OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of meridian sinew manipulation releasing technique combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion for simple obesity. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with simple obesity were selected, on the basis of the conventional treatment, the patients were treated with meridian sinew manipulation releasing technique on the affected meridian sinews in the abdomen and lower limbs, about 30 min a time. After releasing, using the moxibustion sensation localization method in the abdominal regions with high heat-sensitivity frequency (including acupoints such as Zhongwan [CV12], Tianshu [ST25], Qihai [CV6], Guanyuan [CV4]), 2 heat-sensitive acupoints were selected for moxibustion and moxibustion was applied at each acupoint for 40 min, or until the heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation disappeared. The patients were treated once every other day for a total of 20 times. The weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat rate, waist circumference and hip circumference of the patients before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the weight, BMI, body fat rate, waist circumference and hip circumference of the patients were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.1% (27/29). CONCLUSION Meridian sinew manipulation releasing technique combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion can effectively treat simple obesity, the treatment from the perspective of meridian sinews provides a new idea and plan for simple obesity.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Female ; Male ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Meridians ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy

Revision of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is more challenging than primary ACL reconstruction and often yields less favorable outcomes. The European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) has established a consensus regarding preoperative diagnosis, assessment, and selection criteria for ACL revision surgery. This consensus addresses 18 key issues that are most pertinent to clinical practice, providing guiding recommendations aimed at improving the prognosis of ACL revisions.
Humans ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods* ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries ; Societies, Medical ; Reoperation ; Consensus ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery* ; Europe ; Sports Medicine ; Knee Injuries/surgery* ; Knee Joint/surgery*

Objective Vascular dementia(VD)is a common cognitive dysfunction associated with cerebrovascular disease.This study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic effect of anisodine hydromide(AH)on VD and the potential antioxidative stress mechanisms involved.Methods A VD model was established in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats through permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion.The rats were divided into a sham group,a VD model group,and AH treatment groups receiving AH at low,medium,or high doses(n=4).The neurological function of the rats in each group was evaluated using the Bederson scale,and limb coordination ability was assessed using the pole climbing test.Superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the serum and brain were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)to assess the level of oxidative stress.In addition,apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in neuronal cells were determined using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe.The potential mechanism of action of AH on M receptors was investigated using M1-M5 inhibitors.Results Compared with the sham group,the nerve function and limb coordination of rats in the VD model group were significantly impaired(P＜0.01),and the SOD levels were significantly decreased in the serum([100.70±18.95]U/mL vs.[44.22±7.11]U/mL,P＜0.001)and the brain([131.77±8.34]U/mg vs.[84.39±4.10]U/mg,P＜0.01),MDA levels were significantly increased in the serum([12.03±1.01]nmol/mL vs.[17.74±1.00]nmol/mL,P＜0.001)and the brain([4.41±0.30]nmol/mg vs.[6.17±0.70]nmol/mg,P＜0.05).AH treatment significantly improved the neurological function and limb coordination ability of VD rats.In comparison with the VD group,the high-dose AH treatment group,in particular,exhibited the most significant increase in SOD levels in the serum([44.22±7.11]U/mL vs.[98.67±0.86]U/mL,P＜0.001)and the brain([84.39±4.10]U/mg vs.[162.83±17.36]U/mg,P＜0.001),and the most significant decrease in MDA levels in the serum([17.74±1.00]nmol/mL vs.[6.68±0.06]nmol/mL,P＜0.001)and the brain([6.17±0.70]nmol/mg vs.[3.96±0.77]nmol/mg,P＜0.01).AH also reduced the number of TUNEL positive cells(P＜0.01)in a dose-dependent manner.The percentage of apoptotic cells was(36.10±9.07)％,(9.60±5.63)％,and(3.43±0.92)％,respectively,for AH treatment at low,medium,and high concentrations,indicating that AH had an inhibitory effect on apoptosis.According to findings from the in vitro experiments,AH treatment reduced the MDA content(P＜0.01),increased the SOD activity(P＜0.01),and decreased the ROS levels of HT22 and NSC-34 cells in a dose-dependent manner.M2 receptor inhibitors could reduce the ROS level in oxidative stress injury,suggesting that AH,as an M receptor antagonist,might exert its effect by inhibiting the M2 receptor.Conclusion AH modulates SOD and MDA levels and reduces oxidative stress injury,thereby improving neurological function and limb coordination and showing potential therapeutic effects in VD.The neuroprotective effects of AH may be related to its antioxidative stress and antiapoptotic mechanisms,and the M2 receptor may be a potential target of its actions.These findings provide an important theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies for VD.

Objective:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a common metabolic disorder in overweight and obese children,and its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear,lacking effective preventive and therapeutic measures.This study aims to explore the association between whole blood copper,zinc,calcium,magnesium and iron levels and NAFLD in overweight and obese children aged 6 to 17 years,providing a scientific basis for the prevention and intervention of early NAFLD in overweight and obese children. Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used to collect relevant data from overweight and obese children who visited the Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 through questionnaire surveys.Fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects,and various indicators such as blood glucose,blood lipid,and mineral elements were detected.All children were divided into an overweight group(n=400)and a NAFLD group(n=202).The NAFLD group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the ALT level:A non-alcoholic fatty liver(NAFL)group and a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)group.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between minerals(copper,zinc,calcium,magnesium,and iron)and NAFLD,NAFL and NASH. Results:A total of 602 subjects were included,of whom 73.6%were male,with a median age of 10(9,11)years,and a body mass index(BMI)of 24.9(22.7,27.4)kg/m2.The intergroup comparison results showed that compared with the overweight group,the NAFLD group had higher levels of age,BMI,diastolic blood pressure(DBP),systolic blood pressure(SBP),triglyceride(TG),low density lipoprotein(LDL),alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and lower level of high density lipoprotein(HDL).The NAFL group had higher levels of age,BMI,DBP,SBP,ALT,and AST,and lower levels of HDL compared with the overweight group.The levels of age,BMI,DBP,SBP,TG,LDL,ALT,and AST of NASH were higher than those in the overweight group,while the level of HDL was lower than that in overweight group(all P<0.017).After adjusting for a variety of confounders,the OR of NAFLD for the highest quantile of iron was 1.79(95%CI 1.07 to 3.00)compared to the lowest quantile,and no significant association was observed between copper,zinc,calcium,and magnesium,and NAFLD.The subgroup analysis of NAFLD showed that the OR for the highest quantile of iron in children with NAFL was 2.21(95%CI 1.26 to 3.88),while no significant association was observed between iron level and NASH.In addition,no significant associations were observed between copper,zinc,calcium,and magnesium levels and NAFL or NASH. Conclusion:High iron level increases the risk of NAFLD(more likely NAFL)in overweight and obese children,while copper,zinc,calcium,magnesium,and other elements are not associated with the risk of NAFLD in overweight and obese children.

Objective To develop a biological safety protection third-level(BSL-3)laboratory based on folding-modular shelters to solve the problems of the existing laboratories in space and function expansion,large-scale deployment and low-cost transportation.Methods The BSL-3 laboratory was composed of a folding combined shelter module,a ventilation and purification module,a power supply and distribution module,a monitoring and communication module,a control system module and an equipment module.The folding combined shelter module used a leveling base frame as the foundation and a lightweight panel as the enclosure mechanism,and was divided into an auxiliary area and a protection protected area;the ventilation and purification module was made up of an air supply unit and an air exhaust unit,the air supply unit was integrated with a fresh-air air conditioner and the exhaust unit was equipped with a main fan,a standby fan and a bag in/bag out filter;the control system module adopted a supervision mode of decentralized control and centralized management,which executed communication with the data server as the center and Profinet protocol and MODBUS-TCP.Results The BSL-3 laboratory proved to meet the requirements of relevant standards in internal microenvironment,airflow direction,airtightness,working condition and disinfection effect.Conclusion The BSL-3 laboratory is compatible with large-scale transport and deployment and facilitates reliable and safe experiments for epidemic prevention and control and cross-regional support.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(3):41-46]

Objective To investigate the biomechanical effects of the medial protrusio technique on the acetabular cup in adult patients with developmental hip(DDH)after total hip arthroplasty.Methods The CT scanning data of bilateral hips from an adult patient with unilateral DDH were obtained further to develop a finite element model of the affected hemipelvis.The medial protrusio technique with various levels of medial protrusio was simulated,and the biomechanical differences between the medial protrusio and non-protrusio groups were evaluated.Results In the simulated pull-out test,the maximum anti-pull-out load strength of the non-protrusio group was 1 166 N.Compared with the non-protrusio group,the anti-pull-out load strength of the 4 mm and 8 mm medial protrusio groups increased by 45.8％and 57.1％,respectively.The peak micromotion at the cup-bone interface for the non-protrusio group was 166.4 μm in the standing phase of the gait cycle,and that of the 4 mm and 8 mm medial protrusio groups was decreased by 46.2％and 62.1％,respectively.Regarding the immediate stress distributions of periacetabular bone tissues following cup implantation,the differences between the groups were not significant.Under the loading condition of the standing phase,the non-protrusio group yielded the lowest average and peak stresses.The average stress increased with the level of medial protrusio,and the highest peak stress was observed in the 4 mm medial protrusio group.Conclusions The medial protrusio technique can improve the initial stability of the acetabular cup,and the initial stability is positively proportional to the protrusio level.However,owing to the concentration of marginal stress at the cup-bone interface,a minor medial protrusio cup with insufficient bone coverage might increase the risk of various prosthesis-related complications.

Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein on ferroptosis in mice with sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI).Methods:The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) mice were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. The SALI model of mice was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and the Sham group was only treated with laparotomy. CLP+Fer-1 group, CLP+Erastin group, CLP+ML385 group and CLP+Curcumin group were intraperitoneally injected with iron death inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) 10 mg·kg -1·d -1, iron death activator Erastin 20 mg·kg -1·d -1, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 30 mg·kg -1·d -1 and Nrf2 activator Curcumin 100 mg·kg -1·d -1 after CLP, respectively; Sham group and CLP group were given normal saline 10 mg·kg -1·d -1, each group was administered continuously for 10 days. Ten days after operation, the serum and liver tissues of mice were collected to detect the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and Fe 2+ in liver homogenate. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed under light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The shape and length of mitochondria in liver cells were observed under transmission electron microscope. The protein expressions of Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in liver tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results:Compared with Sham group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the CLP group were significantly increased; histologically, the hepatic cord was disordered, the cells were swollen and necrotic, and the length of mitochondria was significantly shortened; the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue increased significantly, and the content of GSH decreased significantly; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue decreased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 increased significantly. Compared with CLP group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in CLP+Fer-1 group and CLP+Curcumin group were significantly decreased [ALT (U/L): 80.65±19.44, 103.45±20.52 vs. 283.50±37.12, AST (U/L): 103.33±11.90, 127.33±15.79 vs. 288.67±36.82, all P < 0.05]; microscopically, the hepatic cord was irregular, the cells were slightly swollen, and the mitochondrial length was significantly increased (μm: 1.42±0.09, 1.43±0.21 vs. 1.07±0.25, both P < 0.05); the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue decreased significantly, and the content of GSH increased significantly [MDA (mol/g): 0.87±0.23, 1.85±0.43 vs. 4.47±0.95, Fe 2+ (μg/g): 63.80±7.15, 67.48±6.28 vs. 134.52±14.32, GSH (mol/g): 1.95±0.29, 1.95±0.45 vs. 0.55±0.29, all P < 0.05]; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue were significantly increased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 was significantly decreased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 1.80±0.28, 2.10±0.43 vs. 0.70±0.24, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.80±0.06, 0.93±0.07 vs. 0.48±0.02, PTGS2/GAPDH: 0.76±0.05, 0.84±0.01 vs. 1.02±0.09, all P < 0.05). However, the results of the above indexes in the CLP+Erastin group and CLP+ML385 group were opposite, and the serum levels of ALT and AST were significantly increased [ALT (U/L): 344.52±40.79, 321.70±21.10 vs. 283.50±37.12, AST (U/L): 333.50±27.90, 333.00±16.67 vs. 288.67±36.82, all P < 0.05]; microscopically, the arrangement of hepatic cords was disordered, the cells were obviously swollen and necrotic, and the length of mitochondria was significantly shortened (μm: 0.78±0.13, 0.67±0.07 vs. 1.07±0.25, both P < 0.05); the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue increased significantly, and the content of GSH decreased significantly [MDA (mol/g): 5.92±1.06, 5.62±0.56 vs. 4.47±0.95, Fe 2+ (μg/g): 151.40±8.03, 151.88±8.68 vs. 134.52±14.32, GSH (mol/g): 0.25±0.08, 0.23±0.11 vs. 0.55±0.29, all P < 0.05]; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 was significantly increased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 0.46±0.09, 0.46±0.11 vs. 0.70±0.24, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.34±0.05, 0.40±0.01 vs. 0.48±0.02, PTGS2/GAPDH: 1.24±0.13, 1.16±0.11 vs. 1.02±0.09, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:CLP-induced SALI can lead to ferroptosis in mice hepatocytes, and Nrf2 protein in liver tissue can mediate SALI by regulating ferroptosis.

Objective To construct microscale rectangular hydrogel grooves and to investigate the morphology and alignment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)under spatial constraints.Vascular endothelial cell morphology and alignment are important factors in vascular development and the maintenance of homeostasis.Methods A 4-arm polyethylene glycol-acrylate(PEG-acrylate)hydrogel was used to fabricate rectangular microgrooves of the widths of 60 μm,100 μm,and 140 μm.The sizes and the fibronectin(FN)adhesion of these hydrogel microgrooves were measured.HUVECs were seeded onto the FN-coated microgrooves,while the flat surface without micropatterns was used as the control.After 48 hours of incubation,the morphology and orientation of the cells were examined.The cytoskeleton was labelled with phalloidine and the orientation of the cytoskeleton in the hydrogel microgrooves was observed by laser confocal microscopy.Results The hydrogel microgrooves constructed exhibited uniform and well-defined morphology,a complete structure,and clear edges,with the width deviation being less than 3.5%.The depth differences between the hydrogel microgrooves of different widths were small and the FN adhesion is uniform,providing a micro-patterned growth interface for cells.In the control group,the cells were arranged haphazardly in random orientations and the cell orientation angle was(46.9±1.8)°.In contrast,the cell orientation angle in the hydrogel microgrooves was significantly reduced(P<0.001).However,the cell orientation angles increased with the increase in hydrogel microgroove width.For the 60 μm,100 μm,and 140 μm hydrogel microgrooves,the cell orientation angles were(16.4±2.8)°,(24.5±3.2)°,and(30.3±3.5)°,respectively.Compared to that of the control group(35.7%),the number of cells with orientation angles<30° increased significantly in the hydrogel microgrooves of different widths(P<0.001).However,as the width of the hydrogel microgrooves increased,the number of cells with orientation angles<30° gradually decreased(79.9%,62.3%,54.7%,respectively),while the number of cells with orientation angles between 60°-90° increased(P<0.001).The cell bodies in the microgrooves were smaller and more rounded in shape.The cells were aligned along the direction of the microgrooves and corresponding changes occurred in the arrangement of the cell cytoskeleton.In the control group,cytoskeletal filaments were aligned in random directions,presenting an orientation angle of(45.5±3.7)°.Cytoskeletal filaments were distributed evenly within various orientation angles.However,in the 60 μm,100 μm,and 140 μm hydrogel microgrooves,the orientation angles of the cytoskeletal filaments were significantly decreased,measuring(14.4±3.1)°,(24.7±3.5)°,and(31.9±3.3)°,respectively.The number of cytoskeletal filaments with orientation angles<30° significantly increased in hydrogel microgrooves of different widths(P<0.001).However,as the width of the hydrogel microgrooves increased,the number of cytoskeletal filaments with orientation angles<30° gradually decreased,while the number of cytoskeletal filaments with orientation angles between 60°-90° gradually increased(P<0.001).Conclusion Hydrogel microgrooves can regulate the morphology and orientation of HUVECs and mimic to a certain extent the in vivo microenvironment of vascular endothelial cells,providing an experimental model that bears better resemblance to human physiology for the study of the unique physiological functions of vascular endothelial cells.Nonetheless,the molecular mechanism of spatial constraints on the morphology and the assembly of vascular endothelial cell needs to be further investigated.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of meridian sinew releasing technique on moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with 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. In the observation group, on the basis of the meridian sinew releasing technique, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. In the control group, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. The meridian sinew releasing technique was performed for 20 min each time, the moxibustion sensation exploration method was performed for 60 min each time, once a day for 3 days. The excitation rate, latency, duration time and intensity value of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion were recorded on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration in the two groups. RESULTS: The excitation rate on the 3rd day of exploration and total excitation rate in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration, the latency of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the observation group was shorter than the control group (P<0.05), the duration time was longer than the control group (P<0.05), and the intensity value was higher than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Meridian sinew releasing technique could improve the excitation rate of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with KOA, shorten the latency, prolong the duration time, and improve the intensity value.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy* ; Hot Temperature ; Meridians ; Moxibustion ; Sensation