Objective To investigate the mechanism of inducing macrophage polarization induced by acupoint effect of electroacupuncture to promote the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods 45 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group(EA group),sodium chrominate group (DSCG group) and electroacupuncture+sodium chrominate group (hereinafter referred to as EA+DSCG group),with 9 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group and the EA+DSCG group were subjected to EA intervention at the right "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan"(GB34),with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. The gait changes of rats were recorded by animal gait analyzer. The morphological changes of the right gastrocnemius were observed by HE staining. The changes of mast cell aggregation and degranulation in local skin muscles of "chengshan" point were observed by toluidine blue staining. The expressions of Pax7,MyoD and skin mast cells and 5-HT in the right gastrocnemius were detected by immunofluorescence method. The positive expressions of CD68 and CD206 in right gastrocnemius macrophage was observed by immunohistochemical staining.Results Compared with blank group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in model group and DSCG group increased,stride length decreased,HE staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration,myocyte enlargement,degeneration and necrosis. The degranulation rate of local skin mast cells in "Chengshan" (BL57) area increased,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD,CD68 and CD206 increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in EA group and EA+DSCG group decreased,stride length increased,HE staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced,muscle cells were uniform in size and arranged neatly. Mast cell degranulation rate increased significantly in EA group,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with EA+DSCG group,the degranulation rate of mast cells and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased in EA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EA "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) can stimulate acupuncture points to locally induce mast cell degranulation,promote the polarization of macrophages,and then activate muscle satellite cells to play the regulatory process of repairing skeletal muscle injury.

Acute mitral regurgitation(MR)in the setting of myocardial infarction(MI)may be the result of papillary muscle rupture(PMR).The clinical presentation can be catastrophic,with refractory cardiogenic shock.This condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair(TEER)has become increasingly common in treating severe mitral regurgitation.This case details a successful TEER is feasible and safe in patients with acute MR following MI.TEER is an emerging treatment option in this clinical scenario that should be taken into consideration.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative fatigue syndrome in patients with Parkinson′s diseases undergoing bilateral deep brain electrical stimulation.Methods:Sixty patients with Parkinson′s disease, aged 60-80 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with body mass index of 18.5-29.9 kg/m 2, undergoing elective bilateral deep brain electrical stimulation, were divided into transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation group (TEAS group) and sham stimulation group (Sham group), with 30 patients in each group, using the random number table method. The TEAS of bilateral Zusanli and Sanyin points was performed on admission to the operating room with alternative stimulation at a frequency of 2/10 Hz and an intensity of 6-15 mA. The stimulation was stopped when the neurosurgeon performed the microelectrode recording, and TEAS was continued until the end of operation after the microelectrode recording was finished. In Sham group, electrode pads were only placed at the acupoint with no stimulation. The Christensen score was assessed at 1 day preoperatively (T 0) and 1, 3 and 7 days postoperatively (T 1-3) to evaluate the occurrence of postoperative fatigue syndrome. The 15-item Quality of Recovery scale score, emergence agitation and rescue analgesia within 48 h after surgery were recorded. Results:Compared with Sham group, Christensen scores were significantly decreased at T 1-3, 15-item Quality of Recovery scale scores were increased, and the incidence of postoperative fatigue syndrome and emergence agitation and rate of rescue analgesia were decreased in TEAS group than in Sham group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can reduce the development of postoperative fatigue syndrome in the patients with Parkinson′s diseases undergoing bilateral deep brain electrical stimulation.

Objective: To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preterm birth subtypes. Methods: Based on the cohort of pregnant women in Anqing Prefectural Hospital, the pregnant women who received prenatal screening in the first or second trimesters were recruited into baseline cohorts; and followed up for them was conducted until delivery, and the information about their pregnancy status and outcomes were obtained through electronic medical record system and questionnaire surveys. The log-binomial regression model was used to explore the association between GDM and preterm birth [iatrogenic preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth (preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor)]. For multiple confounding factors, the propensity score correction model was used to compute the adjusted association. Results: Among the 2 031 pregnant women with a singleton delivery, the incidence of GDM and preterm birth were 10.0% (204 cases) and 4.4% (90 cases) respectively. The proportions of iatrogenic preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth in the GDM group (n=204) were 1.5% and 5.9% respectively, while the proportions in non-GDM group (n=1 827) were 0.9% and 3.2% respectively, and the difference in the proportion of spontaneous preterm birth between the two groups was significant (P=0.048). Subtypes of spontaneous preterm were further analyzed, and the results showed that the proportions of preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor in the GDM group were 4.9% and 1.0% respectively, while the proportions in the non-GDM group were 2.1% and 1.1% respectively. It showed that the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes in GDM pregnant women was 2.34 times (aRR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.16-4.69) higher than that in non-GDM pregnant women. Conclusions: Our results showed that GDM might increase the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes. No significant increase in the proportion of preterm labor in pregnant women with GDM was found.
Infant, Newborn ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Premature Birth ; Diabetes, Gestational ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Hospitals ; Iatrogenic Disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on threshold of pain, gait, proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cell in rats with acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle, and to explore the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture in promoting the repair of acute injury of skeletal muscle. METHODS: A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (6 rats), a model group (24 rats) and an electroacupuncture group (18 rats). In the model group and the electroacupuncture group, the model of acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle was established by self-made impactor. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "Chengshan" (BL 57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on the right side, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, once a day, 30 min each time. Electroacupuncture intervention was performed for 3, 7 and 14 days according to the sampling time. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling, the mechanical withdrawal pain threshold of hindfoot was detected by Von Frey method; the standing time and the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot were recorded by Cat Walk XT^TM animal gait analysis instrument; the morphology of the right gastrocnemius muscle and the number of inflammatory cells were observed by HE staining; the positive expression of paired box gene 7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation (MyoD) of the right gastrocnemius muscle was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: After modeling, the muscle fiber rupture and massive infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells were observed in the right gastrocnemius muscle; after electroacupuncture intervention, the morphology of muscle fiber was intact and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was improved. Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the differences of mechanical withdrawal pain threshold between the left and right foot were increased (P<0.05), the standing time was shortened and the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot was decreased (P<0.05), the number of inflammatory cells and the positive expression of Pax7 and MyoD of the right gastrocnemius muscle were increased (P<0.05) on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling. Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the differences of mechanical withdrawal pain threshold were decreased (P<0.05), the standing time was prolonged (P<0.05), the number of inflammatory cells of right gastrocnemius muscle was decreased (P<0.05) on the 7th and 14th days after modeling; the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot was increased (P<0.05), the positive expression of MyoD of the right gastrocnemius muscle was increased (P<0.05) on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling; the positive expression of Pax7 of the right gastrocnemius muscle was increased (P<0.05) on the 3rd day after modeling. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture can effectively improve the pain threshold and gait in rats with acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle, and promote the repair of skeletal muscle injury, the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of Pax7 and MyoD, so as to promoting the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cell.
Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle ; Electroacupuncture ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Gait ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating ; Pain ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation

Humans ; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair ; Endovascular Procedures ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Postoperative Complications ; Risk Factors ; Aortic Rupture/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of balance and cortical activation in older adults when performing cognition-balance dual tasks. MethodsFrom January to April, 2023, 20 healthy older adults were non-targeted recruited. They completed six tasks of close eyes & fixed platform (CF), close eyes & fixed platform & cognitive task (CFc), open eyes & sway-referenced platform (OS), open eyes & sway-referenced platform & cognitive task (OSc), close eyes & sway-referenced platform (CS), and close eyes & sway-referenced platform & cognitive task (CSc) on the Balance SD, wearing functional near-infrared spectroscopy caps. The overal stability index (OSI) was measured with Balance SD. The premotor cortex (PMC), sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were as regions of interest (ROIs), and the β values were calculated. ResultsThe OSI was more as CFc than as CF (Z = -2.014, P < 0.05), and was less as CSc than as CS (Z = -2.063, P < 0.05). The β values of bilateral ROIs were all more as CFc than as CF (|Z| > 2.464, |t| > 3.733, P < 0.05), and as OSc than as OS (|t| > 2.308, P < 0.05); the β value of the right SMC was more as CSc than as CS (t = -2.912, P < 0.05). The number of correct counts was less as CSc than as CFc and OSc (|Z| > 3.643, P < 0.001). ConclusionBalance has been impaired under dual tasks for older adults, while activation of cerebral cortex increases. However, for more difficult balance task, older adults would preferentially maintain postural balance under dual tasks, while cognitive performance decreases, which may be the results from no more activation of cerebral cortex under dual tasks.

Objective To investigate the difference of matrix stiffness in different regions of tibial plateau in osteoarthritis (OA) and its effects on morphology of the cartilage and mitochondria. Methods The tibial plateau cartilage specimens of OA were obtained for nanoindentation test, transmission electron microscopy and histological analysis. The stiffness of cartilage matrix in different regions of OA tibial plateau was detected by nano-indentation. The morphology of cartilage mitochondria in different regions was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the changes of mitochondrial plane area, shape and ridge volume density were quantitatively analyzed. Cartilage injury in different regions of OA tibial plateau was observed by histological staining. Results The cartilage of OA tibial plateau showed regional heterogeneity, and the cartilage and mitochondria on medial side of varus knee OA were more severe, and the matrix stiffness was higher. The OA scores were positively correlated with matrix stiffness. There was also a significant correlation between OA scores and mitochondrial morphology: the higher OA scores, the larger and rounder mitochondrial plane area, and the lower cristae volume density. Conclusions The differences of tibial plateau revealed the correlation between cartilage matrix stiffness, OA scores and mitochondrial morphological parameters. The increased cartilage matrix stiffness may be the main cause of chondrocyte mitochondrial injury, and further aggravate the progression of OA.

ObjectiveTo explore the possible peripheral analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） at promimal and distal acupoints in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）. MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， proximal group， and distal group， with six rats in each group. MPS model was prepared by “strike combined with centrifugal exercise” in all groups except for the blank group. After modeling， the rats in the proximal group received EA at the local myofascial trigger points （MTrPs）， namely the Ashi points， with dilatational waves of frequency of 2/100 HZ and voltage of 2-4 V， current intensity depending on a slight trembling of the left lower limbs， once a day， 15min each time，for 14 days. The rats in the distal group received EA at “Yanglingquan” （GB 34） and “Yinlingquan” （SP 9）， with the same operations as the proximal group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were only grasped and hedged， without other interventions. After intervention， the paw withdrawl mechanical threshold （PWMT） was measured， and variability between the left and right hind paws was calculated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electromyography monitoring were performed on the left lower extremity vastus medialis. The morphological changes of vastus medialis muscle of the left lower extremity were observed by HE staining. The positive expression of substance P （SP）， calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， CD68 and CD206 in muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Abdominal aortic serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-8 （interleukin-8） were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group， the fibers of the vastus medial muscle of the rats in the model group were broken and distorted with thickness in variation， and the myofascia was broken， with fibrillation potential， enlarged muscle cells， inward moved nucleus， and widened muscle space； the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws significantly increased， as well as the levels of SP， CGRP， CD68， and CD206 in the vastus medialis muscle （P＜0.01）， and the serum IL-8 and TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the muscle fibers in the proximal and distal group were complete in shape and arranged in an orderly manner， with continued non-broken myofascia， regular shape of muscle cells， and significantly reduced level of IL-8 （P＜0.01）； the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous discharge in the proximal group significantly decreased， as well as the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws， and the levels of SP， CGRP， and CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle， while the CD206 level increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ）； there was complex discharges in the distal group， with significantly decreased level of CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle and increased level of CD206 （P＜0.01）. Compared to the proximal group， the level of IL-8 in the distal group was significantly higher （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEA at proximal acupoints can significantly improve the pain threshold and local muscle tissue morpho-logy in rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of pain-causing substances and related inflammatory factors and promoting the polarization of macrophages. The analgesic effect of EA at distal acupoints is not obvious， and the mechanism is still unclear.