OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of acupuncture on improving ovarian hypofunction in aged rats from two perspectives: the overall regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and the local ovarian follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. METHODS: Six 3-month-old female SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as the blank group. Another twelve 9-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with six rats in each. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV20), "Guanyuan" (CV4), and bilateral "Ciliao" (BL32) for 20 min per session, once every other day, for a total of 10 sessions. Vaginal smear tests were performed daily to observe the estrous cycle of the rats. Ovarian morphology was observed using HE staining, and follicles at various stages were counted. ELISA was used to detect levels of serum FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E₂), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary FSH and LH, and ovarian cAMP. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, FSH receptor (FSHR), and P450. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of FSHR and P450 in ovarian tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed an increased rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), reduced granulosa cell layers with blurred boundaries and disordered arrangement, decreased numbers of developing follicles at all stages, and increased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum levels of FSH and LH were increased (P<0.01), while E₂ and AMH levels were decreased (P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian cAMP level was decreased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were reduced (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a reduced rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), clear granulosa cell margins, increased numbers of primordial and secondary follicles, and decreased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while E₂ and AMH levels were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and ovarian cAMP level was increased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Acupuncture could delay ovarian hypofunction in aged rats, possibly through regulating the HPO axis and the FSH/cAMP signaling pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/genetics* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Ovary/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Cyclic AMP/metabolism* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism* ; Aging/metabolism* ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Pituitary Gland/metabolism* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism*

Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection demonstrates the anti-prostate cancer (PCa) effects, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of XAP on PCa and elucidate its mechanism of action. PCa cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through Hoechst staining and Western blotting assays. Proteomics technology was employed to identify key molecules and significant signaling pathways modulated by XAP in PCa cells. To further validate potential key genes and important pathways, a series of assays were conducted, including acridine orange (AO) staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence assays. The molecular mechanism of XAP against PCa in vivo was examined using a PC3 xenograft mouse model. Results demonstrated that XAP significantly inhibited cell proliferation in multiple PCa cell lines. In C4-2 and prostate cancer cell line-3 (PC3) cells, XAP induced cellular apoptosis, evidenced by reduced B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels and elevated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) levels. Proteomic, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) investigations revealed a strong correlation between forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) autophagic degradation and the anti-PCa action of XAP. XAP hindered autophagy by reducing the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5)/autophagy-related protein 12 (Atg12) and enhancing FoxO3a expression and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, XAP exhibited potent anti-PCa action in PC3 xenograft mice and triggered FoxO3a nuclear translocation in tumor tissue. These findings suggest that XAP induces PCa apoptosis via inhibition of FoxO3a autophagic degradation, potentially offering a novel perspective on XAP injection as an effective anticancer therapy for PCa.
Male ; Humans ; Prostatic Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Proteomics ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Acute kidney injury(AKI)is a common clinical syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality.It's pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple pathophysiological processes,including inflammatory responses,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,apoptosis,and immune dysregulation. Recent studies had shown that AKI is an independent risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD), significantly impacting patient outcomes. As key effector cells in the immune response, T cells play a crucial role throughout the onset, progression and repair phases of AKI.

Objective To explore the efficacy of bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback on facial nerve function recovery in patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy. Methods Patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy admitted to Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University from July 2022 to July 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received conventional physical factor therapy, while the intervention group received bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback therapy based on the control group’s regimen. After 20 treatment sessions, the total effective rate, the House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve grading system, the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) score, and the average value ratio of maximal amplitudes of bilateral frontalis and zygomaticus muscles were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 90 patients were included, 45 in each group. After 20 treatment sessions, the total effective rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (84.4% vs 75.6%, P＝0.003). Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly lower H-B grade (P＝0.003) and a higher SFGS score (P＝0.001). The average value ratios of maximal amplitudes of the affected versus healthy side frontalis (P＝0.013) and zygomatic (P＝0.022) muscles were higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusions Bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback is an effective approach for treating idiopathic facial nerve palsy, effectively promoting the recovery of facial nerve function, and improving facial symmetry and facial muscle function.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of WeChat group integrating with BOPPPS instructional model in the standardized training of nurses in an orthopedics department.Methods A total of 56 nurses in orthopedical standardized training from a hospital were selected and divided into a control group(28 nurses from September 2022 to August 2023)and an interven-tion group(28 nurses trained via WeChat groups and the BOPPPS model from September 2023 to August 2024).The two groups were compared in terms of their final assessment scores,critical thinking,and self-directed learning capabilities.Results After training,the intervention group had significantly higher scores in the final assessment,all items of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory,and all dimensions of the Learning Ability Assessment Scale compared to the control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion WeChat groups combined with the BOPPPS teaching mode effectively improves the self-directed learning ability,critical thinking skills,and assessment results of orthopedic nurses.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy,safety and patient compliance of a quadruple therapy containing minocycline compared with the traditional quadruple therapy in the treatment of Helicobacter(H.)pylori.Methods This study included 200 H.pylori positive patients,with 100 assigned to the minocycline-containing bismuth quadruple therapy group(LBMC group)and the other 100 to the amoxicillin-containing bismuth quadruple therapy group(LBAC group).After matching the two groups of patients using the propensity score matching(PSM)method,there were 86 cases in each group.Telephone follow-up was conducted on the 14th day after the start of treatment to record patient medication compliance and adverse drug reactions.A 13C urea breath test was performed for re-examination at least one month after completing the treatment plan and discontinuing medication.The intention-to-treat(ITT)and per-protocol(PP)analyses were used to compare the H.pylori eradication rates between the two groups,and Chi-square test and t-test were used for intergroup comparison.Results In the ITT analysis,the eradication rates of the LBMC group and the LBAC group were 89.5%(77/86,95%CI:82.9%～96.1%)and 82.6%(71/86,95%CI:74.4%～90.7%),respectively.In the PP analysis,the eradication rates were 92.6%(75/81,95%CI:86.8%～98.4%)and 88.8%(71/80,95%CI:81.7%～95.8%),respectively.The adverse reaction rate of the LBMC group was 27.9%(24/86),and that of the LBAC group 31.4%(27/86),showing no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).In terms of compliance,the LBMC group was 94.2%(81/86),and the LBAC group 93.0%(80/86),revealing no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion As a first-line treatment for eradicating H.pylori,regimens containing minocycline demonstrate equivalent eradication rates to those containing amoxicillin,with similar safety and compliance.They can be used as an alternative treatment for patients allergic to penicillin.

Objectives:To analyze the correlation between the the body shape index(ABSI)and all-cause mortality(ACM)as well as cardiovascular mortality(CVM)in patients with acute heart failure.Methods:This study analyzed data from the National Registration Study of Major Chronic Diseases,a prospective cohort on heart failure.A total of 4 907 patients with acute heart failure were enrolled from multiple centers nationwide,of which 4 375 were eligible for this study.The relationships of between body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,and ABSI with ACM and CVM were assessed using multivariable cox proportional hazards models.Results:The mean age of the patients was(65.0±13.4)years,62.3%was male.The median follow-up time was 4.6(4.59,4.65)years,there were 1 972(45.1%)ACM and 1 400(32.0%)CVM.Multivariable cox regression analysis showed that higher ABSI was associated with an increased risk of mortality.Compared to the second quartile of ABSI,the hazard ratio(HR)for the highest(fourth)quartile were 1.29(95%CI:1.14-1.46,P<0.05)for ACM and 1.23(95%CI:1.06-1.43,P<0.05)for CVM.In contrast,BMI and waist circumference were inversely associated with risks of both ACM and CVM.Conclusions:ABSI can more intuitively reflect the correlation between obesity and death in patients with heart failure than BMI and waist circumference,which has important clinical significance.

Objective:To systematically integrate the qualitative research results on the exercise experience and needs of patients with Parkinson's disease at home and abroad, and to provide a reference for formulating exercise management plans that are in line with the feelings of patients with Parkinson's disease.Methods:Computer retrieval was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and ProQuest for qualitative studies on the exercise experience of patients with Parkinson's disease. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the databases to August 8, 2024.Results:A total of 14 articles were included, and 34 research results were extracted. Similar research results were grouped into 11 new categories and integrated into 4 integrated results, namely the incentive factors for patients with Parkinson's disease to participate in exercise, the perceived benefits of patients with Parkinson's disease in exercise, the perceived difficulties of patients with Parkinson's disease in exercise, and the needs of patients with Parkinson's disease to participate in exercise.Conclusions:Exercise has a positive effect on improving the physical and mental conditions of patients with Parkinson's disease. Medical staff should fully consider the needs of patients and formulate safe and reasonable exercise plans to improve the motor life ability of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Objective:To summarize ICU acquired weakness (ICU-AW) assessment tools from both domestic and international sources, providing a reference for healthcare providers in evaluating ICU-AW.Methods:Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scope reviews, a computer search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc for relevant information on ICU-AW assessment tools. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to March 31, 2024. Two researchers independently summarized and analyzed the included literature.Results:A total of 14 articles were included, of which seven focused on the development/construction of prediction models, and seven were related to assessment tools, involving 17 different ICU-AW assessment tools.Conclusions:Researchers should develop and construct ICU-AW risk assessment tools with low bias risk and high clinical applicability based on existing ICU-AW assessment tools, providing effective instruments for the precise health management of ICU patients.

Objective:To summarize the best evidence for frailty management in patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer, so as to provide reference for alleviating patient frailty.Methods:Guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials and other articles on the frailty management of patients with postoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer were electronically searched in computerized decision-making systems such as UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, and Guidelines International Network, in comprehensive databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, and in the websites of professional societies. The search period was from database establishment to September 15, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and evaluated the quality of the included literature, combining professional judgment to extract and summarize the best evidence.Results:A total of 18 papers were included, including two clinical decisions, one evidence summary, eight guidelines, two expert consensus, one systematic review, one randomized controlled trial, two quasi-experimental studies, and one observational study. The best evidence included a total of 34 pieces in seven aspects of comprehensive screening, nursing plan construction, preoperative prehabilitation, nutritional interventions, Chinese medicine interventions, exercise interventions, and psychological interventions for frailty.Conclusions:The summary of the best evidence for frailty management in patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer may provide an evidence-based basis for frailty interventions by clinical medical and staff.