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*

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shenshu Fujian decoction on platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF）/naked cuticle homolog 2 （NKD2） /Wnt signaling pathway in rats with chronic renal failure （CRF）. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， Niaoduqing group （5 g·kg^-1）， low-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group （5.5 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group （11 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group （22 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. A CRF rat model was established by feeding a 0.5% adenine diet for 21 days. After successful modeling， intragastric administration was given once daily for 28 consecutive days. After treatment， the renal morphology of rats was observed. Serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to detect renal histopathological changes， and collagen volume fraction （CVF） was calculated. Serum levels of inflammatory markers interleukin （IL）-1β and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expressions of fibronectin 1 （FN1）， type Ⅰ collagen （ColⅠ）， α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β （PDGFR-β）， NKD2， dishevelled protein 2 （DVL2） and β-catenin in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significant renal pathological changes， a markedly increased kidney weight/body weight ratio （P<0.01）， significantly elevated CVF （P<0.01）， and notably increased serum levels of SCr， BUN， IL-1β， and IL-6 （P<0.01）. Expression levels of FN1， ColⅠ， α-SMA， PDGFR-β， NKD2， DVL2， and β-catenin in renal tissue were also significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all treatment groups showed significantly decreased kidney weight/body weight ratios and CVF （P<0.01）， as well as markedly decreased serum SCr， BUN， IL-1β， and IL-6 levels. Protein expression levels of FN1， ColⅠ， α-SMA， PDGFR-β， NKD2， DVL2， and β-catenin in renal tissue were decreased， with more pronounced effects observed in the Niaoduqing， medium-dose， and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionShenshu Fujian decoction improves renal function， reduces inflammation， and reverses renal fibrosis in CRF rats， possibly by downregulating the expression of PDGF/NKD2/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins.

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

The Shanghai-style pediatric Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)school,a renowned academic school of pediatric Tuina in China,was founded by Professor JIN Yicheng,a mentor of the National Senior Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Experts'Clinical Experience Inheritance Class and a distinguished TCM practitioner in Shanghai.This academic school has now been perpetuated through four generations.Prof.JIN Yicheng,a pioneering leader in modern China's pediatric Tuina,has dedicated sixty years to medical practice with unwavering benevolence and adherence to"principled innovation".While delving into traditional and ancient teachings,he has also embraced contemporary advancements.Building upon the essence of traditional pediatric Tuina,he integrated distinctive techniques from various Tuina schools,including the Yi Zhi Chan Tuina school,rolling manipulation Tuina school,and Neigong Tuina school.He also assimilated the quintessence of historical pediatric Tuina literature,the experience of modern Shanghai-based pediatric Tuina masters,and folk techniques while incorporating his years of clinical insights.This synthesis finally led to the formulation of the academic thought of"reinforcing healthy Qi and unblocking regulation"in Shanghai-style pediatric Tuina that guides clinical practice.Specifically,he comprehensively applies techniques such as"unblocking regulation of Zang-Fu organs","unblocking regulation of the four seas","unblocking regulation of the water and fire",and"unblocking regulation of the back"to the prevention and treatment of pediatric diseases across internal medicine,external medicine,orthopedics,and otolaryngology,which has significantly enhanced clinical efficacy and expanded the applicable age range and scope of Tuina for pediatric health issues,more aligning with the characteristics of children and adolescents'health challenges and current clinical demands,and paving a new way in preserving and developing traditional pediatric Tuina.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2％)and gram-negative organisms(60.8％).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6％,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0％,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9％,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1％,19.4％,8.8％,30.9％,67.4％,and 28.8％,respectively.Overall,more than 50％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80％of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3％in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and delay in detection of reported brucellosis cases in Nangang District of Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, in order to provide a basis for improving targeted measures for brucellosis prevention and control.Methods:Data on brucellosis reported in Nangang District of Harbin City between 2018 and 2022 were obtained from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. A descriptive analysis was conducted to outline the epidemiological status, epidemiological features, and sources of cases. Seasonal patterns of brucellosis were assessed using the concentration degree and seasonal index methods. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of delay in detection.Results:From 2018 to 2022, a total of 4 428 cases of brucellosis were reported in Nangang District, with 1 183 cases (26.72%) reported in 2018 and 528 cases (11.92%) reported in 2022. The gender ratio of the cases was 2.80 ∶ 1.00 (3 264 ∶ 1 164). Most cases occurred in individuals aged 30 to 59 years (73.19%, 3 241/4 428). Occupationally, farmers comprised the majority of cases (88.73%, 3 929/4 428), followed by homemakers/unemployed individuals (3.73%, 165/4 428), and students (2.03%, 90/4 428). Regarding case origin, 31.48% (1 394/4 428) were from Harbin City, while 64.97% (2 877/4 428) originated from other cities within Heilongjiang Province, predominantly from Suihua City (38.89%, 1 722/4 428). Additionally, 157 cases (3.55%, 157/4 428) were reported from outside Heilongjiang Province, all of which were from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province. Brucellosis incidence showed weak seasonality ( M = 0.230), with the epidemic period spanning from March to August. During this period, seasonal indices C exceeded 100%, peaking in July (168.02%). From 2018 to 2022, the average annual delay rate in case detection was 20.14% (892/4 428). The delayed detection rates of brucellosis cases in each year were 30.68% (363/1 183), 17.86% (200/1 120), 17.23% (117/679), 12.75% (117/918), and 17.99% (95/528), respectively (average annual percentage change = - 17.52%, P = 0.090). Conclusions:Brucellosis in Nangang District of Harbin Citydemonstrates weak seasonality, with peak incidence occurring from March to August. Detection delays remain a concern, highlighting the need for sustained surveillance and the implementation of integrated, multi-sectoral prevention and control measures.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2％)and gram-negative organisms(60.8％).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6％,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0％,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9％,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1％,19.4％,8.8％,30.9％,67.4％,and 28.8％,respectively.Overall,more than 50％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80％of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3％in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and delay in detection of reported brucellosis cases in Nangang District of Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, in order to provide a basis for improving targeted measures for brucellosis prevention and control.Methods:Data on brucellosis reported in Nangang District of Harbin City between 2018 and 2022 were obtained from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. A descriptive analysis was conducted to outline the epidemiological status, epidemiological features, and sources of cases. Seasonal patterns of brucellosis were assessed using the concentration degree and seasonal index methods. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of delay in detection.Results:From 2018 to 2022, a total of 4 428 cases of brucellosis were reported in Nangang District, with 1 183 cases (26.72%) reported in 2018 and 528 cases (11.92%) reported in 2022. The gender ratio of the cases was 2.80 ∶ 1.00 (3 264 ∶ 1 164). Most cases occurred in individuals aged 30 to 59 years (73.19%, 3 241/4 428). Occupationally, farmers comprised the majority of cases (88.73%, 3 929/4 428), followed by homemakers/unemployed individuals (3.73%, 165/4 428), and students (2.03%, 90/4 428). Regarding case origin, 31.48% (1 394/4 428) were from Harbin City, while 64.97% (2 877/4 428) originated from other cities within Heilongjiang Province, predominantly from Suihua City (38.89%, 1 722/4 428). Additionally, 157 cases (3.55%, 157/4 428) were reported from outside Heilongjiang Province, all of which were from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province. Brucellosis incidence showed weak seasonality ( M = 0.230), with the epidemic period spanning from March to August. During this period, seasonal indices C exceeded 100%, peaking in July (168.02%). From 2018 to 2022, the average annual delay rate in case detection was 20.14% (892/4 428). The delayed detection rates of brucellosis cases in each year were 30.68% (363/1 183), 17.86% (200/1 120), 17.23% (117/679), 12.75% (117/918), and 17.99% (95/528), respectively (average annual percentage change = - 17.52%, P = 0.090). Conclusions:Brucellosis in Nangang District of Harbin Citydemonstrates weak seasonality, with peak incidence occurring from March to August. Detection delays remain a concern, highlighting the need for sustained surveillance and the implementation of integrated, multi-sectoral prevention and control measures.

The Shanghai-style pediatric Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)school,a renowned academic school of pediatric Tuina in China,was founded by Professor JIN Yicheng,a mentor of the National Senior Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Experts'Clinical Experience Inheritance Class and a distinguished TCM practitioner in Shanghai.This academic school has now been perpetuated through four generations.Prof.JIN Yicheng,a pioneering leader in modern China's pediatric Tuina,has dedicated sixty years to medical practice with unwavering benevolence and adherence to"principled innovation".While delving into traditional and ancient teachings,he has also embraced contemporary advancements.Building upon the essence of traditional pediatric Tuina,he integrated distinctive techniques from various Tuina schools,including the Yi Zhi Chan Tuina school,rolling manipulation Tuina school,and Neigong Tuina school.He also assimilated the quintessence of historical pediatric Tuina literature,the experience of modern Shanghai-based pediatric Tuina masters,and folk techniques while incorporating his years of clinical insights.This synthesis finally led to the formulation of the academic thought of"reinforcing healthy Qi and unblocking regulation"in Shanghai-style pediatric Tuina that guides clinical practice.Specifically,he comprehensively applies techniques such as"unblocking regulation of Zang-Fu organs","unblocking regulation of the four seas","unblocking regulation of the water and fire",and"unblocking regulation of the back"to the prevention and treatment of pediatric diseases across internal medicine,external medicine,orthopedics,and otolaryngology,which has significantly enhanced clinical efficacy and expanded the applicable age range and scope of Tuina for pediatric health issues,more aligning with the characteristics of children and adolescents'health challenges and current clinical demands,and paving a new way in preserving and developing traditional pediatric Tuina.