Objective: To investigate the value of combined monitoring of hemolytic reaction indicators in the efficacy assessment of lymphomaassociated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (LAHLH) secondary to Evans syndrome (ES). Methods: One patient with LAHLH secondary to ES complicated by hemolytic crisis was enrolled. Under the premise that necessary red blood cell transfusions were administered due to severe anemia, combined dynamic monitoring was performed for the following hemolytic reaction indicators: posttransfusion hemoglobin increment, reticulocyte percentage (RET%), total bilirubin(TBil), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Furthermore, based on the literature of the past five years, we analyzed the relationship between the dynamic changes of the these indicators and the response to immunosuppressive therapy. Results: During the hemolytic crisis period, the 24 hour posttransfusion hemoglobin increments were both <10 g/L after two consecutive red blood cell transfusions, indicating ineffective transfusion. After intensified immunosuppressive therapy, the hemoglobin increments reached +14 g/L and +15 g/L, respectively, after two subsequent transfusions, converting to effective transfusion. Concurrently, RET% decreased from a peak of 29.32% to 12.71%, and LDH and bilirubin improved synchronously. The combined interpretation of hemoglobin increment, dynamic RET% trends, and DAT results facilitated the distinction of the relative contributions of immune hemolysis, hemophagocytosis, and bone marrow failure to anemia. Conclusion: Under the strict premise that transfusion indications are adhered to and patient safety is ensured, combined dynamic monitoring of hemolytic reaction indicators can provide realtime, objective bedside auxiliary information for the efficacy assessment of LAHLH secondary to ES, and has certain clinical value in optimizing the timing of treatment adjustments.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of successive trigger needling combined with conventional acupuncture for cervical spondylosis of qi stagnation and blood stasis. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with cervical spondylosis of qi stagnation and blood stasis were selected, and successive trigger needling at ashi points combined with conventional acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and bilateral C₃-C₇ Jiaji (EX-B2), Jiquan (HT1), etc. were delivered, once a day, 5 times a week as one course, and 2 courses were required totally. Before treatment and after 1, 2 weeks of treatment, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After 1, 2 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores were decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.001). After treatment, the total effective rate was 97.5% (39/40). CONCLUSION Successive trigger needling combined with conventional acupuncture can effectively treat the cervical spondylosis of qi stagnation and blood stasis, reduce pain and improve the clinical symptoms and signs.
Humans ; Spondylosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Qi ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the relative protein expression of the signaling pathway of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1)/ receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of this acupuncture technique for pain alleviation in PD. METHODS: Thirty female SD rats of SPF grade with normal estrous cycle were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. Using the intraperitoneal injection with estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin, PD model was prepared in the model group and the acupuncture group. In the acupuncture group, during model preparation, the intervention with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique was delivered simultaneously, 20 min each time, once daily for consecutive 10 days. On day 11, within 30 min after the intraperitoneal injection with oxytocin, the writhing reaction (latency, frequency and score) was recorded; the morphology of uterine tissue was observed with HE staining, the contents of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the serum were detected using ELISA method; the relative protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65, phosphorylation-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) was detected in the uterine tissue using Western blot method; and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 was detected with the quantitative real-time PCR employed. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score increased (P<0.01) in the rats; the endometrial epithelial cells showed massive degeneration and necrosis, with severe endometrial edema and widespread shedding, combined with neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content was dropped (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α elevated (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65, and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score were reduced (P<0.01) in the rats; there was less degeneration and necrosis of endometrial epithelial cells, with mild endometrial edema and very little neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content increased (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue were dropped (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique can alleviate the pain symptom of PD rats, and its action mechanism may be related to inhibiting the active expression of NOD1/RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the uterine tissue, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Animals ; Female ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Dysmenorrhea/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Acupuncture Analgesia ; Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein/metabolism* ; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible mechanism by which the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture improves ovarian function in mice with poor ovarian response (POR) by observing its effect on gut microbiota. METHODS: A total of 35 SPF-grade C57BL/6 female mice were screened for normal estrous cycles using vaginal smears, and 30 mice were selected. Ten mice were assigned to the blank group, while the remaining mice were used to establish the POR model by intragastric administration of tripterygium wilfordii suspension. The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with 10 mice in each group. After modeling, the acupuncture group received the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method once daily for 20 minutes per session. Ovulation induction began the day after the intervention, and samples were collected after ovulation induction. Vaginal cytology was used to observe estrous cycle changes, and the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index were recorded. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected using ELISA. HE staining was used to observe ovarian histology. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Western blot was used to detect the relative protein expression levels of Occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in colonic tissue. Correlation analysis was conducted among serum hormone indexes, the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian index and gut microbiota. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a higher estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), increased serum FSH and LH levels, and a higher LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), while the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and serum E2 and AMH levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a lower estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), decreased serum FSH and LH levels, and a lower LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), along with an increased number of oocytes obtained, higher ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and elevated serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01, P<0.05). The blank group had a large number of well-developed primordial follicles, with abundant and closely arranged follicles at various stages. In the model group, there was a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles, a reduction in the number of follicles at various stages, and loosely arranged ovarian tissue. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant decrease in the number of normal follicles (P<0.01) and an increase in the number of atretic follicles (P<0.01). The acupuncture group showed a reduction in atretic follicles and an increase in the number of follicles at various stages compared with the model group, with a significant increase in normal follicles (P<0.01) and a decrease in atretic follicles (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited reduced gut microbiota diversity and richness, with significantly lower Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.01), and a greater clustering distance from the blank group. The model group also showed an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, Paramuribaculum, Dubosiella, and Muribaculum (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in colonic tissue were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed improved gut microbiota diversity and richness, with increased Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.05), and a clustering distance closer to the blank group. The acupuncture group exhibited reduced relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, and Muribaculum (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a relationship between gut microbiota and serum hormone indicators, as well as the ovarian index. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the metabolic pathways of the intersecting species were related to amino acid biosynthesis and nucleotide metabolism. CONCLUSION The "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method improves ovarian function in POR mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating gut microbiota structure and maintaining intestinal barrier homeostasis.
Animals ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mice ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Estrous Cycle ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood*

Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Patient Care Planning ; Cephalometry

Objective:To analyze overall survival (OS), influential factors, and causes of death in patients with newly diagnosed non-transplant multiple myeloma (NDMM) at grassroots hospitals.Methods:The clinical data of 56 patients with NDMM admitted to the Department of Hematology, Wuwei People's Hospital from January 2018 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analysis models, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors affecting the OS of patients with NDMM.Results:The median OS of patients with NDMM was 27 months. Univariate analysis indicated that whether or not to receive chemotherapy was a risk factor affecting OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ( HR: 2.215, 95% CI 1.056-4.648, P < 0.05), renal dysfunction ( HR: 3.482, 95% CI 1.359-8.923, P < 0.05), and whether or not to receive chemotherapy ( HR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.021-0.331, P < 0.001) were all significant risk factors affecting OS (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The median survival time of patients with NDMM is short. Age, renal dysfunction, and not receiving chemotherapy are unfavorable factors affecting OS. Pulmonary infection, renal failure, and disease progression are the main causes of death in patients with NDMM.

Aim To explore the potential mechanism of metformin on ATP-binding cassette transport A1(ABCA1)expression.Methods J774A.1 macrophages were treated with metformin and cycloheximide,and ABCA1 expression was determined by Western blot.His-tagged ABCA1 and HA-tagged Ub plasmids were co-transferred into HEK293 cells and stimulated with metformin.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)was used to test the binding ability of ABCA1 and ubiquitin.Candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases(CE3)of ABCA1 were identified through Co-IP-based pro-teomics.The MIB1 plasmid was constructed and transferred into HEK293 cells,and Western blot was used to determine the effect of metformin and MIB1 on ABCA1 expression.Results Metformin increased the expression of ABCA1 in J774A.1 cells(P<0.01),and inhibited ABCA1 degradation(P<0.05).Metformin disrupted the binding of ABCA1 to ubiquitin(P<0.05).The proteins regulated by metformin in ABCA1 expression were primarily enriched in pathways re-lated to cell development,inflammation and immune defense.Metformin may upregulate ABCA1 protein expression via MIB1(P<0.05).Conclusion Metformin inhibits the degradation of ABCA1 by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),and MIB1 might act as a candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase(CE3)for ABCA1.

To summarise the nursing experience of caring for a patient with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis for kidney re-transplantation.Nursing key points:early recognition of recurrence of the original disease and rapid activation of emergency response;stabilization of cyclosporine concentration by precision management;optimizing in vitro anticoagulation regimens and vigilance for bleeding and clotting;regulate adrenocorticotropic hormone use and being alert for adverse effects;implementing the whole process of infection prevention and control to prevent infection;implementing the whole process of psychological counseling to alleviate negative emotions.After active treatment and careful care,the patient's transplanted kidney function recovered and was successfully discharged.After a follow-up for 2 months,the patient recovered well.

Objective:To compare the outcomes of ranibizumab and conbercept adjunct for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods:A prospective randomized case-control study. From June 2022 to December 2023, 90 cases (90 eyes) of PDR patients diagnosed through ophthalmic examination at Department of Ophthalmology of Gansu Provincial Hospital were included in the study. All patients underwent the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, B-mode ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations. The central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using an OCT instrument. The patients were randomly divided into a intravitreal injection of ranibizumab group (monoclonal-antibody group) and a intravitreal injection of conbercept group (fusion-protein group) using a random number table method, with 45 cases (45 eyes) in each group. Two groups of patients were intravitreal injected with 10 mg/ml ranibizumab or conbercept 0.05 ml, respectively. A standard 23G PPV was performed through the flat part of the ciliary body 3-7 days after intravitreal injection. Relevant examinations were performed using the same equipments and methods as before surgery at postoperative 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The PPV time, intraoperative use of intraocular electrocoagulation, incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks, and sterile air or silicone oil tamponade rate in the vitreous cavity, the postoperative changes of BCVA and CMT, and incidence of complications were compared between two groups. Independent sample t test was used for inter group comparison. Results:The intraoperative utilization rate of intraocular electrocoagulation in the monoclonal-antibody group was higher than that in the fusion-protein group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.876, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the PPV time ( t=0.152), intraoperative bleeding rate ( χ2=0.800), incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks ( χ2=1.975), and sterile air and silicone oil tamponade rate in the vitreous cavity ( χ2=1.607, 1.553) between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in early and late postoperative vitreous hemorrhage ( χ2=1.235, 2.355), and re-PPV ( χ2=2.355) between two groups ( P>0.05). The BCVA of the fusion-protein group was significantly better than that of the monoclonal-antibody group at postoperative 3 months, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.428, P<0.05). The CMT of the fusion-protein group was lower than that in the monoclonal-antibody group at postoperative 1 week, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.739, P<0.05). None of the patients experienced endophthalmitis, retinal artery occlusion, or severe cardiovascular events after surgery. Conclusion:Compared with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab before PPV, intravitreal injection of conbercept before PPV in PDR patients can shorten the surgical time, reduce intraoperative bleeding rate, lower the rate of electrocoagulation and intraocular tamponade, and incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks, and improve the visual acuity.

Aim To explore the potential mechanism of metformin on ATP-binding cassette transport A1(ABCA1)expression.Methods J774A.1 macrophages were treated with metformin and cycloheximide,and ABCA1 expression was determined by Western blot.His-tagged ABCA1 and HA-tagged Ub plasmids were co-transferred into HEK293 cells and stimulated with metformin.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)was used to test the binding ability of ABCA1 and ubiquitin.Candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases(CE3)of ABCA1 were identified through Co-IP-based pro-teomics.The MIB1 plasmid was constructed and transferred into HEK293 cells,and Western blot was used to determine the effect of metformin and MIB1 on ABCA1 expression.Results Metformin increased the expression of ABCA1 in J774A.1 cells(P<0.01),and inhibited ABCA1 degradation(P<0.05).Metformin disrupted the binding of ABCA1 to ubiquitin(P<0.05).The proteins regulated by metformin in ABCA1 expression were primarily enriched in pathways re-lated to cell development,inflammation and immune defense.Metformin may upregulate ABCA1 protein expression via MIB1(P<0.05).Conclusion Metformin inhibits the degradation of ABCA1 by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),and MIB1 might act as a candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase(CE3)for ABCA1.