OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-fatigue effect of chicory polysaccharide(CP)on mice exposed to simulated hypobaric hypoxia.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,model+CP 150,300 and 600 mg·kg-1 groups.The control and model groups were given normal saline,while the CP groups were given drugs of different doses.After a 14 d pre-administration period,all the mice except the control group were exposed to a simulated alti-tude of 7 000 m in a hypobaric and hypoxic animal experimental chamber.After 7 d,a treadmill fatigue test was conducted to assess exercise endurance.The body weight and organ indexes were evaluated.The pathological changes in organs and tissues were observed via HE staining.The levels of fatigue-related and oxidative stress-related indicators were measured.The expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase(p-AMPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α),and cytochrome c oxidase Ⅳ(COXⅣ)were determined using Western blotting anal-ysis.RESULTS Compared with model group,exercise endurance was significantly enhanced,body weight and organ indexes improved,and pathological damage to the lung,liver and skeletal muscle mitigated in the model+CP 600 mg·kg-1 group.Compared with model group,the model+CP 600 mg·kg-1 group had the contents of serum lactate and blood urea nitrogen reduced,but the contents of glycogen and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in the liver and skeletal muscle were increased.The malondialdehyde content was lowered,but the expressions of p-AMPK,PGC-1α,and COXⅣ in skeletal muscle were significantly increased.CONCLUSION CP can alleviate altitude-induced fatigue by reducing the metabolite accumulation,increasing glycogen storage,and lowering oxidative stress levels.The underlying mechanism may involve the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1αsignaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the reliability and validity of different measurement methods under 30° arthroscopy for quantifying the proportion of glenoid bone defect in bony Bankart lesions of the shoulder joint and validate its preliminary application effect.Methods:Eight intact shoulder glenoid specimens were selected, with no existing defects or deformities, from donors of 4 females and 4 males, with their age at death of 43-67 years [(54.4±8.0)years]. Bone defects of 12.5% and 25% were created in the glenoid at 0° and 45° relative to the longitudinal axis, with two specimens per defect category. The defect proportion in each specimen was quantified using direct measurement and CT-based digital reconstruction and these values served as reference standards for subsequent statistical analysis. Using a combined approach of arthroscopic simulation equipment and cadaveric study, five investigators performed simulated examinations through the standard posterior portal (2 cm medial and 1.5 cm inferior to the posterolateral acromial corner) and the modified posteroinferior portal (2 cm medial and 3 cm inferior to the posterolateral acromial corner) separately. Under 30° arthroscopy, the glenoid bone loss percentage was measured using the bare spot method and secant chord method. The reliability was analyzed for these measurements. Furthermore, using direct physical measurements and CT-based three-dimensional reconstruction data from the same specimens as reference standards, the comprehensive validity of four measurement methods was evaluated (standard posterior portal-bare spot method, standard posterior portal-secant chord method, modified posteroinferior portal-bare spot method, and modified posteroinferior portal-secant chord method). The independent validity of each method was assessed according to bone defect morphology classification to determine differences in measurement accuracy across defect types. In an arthroscopic procedure for a patient with Bigliani type IIIB bony Bankart lesion, the standard posterior portal-secant chord method was applied to quantify the proportion of glenoid bone defects.Results:The mean reference values from direct measurement and CT measurement of glenoid bone defect proportion in eight bony Bankart lesion specimens were 12.71%/12.37%, 13.17%/13.10%, 25.71%/24.9%, 26.6%/26.95%, 13.41%/13.10%, 12.90%/12.59%, 26.42%/25.94%, and 26.73%/27.06%, respectively. Measurements obtained by the five investigators showed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) all greater than 0.90, indicating excellent interobserver agreement. In the validity analysis, the standard posterior portal-secant chord method demonstrated the highest overall validity. Using direct measurement and CT-based measurement as reference standards, the overall validity was (0.90±0.38)% and (1.07±0.53)% for the standard posterior portal-bare spot method, (1.33±0.40)% and (1.51±0.54)% for the modified posteroinferior portal-bare spot method, and (0.53±0.17)% and (0.70±0.38)% ( P<0.05) for the modified posteroinferior portal-secant chord method. In contrast, the standard posterior portal-secant chord method showed an overall validity of (0.10±0.10)% and (0.28±0.39)% ( P>0.05). In subsequent independent validity analyses, the standard posterior portal-secant chord method also demonstrated superior validity across all bone defect subtypes over the other three methods. In a patient with a Bigliani type IIIB bony Bankart lesion, we used the standard posterior portal-secant chord method to quantify the glenoid bone loss in 2 minutes, revealing a defect proportion of 26.6%. An arthroscopic autologous iliac bone graft procedure with single-tunnel elastic fixation guided by this measurement achieved favorable outcomes, with stable reduction, secure internal fixation and favorable recovery of shoulder function at 2 months postoperatively. Conclusion:For various types of bony Bankart lesions, the 30° arthroscopic standard posterior portal-secant chord method provides the most accurate quantification of glenoid bone loss and its preliminary clinical application yields satisfactory results.

Circadian rhythms,a result of the long-term evolution of organisms adapting to the Earth′s environment,play a crucial regulatory role in biological activities.Disruptions in circadian rhythms have been iden-tified as potential carcinogenic risk factors,closely linked to the pathological states of digestive system diseases,and significantly contribute to the occurrence and progression of digestive system tumors.These rhythms not only influence the regulation of cell cycles,proliferation,and apoptosis of tumor cells but also profoundly affect their migratory abilities,immune functions,and drug resistance.This article focuses on the specific regulatory mechanisms of circadian rhythm genes in relation to digestive system tumors and comprehensively summarizes research findings on the anti-tumor effects of traditional Chinese medicine targeting these circadian clock genes.The aim is to provide new avenues for target selection and prognostic evaluation in the treatment of digestive system tumors.

Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture combined with manual reduction on pain and lumbar function in elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis under the guidance of the Bone Strengthening and Tendon Softening Theory.Methods Ninety elderly patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated in our hospital from January 2021 to April 2023 were selected as study subjects.Based on a random number table method,the participants were divided into experimental group and control group,each consisting of 45 cases.The control group received acupuncture treatment,while the experimental group received manual reduction treatment on top of that.Both groups underwent continuous treatment for 4 weeks.We compared the two groups in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome score,Visual Analog Scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lumbar function score,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),serum inflammatory factor level,and clinical efficacy between before and after treatment.Results Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in TCM syndrome scores or VAS scores between the two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,both TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores significantly decreased in both groups,with the experimental group showing significantly lower scores than the control group(P＜0.05).Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in JOA scores and ODI scores between the two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,JOA scores significantly increased in both groups,with the experimental group showing significantly higher scores than the control group(P＜0.05).ODI scores significantly decreased in both groups,with the experimental group showing significantly lower scores than the control group(P＜0.05).Before treatment,the two groups did not differ significantly in serum IL-6,TNF-α,or CRP levels(P＞0.05).After treatment,serum IL-6,TNF-α,and CRP levels significantly decreased in both groups,with the experimental group showing lower levels than the control group(P＜0.05).The total effective rate in the experimental group was 88.89％,significantly higher than 68.89％ in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with manual reduction guided by the Bone Straightening and Tendon Softening theory can effectively alleviate pain,improve various TCM syndromes,enhance lumbar function level,and show significant clinical efficacy in patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanisms of the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulator sGC003 in improving high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)in mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group,model group,model+dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration of saline was performed once daily for 6 d,followed by intragastric administration of dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 on days 7 and 8),model+riociguat 10 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d),and model+sGC003 5 and 10 mg·kg-1 groups(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d).All groups except the normal control group received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 4 mg·kg-11 h after drug administration on day 7,followed by placement in a hypoxic environment to establish the HAPE model.After 24 h of modeling,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,and breathing frequency were measured,Lung tissue morphology was examined using HE staining,and lung tissue edema was assessed by determining the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D).The level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was determined using immunofluorescence staining.The phosphorylation level of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein(VASP)in lung tissue was analyzed by Western blotting.Additionally,levels of sGC,hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),IL-6,and IL-1βin serum were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the model group had obvious pulmonary edema,and the lung W/D,IL-1β levels,expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,as well as serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased.Concurrently,the frequency of breathing and serum levels of sGC and cGMP were significantly decreased.Compared with model group,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,lung W/D and IL-1β levels,and serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the model+sGC003 10 mg·kg-1 group;while the frequency of breathing,serum sGC and cGMP levels,phosphorylation level of VASP in lung tissues were significantly increased.CONCLUSION sGC003 can improve lung function,suppress pulmonary inflammation,and mitigate pulmonary edema in HAPE mice by activating the sGC/cGMP pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of Bai Ling Long Zao An Shen formula(BLLZ)in sleep improvement in an environmental stress-induced insomnia rat model and explore its underlying mechanisms.METHODS(1)Component analysis:the chemical constituents of the BLLZ extract were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS).(2)Eval-uation of the sedative and hypnotic effect:① Mice:50 ICR mice were randomly divided into normal control group,BLLZ-L group(5,10 and 20 g·kg-1)and diazepam group(DZP,3 mg·kg-1).After five days of intragastric administration,pentobarbital sodium-induced righting reflex and locomotor activity tests were performed.② Rats:8 SD rats were implanted with electrodes and allowed to recover for seven days before baseline EEG data was collected over 24 h.A crossover design(7 d washout period)was employed,with rats randomly assigned to the DZP(3 mg·kg-1)and BLLZ(20 g·kg-1)group.After five days of treatment,24 h EEG recordings were obtained.(3)Insomnia model and interventions:①8 SD rats were allowed to recover for seven days post-surgery,followed by 6 h(14:00-20:00)baseline EEG recording.A 3×3 crossover design was used to assign rats to model(environmental stress-induced insomnia),model+DZP,or model+BLLZ groups.After five days of treatment,insomnia was induced by frequent cage changes(14:00,16:00 and 18:00),and EEG changes were monitored.(4)Mechanistic study:32 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group,model group,and model+DZP group.After five days of treatment,hypothalamic tissues were collected for biochemi-cal analysis.γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA),glutamate(Glu),and dopamine(DA)levels were measured using biochemical kits while γ aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1(GABAA1),core clock proteins period circadian regulator 2(PER2)and circadian locomotor output cycles(CLOCK)protein expressions were assessed by Western blotting.RESULTS(1)Compared with the normal control group,the sleep latency of BLLZ 10 and 20 g·kg-1 and DZP groups was significantly shortened,and the locomotor activity of BLLZ 20 g·kg-1 and DZP groups was significantly reduced;BLLZ 20 g·kg-1 signifi-cantly increased the total sleep time,slow-wave sleep time,and average duration of sleep in normal rats,and significantly reduced the wakefulness time.(2)The total sleep time and slow-wave sleep time of the model group significantly decreased and the wakefulness time significantly increased compared with baseline.(3)Compared with the model group,the total sleep time and slow-wave sleep time of the model+BLLZ group and the model+DZP group were significantly increased,and the wakefulness time significantly shortened.(4)Compared with the normal control group,the Glu/GABA ratio,DA content and CLOCK protein expression were significantly increased and GABAA1 and PER2 protein expres-sion were significantly decreased in the model group;compared with the model group,the Glu/GABA ratio,DA content and CLOCK protein expression were significantly decreased,and the expression of GABAA1 and PER2 were significantly increased in the model+BLLLZ group and the model+DZP group.CONCLUSION BLLZ has sedative and hypnotic effects.It can prolong the total slow-wave sleep time by increasing the average duration of slow-wave sleep episodes,thereby increasing the total sleep time and improving environmental stress-induced insomnia.The mechanism may be related to the downregulation of the Glu/GABA ratio and DA levels as well as the enhancement of GABAA1 expressions and the regulation of hypothalamic core clock protein expressions.

BACKGROUND:With the continuous advancement of medical technology,the combination of oblique lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation has become a common method for treating lumbar degenerative diseases;however,there is still a lack of in-depth research on the relationship between changes in anterior convexity angles at different postoperative segments and fusion device settlement.OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between changes in anterior convexity angle of different segments and Cage subsidence after oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation surgery.METHODS:Patients(93 cases)with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation surgery in Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to April 2023 were selected as the research subjects.According to the postoperative disc height loss value,they were divided into Cage subsidence group(25 cases,＞2 mm)and non-Cage subsidence group(68 cases,＜2 mm).Multiple Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for cage subsidence.Stepwise regression was utilized to evaluate the relationship of each risk factor and Cage subsidence.Risk prediction model was built and evaluated.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After adjusting for confounding factors,there was still independent correlation between lumbar lordosis loss value and segmental lordosis improvement value and Cage subsidence risk(P＜0.05).(2)Age,oswestry disability index,disc height improvement value,segmental lordosis improvement value,and lumbar lordosis loss value were all independent influencing factors for the occurrence of Cage subsidence(P＜0.05).Among them,age,lumbar lordosis loss value,disc height improvement value,and segmental lordosis improvement value were most closely related to Cage subsidence.(3)The results of multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that when P=0.80,the Jordan index was the highest and the prediction effect was the best,with accuracy of 89.27％,sensitivity of 86.67％,and specificity of 89.89％.The model evaluation results showed that it had good discrimination and high accuracy.(4)As the lumbar lordosis loss value and segmental lordosis improvement value increase,the risk of Cage subsidence increases,which affects clinical efficacy.(5)It is indicated that age,lumbar lordosis loss value,disc height improvement value,and segmental lordosis improvement value are most closely related to Cage subsidence,and clinical doctors should pay more attention.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effects of graphene heating film far-infrared (FIR) hyperthermia therapy against frostbite in mice and its impacts on microcirculation and coagulation function. METHODS: Seventy-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, model, graphene-FIR, and carbon fiber-FIR groups. After 7-day FIR intervention (4 h/day), the mice were subjected to acute (4 ℃, 4 h) and intermittent (4 ℃, 4 h/day for 3 days) cold exposure and the changes in rectal temperature were monitored. In liquid nitrogen frostbite experiment, 24 ICR mice were divided into model, graphene-FIR, and carbon fiber-FIR groups, and after a 7-day FIR pretreatment (4 h/day), the liquid nitrogen frostbite models were established and apparent scores of the wounds were assessed on days 3 and 6 after modeling. In carrageenan-induced thrombosis experiment, 40 ICR mice were allocated to control, model, graphene-FIR, carbon fiber-FIR, and prazosin groups to test the effect of a 7-day FIR intervention on thrombosis induced by intraperitoneal carrageenan injection (2.5 mg/kg) by measuring thrombus length, blood perfusion, and serum biomarkers (6-keto-PGF1α, TXB2, t-PA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF‑α) 24 h after the injection. RESULTS: The mice in graphene-FIR group showed significantly elevated rectal temperature in cold exposure tests. In mice with liquid nitrogen-induced frostbite, graphene-FIR treatment significantly reduced the wound scores and reduced frostbite area, producing better effects than carbon fiber. In mice with carrageenan-induced thrombosis, graphene-FIR treatment significantly decreased tail thrombosis length and thrombosis area, increased blood perfusion, lowered serum levels of TXB2, TNF-α and IL-6, and increased the levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA. CONCLUSIONS Graphene heating film FIR therapy can alleviate frostbite injury in mice by improving microcirculation, suppressing thrombosis and inflammatory responses, and reducing coagulation dysfunction.
Animals ; Frostbite/therapy* ; Graphite ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Infrared Rays ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Hyperthermia, Induced/methods* ; Male ; Microcirculation

OBJECTIVES: To assess the regulatory effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on circadian rhythm sleep disorders following general anesthesia and explore its potential mechanism in a rat model of propofol-induced rhythm sleep disorder. METHODS: An electrode was embedded in the skull for cortical EEG recording in 24 male SD rats, which were randomized into control, propofol, CBD treatment, and diazepam treatment groups (n=6). Eight days later, a single dose of propofol (10 mg/kg) was injected via the tail vein with anesthesia maintenance for 3 h in the latter 3 groups, and daily treatment with saline, CBD or diazepam was administered via gavage; the control rats received only saline injection. A wireless system was used for collecting EEG, EMG, and body temperature data within 72 h after propofol injection. After data collection, blood samples and hypothalamic tissue samples were collected for determining serum levels of oxidative stress markers and hypothalamic expressions of the key clock proteins. RESULTS: Compared with the control rats, the rats with CBD treatment showed significantly increased sleep time at night (20:00-6:00), especially during the time period of 4:00-6:00 am. Compared with the rats in propofol group, which had prolonged SWS time and increased sleep episodes during 18:00-24:00 and sleep-wake transitions, the CBD-treated rats exhibited a significant reduction of SWS time and fewer SWS-to-active-awake transitions with increased SWS aspects and sleep-wake transitions at night (24:00-08:00). Diazepam treatment produced similar effect to CBD but with a weaker effect on sleep-wake transitions. Propofol caused significant changes in protein expressions and redox state, which were effectively reversed by CBD treatment. CONCLUSIONS CBD can improve sleep structure and circadian rhythm in rats with propofol-induced sleep disorder possibly by regulating hypothalamic expressions of the key circadian clock proteins, suggesting a new treatment option for perioperative sleep disorders.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Cannabidiol/therapeutic use* ; Rats ; Circadian Rhythm/drug effects* ; Propofol/adverse effects* ; Anesthesia, General/adverse effects* ; Sleep Wake Disorders/chemically induced* ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Electroencephalography