BACKGROUND:Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,Apelin-13 plays an effective role in the treatment of common clinical diseases such as neuroinflammation,cardiovascular injury and pneumonia.However,there is no relevant basic research on whether Apelin-13 also has a good effect in the treatment of inflammatory bone loss. OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Apelin-13 on inflammatory bone loss,in order to find potential drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bone loss. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells were divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group.The control group was only added with DMEM complete medium;lipopolysaccharide group was added with lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)induced inflammation DMEM medium;and the treatment group was added with 10 nmol/L Apelin-13+lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation DMEM medium.Then,24 hours after lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation,western blot was used to detect the marker proteins inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD86 of M1 macrophages,and cell immunofluorescence was extracted to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase.Finally,the same amount of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL;50 ng/ml)was added to the control group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group to induce osteoclasts.The results of osteoclast induction were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining after 6 days of induction.(2)In vivo experiment:Eighteen male C57bl/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group.The sham group received intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL of PBS;the lipopolysaccharide group was injected with 0.1 mL of PBS diluent containing lipopolysaccharide(5 mg/kg);and the treatment group was injected with 0.1 mL of PBS diluent containing lipopolysaccharide(5 mg/kg)+Apelin-13(100 μg/kg).After 7 days of continuous intraperitoneal injection,the mice in each group were killed on the 8th day,and two femurs of each mouse were collected.Half of them were scanned by micro-CT and analyzed by bone mineral density,and the other half were stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Western blot results showed that the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD86 in the lipopolysaccharide group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and Apelin-13 could significantly inhibit the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide.Cell immunofluorescence results also showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the treatment group was lower than that in the lipopolysaccharide group.Besides,tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining results showed that Apelin-13 inhibited the abnormal activation and bone resorption of lipopolysaccharide induced osteoclasts.(2)In vivo experiment:The results of micro-CT showed that systemic inflammation led to significant bone loss in the distal femur,while Apelin-13 could significantly inhibit bone loss in vivo.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results also showed that Apelin-13 could effectively alleviate inflammation induced bone loss in the distal femur of mice.To conclude,Apelin-13 can alleviate bone loss induced by systemic inflammation by inhibiting M1 polarization of macrophages,inhibiting abnormal activation of osteoclasts and bone resorption.

Objective: To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs. Methods: Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test. Results: From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students. Conclusion Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.

OBJECTIVE To construct and apply drug utilization evaluation （DUE） criteria for low-dose rivaroxaban in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease （ASCVD） based on the dual pathway inhibition （DPI） antithrombotic therapy scheme， to promote clinical rational drug use. METHODS Based on the instructions and relevant guidelines of low-dose rivaroxaban （2.5 mg， bid）， the Delphi method was used to establish the DUE criteria for low-dose rivaroxaban used in ASCVD. Weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution method was used to determine the relative weights of each evaluation index， and the rationality of the filing medical records of discharged patients using low-dose rivaroxaban for ASCVD at Anqing Municipal Hospital from February 2024 to January 2025 was evaluated. RESULTS The established DUE criteria included 3 primary indicators （medication indications， medication process， medication results） and 11 secondary indicators （such as indications， contraindications， etc.）. The higher weighted secondary indicators being contraindications （0.117 9） and indications （0.112 1）. A total of 265 medical records were included for evaluation. The evaluation results showed that 192 cases （72.45%） had reasonable medical records， 69 cases （26.04%） had basic reasonable medical records， and 4 cases （1.51%） had unreasonable medical records； unreasonable types mainly included inappropriate combination therapy， inappropriate usage and dosage， inappropriate post- medication monitoring， and inappropriate drug switching， etc. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a DUE criteria for low-dose rivaroxaban in ASCVD based on the DPI antithrombotic treatment regimen， and the evaluation results are intuitive， reliable， and quantifiable. The use of low-dose rivaroxaban in ASCVD patients in our hospital is relatively reasonable， but further management needs to be strengthened.

In the era of big data, neuroimaging and algorithmic analyses have propelled brain science research and brain mapping. Acupuncture, widely recognized as an effective surface stimulation therapy, has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for various brain conditions such as stroke and depression. However, the mechanisms linking acupuncture to brain function and its modulatory effects on brain activity require systematic exploration. Additionally, there is an urgent need to scientifically reinterpret traditional meridian theory and enhance its clinical applicability. Therefore, we propose the initiative of constructing a "brain mapping atlas of meridian, collateral and body surface stimulation" to explore the patterns linking the therapeutic effects of stimulating the twelve meridians, eight extraordinary vessels, divergent channels, collateral channels, sinew channels, and skin regions to brain function. This initiative aims to provide a scientific interpretation of traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory and enhance its practical applicability. This paper begins by reviewing the current state of brain mapping. It then summarizes existing research on the relationship between acupuncture and the brain, highlighting the necessity of constructing this atlas. The paper further analyzes the methodologies and technical challenges involved. Finally, the potential applications of the brain mapping atlas of meridian, collateral and body surface stimulation, and its main significance in advancing traditional meridian theory to keep pace with the times are prospected.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Meridians ; Big Data ; Brain/physiology* ; Brain Mapping

Fire twinkling is the common method in cupping therapy. In the teaching materials of acupuncture and moxibustion, and the national standard, Standardized Manipulations of Acupuncture and Moxibustion-Part 5: Cupping Therapy, this cupping technique is operated by igniting an alcohol-soaked cotton ball held with a forceps, placing it inside the cup, taking it out after "turning around in several circles", and placing the cup on the selected area. Based on the clinical experience of chief physician LI Yan, a high-efficient and safe fire twinkling was developed. Clamping the middle part of the cotton ball with a holder, dipping it in 95% ethanol, and squeezing the cotton ball to ensure no ethanol drops left; holding the cup with the dominant hand and covering the ignited cotton ball vertically, removing the cup immediately when the ball touching the cup bottom. Such manipulation mode, "flame going in and out directly", can avoid the potential safety hazards such as residual ethanol left on the cup opening, overheating of cup opening and accidentally falling-off of the ignited cotton ball.
Humans ; Cupping Therapy/instrumentation* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Fires

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of delayed replantation of degloving skin preserved at 4℃ in treatment of limb degloving injuries. METHODS: Between October 2020 and October 2023, 12 patients with limb degloving injuries were admitted. All patients had severe associated injuries or poor wound conditions that prevented primary replantation. There were 7 males and 5 females; age ranged from 29 to 46 years, with an average of 39.2 years. The causes of injury included machine entanglement in 6 cases, traffic accidents in 5 cases, and sharp instrument cuts in 1 case. Time from injury to hospital admission was 0.5-3.0 hours, with an average of 1.3 hours. Injury sites included upper limbs in 7 cases and lower limbs in 5 cases. The range of degloving skin was from 5 cm×4 cm to 15 cm×8 cm, and all degloving skins were intact. The degloving skin was preserved at 4℃. After the patient's vital signs became stable and the wound conditions improved, it was trimmed into medium-thickness skin grafts for replantation. The degloving skin was preserved for 3 to 7 days. At 4 weeks after replantation, the viability of the degloving skin grafts was assessed, including color, elasticity, and sensation of pain. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to assess the scars of the skin grafts during follow-up. RESULTS: At 4 weeks after replantation, 8 cases of skin grafts completely survived and the color was similar with normal skin, with a survival rate of 66.67%. The elasticity of skin grafts (R0 value) ranged from 0.09 to 0.85, with an average of 0.55; moderate pain was reported in 4 cases, mild pain in 3 cases, and no pain in 5 cases. All patients were followed up 12 months. Over time, the VSS scores of all 12 patients gradually decreased, with a range of 4-11 at 12 months (mean, 6.8). CONCLUSION For limb degloving injuries that cannot be replanted immediately and do not have the conditions for deep low-temperature freezing preservation, the method of preserving the degloving skin at 4℃ for delayed replantation can be chosen.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Replantation/methods* ; Female ; Degloving Injuries/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Extremities/injuries* ; Time Factors ; Skin/injuries* ; Tissue Preservation/methods*

Objective:To investigate the role of an inflammatory microenvironment induced by Porphyromonasgingivalis ( P. gingivalis) in the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice. Methods:A total of 180 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. control group, P. gingivalis group, 4NQO group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + antibiotic cocktail (ABC, including metronidazole, neomycin, ampicillin, and vancomycin) group, with 30 mice in each group, using the random number table. All mice were normalized by treatment with ABC in drinking water for 2 weeks. In the following 2 weeks, the mice in the control group and the P. gingivalis group were given drinking water, while the other 4 groups were treated with 30 μg/ml 4NQO in the drinking water. In weeks 11-12, the mice in the P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were subjected to ligation of the second molar in oral cavity followed by oral P. gingivalis infection thrice weekly for 24 weeks in weeks 11-34. In weeks 13-34, the mice in 4NQO + P. gingivalis+celecoxib group and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were administered with celecoxib and ABC for 22 weeks, respectively. At the end of 34 weeks, gross and microscopic alterations were examined followed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression profiles of inflammatory- and tumor-molecules in esophagi of mice. Results:At 34 weeks, 4NQO treatment alone did not affect the foci of papillary hyperproliferation, diseased area, and the thickness of the esophageal wall, but significantly enhanced the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05) and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 2.00, P＜0.01). In addition, the expression levels of IL-6 [8.35(3.45,8.99)], IL-1β [6.90(2.01,9.72)], TNF-α [12.04(3.31,14.08)], c-myc [2.21(1.80,3.04)], pSTAT3, Ki-67, and pH2AX were higher than those in the control group. The pathological changes of the esophageal mucosa were significantly more overt in the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group in terms of the foci of papillary hyperproliferation (median 2.00), diseased area (median 2.51 mm 2), the thickness of the esophageal wall (median 172.52 μm), the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05), and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 1.00, P＜0.01). In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the expression levels of IL-6 [12.27(5.35,22.08)], IL-1β [13.89(10.04,15.96)], TNF-α [19.56(6.07,20.36)], IFN-γ [11.37(8.23,20.07)], c-myc [2.62(1.51,4.25)], cyclin D1 [4.52(2.68,7.83)], nuclear pSTAT3, COX-2, Ki-67, and pH2AX were significantly increased compared with the mice in the control group. In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the diseased area, invasive malignant foci as well as pSTAT3 and pH2AX expression were significantly blunted by celecoxib. Treatment with ABC markedly reduced the papillary hyperproliferative foci, invasive malignant foci, and pSTAT3 expression but not pH2AX. Conclusions:P. gingivalis promotes the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in mice by inducing an inflammatory microenvironment primed with 4NQO induced DNA damage. Clearance of P. gingivalis with ABC or anti-inflammatory intervention holds promise for prevention of esophageal squamous cell malignant pathogenesis via blockage of IL-6/STAT3 signaling and amelioration of inflammation.

Objective:To investigate the role of an inflammatory microenvironment induced by Porphyromonasgingivalis ( P. gingivalis) in the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice. Methods:A total of 180 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. control group, P. gingivalis group, 4NQO group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + antibiotic cocktail (ABC, including metronidazole, neomycin, ampicillin, and vancomycin) group, with 30 mice in each group, using the random number table. All mice were normalized by treatment with ABC in drinking water for 2 weeks. In the following 2 weeks, the mice in the control group and the P. gingivalis group were given drinking water, while the other 4 groups were treated with 30 μg/ml 4NQO in the drinking water. In weeks 11-12, the mice in the P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were subjected to ligation of the second molar in oral cavity followed by oral P. gingivalis infection thrice weekly for 24 weeks in weeks 11-34. In weeks 13-34, the mice in 4NQO + P. gingivalis+celecoxib group and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were administered with celecoxib and ABC for 22 weeks, respectively. At the end of 34 weeks, gross and microscopic alterations were examined followed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression profiles of inflammatory- and tumor-molecules in esophagi of mice. Results:At 34 weeks, 4NQO treatment alone did not affect the foci of papillary hyperproliferation, diseased area, and the thickness of the esophageal wall, but significantly enhanced the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05) and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 2.00, P＜0.01). In addition, the expression levels of IL-6 [8.35(3.45,8.99)], IL-1β [6.90(2.01,9.72)], TNF-α [12.04(3.31,14.08)], c-myc [2.21(1.80,3.04)], pSTAT3, Ki-67, and pH2AX were higher than those in the control group. The pathological changes of the esophageal mucosa were significantly more overt in the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group in terms of the foci of papillary hyperproliferation (median 2.00), diseased area (median 2.51 mm 2), the thickness of the esophageal wall (median 172.52 μm), the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05), and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 1.00, P＜0.01). In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the expression levels of IL-6 [12.27(5.35,22.08)], IL-1β [13.89(10.04,15.96)], TNF-α [19.56(6.07,20.36)], IFN-γ [11.37(8.23,20.07)], c-myc [2.62(1.51,4.25)], cyclin D1 [4.52(2.68,7.83)], nuclear pSTAT3, COX-2, Ki-67, and pH2AX were significantly increased compared with the mice in the control group. In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the diseased area, invasive malignant foci as well as pSTAT3 and pH2AX expression were significantly blunted by celecoxib. Treatment with ABC markedly reduced the papillary hyperproliferative foci, invasive malignant foci, and pSTAT3 expression but not pH2AX. Conclusions:P. gingivalis promotes the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in mice by inducing an inflammatory microenvironment primed with 4NQO induced DNA damage. Clearance of P. gingivalis with ABC or anti-inflammatory intervention holds promise for prevention of esophageal squamous cell malignant pathogenesis via blockage of IL-6/STAT3 signaling and amelioration of inflammation.

Objective To investigate the application value of energy spectral CT low energy(keV)targeted reconstruction tech-niques combined with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V)algorithm in lower extremity computed tomography venography(CTV).Methods Forty patients with lower extremity CTV examination were retrospectively selected.Gemstone spec-tral imaging(GSI)mode was used with a transient tube voltage of 80 kVp/140 kVp and tube current in GSI Assist mode.Group A(conventional group):70 keV combined with 40％ASIR-V mono-energy images,conventional display field of view(DFOV)inclu-ding both lower extremity.Group B(low keV group):50 keV combined with 50％ASIR-V mono-energy images,DFOV as in group A.Group C(low keV targeted reconstruction group):50 keV combined with 50％to 80％ASIR-V mono-energy images(10％interval,called as groups C1-C4),targeted reconstruction(small DFOV,covered one lower extremity with left and right femurs as the center).The CT and standard deviation(SD)values of the bilateral lower extremity veins were measured on each axial image and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were calculated.Two observers scored the venous images and the sharpness of embolus display subjectively using a 5-point scale and Kappa test was used to examine the consistency.Results In terms of vein dis-play,the score of groups B and C was better than that of group A(P＜0.05).In terms of embolus display sharpness,the scores of large and small embolus in group C increased with the increase of ASIR-V percentage initially and then gradually decreased(P＜0.05).The scores in group C2 were the highest which were superior to the scores of group B and group A(P＜0.05).The CT values of each venous segment in groups B and C were higher than those in group A(P＜0.05).In groups C1 to C4,with the increasing weight of ASIR-V,the SNR and CNR increased gradually(P＜0.05),but slightly lower than those in group B(P＜0.05).Conclusion 50 keV targeted reconstruction techniques combined with 60％ASIR-V algorithm significantly improves the contrast of lower extremity veins and the embolus display sharpness,providing more accurate clinical imaging information.

Objective To investigate the influence of individualized low-dose CT imaging parameters on quantitative computed tomography(QCT)liver fat content measurement and image quality by using the combined technique of Auto-prescription and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction(ASIR-V)algorithm with different weights.Methods A total of 231 patients who underwent both chest and abdominal CT scans were prospectively selected.The overlapping liver of two-position scans in the same case was studied,in which the chest was scanned with an individualized low-dose protocol(group A)and the upper abdomen was scanned with a routine 120 kVp protocol(group B).Patients with group A were scanned by using 80 kVp and 100 kVp based on Auto-prescription technique,and divided into the subgroups of A1 and A2;meanwhile the same patients with group B were scanned by using 120 kVp and divided into the subgroups of B1 and B2.The images were transferred to AW4.6 and QCTpro workstations for measuring CT values,standard deviation(SD)values and Fat％QCT values of the left lobe,right anterior lobe,and right posterior lobe of the liver in the overlapping regions.The signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were also calculated using the same-level erector spinae as background.Paired sample t-test was employed to compare the differences in Fat％QCT measurements between groups A and B.Spearman correlation analysis was conducted,and linear regression equations were established.Two observers evaluated image quality using a five-point scale and Kappa test was conducted to test inter-observer consistency.Results In group A,the Fat％QCT values showed no statistically significant difference among different weights of ASIR-V.However,the statistically significant difference was found between groups A and B(P＜0.05),and there were highly positive correlations between subgroups A1 and B1 and between subgroups A2 and B2(r=0.939 7,0.987 2,P＜0.05).The linear regression equation under 80 kVp and 100 kVp were as follows:y=0.976x+3.119,y=1.007x+2.041.The SNR and CNR of group A combined with post-60％ASIR-V were higher than those of group B combined with post-40％ASIR-V under conventional tube voltage.The subjective scores between groups A and B had no statistically significant difference.Conclusion Low-dose chest imaging based on Auto-prescription technique combined with post-60％ASIR-V can not only satisfy clinical diagnostic requirement,but also realize quantitative analysis of Fat％QCT under low tube voltage(80 kVp/100 kVp).