Objective: To investigate the effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in a rat model of insomnia and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: According to the random number table, 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, auricular point sticking, auricular bloodletting, and auricular bloodletting combined with sticking groups, with 12 rats per group. Insomnia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine. After establishing the insomnia model, 36 rats were treated once a day with auricular point sticking or bloodletting for 5 consecutive days. After the intervention, the general condition and body weight of rats were observed; the righting reflex test was used to detect the sleep latency and duration; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hypothalamic neuron cells; and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the GABA and glutamate content in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of rats, and Western blotting(WB) was used to detect GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, GAD65/67, GAT-1, and GABA-T protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats. Results: Compared with the blank control group, the model group had a lower body weight, a significantly shorter sleep duration (P<0.05), severe damage to the morphological structure of hypothalamic neurons with disordered cell arrangement, larger intercellular gaps, enlarged cell bodies, and a vacuolated appearance. All the intervention groups had significantly higher body weight and longer sleep duration than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the other intervention groups, the auricular point sticking group had a longer sleep duration (P<0.05), and the hypothalamic neuron cells in all intervention groups improved, with the auricular point sticking group showing more apparent improvement. The model group had a lower GABA and higher glutamate contents, and GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus were lower than in the blank control group. In contrast, GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression was higher, and GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression was lower (P<0.05). The serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting groups was higher, and the serum glutamate content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups was lower than in the model group. GABA ARα1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of each intervention group was significantly increased, and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups increased. GABA ARα1(IHC, WB), GABA ARγ2(WB), and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC, WB) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased, whereas GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARγ1(IHC) and GABA ARγ2(WB) protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting combined sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with in the inventation groups, the serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking group increased, the serum glutamate content decreased, GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus increased, and GABA ARα1(IHC), GAD65/67 protein expression increased. In contrast, GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Auricular therapy, particularly auricular point sticking, may have modulated the GABAergic system pathway by upregulating hypothalamic GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression while downregulating GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression to alleviate symptoms in an insomnia rat model.

AIM:This study aimed to utilize network pharmacology and an anxiety rat model to investigate the intervention targets and underlying mechanisms of Baixiangdan capsule(BXD)in the treatment of anxiety-like behavior.METHODS:We screened the action targets of BXD on the anxiety model using network pharmacology,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis of the identified targets.Additionally,we evaluated the effects of BXD on rat anxiety behaviors induced by foot shock,with measurement of serum level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor(JIK),and the protein levels of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),phos-phorylated JNK(p-JNK)and JIK in the left hippocampus and hypothalamus.RESULTS:A total of 97 targets,including the dopamine D1/D3 receptors,were identified as intersection targets.GO enrichment analysis indicated that target pro-teins were significantly involved in molecular functions such as catecholamine binding,receptor activation,and signal transduction.KEGG pathway analysis revealed that neural receptor-ligand pathways,including dopaminergic synapses(15%)and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction(18%),were notably represented.In behavioral experiments,BXD and diazepam treatments significantly reduced total path in the open-field test(P＜0.01),while the number of entries into the central region increased(P＜0.05).Additionally,the percentage of entry times of the open arm and the percentage of time spent in the open arm were also increased(P＜0.01).Furthermore,BXD treatment led to decreased ratio of p-JNK/JNK and increased level of JIK(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:The traditional Chinese medicine BXD demonstrates a promising efficacy in alleviating anxiety-like behaviors in model rats.It operates through a multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway approach,primarily by modulating the JIK/JNK signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the value of tumor volume to uterine volume ratio (N/U) combined with the expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), sugar antigen 199 (CA199) and human epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) in evaluating the pathologic grade and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC) .Methods:A total of 160 EC patients admitted to Linyi Central Hospital from Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023 were divided into low-grade group and high-grade group according to FIGO grading method, and were divided into poor prognosis group and good prognosis group according to cancer death, recrudescence. The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in patients with different pathologic grades and prognosis were compared. COX regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of EC adverse prognosis, ROC curve was used to analyze the value of N/U combined with serum AFP, CA199 and HE4 in predicting EC adverse prognosis, and a nomogram model was constructed.Results:Pathological examination of 160 EC patients showed that 12 cases were non-endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 148 cases were endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 41 cases were high-grade and 119 cases were low-grade.According to the follow-up, 94 of the 160 EC patients had good prognosis and 66 had poor prognosis. The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group ( P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that high levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 were all factors affecting the poor prognosis of EC patients ( P<0.05). The AUC value of combined detection of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in predicting adverse prognosis of EC patients was higher than that of single detection ( Z=3.140, 3.658, 4.277, 4.378, P<0.05) .The ROC curve AUC (95% CI) of the training set and the validation set were 0.84 (0.77-0.92) and 0.90 (0.81-0.98) respectively for the training set and the validation set to predict the adverse prognosis of EC patients. Calibration curve results showed that the calibration curve for EC patients predicted by the nomogram model was close to the ideal curve ( P=0.521, 0.743). The DCA curve shows that the probability threshold of the nomogram model has a higher positive net return at 20%~100%. Conclusion:The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in EC patients are related to the pathologic grade, and the combined detection of these indicators can predict the poor prognosis of EC patients, and the nomogram model constructed based on these indicators has high predictive value.

Objective:To investigate the value of tumor volume to uterine volume ratio (N/U) combined with the expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), sugar antigen 199 (CA199) and human epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) in evaluating the pathologic grade and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC) .Methods:A total of 160 EC patients admitted to Linyi Central Hospital from Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023 were divided into low-grade group and high-grade group according to FIGO grading method, and were divided into poor prognosis group and good prognosis group according to cancer death, recrudescence. The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in patients with different pathologic grades and prognosis were compared. COX regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of EC adverse prognosis, ROC curve was used to analyze the value of N/U combined with serum AFP, CA199 and HE4 in predicting EC adverse prognosis, and a nomogram model was constructed.Results:Pathological examination of 160 EC patients showed that 12 cases were non-endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 148 cases were endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 41 cases were high-grade and 119 cases were low-grade.According to the follow-up, 94 of the 160 EC patients had good prognosis and 66 had poor prognosis. The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group ( P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that high levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 were all factors affecting the poor prognosis of EC patients ( P<0.05). The AUC value of combined detection of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in predicting adverse prognosis of EC patients was higher than that of single detection ( Z=3.140, 3.658, 4.277, 4.378, P<0.05) .The ROC curve AUC (95% CI) of the training set and the validation set were 0.84 (0.77-0.92) and 0.90 (0.81-0.98) respectively for the training set and the validation set to predict the adverse prognosis of EC patients. Calibration curve results showed that the calibration curve for EC patients predicted by the nomogram model was close to the ideal curve ( P=0.521, 0.743). The DCA curve shows that the probability threshold of the nomogram model has a higher positive net return at 20%~100%. Conclusion:The levels of N/U, AFP, CA199 and HE4 in EC patients are related to the pathologic grade, and the combined detection of these indicators can predict the poor prognosis of EC patients, and the nomogram model constructed based on these indicators has high predictive value.

Objective To explore the work experiences and needs of nutrition specialist nurses,so as to provide a basis in career development and management practices among the nutrition specialist nurses.Methods A method of descriptive phenomenological research was adopted in this study.Purposive sampling was used to select 12 nutrition specialist nurses who came from different regions across the country with over one year of clinical working experiences as well as had completed the specialist training and been qualified by the Nutrition Committee of Guangdong Nursing Association between January and February 2024.Semi-structured on-line interviews were conducted among the participants and the data acquired from the interviews were analysed and summarised.Themes were extracted using NVivo12 and Colaizzi's seven-step analysis from the data from interview.Results Three main themes and eight sub-themes were identified regarding the work experience of nutrition specialist nurses:growth and gains(continuously learning in nutrition therapy-related knowledge to enhance professional skills;actively practice in nutrition therapy to achieve the self-worth);sense of responsibility and mission(increased awareness of responsibility and proactive services;sense of mission to cultivate talents and promotion of the development of nutrition nursing discipline);challenges(lack of an established role in nutrition nursing,conflict in responsibilities;insufficient communication in a medical team regarding nutrition therapy;limited resource to support the development of nutrition nursing;and the professional knowledge and skills unable to fully meet the job demands).Conclusion Hospitals managers should strengthen the support and training for nutrition specialist nurses,clarify their roles,leverage their professional value and promote the career development.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and analyze the causes of complications of allogeneic decellularized dermal matrix grafts in the treatment of gingival recession using tunneling technology.Methods:Sixty patients with single or multiple gingival re-cession were randomly divided into an allogeneic decellularized matrix(ADM)group and a connective tissue(SCTG)group.Tunne-ling technique(TUN)were used in both groups to cover the root surface,and the gingival margin position,gingival margin morpholo-gy,and mucogingival junction position of the affected teeth at 1 week,3 weeks,3 months,and 6 months after surgery were observed.Check and record the gingival recession depth(RD)and mean root coverage(MRC)at the implant site before and 6 months after surgery.Record patient satisfaction at 3 weeks and 6 months after surgery.Results:Compared with the traditional SCTG group,the MRC of the ADM group was significantly lower before surgery and 6 months after surgery(P＜0.05).The satisfaction level of the ADM group was higher 3 weeks after surgery,with a significant difference compared to the SCTG group(P＜0.05).But 6 months after surgery,the satisfaction levels of the two groups tended to be consistent,with no significant difference.After TUN+ADM surgery,there was 1 case of abscess infection lesion,and another 3 cases showed local tissue necrosis at the gingival margin one week after surgery.After 3 months of treatment,the gingival color of these 4 patients was pink and tough texture,without swelling and bleeding.Conclusion:Although ADM is slightly inferior to SCTG in the treatment of gingival recession,it may be related to poor postoperative tissue healing complications.However,as long as it is handled properly,long-term follow-up observations have shown that gingival tissue can still achieve complete healing.TUN+ADM is a highly effective treatment for gingival recession and is suitable for further clinical application.

Objective:To explore the influencing factors of the use of intravenous therapy specialist nurses and construct a theoretical framework, so as to provide reference for developing intervention measures and improving the use of intravenous therapy specialist nurses.Methods:The grounded theory research method was used. From July to August 2024, 17 intravenous therapy managers/specialist nurses from six ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals in Beijing City and Hebei Province were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling for semi-structured interviews. NVivo 12.0 was used for data analysis, including open, axial, and selective coding.Results:A total of 79 initial concepts were extracted and summarized into 25 domains, which were consolidated into five main domains, including organizational management and support, personal characteristics and professional identity, team collaboration and communication, work performance and incentive mechanisms, and external environment and opportunities. On this basis, a theoretical framework for factors influencing the use of intravenous therapy specialist nurses was constructed.Conclusions:This study constructs a theoretical framework for factors influencing the use of intravenous therapy specialist nurses. Managers can leverage this theoretical framework to develop targeted intervention strategies that enhance the effectiveness of intravenous therapy specialist nurses and optimize the allocation of nursing human resources.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Sheng Mai San mixed Jiawei Sheng Xian Tang on patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)of Qi deficiency blood stasis type,and its impact on the immune inflammatory response of patients.Methods Ninety patients with HFrEF of Qi deficiency blood stasis type were selected and divided into two groups according to the treatment plan.Patients of the conventional group(42 cases)took sacubitril/valsartan sodium tablets orally.Patients of the combined group(48 cases)were treated with Sheng Mai San combined with Jiawei Sheng Xian Tang on the basis of the conventional group,one dose per day,and divided it in two servings used in the morning and evening.The symptoms of the patients were evaluated by using traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score before and after the treatment respectively.Echocardiography technology was used to measure the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect pentaggrin 3(PTX3),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),galectin-3(Gal-3),interleukin(IL)-8,IL-6,IL-33 and angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ).N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)was detected by immunofluorescence analysis.The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on the symptoms and the New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function classification in the United States.Results After treatment,the levels of TCM syndrome scores,LVEDD,TNF-α,PTX3,IL-8,IL-6,IL-33,NT-proBNP,Gal-3 and AngⅡ decreased in both groups,and those in the combined group were lower than those in the conventional group(P＜0.05).The LVEF increased,and which were higher in the combined group than those of the conventional group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the total effective rate of the combined group was higher than that of the conventional group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The Sheng Mai San mixed Jiawei Sheng Xian Tang as adjuvant therapy can effectively reduce the levels of immune inflammatory cytokines in HFrEF patients of Qi deficiency blood stasis type,improve their clinical symptoms and enhance therapeutic effect.

Objective:To explore the experience of emotion management and program needs of patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) from the doctor-nurse-patient perspective.Methods:This study was a phenomenological study in qualitative research. Using purposive sampling method, four medical specialists, four nursing specialists, and 10 patients with VVS from the Syncope Center of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University were selected from March to May 2024 for semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis was used to analyze the data.Results:Theme 1 was the initial perception and experience of emotion management, in which the doctor-nurse perspective included two sub-themes of emotion management met the actual needs of clinical patients and the management program was too specialized and unknown, and the patient perspective included three sub-themes of differences in the ability of individuals to recognize their own emotional state, lack of knowledge related to emotion management, and lack of social support. Theme 2 was the need for emotion management programs, in which the doctor-nurse perspective involved two sub-themes of multidisciplinary cooperation, suitable for clinical operation and follow-up, and the combination of online and offline, and in-hospital and out-of-hospital linkage, and the patient perspective involved two sub-themes of the need for healthcare guidance, easy to operate, and the diversification of forms, personalization, and meeting the needs of different populations.Conclusions:The content of emotion management is relatively unknown to doctors, nurses and patients, and even more so to patients. VVS emotion management work is still in its infancy, and emotion management as a branch of rehabilitation needs to be emphasized for its development, and psychological assessment and intervention work should be incorporated into the routine of syncope rehabilitation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and analyze the causes of complications of allogeneic decellularized dermal matrix grafts in the treatment of gingival recession using tunneling technology.Methods:Sixty patients with single or multiple gingival re-cession were randomly divided into an allogeneic decellularized matrix(ADM)group and a connective tissue(SCTG)group.Tunne-ling technique(TUN)were used in both groups to cover the root surface,and the gingival margin position,gingival margin morpholo-gy,and mucogingival junction position of the affected teeth at 1 week,3 weeks,3 months,and 6 months after surgery were observed.Check and record the gingival recession depth(RD)and mean root coverage(MRC)at the implant site before and 6 months after surgery.Record patient satisfaction at 3 weeks and 6 months after surgery.Results:Compared with the traditional SCTG group,the MRC of the ADM group was significantly lower before surgery and 6 months after surgery(P＜0.05).The satisfaction level of the ADM group was higher 3 weeks after surgery,with a significant difference compared to the SCTG group(P＜0.05).But 6 months after surgery,the satisfaction levels of the two groups tended to be consistent,with no significant difference.After TUN+ADM surgery,there was 1 case of abscess infection lesion,and another 3 cases showed local tissue necrosis at the gingival margin one week after surgery.After 3 months of treatment,the gingival color of these 4 patients was pink and tough texture,without swelling and bleeding.Conclusion:Although ADM is slightly inferior to SCTG in the treatment of gingival recession,it may be related to poor postoperative tissue healing complications.However,as long as it is handled properly,long-term follow-up observations have shown that gingival tissue can still achieve complete healing.TUN+ADM is a highly effective treatment for gingival recession and is suitable for further clinical application.