ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis （GA） in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species （ROS）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/interleukin-1β （IL-1β） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal， model， colchicine （0.3 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （25， 50， 100 mg·kg^-1， respectively） quercetin groups （n=10）. The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs （10 mL·kg^-1） by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5， an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate （MSU） suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6， 12， 24， 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Malondialdehyde （MDA）， xanthine oxidase （XOD）， and total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA， XOD， and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 （IL-6）， necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and IL-1β in the rat serum， as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue， were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3， thioredoxin-interacting protein （TXNIP）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain （ASC）， precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （pro-Caspase-1）， cleaved Caspase-1 （Caspase-1 p20）， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity， mental fatigue， increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores （P<0.01）， aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration （P<0.01）， elevated levels of XOD， MDA， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue （P<0.01）， a declined level of T-SOD （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3， TXNIP， ASC， pro-Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3， TXNIP， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions， decreased gait scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced joint swelling （P<0.01）， alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， lowered levels of XOD， MDA， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue （P<0.01）， increased levels of T-SOD （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， pro-Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）. Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway， downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation， and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture based on "status-target coherence" theory combined with Kegel exercises for vaginal laxity syndrome (VLS). METHODS: Sixty-six patients with VLS were randomized into an observation group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped out, 1 case was discontinued) and a control group (33 cases, 5 cases dropped out). The observation group was treated with acupuncture combined with Kegel exercises, acupuncture was applied to bilateral Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33), Sanyinjiao (SP6), etc. The control group was treated with Kegel exercises. Both acupuncture and Kegel exercises were performed once every other day, three times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ) score, pelvic floor muscle strength (vaginal resting pressure, vaginal systolic pressure, vaginal contraction duration), degree of vaginal laxity and sexual satisfaction questionnaire (SSQ) grade were observed in both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the VLQ score, vaginal resting pressure, vaginal systolic pressure, vaginal contraction duration in the observation group were elevated compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and SSQ grade was improved (P<0.05); and the above indexes in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant difference before and after treatment in the degree of vaginal laxity in the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture based on "status-target coherence" theory combined with Kegel exercises can effectively enhance the strength of pelvic floor muscles, improve the symptoms of vaginal laxity, and improve the satisfaction of sexual life, and its therapeutic effect is better than Kegel exercises alone.
Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Vagina/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Exercise Therapy ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Vaginal Diseases/therapy*

Objective To construct a swallowing dynamic model for simulating dysphagia caused by reduced tongue movement am-plitude.Methods A swallowing dynamic model was established based on medical imaging data from CT and videofluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS).The finite element method was used to simulate soft tissues,while the smoothed parti-cle hydrodynamics method(SPH)was used to simulate bolus.The model's posture at each time point was com-pared with the imaging data of VFSS from twelve patients with dysphagia,and a normalization method was used for quantitative evaluation of the model's validity.By adjusting the tongue movement amplitude under different viscosity conditions,the role of tongue movement in the swallowing process was investigated,and the swallow-ing safety and efficiency were assessed.Results The tongue posture and bolus trajectory presented by the swallowing dynamic model were consistent with the VFSS imaging.The brightness in the epiglottis area in VFSS images correlated with the equivalent brightness of SPH particles in the simulation results(r=0.97).As the tongue movement amplitude reducing by 20%,the num-ber of aspirated particles,swallowing efficiency and the average velocity of bolus particles in the oropharyngeal cavity all performed well.Pudding-like fluids exhibited favorable swallowing characteristics even when tongue movement amplitude reducing significantly.Conclusion The swallowing dynamic model can simulate the human swallowing process,providing good support for re-habilitation training of patients with dysphagia and the development of specialized medical foods,demonstrating significant potential for clinical applications.

Objective To construct a swallowing dynamic model for simulating dysphagia caused by reduced tongue movement am-plitude.Methods A swallowing dynamic model was established based on medical imaging data from CT and videofluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS).The finite element method was used to simulate soft tissues,while the smoothed parti-cle hydrodynamics method(SPH)was used to simulate bolus.The model's posture at each time point was com-pared with the imaging data of VFSS from twelve patients with dysphagia,and a normalization method was used for quantitative evaluation of the model's validity.By adjusting the tongue movement amplitude under different viscosity conditions,the role of tongue movement in the swallowing process was investigated,and the swallow-ing safety and efficiency were assessed.Results The tongue posture and bolus trajectory presented by the swallowing dynamic model were consistent with the VFSS imaging.The brightness in the epiglottis area in VFSS images correlated with the equivalent brightness of SPH particles in the simulation results(r=0.97).As the tongue movement amplitude reducing by 20%,the num-ber of aspirated particles,swallowing efficiency and the average velocity of bolus particles in the oropharyngeal cavity all performed well.Pudding-like fluids exhibited favorable swallowing characteristics even when tongue movement amplitude reducing significantly.Conclusion The swallowing dynamic model can simulate the human swallowing process,providing good support for re-habilitation training of patients with dysphagia and the development of specialized medical foods,demonstrating significant potential for clinical applications.

Objective To investigate the clinical and practical value of transvaginal endoscopic technology by using traditional hysteroscope in the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine lesions in asexual women of childbearing age.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 98 cases of hysteroscopic surgery in asexual women of childbearing age admitted from January 2005 to May 2024.Transvaginal endoscopic technology was applied for hysteroscopic examination and/or treatment by using traditional hysteroscope.Results A total of 62 cases underwent electrocautery after cervical dilation with a dilation rod,including 43 cases of endometrial polyps,15 cases of submucosal fibroids,and 4 cases of cervical polyps.The remaining 36 cases underwent endometrial biopsy or curettage by using a microscope,and all obtained endometrial biopsy pathology.One case of hymen laceration about 0.3 cm in length was sutured with 5-0 absorbable suture for one stitch.For the remaining cases,the hymen remained intact.Conclusion Using transvaginal endoscopic technology with traditional hysteroscope can complete hysteroscopic examination or surgical treatment without damaging the hymen,which is suitable for asexual women of childbearing age.

Objective:To construct an system of optimization and evaluation parameters for the archive management of medical equipment in hospital,and to optimize and improve the quality and effect of the management for the archive of medical equipment of hospital.Methods:The problems existing in the management of the archives of medical equipment in hospitals were analyzed,and the targeted measures were formulated on the basis of the optimization of management mode,the innovation of management process of the archives,the improvement of management system of archives and continuous improvement of the quality of management personnel of equipment archives.The indicator system of optimization and evaluation of the management of medical equipment archives of hospital was constructed from 6 secondary indicators included management mechanism and system construction,personnel training and capacity building,quality of archive management,efficiency of archives review,satisfaction survey of service object,and innovation ability,as well as 18 tertiary indicators under the secondary indicators.The scores of the secondary and tertiary indicators of the evaluation of indicator system between before and after the measures of indicator system of optimization and evaluation of archive management of medical equipment of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were implemented were compared.Results:Before each measure that was formulated by the indicator system of optimization and evaluation of the archive management of medical equipment of hospital was implemented,the comprehensive evaluation score of archive management of medical equipment of hospital was 3.65 points.The comprehensive evaluation score was 4.9 points after the each measure was implemented.After the indicator system was implemented,the median scores of secondary and tertiary indicators were respectively 0.63(0.40-1.50)points and 0.25(0.13-0.50)points,which were all significantly higher than those before they were implemented,and the differences were all statistically significant(Z=-2.23,-3.22,P<0.05).Conclusion:The indicator system of optimization and evaluation of archive management of medical equipment of hospital can improve the quality and effect of archive management of medical equipment of hospital,and provide a basis and guarantee for the whole life cycle management of medical equipment such as procurement decision-making,quality control management,maintenance management,and scrap disposal of medical equipment of hospital.

Objective To investigate the influence of spectral CT monochromatic imaging technique on image quality and liver vol-ume measurement in computed tomography portal venography(CTPV).Methods A total of 120 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT examination were prospectively selected and randomly divided into group A and group B.The group A(n=60)was scanned with conventional parameters such as 120 kVp,Smart mA mode,and image reconstruction of 60％adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V);while the group B(n=60)was with instantaneous switching 80/140 kVp,gemstone spectral imaging(GSI)Assist mode,and image reconstruction of 60％ASIR-V.In group B,six subgroups of images from 75 to 50 keV(with 5 keV interval)were recorded as subgroups B1 to B6.On the axial images,the CT values and standard deviation(SD)values of por-tal vein,liver and erector spinae were measured,and then the contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of portal vein and liver were calculated.The Liver Segmentation software was used to segment the liver in groups A and B,the liver volumes by automatic segmentation and manual segmentation(golden standard)were recorded,and then the volume difference rate was calculated.The overall image quality and automatic liver segmentation results were evaluated by two radiologists using a 5-point scale.Results In terms of overall image quality,subgroup B6 achieved the highest score and was superior to group A(P＜0.001).In terms of liver segmentation,subgroup B3 had the highest score and was superior to group A(P＜0.001).With the decrease of keV,the CT values,SD values and CNR of portal vein and liver in group B were gradually increased(P＜0.05),in which subgroup B6 was higher than that in group A(P＜0.001).The volume difference rate initially decreased and then increased with the decrease of keV.Except for subgroups B2 and B3,the differences were statistically significant between other subgroups and group A(P＜O.001),and the subgroup B3 had the lowest volume difference rate.Conclusion Spectral CT monochromatic ima-ging technique has an influence on CTPV image quality and liver volume measurement.The 50 keV images are the best for displaying portal vein,and the automatic liver segmentation volume of 65 keV images is closest to the real liver volume.

Objective To investigate the clinical and practical value of transvaginal endoscopic technology by using traditional hysteroscope in the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine lesions in asexual women of childbearing age.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 98 cases of hysteroscopic surgery in asexual women of childbearing age admitted from January 2005 to May 2024.Transvaginal endoscopic technology was applied for hysteroscopic examination and/or treatment by using traditional hysteroscope.Results A total of 62 cases underwent electrocautery after cervical dilation with a dilation rod,including 43 cases of endometrial polyps,15 cases of submucosal fibroids,and 4 cases of cervical polyps.The remaining 36 cases underwent endometrial biopsy or curettage by using a microscope,and all obtained endometrial biopsy pathology.One case of hymen laceration about 0.3 cm in length was sutured with 5-0 absorbable suture for one stitch.For the remaining cases,the hymen remained intact.Conclusion Using transvaginal endoscopic technology with traditional hysteroscope can complete hysteroscopic examination or surgical treatment without damaging the hymen,which is suitable for asexual women of childbearing age.

Objective:To analyse the current status of parturients' readiness for discharge, family functioning and psychological consistency, and to explore the relationship readiness for discharge, family functioning and psychological consistency.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 429 parturient women admitted to Obstetrics Department in two ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals in Yinchuan City from March to July 2022 were selected as the research objects. General Information Questionnaire, Family Assessment Device (FAD) , Readiness for Hospital Discharge Study-New Mother Form (RHDS-NMF) and Sense of Coherence-13 (SOC-13) were used to investigate the patients. A total of 429 questionnaires were sent out in this study, and 418 questionnaires were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.44% (418/429) .Results:The total score of RHDS-NMF in 418 parturient women was (131.18±24.96) , the total score of FAD was (127.76±15.57) , and the total score of SOC-13 was (54.59±7.22) . The discharge readiness of parturient women was negatively correlated with family function ( r=-0.332, P<0.01) , while discharge readiness was positively correlated with psychological consistency ( r=0.253, P<0.01) . The mediation effect analysis results showed that psychological consistency played a partial mediating role between family function and discharge readiness in parturient women, with a mediation effect value of -1.105 ( P<0.05) , accounting for 27.1% of the total effect. Conclusions:Psychological consistency plays a partial mediating role between family function and discharge readiness in parturient women. Medical staff should pay attention to the evaluation and intervention of parturients' psychological consistency, enhance their level of psychological consistency and improve readiness for discharge.

Objective:To screen the pivotal genes involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-associated HCC. Additionally, perform validation and biological function analysis to evaluate changes in the expression of pivotal genes and their prognostic value in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:The GSE121248 gene expression profile data of HBV-HCC patients were searched and downloaded from the GEO database. The R language was used to compare the differences in gene expression between hepatocellular carcinoma and paracancerous tissues. KEGG and GO function enrichment analyses were performed on the differential genes. PPI plots and pivotal gene screening were carried out through online tools like STRING and Cytoscape software. 369 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 160 healthy controls in TCGA and GTEx were used as validation cohorts to verify the expression levels of the pivotal genes. A Kaplan-Meier plot was drawn to evaluate the prognostic value of the pivotal gene.Results:A total of 120 differentially expressed genes were screened, of which 89 were up-regulated and 31 were down-regulated. Differential genes were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways related to retinol metabolism, cytochrome P450 metabolism, and the p53 signaling pathway. The top 10 differential genes were selected as pivotal genes by the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba. There were significant differences in the expression levels of four types of CCNB1, CDK1, RRM2, and TOP2A genes in the validation cohort. All four types of genes were up-regulated. Survival analysis showed that patients with elevated expression levels of four genes had a poorer prognosis, with statistical differences in results.Conclusion:Four types of genes, CCNB1, CDK1, RRM2, and TOP2A, have high expression levels in patients with HBV-HCC and are correlated to shorter survival times, making them a potential target for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.