Factors and Their Impact on Treatment Effect of Acupuncture in Different Outcomes: A Meta-Regression of Acupuncture Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results.@*OBJECTIVE@#To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes.@*METHODS@#Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects.@*RESULTS@#The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.

Research progress in assisting in the diagnosis of early Alzheimer's disease through eye structure / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which neuropathological changes precede cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment. Currently, early diagnosis of AD is based on invasive and expensive testing techniques that are difficult to use widely in the clinical setting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new markers to detect AD at an early stage. The eye, as an extension of the brain, has been found to show earlier onset of ocular pathologic changes in patients with AD compared to brain pathologic changes, such as retinal structural abnormalities, visual dysfunction, retinal abnormal protein accumulation, choroidal thickness changes, decreased corneal nerve fiber density, deposition of abnormal Aβ proteins in the lens, and pupillary light decreased sensitivity of response, etc. This article reviews the ocular pathologic changes in AD patients in recent years to provide new ideas for the early clinical diagnosis of AD.

A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf / 药学学报

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT7 receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

The expression mechanism of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 and its role in immunomodulatory ability of mesenchymal stem cells / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important immunosuppressive molecule, which inhibits the function of T cells and other immune cells by binding to the receptor programmed cell death-1. The PD-L1 expression disorder plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of sepsis or other inflammatory diseases, and has become an important target for the treatment of these diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a kind of pluripotent stem cells with multiple differentiation potential. In recent years, MSCs have been found to have a strong immunosuppressive ability and are used to treat various inflammatory insults caused by hyperimmune diseases. Moreover, PD-L1 is deeply involved in the immunosuppressive events of MSCs and plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we will summarize the main regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression, and discuss various biological functions of PD-L1 in the immune regulation of MSCs.

Values of serum human epididymis protein 4, endothelial cell specific molecule-1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in the diagnosis of lung cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic values of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for lung cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 90 patients with lung cancer and 50 patients with benign lung diseases diagnosed by the pathological examination in Tangshan People's Hospital from December 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and 40 healthy physical examiners in the same period were selected as the controls. The serum HE4 levels were detected by electrochemiluminescence method. The serum ESM-1 and EGFR levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The differences in serum HE4, ESM-1 and EGFR levels between the three groups were compared; logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the effective indicators for the diagnosis of lung cancer and to construct a prediction model for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Using pathological diagnosis result as the gold standard, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the diagnostic efficacy of indicators for lung cancer was evaluated.Results:The levels of serum HE4 in lung cancer group, benign lung diseases group and healthy control group were 119.55 pmol/L (82.06 pmol/L, 189.00 pmol/L), 58.84 pmol/L (45.62 pmol/L, 69.41 pmol/L) and 42.67 pmol/L (37.09 pmol/L, 51.84 pmol/L), the levels of ESM-1 were 33.00 ng/ml (25.85 ng/ml, 47.40 ng/ml), 20.14 ng/ml (11.93 ng/ml, 28.90 ng/ml) and 15.39 ng/ml (11.84 ng/ml, 20.19 ng/ml), and the levels of EGFR were 46.60 pg/ml (37.45 pg/ml, 58.98 pg/ml), 32.77 pg/ml (26.27 pg/ml, 40.86 pg/ml) and 30.43 pg/ml (27.54 pg/ml, 35.75 pg/ml), and the differences in each indicator among the three groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.001). The levels of serum HE4, ESM-1 and EGFR in lung cancer group were higher than those in benign lung diseases group and healthy control group. In patients with lung cancer, logistic regression analysis was performed with HE4 (X 1), ESM-1 (X 2) and EGFR (X 3) as the independent variables and pathological diagnosis as the dependent variable, and a lung cancer prediction regression model was established: P = 0.171X 1+0.351X 2+0.184X 3-24.660. The accuracy of this model in predicting lung cancer could reach 98.5%, and serum HE4, ESM-1 and EGFR were risk factors for the occurrence of lung cancer (all P < 0.05). The area under ROC curve from high to low was HE4 (0.960), ESM-1 (0.942) and EGFR (0.859). The diagnostic sensitivity of serum HE4 63.67 pmol/L for lung cancer was 86.7%, and the specificity was 97.5%. Both serum HE4 ( r = 0.304, P = 0.004) and ESM-1 ( r = 0.416, P < 0.001) were correlated with EGFR. Conclusions:Serum HE4, ESM-1 and EGFR can be used as effective indicators for the diagnosis of lung cancer, and the prediction model established based on the three serum tumor markers is of good value for the diagnosis and prediction of lung cancer.

Research progress on the biological clock genes and diabetic retinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus, which is the main cause of vision loss in adults. Biological clock genes produce circadian rhythms and control its operation, while the disorder of the expression causes the occurrence and development of a series of diseases. It has been demonstrated that biological clock genes might take effects in the development and progression of DR. On the one hand, circadian rhythm disorder-related behavior disrupts the circadian oscillation of clock genes, and the change in its expression level is prone to unbalanced regulation of glucose metabolism, ultimately increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and DR pathogenesis. On the other hand, DR patients exhibit symptoms of circadian rhythm disorders, and it has been suggested that the clock genes may control the development and progression of DR by affecting a variety of retinal pathophysiological processes. Therefore, maintaining normal circadian rhythm can be used as a disease prevention strategy, and studying the molecular mechanism of clock genes in DR can provide new ideas for more comprehensive elaboration of the pathogenesis of DR and search for new therapeutic targets.

Prenatal ultrasonographic characteristics of fetal cortical dysplasia during second trimester / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To analyze the fetal ultrasonographic features of malformation of cortical development (MCD) during the second trimester, and explore and summarize the relevant diagnostic clues, so as to improve the ability of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal MCD.Methods:A total of 313 fetuses with brain abnormalities suspected on ultrasound in Chengdu Women′s and Children′s Central Hospital from April 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The fetuses were examined using MRI. The ultrasonographic characteristics of fetal MCD were summarized, and the fetal ultrasound and MRI imaging data were compared for fetal MCD.Results:Nineteen fetuses were diagnosed with MCD from 313 fetuses(6.07%, 19/313). Seventeen cases of MCD were identified by ultrasonography and subsequently validated by fetal MRI, including 6 cases of schizencephaly, 2 cases of hemimegalencephaly(HMEG), 3 cases of periventricular nodular heterotopia(PVNH), 3 cases of lissencephaly, 2 cases of microcephaly and 1 case of polymicrogyria(PMG). There were 3 cases with two concurrent MCD, 1 case of HMEG, and MRI increased the diagnosis of left parietal PMG; 1 case of lissencephaly, and MRI increased the diagnosis of PVNH. The other case was PMG, and MRI increased the diagnosis of lissencephaly. Two cases of fetal MCD were not indicated by ultrasonography, one of which was diagnosed as tuberous sclerosis and another one as schizencephaly by MRI, both due to ventriculomegaly.Conclusions:Various types of MCD in the second trimester have ultrasonographic characteristics. Abnormal lateral ventricles, intracranial structural changes such as sulci and gyrus can provide reliable ultrasound diagnostic clues for fetal MCD.

Characteristics of whole genome analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during different epidemic periods in Wuxi City / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To understand the genome sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and spike protein variations during different epidemic periods in Wuxi City.Methods:Nucleic acid was extracted from the nasopharyngeal swab samples of six local cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (from January to February, 2020) and 13 imported cases of COVID-19 (from March to September, 2021) in Wuxi City, and the whole genome was amplified to construct the sequencing library. The second-generation sequencer was used for sequencing. The CLC Genomics Workbench (21 version) software was used to analyze the offline data with NC_045512.2 as the reference strain, and MEGA 7.0 software was used to construct the phylogenetic tree.Identification of type was conducted by Nextstrain typing method and phylogenetic assignment of named global outbreak lineages (Pangolin) typing method.Results:There were five subtypes in Nextstrain and seven subtypes in Pangolin of the nineteen patients with COVID-19. Compared with NC_045512.2, the median nucleotide mutation sites were 29 (range 0 to 42) and amino acid mutation sites were 20 (range 0 to 34). The six local and 13 imported cases had no common nucleotide mutation sites and were in different evolutionary branches. The sequences of the six local cases were highly homologous with the reference strain sequences (NC_045512.2) at the early stage of the pandemic, and the evolutionary distance was close to that of the reference strain. The 13 imported cases were obviously divided into three evolutionary branches (Alpha, Beta, Delta variant).The four Beta variants shared eight amino acid mutation sites in spike protein, and the two Alpha variants shared eight amino acid mutation sites in spike protein, and the seven Delta variants shared five amino acid mutation sites in spike protein.Conclusions:New mutations of SARS-CoV-2 are constantly emerging during the epidemic. The increase of the nucleotide sites number may result in the change of spike protein amino acid. Therefore, the whole-genome sequencing analysis plays an important role in the accurate tracing of epidemic origin and adjustment of prevention and control measures.

Safety and efficacy of alfentanil combined with remimazolam for fiberoptic bronchoscopy / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of remimazolam combined with afentanyl for fiberoptic bronchoscopy.Methods:Sixty patients admitted to Chifeng Hospital for fiberbronchoscopy from January to April 2022 were selected and divided into two groups by random number table method: remimazolam group (group R) and propofol group (group P), 30cases in each group. After intravenous injection of alfentanil for anesthesia induction, group R was sedated by intravenous injection of remidazolam besylate, and group P was sedated by intravenous injection of propofol emulsion. When sufficient sedation was achieved, fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed. The patients were scored with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before examination and before leaving the room. The recovery rate of sedation and the recovery rate of drugs during operation were compared. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR), bispectral index (BIS), SpO 2 value and Modified Observer′s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) score were compared before induction (T 0), at the beginning of examination (T 1), immediately when fiber bronchoscope reached juga (T 2), at the end of surgery (T 3), immediately, when patients regained consciousness (T 4). Drug onset and recovery time (time out of hospital) as well as the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative adverse reactions were recorded in both groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in general condition, MMSE score and examination time between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the success rate of sedation and the number of sedative remedy times (all P>0.05). The number of additional drugs in group R was significantly higher than that in group P ( P<0.05). The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and BIS values of patients in group P at T 1 and T 2 were significantly lower than those in group R (all P<0.05). After administration, the MOAA/S score of the two groups began to decrease, and the decrease of the P group was significantly greater than that of the R group, and the MOAA/S value of the patients was the lowest at the 3rd and 4th minutes after administration, respectively. The time from the beginning of administration to the MOAA/S score ≤3 in group P was significantly shorter than that in group R (all P<0.05). The incidence of pain and respiratory depression after injection in group P was significantly higher than that in group R ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of afentanil combined with remimazolam in the patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy has good sedative effect and high anesthesia quality, and has no obvious effect on cognitive function and few adverse reactions, so it is safe and effective.

The value of red cell distribution width, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and mean platelet volume/platelet count in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the value of red cell distribution width (RDW), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), mean platelet volume (MPV)/platelet count (PLT) in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:The clinical data of 137 patients with AECOPD admitted to the Department of Laboratory Medicine of Haiyang People's Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to their prognosis, these patients were divided into the survival group ( n = 99) and the death group ( n = 38). RDW, MPV, and PLT were measured using a blood cell analyzer (mindray ABC5390) in all patients. PCT and CRP levels were measured using the ETHealthcare instrument in all patients. RDW, PCT, CRP, and MPV/PLT were compared between the two groups. The value of RDW, PCT, CRP and MPV/PLT in predicting the prognosis of patients with AECOPD was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results:The length of hospital stay and hospitalization expenses in the survival group were (10.75 ± 2.51) days and (1.49 ± 0.46) ten thousand yuan, respectively, which were significantly shorter and lower than (12.81 ± 3.36) days and (2.18 ± 0.57) ten thousand yuan in the death group ( t = 6.11, 14.45, both P < 0.05). The level of PLT in the survival group was significantly higher than that in the death group [(214.01± 63.97) × 10 9/L vs. (189.04 ± 61.75) × 10 9/L, t = 2.07, P < 0.05]. RDW, PCT, CRP, MPV, and MPV/PLT in the survival group were (13.18 ± 2.30)%, (4.30 ± 1.82) ng/L, (31.06 ± 10.38) mg/L, (11.39 ± 2.16) fL, and (0.05 ± 0.01), respectively, which were significantly lower than (16.65 ± 1.78)%, (9.55 ± 2.11) ng/L, (68.21 ± 20.94) mg/L, (12.28 ± 2.09) fL, (0.06 ± 0.02) in the death group ( t = 8.38, 14.45, 13.82, 2.18, 3.88, all P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results showed that the area under the curves depicting the value of RDW, PCT, CRP, MPV/PLT and their combination in predicting AECOPD was 0.831, 0.978, 0.966, 0.713, 0.988, with the predictive sensitivity of 62.6%, 89.9%, 91.9%, 59.6%, 98.0%, respectively, and the predictive specificity of 97.4%, 97.4%, 100.0%, 65.8%, 92.1%, respectively. Conclusion:Combined detection of RDW, PCT, CRP and MPV/PLT has a high value for the prediction of AECOPD. Corresponding indicators should be selected according to the actual situation of patients to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Breastfeeding and infant sleep:a review / 中国实用护理杂志

Sufficient and organized sleep is a key factor during the developmental process of infancy while disrupted sleep schedule and diseases might lead to sleeping disorders in infants. Breastfeeding is considered to be the most beneficial way to meet the nutritional needs of infants for optimal growth and development. The α-lactalbumin-tryptophan-melatonin axis, nucleotides, and other factors are breast milk components that may affect infant sleep. Meanwhile, diet, feeding schedule, tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, and caffeine consumption will affect the circadian rhythms which might lead to the fluctuations of sleep-influencing factors in breast milk. This study reviews literature of previous studies on this topic to summarize information that can be considered for both breastfeeding practice and future basic research on the establishment of organized sleep patterns in infants.

Establishment and application of an ORTCC model-based training system for orthopedic subspecialty nurses in the operating room / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the construction and clinical practice of the training system for nurses in operating room subspecialty based on ORTCC model (including objectives, rules, training, assessment and culture), and to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the development of nursing subspecialty in operating room.Methods:This was a quasi-experimental study. The Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology was convenient to select 23 operating room nurses who rotated in orthopedic surgery rooms from January 2019 to June 2020 as the control group, and the traditional training model for specialized nurses in operating rooms was adopted. From July 2020 to December 2021, the 24 operating room nurses rotating orthopedic surgery rooms were selected as the experimental group, and ORTCC teaching mode was adopted. The degree of mastery of theoretical knowledge, standardization of operation skills, correct rate of standard preventive implementation and satisfaction rate of doctors of operating room nurses under two different training methods were compared.Results:The theoretical score of operating room nurses increased from (84.71 ± 5.70) points in the control group to (92.68 ± 3.64) points in the experimental group, and the skill score increased from (90.17 ± 4.69) points in the control group to (95.43 ± 2.61) points in the experimental group, with statistical significance ( t = 13.76, 5.64, both P<0.01). The satisfaction rate of surgeons to nurses′ surgical cooperation ability communication, cooperation ability and emergency treatment ability increased from 82.61%(19/23), 73.91%(17/23) and 78.26%(18/23) in the control group to 100.00%(24/24), 95.83% (24/24) and 100.00% (24/24) in the experimental group, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( t = 4.56, 4.45, 5.84, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The training system of operating room subspecialty nurses based on ORTCC model is conducive to improving the theoretical knowledge mastery, standard operation skills and doctor satisfaction rate of operating room nurses to the specialty and subspecialty, providing training basis for the development of operating room subspecialty, and worthy of clinical promotion.

The correlation between the expression levels of vitamin D receptor in bile duct epithelial cells and the prognosis of biliary atresia / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of vitamin D receptor(VDR)in biliary epithelial cells of children with biliary atresia(BA)and explore the correlation between VDR epression levels and clinical pathological prognosis.Methods:A total of 48 BA patients who underwent Kasai surgery in the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to December 2020 with confirmed pathological results were selected as the study subjects.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of VDR in biliary epithelial cells, and Masson staining was used to determine the degree of liver tissue fibrosis.Based on the VDR expression levels, the 48 BA patients were divided into the significantly low VDR expression group(30 cases)and the normal/high expression group(18 cases).Laboratory testing results within 1 week before Kasai surgery and liver shear wave elastography(SWE)data were collected for all patients.Follow-up was conducted for a period of 0 to 60 months after Kasai surgery or liver transplantation, meanwhile, the occurrence of refractory cholangitis and auto-liver survival time were collected.Results:There was a negative correlation between the degree of liver fibrosis and SWE value in children with BA( r=-0.805, P<0.01).In comparison between the two groups, the significantly low VDR expression group had higher SWE values[(20.57±1.28)kPa vs.(18.02±1.41)kPa, P<0.05], higher liver injury biochemical indicators[ALT(215.8±24.7)U/L vs.(182.6±21.2)U/L, P=0.021; AST(165.4±22.3)U/L vs.(139.6±21.4)U/L, P=0.014], a higher frequency of post-Kasai surgery refractory cholangitis(60.00% vs.22.22%, P=0.037), and a shorter median autologous liver survival time(27.00 months vs.36.00 months, P=0.032)than those in the normal/high expression group. Conclusion:The significant decrease in VDR expression in biliary epithelial cells may serve as an indicator of poor prognosis in BA.

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Inpatients in a Tertiary Hospital in Guangzhou During the Covid-19 Pandemic / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveAt the end of November 2022， Guangzhou implemented the latest Covid-19 epidemic prevention policy and began to gradually lift the lockdown. However， under the new epidemic prevention situation， the situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients in China is still unclear. Accordingly， this paper aims to study the SARS-CoV-2 infection of hospitalized patients in Guangzhou under the new epidemic prevention and control situation. MethodsThe results of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in our hospital from the end of November 2022 to the beginning of February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in outpatients and inpatients under the new epidemic prevention situation， and the nosocomial infection of SARS-CoV-2 in inpatients were statistically analyzed. ResultsThis study retrospectively analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results of 13 959 patients， including 6 966 outpatients and 6 993 inpatients. On November 30， 2022， the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results of outpatients began to be positive， indicating that the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection had begun. On December 7， one case of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results of hospitalized patients was positive， and nosocomial infections began to break out. On December 15， the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test among patients exceeded 40 %， and the epidemic entered its peak period. After the end of December， the test positive rate gradually decreased， but the positive rate of inpatients was always higher than that of outpatients. Compared with December 2022， the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test of patients in many departments in January 2023 decreased， but the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test of inpatients in the oncology department increased significantly （P < 0.001）. Further analysis found that the nosocomial infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in inpatients was 86.57 % （329/380）. However， the nosocomial infection rate in lymphoma patients ［58.33 % （14/24）］ was significantly lower than that of the hospitalized patients with other disease types （P < 0.001）. ConclusionThe positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing among patients reached its peak in mid-December 2022. In January 2023， the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing gradually decreased， while the number or positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing positive patients in some departments increased. The nosocomial infection rate among hospitalized patients is as high as 90 %. There are differences in the nosocomial infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 among inpatients with different disease types. In summary， this study provides preliminary data on the epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospitalized patients in Guangzhou， as well as the protection against infection among hospitalized patients and cross-infection between medical staffs and patients.

Total Saponin Fraction of Dioscorea Nipponica Makino Improves Gouty Arthritis Symptoms in Rats via M1/M2 Polarization of Monocytes and Macrophages Mediated by Arachidonic Acid Signaling / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of effects of total saponin fraction from Dioscorea Nipponica Makino (TSDN) on M1/M2 polarization of monocytes/macrophages and arachidonic acid (AA) pathway in rats with gouty arthritis (GA).@*METHODS@#Seventy-two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=18 in each): normal, model, TSDN at 160 mg/kg, and celecoxib at 43.3 mg/kg. Monosodium urate crystal (MSU) was injected into the rats' ankle joints to induce an experimental GA model. Blood and tissue samples were collected on the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration. Histopathological changes in the synovium of joints were observed via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of arachidonic acid (AA) signaling pathway were assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the peripheral blood. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukine (IL)-1 β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4).@*RESULTS@#HE staining showed that TSDN improved the synovial tissue. qPCR and Western blot showed that on the 3rd, 5th and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 derived eicosanoids (mPGES-1), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), recombinant human mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NALP3), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats' ankle synovial tissues (P<0.01). TSDN decreased COX1 mRNA and protein expression on 3rd and 5th day of drug administration and raised it on the 8th day (both P<0.01). It lowered CD68 protein expression on days 3 (P<0.01), as well as mRNA and protein expression on days 5 and 8 (P<0.01). On the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN elevated the mRNA and protein expression of Arg1 and CD163 (P<0.01). Flow cytometry results showed that TSDN decreased the percentage of M1 macrophages while increasing the percentage of M2 in peripheral blood (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ELISA results showed that on the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN decreased serum levels of IL-1 β, TNF-α, and LTB4 (P<0.01), as well as PGE2 levels on days 3rd and 8th days (P<0.05 or P<0.01); on day 8 of administration, TSDN increased IL-4 serum levels and enhanced IL-10 contents on days 5 and 8 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The anti-inflammatory effect of TSDN on rats with GA may be achieved by influencing M1/M2 polarization through AA signaling pathway.

Development and characteristics of auricular fumigation moxibustion combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion device / 中国针灸

A moxibustion device with the functions of auricular fumigation moxibustion and heat-sensitive moxibustion is designed. The smoke of the ignited moxa stick is used for the fumigation moxibustion at the external auditory canal, while the heat generated works on Dazhui (GV 14) for heat-sensitive moxibustion. The device consists of five parts, i.e. combustion chamber, smoke pipe, smoke processing chamber, power module and connector. It solves the limitations such as unpleasant experience in treatment, unfavorable temperature control, easy scalding and excessive manual dependence induced by usual fumigation moxibustion and during heat-sensitive moxibustion. This moxibustion device may improve the safety and convenience when delivering the treatment with fumigation moxibustion and heat-sensitive moxibustion, as well as the work efficiency of medical staff.

Characteristics and application of qicimai points in Huangdi Neijing / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes the definition, location and main indication of qicimai points recorded in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Inner Classic). It is found that qicimai points are the "upward moving points" in reference to the meridian distribution rule of "rooting, running, infusing and moving"; and corresponding to the sites of "running outwards and inwards" of the meridians' "separating, meeting and running outwards and inwards". It also includes the infusing points for the sea of qi and marrow. The new idea, "selecting qicimai points for the treatment of qi obstruction in the neck gate", is proposed. Based on the systematic application of the acupoints on the nape region, it is anticipated that a new approach will be provided to the treatment of the diseases in the neck, shoulder, head, face, the five sensory organs, mental disorders and zangfu qi dysfunction.

Predictive value of preoperative albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio for postoperative recurrence of limited penile cancer / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship between preoperative albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) and postoperative recurrence of localized penile cancer (T1-3N0M0). 【Methods】 Clinical data of patients with limited penile cancer admitted to our hospital during Jan.2012 and Jan.2017 were collected to compare the differences in age, body mass index (BMI), AAPR, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tumor diameter, postoperative pathological grading and staging between the postoperative recurrence group and the non-recurrence group. 【Results】 The differences in AAPR(P=0.001), WHO/ISUP pathological grading(P=0.018), and pathological stage(P=0.012)between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups were statistically significant. Cox regression results showed that AAPR was an independent risk factor for recurrence (P=0.041). Survival curve results showed that patients in the high and low AAPR groups had an inverse relationship with recurrence-free survival (P=0.028). 【Conclusion】 Preoperative AAPR is an independent risk factor for recurrence after surgery for limited penile cancer and is associated with recurrence-free survival. As AAPR increases, the incidence of recurrence decreases and progression-free survival increases.

Schisandrin B Improves the Hypothermic Preservation of Celsior Solution in Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

BACKGROUND@#Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have emerged as promising therapy for immune and inflammatory diseases. However, how to maintain the activity and unique properties during cold storage and transportation is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic efficiency of hUCMSCs. Schisandrin B (SchB) has many functions in cell protection as a natural medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SchB on the hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs. @*METHODS@#hUCMSCs were isolated from Wharton’s jelly. Subsequently, hUCMSCs were exposed to cold storage (4 °C) and 24-h re-warming. After that, cells viability, surface markers, immunomodulatory effects, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis-related and antioxidant proteins expression level were evaluated. @*RESULTS@#SchB significantly alleviated the cells injury and maintained unique properties such as differentiation potential, level of surface markers and immunomodulatory effects of hUCMSCs. The protective effects of SchB on hUCMSCs after hypothermic storage seemed associated with its inhibition of apoptosis and the anti-oxidative stress effect mediated by nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 signaling. @*CONCLUSION@#These results demonstrate SchB could be used as an agent for hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs.

Development and characteristics of automatic ash-removal heat-sensitive moxibustion device / 中国针灸

An automatic ash-removal heat-sensitive moxibustion device was developed, which could keep relatively constant temperature of heat-sensitive moxibustion, and realize the automatic ignition and automatic ash removal of moxa sticks during heat-sensitive moxibustion. The automatic ash-removal heat-sensitive moxibustion device comprises a bracket and a moxibustion box fixed on the top of the bracket; the bracket is composed of a base and a movable telescopic arm. This device can solve the problems of temperature instability, moxa ash blocking heat transfer and moxa ash falling during heat-sensitive moxibustion, avoiding the scalding caused by moxa ash falling, and reduce the workload of medical staff.