This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction(DJD) in the prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Forty SPF New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided using SPSS 26.0 software into five groups: blank group, model group, low-dose DJD group, high-dose DJD group, and high-dose DJD+phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway activator group(high-dose DJD+740Y-P group), with eight rabbits in each group. Except for the blank group, the KOA model was established in the other groups using papain injection into the knee joint cavity combined with forced flexion of the knee joint. The day after modeling, the blank group and model group were given normal saline at 10 mL·kg~(-1) by gavage, the low-dose DJD group received DJD at 8.8 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, the high-dose DJD group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, and the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage along with 740Y-P at 0.15 μmoL·kg~(-1) injected via the auricular vein. All groups received treatment continuously for four weeks. After modeling and intervention, behavioral observations were performed for all groups, and after the intervention, imaging assessments of the knee joints were conducted. Cartilage from the knee joints was collected, and gross morphological changes were observed. Pathological changes in cartilage tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The results of these observations were quantitatively evaluated using the Lequesne MG score, Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L) grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13) in cartilage tissue. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), cysteine protease 1(caspase-1), and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in cartilage tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. The results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant knee joint degeneration, increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13 in cartilage tissue, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression levels, and elevated protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. Compared with the model group, these indicators were reversed in both the low-dose and high-dose DJD groups, with the high-dose group showing greater decline degree than the low-dose DJD group. However, compared with the high-dose DJD group, the improvements in knee joint degeneration were less pronounced in the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group, with increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression, and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. In conclusion, DJD is effective and safe in the treatment of KOA, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis in cartilage tissue, thereby improving knee joint bone structure, reducing the inflammatory response, and preventing cartilage matrix degradation.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rabbits ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Humans ; Female

Objective:To systematically synthesize qualitative research on the role expectations of nursing master student's supervisors to provide a reference for improving supervisor team development and optimizing selection and evaluation systems.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed for qualitative studies on the role expectations of nursing master student's supervisors. The search was limited to studies published up to October 31, 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Meta-integration was employed to synthesize the results.Results:A total of nine studies were included, yielding 39 research findings, which were further categorized into eight new categories. These were integrated into three main themes: expectations of supervisors' comprehensive qualities, clear role positioning and exemplification, and respecting and meeting students' developmental needs.Conclusions:Educational institutions and policymakers involved in graduate education should fully understand the multi-dimensional role expectations of stakeholders regarding nursing master student's supervisors. This understanding is crucial for strengthening the development of the supervisor team, improving selection and evaluation systems, and supporting the training of advanced nursing professionals.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that can cause physical and psychological discomfort. It often occurs in a variety of diseases. In addition to the common chemical medicines, the application of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have attracted much attention for itch. As one of the classic antipruritic formula, Xiaofengsan is widely used by the later generations of doctors based on the edition of Orthodox Manual of External Diseases(Wài Kē Zhèng Zōng). It can be used to remove wind, dehumidify, clear heat and nourish blood by taking into account the complicated pathogenesis of skin diseases. In modern clinics, Xiaofengsan is commonly used for the treatment of rubella, eczema, acute and chronic urticaria, contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis and other types of dermatitis with remarkable antipruritic effect. Its mechanism is related to its anti-allergic reaction, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine,immune regulation etc. This article reviews the research literature of Xiaofengsan and its addition and subtraction in modern pharmacological experimental research and clinical treatment in the past 15 years, and analyzes the current research situation of Xiaofengsan in the topic of antipruritic effect. The focus is on the compatibility characteristics of formula and the component study of single herb after being decomposed of Xiaofengsan, and the main material basis of antipruritic effect is summarized. It was found that Schizonepetae Herba, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Arctii Fructus, Cicadae Periostracum and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were the main medicines for its antipruritic effect,which was helpful to expand the clinical value of Xiaofengsan and deepen its mechanisms of anti-itching.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of skin diseases in pre-school children aged 0-7 years in cities of China.Methods From November 2014 to April 2015,12 cities were chosen as survey spots,and pre-school children aged 0-7 years served as respondents.A population-based study was conducted,and 40 vaccination clinics and 80 kindergartens were selected by stratified random sampling.A questionnaire survey and dermatological examination were performed by trained dermatologists.Results A total of 20 033 pre-school children received questionnaires,whose age was 2.41 ± 1.82 years (range,0.08-6.83 years).Among these respondents,7 823 children were found to have skin diseases,with the total prevalence of skin diseases being 39.05％ (7 823/20 033).Additionally,the prevalence of skin diseases reported in the 12 cities from high to low was as follows:66.96％ (612/914,Dalian),56.73％ (2 310/4 072,Shanghai),55.49％ (556/1 002,Wuhan),49.18％ (390/793,Taiyuan),47.16％ (316/670,Chengdu),41.93 ％ (566/1 350,Nanjing),41.03％ (318/775,Chongqing),35.98％ (240/667,Hefei),33.87％ (677/1999,Shenzhen),31.37％ (554/1 766,Changsha),23.52％ (1 107/4 706,Beijing),13.42％ (177/1 319,Shenyang).Totally,40 kinds of skin diseases were investigated,and the 10 most common skin diseases were eczema/infantile eczema/atopic dermatitis (18.71％,3 749/20 033),ichthyosis vulgaris(6.25％,1 253/20 033),lichen pilaris (5.73％,1 148/20 033),diaper dermatitis (5.29％,1 059/20 033),papular urticaria(5.25％,1 052/20 033),hemangioma/vascular malformation (3.86％,774/20 033),pityriasis alba (3.45％,691/20 033),infectious skin diseases (2.59％,519/20 033),urticaria(1.71％,344/20 033)and contact dermatitis (0.5％,100/20 033).Conclusion The total prevalence of skin diseases among pre-school children in cities of China is 39.05％,and eczema/atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease.

OBJECTIVETo explore an optional condition to induce mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to differentiate into endothelial cells and to establish in vitro models of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

METHODSMouse ES cells were cultured in differentiation medium containing a cocktail of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) in 1% methylcellulose to induce formation of embryoid bodies (EBs). At day 11, EBs were harvested and suspended in rat-tail collagen type I with the same cocktail of cytokines cultured for three additional days. The differentiation of ES cells into endothelial cells, processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis were examined using immunostaining of EBs slices and whole-mount immunocytochemistry of EBs with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA).

RESULTSUnder appropriate culture conditions; ES cells spontaneously differentiated and formed EBs containing vascular structures and tubular channels, which were positive for PECAM-1 co-differentiated with smooth muscle. When not treated with angiogenic growth factors, PECAM-1-positive cells could not organize into vascular structures of 11-day-old EBs. In the presence of angiogenic factors 11-day old EBs embedded into type I collagen, and rapidly developed an endothelial networks. Whole-mount immunocytochemistry of collagen gel with anti-PECAM-1 antibody showed the formation of primary vascular structures sprouting from EBs. Quantitative analysis revealed that 100 microg/ml thalidomide significantly reduced the number and length of EBs endothelial sprouting.

CONCLUSIONSMouse ES cells can differentiate into endothelial cells combined with smooth muscle differentiation during EBs formation and further develop endothelial outgrowths after EBs embedded into collagen, which respectively recapitulate vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis processes in vivo. The models provide a useful tool to investigate vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis mechanisms and evaluate the effects of angiogenic and angiostatic agents.

Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; Collagen ; pharmacology ; Culture Media ; Embryo, Mammalian ; cytology ; physiology ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Erythropoietin ; pharmacology ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; physiology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; pharmacology