OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) at neuro-arterial stimulation points with topical western medication in treating post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS). METHODS: A total of 72 patients with post-stroke SHS were randomly assigned to an observation group (n=36, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (n=36, 3 cases dropped out). Both groups received standard neurological treatment, comprehensive rehabilitation, and physical therapy. The observation group received EA at neuro-arterial stimulation points, including the ipsilateral stellate ganglion point, vagus nerve trunk and auricular branch (left side), and stimulation points of the radial and ulnar arteries, radial nerve, ulnar nerve, and median nerve, once daily for 4 weeks. The control group was treated with topical diclofenac diethylamine emulgel, and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream was added for patients with pronounced early-stage edema, twice a day for 4 weeks. The VAS pain score and hand edema volume were recorded before treatment, at 2 and 4 weeks during treatment, and 2 weeks after treatment completion (follow-up). Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the dorsal hand and middle finger skin on the affected side before and after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS pain scores and edema volume of the affected hand in both groups were decreased at week 2, week 4, and follow-up (P<0.05). At week 4, both groups showed lower VAS pain scores and edema volume than those at week 2 (P<0.05); during follow-up, both VAS pain scores and edema volume were further reduced compared to those at week 4 (P<0.05). At week 2, week 4, and follow-up, the VAS scores and edema volume of the affected hand in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the dorsal hand skin thickness and middle finger skin thickness on the affected side were decreased in both groups after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed thinner dorsal hand and middle finger skin thickness after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA at neuro-arterial stimulation points effectively alleviates pain and edema in patients with post-stroke SHS, and demonstrates superior efficacy compared to topical western medication.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Aged ; Stroke/complications* ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/physiopathology* ; Treatment Outcome ; Hand

Clinical trials have demonstrated that kilohertz-frequency transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) can be used to facilitate the recovery of sensory-motor function for patients with spinal cord injury, whereas the neural mechanism of TSCS is still undetermined so that the choice of stimulation parameters is largely dependent on the clinical experience. In this paper, a finite element model of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation was used to calculate the electric field distribution of human spinal cord segments T ₁₂ to L ₂, whereas the activation thresholds of spinal fibers were determined by using a double-cable neuron model. Then the variation of activation thresholds was obtained by varying the carrier waveform, the interphase delay, the modulating frequency, and the modulating pulse width. Compared with the sinusoidal carrier, the usage of square carrier could significantly reduce the activation threshold of dorsal root (DR) fibers. Moreover, the variation of activation thresholds was no more than 1 V due to the varied modulating frequency and decreases with the increased modulating pulse width. For a square carrier at 10 kHz modulated by rectangular pulse with the frequency of 50 Hz and the pulse width of 1 ms, the lowest activation thresholds of DR fibers and dorsal column fibers were 27.6 V and 55.8 V, respectively. An interphase delay of 5 μs was able to reduce the activation thresholds of the DR fibers to 20.1 V. The simulation results can lay a theoretical foundation on the selection of TSCS parameters in clinical trials.
Humans ; Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods* ; Nerve Fibers/physiology* ; Finite Element Analysis ; Spinal Cord/physiology* ; Computer Simulation ; Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology* ; Lumbosacral Region ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation/methods* ; Models, Neurological

Objective:To explore the impacts of different frequencies of orthogonal image-guided verification on set-up error correction and the reference values of planning target volume (PTV) margins in postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer, in order to provide recommendations of the verification frequency in clinical practice.Methods:A total of 80 breast cancer patients who received postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy for breast cancer at the Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 were enrolled. Orthogonal image-guided verification was conducted before each radiation treatment to determine initial and residual set-up errors. The error data were statistically analyzed by categorizing patients into groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, based on assumed verification frequencies (daily, every 2, 3, 4, and 5 d, and no correction). The magnitude, distribution, and differences of set-up errors of various groups were analyzed, and the PTV margins were calculated using a reference formula.Results:The collected initial set-up errors of the 80 patients were (3.49±3.43), (2.87±2.88), and (2.75±2.35) mm, in x, y, and z directions, respectively. The residual set-up errors decreased gradually with increasing verification frequency. In the case of daily image-guided verification, the residual set-up errors in x, y, and z directions decreased to (1.63±0.90), (1.63±0.93), and (1.55±0.90)mm, respectively. The reference values of PTV margins calculated under different verification frequencies decreased with an increase in the verification frequency. Under daily verification, the reference values of PTV margins calculated based on set-up errors decreased from initial 6.60, 6.29, and 4.22 mm (without correction) to 1.27, 1.37, and 1.28 mm, respectively. Differences in the reference values under verification frequencies every 3, 4, and 5 d were less than 0.81 mm. Conclusions:Daily image-guided verification (including correction) can effectively reduce set-up errors in image-guided radiotherapy for breast cancer. The set-up errors differ under varying verification frequencies, with a higher frequency corresponding to better correction effects and smaller PTV margins required.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease characterized by an imbalance between immune-mediated platelet destruction and production. Its clinical management has long been confronted with core challenges such as insufficient diagnostic specificity, significant individual differences in treatment response, and difficulties in prognosis assessment. In recent years, researches have systematically revealed the multi-dimensional pathological mechanisms of this disease: in terms of immunology, autoantibodies mediate platelet clearance, and the imbalance of T cell subsets exacerbates the disorder of immune homeostasis. Proteomic techniques have identified plasma markers such as matrix metallopeptidase 9 and CXCL11. Genomic studies have revealed that miR-199a-5p, lncRNA MALAT1, etc., are involved in the pathogenesis by regulating the immune-thrombopoiesis axis. Metabolism research has shown features such as lipid metabolism disorders, abnormal tryptophan pathways in the bone marrow, and excessive T cell glycolysis. Although multi-omics techniques have promoted the progress of biomarker research, the clinical translation of biomarkers is still limited by high heterogeneity, insufficient validation, and lack of standardization. In the future, it is expected that through the integration of multi-omics data and the development of artificial intelligence algorithms, combined with single-cell technologies to analyze the heterogeneity of the immune microenvironment, and multi-dimensional prediction models can be constructed to optimize precision diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as the most common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly. Currently, there is a lack of effective methods for early diagnosis and intervention. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of plasma biomarkers in AD diagnosis. This article reviews the various types of AD plasma biomarkers and their influencing factors for detection, and their potential applications in early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of AD, so as to develop a more accurate and convenient diagnostic method for AD.

Objective:Taking Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD)patients as an example,to explore the impact of disparities in regional outpatient security policies on medication reimbursement benefits for patients,and to provide insights for promoting the reform and development of equal outpatient security policy.Methods:39 cities from 9 provinces in China were selected as research samples to analyze the types,coverage,and benefits of their outpatient security policies.Indicators such as the individual out-of-pocket ratio,deductible,and specified reimbursement rate were used to simulate the actual reimbursement ratio for IBD patients using negotiated drugs.Results:Under the general outpatient coordination policy,the average actual reimbursement rate for medications in IBD patients was 26.36%for residents and 36.47%for employees.Under the outpatient chronic and special disease policy,the average actual reimbursement rate was 42.49%for residents and 50.94%for employees,while patients receiving drug treatment under the outpatient special drug policy have an average actual reimbursement rate of 51.62%(for residents)and 64.92%(for employees).Conclusion:Under China's outpatient security policies,there are significant disparities in reimbursement benefits for IBD patients across different regions.Therefore,it is recommended to strengthen the coordination of outpatient security policies across regions,optimize policy design,and provide patients with more equitable and accessible medical coverage.

The aim of this study is to establish an gene editing method of Mesomycoplasma hyo-pneumoniae(Mhp)based on the homologous recombination principle.The restriction enzyme di-gestion and ligation method combined with gene synthesis were used to construct a shuttle plasmid to achieve replication in both Mhp and Escherichia coli(E.coli).The pGEM?-T vector was used as the skeleton.The oriC sequence of Mhp which can achieve the replication of the plasmid in Mhp was inserted into the vector.Sequences of the Spiroplasma promoter and puromycin resistance gene were then inserted into the above constructed plasmid to screen recombinant clones.The up-stream and downstream homologous arms of p97 were constructed to initiate homologous recombination.The recA gene of E.coli is inserted to improve the efficiency of homologous recom-bination.The obtained shuttle plasmid was then delivered into Mhp by electro-transformation or chemical transformation.A shuttle plasmid,pGEM?-Mhp-oriC-p 97,which can replicate in both Mhp and E.coli was constructed.With the transformation of this plasmid,the carried puromycin gene and recA gene can be expressed,the p97 gene can be edited.Finally,the genetically unstable p97 gene mutant was initially obtained.In this study,a tool for Mhp gene editing based on the principle of homologous recombination was established,which laid a foundation for the develop-ment of tools for studying the pathogenesis of Mhp.

Objective:To investigate the factors associated with prolonged QTc interval in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, and to develop and validate a predictive model.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 215 long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia at Xianyang Hospital, Yan'an University from January to December 2023. The incidence of prolonged QTc intervals among the patients was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the factors associated with prolonged QTc intervals were performed. A mathematical model was developed to predict prolonged QTc intervals in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated.Results:Among the 215 patients, 42 exhibited prolonged QTc intervals, with an incidence rate of 19.53%. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the groups with and without prolonged QTc in terms of age, gender, body mass index, categories of antipsychotic medication used, fasting blood glucose, and potassium levels ( t = -5.66, χ2 = 29.03, t = -2.01, χ2 = 10.96, t = -5.78, t = 5.92, all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, gender, fasting blood glucose, and potassium levels were independent factors affecting QTc interval prolongation ( OR = 1.097, 10.221, 2.449, 0.014, all P < 0.05). The goodness-of-fit of the logistic regression model was validated to be satisfactory (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 14.56, P > 0.05). A risk nomogram model based on the variables from the multivariate analysis had a C-index of 0.713. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed using the independent influential factors and their P values from the logistic regression model to predict the probability of QTc interval prolongation. The area under the curve values were 0.762, 0.725, 0.730, 0.792, and 0.920, respectively. Conclusions:The incidence of prolonged QTc interval is relatively high in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Female gender, older age, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia are all associated with prolonged QTc intervals. The mathematical model developed based on these factors demonstrates good predictive performance for QTc interval prolongation.

Objective:To evaluate the differences in total effectiveness, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS) scores among four non-invasive Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques: moxibustion, massage therapy, acupoint application, and auricular acupressure, for the care of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) using network Meta-analysis, providing evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making.Methods:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the four non-invasive TCM techniques for PD care were retrieved from databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to November 30, 2023. Network Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 83 studies involving 8 370 PD patients were included. The network Meta-analysis showed that all four TCM techniques were superior to control measures in terms of total effectiveness and reducing VAS scores. Moxibustion, acupoint application, and auricular acupressure were also superior in reducing CMSS scores. Ranking of the effects of different interventions: total effectiveness: auricular acupressure > moxibustion > acupoint application > massage therapy > acupuncture > Chinese patent medicine > Western medicine > blank control > placebo treatment; VAS scores: moxibustion > auricular acupressure > acupoint application > acupuncture > placebo treatment > massage therapy > Western medicine > Chinese patent medicine > blank control; CMSS scores: auricular acupressure > moxibustion > acupuncture > placebo treatment > acupoint application > Western medicine > blank control.Conclusions:The four non-invasive TCM techniques have significant advantages in PD care, with auricular acupressure and moxibustion being the preferred choices for clinical care.

Objective:To explore the impacts of different frequencies of orthogonal image-guided verification on set-up error correction and the reference values of planning target volume (PTV) margins in postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer, in order to provide recommendations of the verification frequency in clinical practice.Methods:A total of 80 breast cancer patients who received postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy for breast cancer at the Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 were enrolled. Orthogonal image-guided verification was conducted before each radiation treatment to determine initial and residual set-up errors. The error data were statistically analyzed by categorizing patients into groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, based on assumed verification frequencies (daily, every 2, 3, 4, and 5 d, and no correction). The magnitude, distribution, and differences of set-up errors of various groups were analyzed, and the PTV margins were calculated using a reference formula.Results:The collected initial set-up errors of the 80 patients were (3.49±3.43), (2.87±2.88), and (2.75±2.35) mm, in x, y, and z directions, respectively. The residual set-up errors decreased gradually with increasing verification frequency. In the case of daily image-guided verification, the residual set-up errors in x, y, and z directions decreased to (1.63±0.90), (1.63±0.93), and (1.55±0.90)mm, respectively. The reference values of PTV margins calculated under different verification frequencies decreased with an increase in the verification frequency. Under daily verification, the reference values of PTV margins calculated based on set-up errors decreased from initial 6.60, 6.29, and 4.22 mm (without correction) to 1.27, 1.37, and 1.28 mm, respectively. Differences in the reference values under verification frequencies every 3, 4, and 5 d were less than 0.81 mm. Conclusions:Daily image-guided verification (including correction) can effectively reduce set-up errors in image-guided radiotherapy for breast cancer. The set-up errors differ under varying verification frequencies, with a higher frequency corresponding to better correction effects and smaller PTV margins required.