OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Banxia Xiexin decoction(BXD) on colitis associated cancer(CAC) mice and its related mechanism. METHODS Seventy-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Banxia Xiexin decoction low-dose group, high-dose group and mesalazine group. Except for the normal group, the mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with azoxymethane combined with oral dextran sodium sulfate to establish the CAC model. BXD and mesalazine were given respectively for intervention. The general conditions of all mice were observed and recorded, and the changes of body weight, disease activity index, colon length and tumor number were monitored. HE staining was utilized to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue. The expression levels of PCNA, NF-κB P65 and IκB-α were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of IL-17A, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Bcl-2 were detected by qRT-PCR. Macrophage infiltration was measured using immunostaining analysis. Western blotting was applied to analyze the expression of NF-κB, E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins in colon tissues of each group. RESULTS There was no significant tumor occurrence in the normal group, while the body weight of the model group mice was significantly reduced and the number of colon tumors increased. The colon length, number of tumors, and degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the BXD group were significantly improved compared to the model group. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of PCNA, NF-κB P65 and IκB-α protein in colon tissue of model group was remarkably increased (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the number of F4/80, CD80 and CD206 positive macrophages in the colon tissue of the model group increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The results of RT-PCR demonstrated that the levels of IL-17A, N-cadherin and Bcl-2 mRNA in the colon tissue of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the level of E-cadherin mRNA was fundamentally decreased (P<0.01). Western blotting results displayed that the expression levels of NF-κB and N-cadherin protein in colon tissue of model group were up-regulated (P<0.01), while E-cadherin was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the changes of the above indexes in the BXD and mesalazine groups were ameliorated, with statistical differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the changes in the BXD high-dose group were more significant. CONCLUSION BXD exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor benefits in CAC mice, inhibiting macrophage activation in colon tissue and promoting M2 polarization, while reducing the expression of tumor associated proteins PCNA and Bcl-2, and block the progression of EMT related proteins (E-cadherin and N-cadherin). The mechanism may connect to suppressing NF-κB P65 and IκB-α activation to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Banxia Xiexin decoction(BXD) on colitis associated cancer(CAC) mice and its related mechanism. METHODS Seventy-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Banxia Xiexin decoction low-dose group, high-dose group and mesalazine group. Except for the normal group, the mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with azoxymethane combined with oral dextran sodium sulfate to establish the CAC model. BXD and mesalazine were given respectively for intervention. The general conditions of all mice were observed and recorded, and the changes of body weight, disease activity index, colon length and tumor number were monitored. HE staining was utilized to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue. The expression levels of PCNA, NF-κB P65 and IκB-α were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of IL-17A, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Bcl-2 were detected by qRT-PCR. Macrophage infiltration was measured using immunostaining analysis. Western blotting was applied to analyze the expression of NF-κB, E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins in colon tissues of each group. RESULTS There was no significant tumor occurrence in the normal group, while the body weight of the model group mice was significantly reduced and the number of colon tumors increased. The colon length, number of tumors, and degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the BXD group were significantly improved compared to the model group. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of PCNA, NF-κB P65 and IκB-α protein in colon tissue of model group was remarkably increased (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the number of F4/80, CD80 and CD206 positive macrophages in the colon tissue of the model group increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The results of RT-PCR demonstrated that the levels of IL-17A, N-cadherin and Bcl-2 mRNA in the colon tissue of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the level of E-cadherin mRNA was fundamentally decreased (P<0.01). Western blotting results displayed that the expression levels of NF-κB and N-cadherin protein in colon tissue of model group were up-regulated (P<0.01), while E-cadherin was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the changes of the above indexes in the BXD and mesalazine groups were ameliorated, with statistical differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the changes in the BXD high-dose group were more significant. CONCLUSION BXD exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor benefits in CAC mice, inhibiting macrophage activation in colon tissue and promoting M2 polarization, while reducing the expression of tumor associated proteins PCNA and Bcl-2, and block the progression of EMT related proteins (E-cadherin and N-cadherin). The mechanism may connect to suppressing NF-κB P65 and IκB-α activation to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the mediating effect of work motivation of clinical nurses between work-family conflict and invisible absence, so as to provide a basis for reducing nurses′ invisible absence.Methods:From September to December 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the mediating effect of work motivation between the work-family conflict and invisible absence by using the general information questionnaire, Work-Family Conflict Scale, Work Motivation Scale and Stanford Invisible Absence Scale among 522 nurses by convenience sampling.Results:The valid questionnaires were 511 samples. There were 15 male nurses and 496 female nurses among the 511 nurses. The work-family conflict of clinical nurses had a positive effect on invisible absence ( r=0.319, P<0.05), and work motivation had a partial mediating effect between work-family conflict and invisible absence (the effect value was 0.082), the mediating effect accounted for 35.00% of the total effect. Conclusions:Nursing managers and nurses themselves should take a variety of ways to reduce the work-family conflict, promote the work-family balance of nurses, and improve their work motivation, so as to reduce their invisible absence and promote the healthy development of clinical nurses.

BACKGROUND:Human placental mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the development of pulmonary fibrosis,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect and related mechanism of human placental mesenchymal stem cells on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in human embryonic lung fibroblasts(MRC-5). METHODS:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different mass concentrations of silica on the proliferation of MRC-5 at different time points.Immunofluorescence staining was used to screen out the best stimulating mass concentration and time of silica for subsequent experiments.MRC-5 cells were divided into blank group,silica group,and silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group.In the blank group,cells were not treated.In the silica group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours.In the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours and then co-cultured with human placental mesenchymal stem cells for 24 hours.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in cells of each group.Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of pulmonary fibrosis-related proteins and TGF-β1/Smad 3 signaling pathway-related proteins in cells of each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results suggested that 100 μg/mL silica was the best mass concentration and time to stimulate MRC-5 cells for 48 hours.(2)Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group was significantly lower than that in the silica group.(3)Western blot assay results showed that compared with the silica group,the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,collagen type I,N-cadherin,fibronectin,transforming growth factor-β1,p-Smad3,and Smad3 in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group were decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was increased.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The results showed that human placental mesenchymal stem cells had a significant therapeutic effect on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Human placental mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To understand the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults in Qingdao.Methods:A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select 6 240 local residents aged ≥18 years in Qingdao as study subjects from May 2019 to September 2020, the demographic data of the study subjects were collected by face-to-face survey method. The prevalence of CKD in adults in Qingdao were analyzed using software SPSS 25.0.Results:A total of 5 996 adults in Qingdao were included in this study. The overall prevalence rate of CKD in the adults was 8.22%. The prevalence rates of CKD in men and women were 7.70% and 8.74%, respectively. The prevalence rate of CKD was 10.28% in urban residents and 7.25% in rural residents, the differences in the prevalence of CKD among different age, educational level and marital status groups were significant ( P<0.001). The prevalence of CKD tended to increase with age and decrease with the increase of education level. Conclusions:The prevalence of CKD in adults of Qingdao was relatively high. It is necessary to actively carry out the early prevention and treatment of CKD and strengthen the screening and prevention of CKD to reduce the incidence and slow development of CKD.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive proliferation of the synovium. Currently, treatment options focus on either reducing inflammation or inhibiting synovial hyperplasia. However, these modalities are unsatisfactory in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes. Halofuginone hydrobromide (HF), an herbal active ingredient, has demonstrated pharmacological effects of both anti-inflammation and inhibition of synovial hyperplasia proliferation. However, HF's medical efficacy is limited due to its poor water solubility, short half-life (t _1/2), and non-target toxicity. In the current study, by using the advantages of nanotechnology, we presented a novel dual-targeted nanocomplex, termed HA-M@P@HF NPs, which consisted of a hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified hybrid membrane (M)-camouflaged poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanosystem for HF delivery. These nanocomplexes not only overcame the limitations of HF but also achieved simultaneous targeting of inflammatory macrophages and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-RA (HFLS-RA). In vivo experiments demonstrated that these nanocomplexes effectively suppressed immune-mediated inflammation and synovial hyperplasia, safeguarding against bone destruction in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Remarkable anti-arthritic effects of these nanocomplexes were accomplished through promoting repolarization of M1-to-M2 macrophages and apoptosis of HFLS-RA, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.

The prevalence of food allergy is increasing worldwide and seriously affects the living quality of patients and their families. Egg allergy is one of the commonest forms of food allergy. The traditional regimen is to delay the introduction of eggs to infant complementary foods, which is not able to reduce the prevalence of egg allergies and causes negative effects on infants′ physical and psychological conditions. Oral tolerance therapy is an approach to establish immune tolerance by the active suppression of specific immune responses to antigens in the gastrointestinal tract. The development of oral tolerance through early introduction of eggs to infant complementary has proven effective in randomized controlled trials, which has been incorporated into infant feeding guidelines in many countries. This article focuses on the mechanism, efficacy and safety of oral tolerance induction in the prevention of egg allergy.

Objective:To observe the efficacy of different needling depths for knee osteoarthritis(KOA)and the effects on effusion,cartilage thickness,and synovium under ultrasound imaging. Methods:A total of 90 patients with KOA were randomly divided into a conventional acupuncture group,a Western medication group,and a shallow acupuncture group,with 30 cases in each group.In the conventional acupuncture group,the needling depth was 15-30 mm,and the needle was twisted for a few moments after insertion so that a sore,numb,distending,and electrified sensation was obtained;in the shallow acupuncture group,the points were punctured perpendicularly by 2 mm,and no manipulation was performed after insertion.The same points were used in the two acupuncture groups,and the needles were retained for 20 min.The treatment was performed 3 times a week.The Western medication group was given glucosamine sulfate capsules for oral administration,2 capsules once,3 times a day.All three groups were treated for 8 weeks.The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)and the visual analog scale(VAS)were scored before treatment,after 4 weeks and 8-week treatment,respectively;while the changes in knee cartilage,synovial membrane,and joint fluid were observed by knee ultrasound before and after 8-week treatment.The clinical efficacy was evaluated after 8-week treatment. Results:After 8-week treatment,the effusion and the synovial thickness improved significantly in both the conventional and shallow acupuncture groups compared with that before treatment(P<0.01);the effusion improved in the Western medication group compared with that before treatment(P<0.05);the synovial thickness improved better in the conventional acupuncture group than in the Western medication group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the cartilage thickness among the three groups compared with that before treatment(P>0.05).The WOMAC(pain,stiffness,and function)and VAS scores decreased in all three groups after 4-and 8-week treatment compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).After 4-and 8-week treatment,the pain scores in WOMAC of the conventional acupuncture group were lower than those of the Western medication group and the shallow acupuncture group(P<0.05),and the VAS scores of the conventional acupuncture group were lower than those of the shallow acupuncture group(P<0.05).After 8-week treatment,the stiffness and functional scores in WOMAC of the conventional acupuncture group were lower than those of the Western medication group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Conventional acupuncture,oral Western medication,and shallow acupuncture all relieved knee pain and improved knee stiffness and functional movement.Among them,conventional acupuncture had the best efficacy in relieving knee pain and the best efficacy in improving joint function after 8-week treatment.Both conventional acupuncture and shallow acupuncture significantly reduced synovial thickness lesions in the knee;all three groups improved joint effusion and were more effective with conventional and shallow acupuncture.