OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion for abdominal obesity and its effect on blood lipid, lipid accumulation product (LAP) and cardiometabolic index (CMI). METHODS: A total of 150 patients with abdominal obesity were randomly divided into an observation group (75 cases, 5 cases dropped out) and a control group (75 cases, 6 cases dropped out). The control group received lifestyle guidance. The observation group received "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4) and bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36) on the basis of the control group, 20 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, body mass index (BMI) were observed, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, and the LAP and CMI were calculated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the waist circumference, weight and BMI were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), the changes of the above indexes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the hip circumference, TC level, TG level, LAP and CMI in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), the HDL-C level was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05)；the changes of the TC level, TG level, LAP, CMI and HDL-C level in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion can reduce the degree of obesity in patients with abdominal obesity, and improve blood lipid and reduce lipid accumulation.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Moxibustion ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Obesity, Abdominal/blood* ; Adult ; Lipids/blood* ; Lipid Metabolism ; Triglycerides/blood* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (n=33, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (n=33, 4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), 30 min per session, maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃. The sham moxibustion group received simulated moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the simulated moxibustion was applied at the same acupoints, with the same session length, but with a maintained skin temperature of (37±1) ℃. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity-related physical indicators (waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index [BMI]), constitution evaluation indicators (phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score, symptom score), the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the incidence of adverse events were measured before and after treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score and symptom score, IWQOL-Lite, and both anxiety and depression subscale scores of HADS after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.001). These improvements were significantly greater in the moxibustion group than those in the sham moxibustion group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). One patient in the moxibustion group experienced a mild burn that resolved with routine care; the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.0% (1/33) in the moxibustion group and 0% (0/33) in the sham moxibustion group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of lifestyle intervention, moxibustion effectively improves obesity-related physical indicators, enhances quality of life, alleviates anxiety and depression, and improves the phlegm-dampness constitution in patients with central obesity. These benefits persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Obesity, Abdominal/psychology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; Quality of Life ; Young Adult ; Body Mass Index

Objective To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes of chronic gastritis and the indicators of five circuits and six qi,revealing the influence of different congenital qi endowments on TCM syndrome differentiation and providing evidence for individualized treatment.Methods Medical records meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were collected from the Hospital Information System(HIS)of Rui Bao Street Community Health Service Center in Haizhu District,Guangzhou between January 20,2017 and January 20,2023.Data included age,birth date,and syndrome differentiation.Yearly circuit(Suiyun),celestial control-terrestrial effect(Sitian-Zaiqian)qi,three patterns of five circuits(Wuyun-Sanji),and syndrome patterns were statistically analyzed using Excel for database construction,with SPSS 23.0 for x2 tests and Logistic regression.Results(1)Among 1 882 chronic gastritis patients,spleen-stomach weakness(25.3％,477/1 882)was the most prevalent syndrome,followed by liver-stomach disharmony type,damp-heat in the spleen-stomach type,stomach-yin deficiency type,and stasis obstruction of stomach collateral type(x2=69.950,P=0.000).(2)Significant differences existed in Suiyun(Taijiao,Taigong,Taiyu,Taizhi,Shaogong,Taishang),Sitian-Zaiqian(Shaoyin-Yangming,Taiyin-Taiyang,Yangming-Shaoyin,Taiyang-Taiyin),and Wuyun-Sanji(excessive/insufficient earth/metal/water circuit)distributions among syndromes(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)For Suiyun-syndrome relationships:Birth in Taijiao/Shaogong years was the high-risk factor for developing chronic gastritis of liver-stomach disharmony type(P＜0.01);Taishang years were associated with stomach yin deficiency type(P＜0.05);Taijiao/Shaogong/Taiyu years were protective against damp-heat in the spleen-stomach type(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)For Sitian-Zaiqian-syndrome relationships:Jueyin-Shaoyang/Yangming-Shaoyin years linked to spleen-stomach weakness type(P＜0.05);Shaoyang-Jueyin years were correlated with damp-heat in the spleen-stomach type(P＜0.05).(5)For Wuyun-Sanji-syndrome relationships:Insufficient earth/water circuit years were associated with liver-stomach disharmony type(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);excessive/balanced metal circuit years linked to stomach yin deficiency type(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);insufficient metal circuit years were correlated with damp-heat in the spleen-stomach type(P＜0.05).Conclusion TCM syndromes of chronic gastritis are influenced by environment-body interactions,disordered visceral function and yin-yang imbalance.Clinical treatment should integrate the varied indicators of five circuits and six qi variations for personalized regimens to improve symptoms and quality of life.

AIM:To examine the effects of borneol on inflammation and myocardial remodeling after myocar-dial infarction(MI)in mice,and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Eight-week-old wild-type(WT)C57BL/6 mice and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8(TRPM8)gene knockout(TRPM8-/-)mice were randomly divided into sham and MI groups,and were subsequently treated with normal saline(control group)or borneol(borneol group)via gavage.Survival curves were plotted for WT and TRPM8-/-mice with MI treated with or with-out borneol.After 28 d,cardiac function of the mice was assessed through echocardiography,and haemodynamic indexes were evaluated using a multi-channel physiological instrument.Infarct size,myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibro-sis were assessed via pathological staining.In addition,inflammatory response in the peri-infarct region was detected.RE-SULTS:The TRPM8 expression was up-regulated in the peri-infarct region of the mice with MI(P＜0.05),and borneol had no effect on TRPM8 expression(P＞0.05).Borneol increased the survival rate,reduced the infarct size,inhibited car-diac remodeling and improved cardiac function in WT mice with MI(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).However,it did not affect the survival rate,infarct size,myocardial hypertrophy,myocardial fibrosis or cardiac function in TRPM8-/-mice(P＞0.05).Furthermore,borneol reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and the expression of inflammatory cytokines,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),in WT mice(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01)but not in TRPM8-/-mice(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION:Borneol attenuates inflammation,inhibits cardiac re-modeling and improves cardiac function in mice with MI via TRPM8.

Objective To determine the serum IgM and IgG antibody levels post-COVID-19 vaccination， and provide scientific evidence for COVID-19 antibody response after vaccination. Methods A total of 980 healthy persons were included in Kunming Third People’s Hospital from July through August， 2021， which had been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines and then tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. Results After the COVID-19 vaccination， 469 persons （positive rate， 47.86%） were positive for anti-IgG antibody. Of them， 75 were males with （positive rate， 39.06%）， and the average IgG level was 0.618 （0.180， 2.526） AU·mL^-1［M（Q₁，Q₃）］； 394 were females （50.00%）， and the IgG level was 0.999 （0.305， 3.334） AU·mL^-1. In addition， 53 persons （5.41%） were anti-IgM antibody positive. Of them， 14 were males （positive rate， 7.29%）， and the average IgM level was 0.057 （0.026， 0.195） AU·mL^-1； 39 were females （4.95%）， and the IgM level was 0.047 （0.027， 0.110） AU·mL^-1. The positive rate of anti-IgG antibody was highest in those aged ≤30 years， which was 51.02% in male （n=25） and 55.88% in female （n=133）. The anti-IgG response differed significantly by gender （χ²=7.401， D=0.135 1， P<0.05）， whereas the anti-IgM response was not significantly different （χ²=1.656， P>0.05）. Among the age groups， anti-IgG antibody level was higher in those aged ≤30 and 51-70 years， with 158 （55.05%） and 122 （52.36%） persons， respectively； the average antibody level was 1.209 （0.426， 4.386） AU·mL^-1 and 1.074 （0.191， 7.670） AU·mL^-1， respectively. The differences in the positive rates of IgG and IgM antibodies and the levels of IgG antibodies among different age groups were statistically significant （P<0.05）. Using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation analysis， it showed a high correlation between the IgG and IgM antibodies （r=0.836 4， H=64.82， 20.09， P<0.05）. Conclusion The Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody remains high six months post-COVID-19 vaccination， while anti-IgM antibody is low. The IgM and IgG response are higher in the young and elderly. The response differs by gender and age， demonstrating a correlation.

Objective: To investigate the genetic stability of virus seed H₂M₂₀K₇ (K7) of live attenuated Hepatitis A virus H2 strain (HAV, H2 strain) for production of hepatitis A (Live) vaccine, lyophilized after continuous passages. Methods: The virus seed K7 of H2 strain was proliferated and passaged in KMB₁₇ cells in cell factories. Viruses of different passages were harvested after continuous passages. Virus RNA was extracted and the complete genomes of different virus passages (K7, K10, K11, K13, K15, K18) were sequenced by using next-generation deep sequencing. The mutation rates of different passages were compared. The infectivity titers of different virus passages of H2 strain were tested by ELISA. Results: The mutation rates of complete genomes of different passages were low after continuous passages of master virus seed. The structure of gene was stable and non-synonymous mutation rate was lower than 0.57%. The mutation rate of 5 ’non-coding regions was lower than 0.1%. There was no significant mutation in VP1/2 A and 2C virulence site. The infectious titers of H2 strains of different passages were within 7.76-8.50 lgCCID₅₀/ml. No statistically significant difference was found in this study. Conclusions The gene structure of the master virus seed, working seed and different passages of H₂M₂₀K₇ after subculture was stable and the mutation rate was low. No significant mutation was found in 5’non-coding regions, and the critical virulence sites such as VP1/2 A, 2B and 2C showed attenuated characteristics with low mutation rate. Virulence of the virus did not changed. The H2 strain maintained stable viral infectivity and genetic stability and comply with the requirements as virus seed for vaccine manufacturing.

Objective To investigate and analyze the blood uric acid level and the detection rate of hyperuricemia (HUA) and to discuss its related risk factors. Methods From January to December 2016, physical and biochemical examination were conducted to a total of 7 585 cases with health examination, which were selected by using cluster sampling method. We analyzed the detection rate in percentage and the related factors of HUA by applying Pearson test and Logistic regression. Results Detection rate of HUA in this group was 32.76%, with 32.88% males and 32.69% females. The average blood uric acid level presented (358.98±91.11) μmol/L, of which male was (368.25±91.11) μmol/L and female was (343.13±91.12) μmol/L. Positive correlation was shown between blood uric acid levels and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein(LDL-C)(P＜ 0.05), while negative correlation was revealed between blood uric acid levels and high density lipoprotein(HDL-C)in both males and females (P＜ 0.05). The independent risk factors of HUA were high systolic blood pressure, high triglyceride and low LDL-C, and the protective factor was high HDL-C. Conclusions Hyperuricemia is often associated with high systolic pressure, hypertriglyceridemia and low LDL-C. Attention should be paid when it comes to health interventions in people with elevated serum uric acid level.

Purpose To identify the role of tyrosine kinase receptor Axl for anti-apoptosis which was induced by cisplatin (DDP) and methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy and to analyze the relationship between P-Axl and apoptosis-related proteins in osteosarcoma.Methods Osteosarcoma cell lines MG63,143B and U2OS were used in apoptosis assays,Axl siRNA transfection,cytotoxicity assays,cell cycle analysis,etc.A total of 41 cases of osteosarcom patients were included for immunohistochemistry of EnVision two-step staining and clinico-pathological relative analysis.TUNEL assay was performed in ten cases for apoptosis detection.Results Among the osteosarcoma cell lines,Gas6/Axl could obviously protect tumor cells from apoptosis induced by DDP and MTX (P ＜ 0.05).Axl siRNA transfection enhanced cell apoptosis,whereas Gas6 prone to function upon previous knockdown by Axl siRNA.Among the 41 cases,the positive rate of P-Axl,BCL-2,and Bax was 85.4％,70.7％,and 36.6％,respectively.In contrast,the positive rate of them was 22.2％,11.1％,and 11.1％ in osteofibrous dysplasia,respectively.The expression levels of these apoptosisrelated factors were significantly higher in osteosarcoma than in osteofibrous dysplasia (P ＜ 0.05).Through clinico-pathological analysis,there were significant relationships between the survival status and BCL-2 or Bax expression (P ＜ 0.05).Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that BCL-2 was positively correlated to P-Axl with statistical significance (r =0.842,P ＜ 0.0001).By Cox univariate analysis,BCL-2 or Bax was correlated with the patients' prognosis.TUNEL assay also demonstrated that P-Axl high expression inhibited apoptosis in osteosarcoma tissues.Conclusion Gas6/Axl protects osteosarcoma cells from the apoptosis induced by DDP and MTX chemotherapy and inhibits apoptosis in osteosarcoma tissue,possibly through the regulation of apoptosis-related protein BCL-2.

Objective To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of occupationai exposure to bloodborne pathogens among health care workers (HCWs),and evaluate prevention and treatment countermeasures.Methods Record Form for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Among Health Care Workers was used for retrospective survey on the occurrence of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in a hospital between January 1,2013 and December 31,2015.Results A total of 246 cases of blood/body fluid occupational exposure occurred.The main occupational exposure population were nurses (n =95,38.62％);occupational exposure mainly occurred in wards(n =148,60.16％);the main mode of occupational exposure was sharp injury(n =219,89.02 ％);the main opportunity of occupational exposure of HCWs was surgical accident(n =69,28.05 ％);the main exposure source was hepatitis B virus(n =123,50.00 ％);none of HCWs developed infection after local treatment and prophylactic medication.Conclusion Medical institutions should strengthen the training for HCWs about occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens,enhance protection awareness,standardize operation procedures,and improve working environment,so as to minimize the occurrence of occupational exposure.