with a more pronounced increase in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,and the increase reached a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and could persist up to 12 weeks.To conclude,vaginal balloon dilatation could not maintain the degeneration of pelvic organ prolapse formed by the vaginal wall for a long period,and both ovariectomy and the combined method can be used.Ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation can significantly accelerate and aggravate the formation of typical histological features of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal wall tissues,effectively shorten the experimental period,and improve the efficiency.These effects reach a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and can be sustained up to 12 weeks,which is practical and convenient for the study of pelvic organ prolapse animal models.

Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr . Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr ). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.

BACKGROUND:Currently,there are many modeling methods for pelvic organ prolapse animal models,and the commonly used methods are vaginal balloon dilatation,oophorectomy and the combination of the two.There is no study comparing the three modeling methods in detail.OBJECTIVE:To construct and validate a rat animal model of pelvic organ prolapse using three different methods and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of various models.METHODS:Seventy-two 8-week SPF-grade female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups,namely,vaginal balloon dilatation group,ovariectomy group,ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation group(the combined group),and the sham-operated group(no ovariectomy and no vaginal dilatation).The vaginal wall tissues of rats were collected at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,EVG staining and immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 detection,and the pelvic floor muscle tissues were taken at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining and EVG staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hematoxylin-eosi staining showed that there was no significant difference in the decrease of vaginal epithelial layer thickness in the vaginal balloon dilatation group compared with the sham-operated group,(P＞0.05),while the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group and the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.001),and the reduction was more significant in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,remained stable at 8 weeks after surgery and lasted until 12 weeks.(2)The changes in the content of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the vaginal wall stained by Masson and EVG staining were the same as the changes in the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer stained by hematoxylin-eosin,and there were no changes in collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the pelvic floor muscle tissues of the treatment groups.(3)At 4,8 and 12 weeks after treatment,there was no significant difference in the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the vaginal wall tissue of the balloon dilation group compared with the control group(P＞0.05),whereas the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and Vimentin were significantly decreased in the ovariectomy group and ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.01)and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 showed a significant increase(P＜0.01),with a more pronounced increase in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,and the increase reached a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and could persist up to 12 weeks.To conclude,vaginal balloon dilatation could not maintain the degeneration of pelvic organ prolapse formed by the vaginal wall for a long period,and both ovariectomy and the combined method can be used.Ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation can significantly accelerate and aggravate the formation of typical histological features of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal wall tissues,effectively shorten the experimental period,and improve the efficiency.These effects reach a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and can be sustained up to 12 weeks,which is practical and convenient for the study of pelvic organ prolapse animal models.

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.

This paper summarizes Professor AI Rudi's experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin pruritus based on the "unity of restoring form， regulating qi， and harmonizing spirit"， employing internal herbal medicine combined with external treatments. It is believed that the core pathogenesis of pruritus is the "imbalance of form， qi， and spirit"， with disturbed spirit as the onset， disordered qi as the key pathogenic factor， and physical changes as the manifestation of the disease. The treatment principle follows "restoring form-regulating qi-harmonizing spirit"， with a combination of internal and external therapies， and differentiation based on deficiency and excess. For excess conditions caused by pathogenic disturbances to the heart spirit， treatment is based on different patterns of wind-heat， damp-heat， and blood-heat， using Sangye （Morus alba）-Sangbaipi （Morus alba cortex）-Longchi （Draconis os） to disperse wind and clear heat， calm the spirit； Difuzi （Kochia scoparia）-Qinghao （Artemisia annua）-Tanxiang （Santalum album） to clear damp-heat and aromatically open the spirit； Mudanpi （Paeonia suffruticosa）-Chuanxiong （Ligusticum chuanxiong）-Shuiniujiao （Bubalus bubalis cornua） to cool the blood， activate circulation， and calm the spirit. For deficiency conditions caused by insufficient nourishment of the heart spirit， treatment is based on patterns of qi deficiency or blood deficiency， using Huangqi （Astragalus membranaceus）-Fuping （Lemna minor）-Wuweizi （Schisandra chinensis） to tonify the qi and stabilize the exterior； Heshouwu （Polygonum multiflorum）-Jili （Tribulus terrestris）-Shouwuteng （Polygonum multiflorum vine） to nourish the blood， moisten dryness， and calm the spirit. External treatments integrate traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as medicinal baths， gua sha， and ear acupuncture， with custom herbal wash formulas for restoring form， jojoba oil gua sha for regulating qi， and ear seed therapy using Wangbuliuxing （Vaccaria segetalis） for harmonizing the spirit， achieving a holistic treatment effect for form， qi， and spirit.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.