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18 August 2023, Volume 27 Issue 23 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Gait analysis for hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction based on RSSCAN gait system Jin Naying, Wu Jiabao, Li Yuyue, Li Yingjie, Zhou Li, Li Zongheng, Zhang Yong 2023, 27 (23):  3609-3615.  doi: 10.12307/2023.563 Abstract ( 467 )   PDF (1200KB) ( 344 )   Save BACKGROUND: Quantifying the gait features of hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction can be used as an important reference for their rehabilitation, and the RSSCAN gait system can collect gait parameters quantitatively and timely during walking. OBJECTIVE: To explore the gait characteristics of hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction and the difference between affected and unaffected feet. METHODS: A total of 134 hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction were selected, including 102 males and 32 females, aged (60±9) years. The gait parameters were collected by the RSSCAN gait system when the patients walked. Clear footprints of the two continually gait cycles of mid-gaits were selected, meanwhile each foot was manually divided into 10 plantar regions: the first toe, the second to fifth toes, the first to fifth metatarsals, the midfoot, the medial heel, and the lateral heel. Then the temporo-spatial parameters and biomechanical parameters were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Temporo-spatial gait parameters: compared with the unaffected foot, the affected foot showed shorter stance phase time (P < 0.01) and longer swing phase time and step length (P < 0.05). Pearson or Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the stance phase time, gait cycle, step length, stride width, and stride were significantly positively correlated between the affected and unaffected feet (P < 0.01). Biomechanical parameters: Compared with the affected foot, the maximum force, maximum pressure and plantar impulse of the healthy foot increased in the first toe, the second to fifth toes and the first metatarsal (P < 0.05), the maximum force in the lateral heel area increased (P < 0.05), the plantar impulse in the medial and lateral heel areas increased (P < 0.01), and the plantar contact area of the second to fifth toes and the midfoot increased (P < 0.05). Pearson or Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the maximum force, maximum pressure and plantar impulse in the 10 plantar regions of the unaffected foot and the affected foot (P < 0.01); and there was a significant positive correlation between the plantar contact area of the second to fifth toes, the first metatarsal, the 2nd metatarsal, the 3rd metatarsal, the 4th metatarsal, the midfoot, the medial heel, and the lateral heel of the unaffected foot and the affected foot (P ≤ 0.01). The gait characteristics of hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction: in terms of temporal parameters, the unaffected foot plays the main compensatory role; in terms of spatial parameters, the unaffected foot is more conservative than the affected foot to maintain the stability of walking; in terms of biomechanical parameters, the force in the forefoot area of the unaffected foot increases to compensate for the lack of forward propulsion of the affected foot. This compensatory mode of asymmetric force may not be conducive to the recovery of walking ability. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Measurement and analysis of gingival biotype in maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography Wang Wenli, Luo Lankun, Fu Yating, Chu Cheng, Ma Xiao, Liu Hua 2023, 27 (23):  3616-3620.  doi: 10.12307/2023.527 Abstract ( 360 )   PDF (1255KB) ( 143 )   Save BACKGROUND: At present, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) cannot clearly portray the outline of gingival soft tissue, which is not only easily susceptible to interference from lip tissue and metal restoration artifacts and has poor repeatability, but also is not conducive to accurately measure soft tissue and classify gingival biotypes. OBJECTIVE: To access the feasibility of using CBCT in conjunction with novel radiocontrast agent to develop gingival morphology in a stable and convenient manner, as well as the reliability of classifying gingival biotypes. METHODS: Totally 180 maxillary anterior teeth from 30 healthy volunteers were collected and the gingival thickness 2 mm below the gingival margin and the width of keratinized gingiva were measured directly. The composition of light-cure gingival barrier resin and iohexol injection was applied to the measurement area. Then the positioning wire was set up and CBCT imaging was used to assess the width of keratinized gingiva and gingiva thickness at 2 mm below the gingival margin. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In comparison to the direct measurement method, the approach of CBCT in conjunction with the novel radiocontrast agent demonstrated good reproducibility (P > 0.05) and reliability (ICC > 0.9), when measuring the gingival thickness and the width of keratinized gingiva on the labial side. The concordance of two approaches to classify gingival biotypes which was examined using the Kappa concordance test showed good consistency (Kappa=0.882). There were no significant statistical differences between the two approaches (P > 0.05). Overall, CBCT combined with the radiocontrast agent can clearly develop the gingival outline, which shows good feasibility and reliability. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Serelaxin protects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mouse cardiac microvascular endothelial cell injury by inhibiting oxidative stress responses Wei Qin, Chen Bingxin, Zhao Ling, Amanguli·Ruze, Zhao Banghao, Jiang Tao, Zhang Chun, Li Zhiqiang, Duan Mingjun, Gao Xiaoming 2023, 27 (23):  3621-3627.  doi: 10.12307/2023.575 Abstract ( 315 )   PDF (1273KB) ( 819 )   Save BACKGROUND: Serelaxin is a recombinant form of human relaxin 2. As endogenous anti-fibrosis active substances, serelaxin may relieve the symptoms and improve the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure. However, there is no report on the effect of serelaxin on hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (H5V) in mice through regulating oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role on serelaxin in a model of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mouse cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (H5V)injury. METHODS: To establish a mouse H5V hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model, cells were incubated under hypoxia for 3, 6, and 12 hours followed by 3 hours of reoxygenation. The optimal time of cellular hypoxia/reoxygenation was determined by cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase activity assay. Different concentrations of serelaxin (0, 60, 100, 140, 180 ng/mL) were selected to act in the H5V cellular hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model, and the optimal drug concentration for drug treatment of cellular hypoxia-reoxygenation injury was determined by the cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase activity assays. H5V cells were then divided into three groups: control, model (hypoxia/reoxygenation), and serelaxin (hypoxia/reoxygenation+180 ng/mL serelaxin) groups. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and reactive oxygen species levels were detected in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, cell proliferation was significantly reduced after hypoxia 6 hours/reoxygenation 3 hours and hypoxia 12 hours/reoxygenation 3 hours (P < 0.05), while the lactate dehydrogenase activity in cell supernatant was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Therefore, cells cultured under hypoxia 6 hours/reoxygenation 3 hours were selected for subsequent experiments. Cell viability was significantly increased in the serelaxin group compared with the model group (P < 0.05), while the lactate dehydrogenase activity in cell supernatant was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, 180 ng/mL serelaxin was selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the model group, the serelaxin group showed a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels but a significant increase in the level of superoxide dismutase (all P < 0.05). To conclude, H5V cells subjected to hypoxia 6 hours/reoxygenation 3 hours could establish a model of H5V vascular endothelial cell injury, and 180ng/mL serelaxin could improve the cell viability and anti-oxidative stress ability.  Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Sweroside intervenes with vascular endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive rats by regulating FOXO1 expression Zhang Xiqian, Tan Gaofeng, Sun Xiaoze, Pang Xin, Han Yu 2023, 27 (23):  3628-3634.  doi: 10.12307/2023.198 Abstract ( 311 )   PDF (1443KB) ( 100 )   Save BACKGROUND: Sweroside can regulate cellular oxidative stress, but its role in hypertension-induced oxidative damage of endothelial cells remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether sweroside regulates hypertension-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction by regulating Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) expression.  METHODS: (1) In vivo: The renal aorta constriction method was used to establish a hypertensive rat model. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, hypertension group, hypertension+25 mg/kg sweroside group, and hypertension+50 mg/kg sweroside group. TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of rat thoracic aorta endothelial cells. (2) In vitro: 50 μmol/L H2O2 was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells to establish a cell oxidative damage model. Damaged cells were divided into control group, H2O2 group, H2O2+10, 20, or 40 μmol/L sweroside groups, H2O2+Vector group (negative control), H2O2+pcDNA-FOXO1 group, H2O2+40 μmol/L sweroside+Scramble group (negative control), and H2O2+40 μmol/L  sweroside+si-FOXO1 group. MTT and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. ELISA was used to detect the levels of angiotensin II, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels in rat serum and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as well as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and E-selection levels in rat thoracic aorta tissues and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of FOXO1 in rat thoracic aorta tissues and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In vivo: compared with the sham group, blood pressure and apoptosis were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the expression levels of FOXO1 mRNA and protein were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the contents of angiotensin II, malondialdehyde, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the content of nitric oxide was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in hypertensive rats. Sweroside could improve vascular dysfunction in hypertensive rats in a dose-dependent manner. (2) In vitro: compared with the control group, cell proliferation, FOXO1 expression and nitric oxide content were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and cell apoptosis and malondialdehyde, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and E-selection contents were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the H2O2 group. Sweroside treatment or FOXO1 overexpression could improve the dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by H2O2, and the interference of FOXO1 could reverse the effect of sweroside. To conclude, sweroside can improve vascular endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive rats by promoting FOXO1 expression.  Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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NICD/Hes1 affects angiogenesis in the ischemic myocardium of myocardial infarction mice Lu Pengfei, Shi Weili 2023, 27 (23):  3635-3639.  doi: 10.12307/2023.588 Abstract ( 497 )   PDF (1440KB) ( 210 )   Save BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia is one of the main causes of cardiac function impairment after myocardial infarction. Notch is involved in the process of angiogenesis, but whether Notch intracellular domain (NICD)/Hes1 is involved in myocardial angiogenesis after myocardial infarction has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of NICD /Hes1 pathway on cardiac function and angiogenesis in the ischemic myocardium of myocardial infarction mice with the aid of RO4929097, a Notch γ secretase inhibitor. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomized into sham, model and RO4929097 groups, with 10 mice in each group. Myocardial infarction model was established in the latter two groups by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of C57BL/6 mice. Mice in the RO4929097 group were administered RO4929097 by gavage at the dose of 10 mg/(kg·d) on day 2 after surgery, and those in the sham and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage for 20 days. On day 21, mice were examined by ultrasound for left ventricular ejection fraction, Matson staining for myocardial infarct area and pathohistological changes and immunofluorescence for CD31 in ischemic myocardium. Enzyme-linked immunofluorescence was used to detect the levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, cardiotrophin 1, NICD and Hes1 in myocardial tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The left ventricular ejection fraction value in the model group was significantly lower than that in the sham group (P < 0.001), while compared with the model group, the left ventricular ejection fraction value was significantly lowered in the RO4929097 group (P < 0.05). Masson staining revealed an significantly increased infarct size in the model group and RO4929097 group compared with the sham group (P < 0.001) as well as an obviously increased infarct size in the RO4929097 group compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The mean absorbance value of CD31 significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham group (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased in the RO4929097 group compared with the model group (P < 0.001). Compared with the sham group, the levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor significantly increased in the model and RO4929097 groups (P < 0.05); and the levels of these two factors were significantly higher in the RO4929097 group than the model group (P < 0.01). The protein expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, cardiotrophin 1 were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham group (P < 0.01) but decreased in the RO492909 group. The protein expression of NICD significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham group (P < 0.01) but decreased in the RO492909 group compared with the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the sham group, the level of Hes1 was significantly decreased in the RO492909 group (P < 0.05). To conclude, RO4929097 may decrease NICD/Hes1 expression by inhibiting Notchγ secretase activity, thereby reducing ischemic myocardial revascularization and decreasing left ventricular ejection fraction in mice with myocardial infarction. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Different intensities of ultrasound for abdominal skin scar in rabbits Zheng Guangji, Wang Qingwei, Lu Junji, Li Yuhong, Chen Fucheng, Zhuang Haishan, Zhong Meilian, Lin Enhui, Pan Yueyu, Luo Qinglu 2023, 27 (23):  3640-3645.  doi: 10.12307/2023.586 Abstract ( 409 )   PDF (1070KB) ( 179 )   Save BACKGROUND: The treatment of skin scars is a long-term focus and difficulty for plastic surgery and burn. Ultrasound has become a hot spot and trend in its scientific research due to its advantages of small trauma, fast recovery and low risk of scar treatment.  OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of different intensities of ultrasound on abdominal skin scar in rabbits and its mechanism of action.  METHODS: Sixteen 3-month-old New Zealand rabbits were selected and divided into four groups with four rabbits in each group, male and female, according to stratified random sampling method. After 21 days, sham ultrasound intervention was performed on abdominal scars in the sham ultrasound group, and 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 W/cm2 ultrasound interventions were given to abdominal scars in the low-, medium- and high-intensity ultrasound groups, respectively, for 7 day each, for a total of two sessions with an interval of 2 days. The length and thickness of scars were measured before and after treatment. The area density of type I and III collagen in scar tissue after intervention was observed by Sirius red staining. The expression of serum N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) was detected by ELISA before and after the intervention.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 70 skin scars formed in 96 wound incisions, and the success rate of modeling was about 72.9%. After the intervention, the scar length in the low- and medium-intensity groups was significantly lower than that in the sham ultrasound group and the high-intensity group (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the scar thickness in the low-, medium- and high-intensity groups was significantly lower than that in the sham ultrasound group (P < 0.05). The scar thickness in the low-intensity group was significantly lower than that in the medium- and high-intensity groups (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the percentage of type I and III collagen in the low-intensity group was significantly higher than that in the high-intensity group (P < 0.05); the percentage of type I and III collagen in the high-intensity group was significantly lower than that in the sham ultrasound group (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the density ratio of type I/III collagen in the low-intensity group was significantly lower than that in the high-intensity group (P < 0.05). The difference of serum PIIINP expression before the intervention and after the first session was significantly lower in the low-, medium-, and high-intensity groups than the sham ultrasound group (P < 0.05), while the difference in the low-intensity group was lower than that in the medium- and high-intensity groups but with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the expression of serum PIIINP at the end of the first session and the end of the second session (P > 0.05). To conclude, low-intensity ultrasonic intervention has a better comprehensive effect on the treatment of hypertrophic scar. The mechanism of ultrasonic treatment may be to optimize the compliance of hypertrophic scar tissue through the mechanical, and physicochemica action on the arrangement of type I and III collagen fiber bundles in hypertrophic scar tissue, which still needs further research and confirmation. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Preparation of rabbit models of surgically induced knee osteoarthritis Zhang Chuancheng, Shen Meihua, Chen Lifeng, Wang Huasong, Xiang Yang, Tan Zhangkui 2023, 27 (23):  3646-3652.  doi: 10.12307/2023.579 Abstract ( 410 )   PDF (1292KB) ( 327 )   Save BACKGROUND: The two methods commonly used for preparing animal models of knee osteoarthritis are surgical trauma and intra-articular injection of protease. However, the models induced by intra-articular injection of drugs are not stable, the traditional surgical modeling method has great damage to the knee joint, and the modeling process differs greatly from the development of clinical knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best preparation method for the animal model of knee osteoarthritis through establishing a rabbit knee osteoarthritis model by injuring the knee joint in different surgical ways.  METHODS: Sixteen male New Zealand white rabbits aged 5-6 months were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group A, model group B and model group C, with four rats in each group. In the sham operation group, the medial side of the right knee joint was incised and immediately sutured. In the model group A, the meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee were worn. In the model group B, the meniscus of the right knee joint was removed and the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee was worn. In the model group C, the right knee meniscus was removed and the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee joint was transected. Antibiotics were injected for 3 consecutive days after operation, and the general conditions were recorded. After 4 weeks, the knee joints were observed by X-ray, the changes of cartilage tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the levels of inflammatory factors in the synovial fluid and serum of the right knee were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Redness, swelling and heat pain were evident in the right knee joint of the model group, and the skin temperature in the model groups was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group. Postoperative skin temperature of the right knee joint in the model groups was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The X-ray observation showed no abnormalities in the knee joint in the sham operation group, while the model groups showed varying degrees of articular surface destruction and joint space narrowing, with the model group C being the most severe. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed normal cartilage tissue in the sham-operated group, while the model groups showed a reduction in the number of chondrocytes with disordered structural levels. In the model group C, the cartilage structure was seriously damaged with angiogenesis being visible. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that serum inflammatory factor levels in the model groups were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The level of inflammatory factors in the synovial fluid of the right knee joint was significantly higher in the model groups than the sham operation group (P < 0.05). To conclude, through the analysis of the general condition, imaging and related factors of the knee joint of each group, it was found that the above three surgical methods of the knee injury could successfully construct the rabbit knee osteoarthritis model. The model group C reached the middle and late stage of knee osteoarthritis and the model groups A and B were consistent with the changes in early and middle knee osteoarthritis. In addition, this experiment confirmed that the speed of knee osteoarthritis progression is positively correlated with the degree of knee injury, and the level of inflammatory factors in serum is more sensitive to the changes of knee osteoarthritis than that in the synovial fluid. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Mechanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture against ischemia-reperfusion injury of skin flaps based on metabolomics He Bo, He Zhijun, Liu Tao, Ma Suilu 2023, 27 (23):  3653-3659.  doi: 10.12307/2023.591 Abstract ( 407 )   PDF (1647KB) ( 984 )   Save BACKGROUND: Previous studies have confirmed that Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture can alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury of skin flaps, but its metabolomic mechanism has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture against ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat skin flaps.  METHODS: A rat skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established. Related metabolomics techniques were used to analyze the endogenous levels of metabolite samples from normal rats, model rats and rats after intervention with Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture. Relevant biomarkers were retrieved and identified and metabolic pathways were then constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture could significantly reduce the pathological changes of skin flap tissue in rats with skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. Significantly differential metabolites, including malonic acid and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, were identified and imported into MetaboAnalyst 4.0 and KEGG databases for metabolic pathway analysis. After intervention, the metabolic pathways of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture included pyrimidine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism. To conclude, Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture improves ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat skin flap by regulating the metabolic pathways such as pyrimidine and phenylalanine metabolic pathways, which thereby provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the mechanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat skin flap. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Caveolin-1 on cardiac microvasculature, ventricular remodeling and mitochondrial respiratory function in rats with myocardial infarction Yu Zhijun, Zhang Guijuan, Chen Lixin, Yang Senlin, Cui Yuxiang 2023, 27 (23):  3660-3666.  doi: 10.12307/2023.566 Abstract ( 312 )   PDF (1238KB) ( 192 )   Save BACKGROUND: Caveolin-1 is widely distributed in various kinds of cells, such as endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, and plays an important role in promoting endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Therefore, it has been increasingly highlighted in ischemic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of caveolin-1 on cardiac microvascularization, ventricular remodeling and mitochondrial respiratory function in rats with myocardial infarction based on angiotensin 1-7 signaling pathway.  METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group (group A), model (group B), empty transfection (group C), Caveolin-1 transfection (group D) and triazamidine (an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 agonist; group E), and combination group (Caveolin-1+triazamidine), with 10 rats in each group. Administration in each group was given via the caudal vein, once a day, beginning at 12 hours after modeling. The left coronary artery ligation method was adopted to establish myocardial infarction models in the latter five groups. After 28 days of injection, cardiac function of rats was detected by color Doppler ultrasound, microvascular density was detected by cardiac gel ink staining, and pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Mitochondrial respiratory function was detected by oxygen electrode method. The expression of Caveolin-1, angiotensin 1-7 signaling pathway and cardiac microvascular related indicators were detected by western blot assay.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with group A, the cardiac function of rats in group B was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the cardiac function of rats in groups D-F was improved to different extents (P < 0.05). The cardiac function of rats was better in group F than groups D and E (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, rats in group B had damaged myocardial structure, irregular arrangement of myocardial cells, markedly inflammatory cell infiltration, and significantly decreased cardiac microvessel density (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, rats in groups D-F showed significantly improved myocardial pathomorphology and increased cardiac microvessel density (P < 0.05). The cardiac microvessel density in group F was higher than that in groups D and E (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, state 3 respiration level and respiratory control rate were significantly decreased in group B (P < 0.05), while state 4 respiration level was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, state 3 respiration level and respiratory control rate in groups D-F were increased (P < 0.05), while state 4 respiration level was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with groups D and E, state 3 respiration level and respiratory control rate were increased in group F (P < 0.05), while state 4 respiration level was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, group B had significantly downregulated expressions of Caveolin-1, angiotensin converting enzyme 2, angiotensin 1-7, MAS receptor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 protein (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the expressions of above proteins in groups D-F were significantly increased (P < 0.05); and compared with groups D and E, the expressions of above proteins in group F were significantly increased (P < 0.05). To conclude, Caveolin-1 can effectively improve cardiac microvessel density, ventricular remodeling and mitochondrial respiratory function in rats with myocardial infarction. The mechanism may be related to the targeted regulation of angiotensin 1-7 signaling pathway. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The role of NLRC4 inflammasome-mediated autophagy in a mouse model of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction Jiang Dajun, Jiang Wanwei, Zhou Ying, Tian Yong, Yang Guohui 2023, 27 (23):  3667-3673.  doi: 10.12307/2023.472 Abstract ( 418 )   PDF (1139KB) ( 246 )   Save BACKGROUND: Studies have found that inflammasome and autophagy play important roles in the immune function of patients with sepsis. However, the current research is only limited to exploring the characteristics of changes in a certain autophagy signaling pathway in sepsis, and the specific mechanism of autophagy regulation in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome and autophagy levels in a mouse model of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction. METHODS: Forty-eight clean and healthy Kunming male mice were randomly divided into six groups, sham operation group (6, 12, 24 hours) and cecal ligation and puncture group (6, 12, 24 hours) with three groups each. In the cecal ligation and puncture group, the distal half of the cecum of the mice was ligated, and a 22-gauge needle was used for puncturing twice to squeeze out a little intestinal content. Except for ligation and perforation, other operations in the sham operation group were the same as those in the cecal ligation and perforation group. The general condition of the mice after operation was observed. Mouse cardiac function was measured by VINNO 7 6LAB ultrasound. Levels of tumor necrosis factor α and troponin T were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological changes of the myocardium were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Changes in myocardial mitochondria and autophagosome were observed under transmission electron microscope. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of NLRC4 mRNA in myocardial tissue, and western blot was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors, LC3, Beclin-1, and NLRC4 protein in mouse myocardial tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Tumor necrosis factor α level, Beclin-1 level, and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio were significantly increased in mice at 6 hours after cecal ligation and puncture (P < 0.05). At 12 hours after cecal ligation and puncture, tumor necrosis factor α and troponin T levels in the peripheral blood of mice increased, left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular shortening rate decreased, and NLRC4 mRNA and protein levels, interleukin-1β level, interleukin-18 level, Beclin-1 level, and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio increased (P < 0.05). At 24 hours after cecal ligation and puncture, NLRC4 mRNA and protein levels increased progressively, interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were highly expressed, and Beclin-1 level and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Myocardial pathological changes detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the myocardial fibers were normal in the sham operation group and at 6 hours after cecal ligation and perforation, and there was no inflammatory cell infiltration. Myocardial fibroedema and inflammatory cell infiltration occurred at 12 hours after cecal ligation and perforation. With the prolongation of time, the arrangement of myocardial fibers was disordered, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was aggravated, and some myocardial fibers appeared to have degeneration and necrosis. Under the transmission electron microscope, in the cecal ligation and perforation group, myocardial mitochondria were swollen, and with the extension of time, the swelling was aggravated, vacuolar degeneration of mitochondria occurred, and the myofibrils were slightly dissolved. Autophagosomes appeared at 6 hours after cecal ligation and perforation and increased in number at 12 hours, but occasionally appeared at 24 hours. In conclusion, the mouse model of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is successfully established at 12 hours after cecal ligation and perforation. Excessive activation of NLRC4 inflammasomes is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by down-regulating the expression of autophagy. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Eye acupuncture can promote angiogenesis by regulating the expression of angiogenic factors in cerebral ischemia model rats Niu Yuqing, Qin Hewei, Li Yanjie, Song Xuemei, Wang Mengnan, Sun Mengyan 2023, 27 (23):  3674-3681.  doi: 10.12307/2023.581 Abstract ( 324 )   PDF (1709KB) ( 729 )   Save BACKGROUND: Eye acupuncture can effectively alleviate the symptoms of patients with cerebral ischemia in clinical practice, but its mechanism of action is less studied. miR-124-3p may be a regulator to improve ischemic brain injury and promote angiogenesis. Lithium chloride is a common activator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with the ability to resist nerve damage. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect and possible mechanism of eye acupuncture on angiogenesis in the cerebral cortex of ischemic penumbra in rats with cerebral ischemia injury. METHODS: 108 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, eye acupuncture group, body acupuncture group, mir-124-3p agonist group and lithium chloride group, with 18 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established by using the modified thread occlusion method in all groups except for the sham operation group. The eye acupuncture group needled the “liver area,” “kidney area,” “upper focal area” and “lower focal area” around the eyes of rats, the body acupuncture group needled the “Baihui” point, the mir-124-3p agonist group was given the miR-124-3p agonist (20 nmol/mL) in the left ventricle, and the lithium chloride group was intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride solution  (4 mmol/kg). The miR-124-3p group was administered once after modeling, and other groups were intervened once a day for 14 days. The pathological changes of the ischemic penumbra were observed. The expression levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2 and miR-124-3p mRNA in rat brain were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The relative expression levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiopoietin 2 in rat brain were detected by western blot.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On the 1st day after modeling and the 14th day after intervention, there was no neurological dysfunction in the sham operation group but obvious neurological dysfunction in the model group (P < 0.05). There was no cerebral ischemia in the sham operation group, but rats in the model group had obvious cerebral ischemia injury. After eye acupuncture intervention, the cerebral ischemia area of the rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin proteins and miR-124-3p, Wnt3a, β-catenin genes related to the cortical pathway in the ischemic penumbra of rats were up-regulated in the eye acupuncture group, body acupuncture group, miR-124-3p agonist group and lithium chloride group (P < 0.05), while the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 2 proteins and genes were up-regulated (P < 0.05). And the above indexes in the eye acupuncture group were improved more obviously (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that eye acupuncture can promote angiogenesis and improve the neurological function of cerebral ischemic rats by stimulating the expression of angiogenic factors in the cortex of the ischemic penumbra. The mechanism of action may be that eye acupuncture affects Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by regulating miR-124-3p, regulates the expression of angiogenic factors and promotes angiogenesis, thereby improving cerebral ischemia injury. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Wenyang Tongluo capsule intervenes with inflammation and angiogenesis in rat osteoarthritic chondrocytes Li Gang, Song Yun, Liang Guoguang 2023, 27 (23):  3682-3692.  doi: 10.12307/2023.570 Abstract ( 509 )   PDF (2562KB) ( 211 )   Save BACKGROUND: Wenyang Tongluo capsule has obvious clinical effects in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but its mechanism of action is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Wenyang Tongluo capsule on osteoarthritis and its regulation mechanism on microRNA-140 (miR-140)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in chondrocytes. METHODS: (1) Animal experiments: A total of 75 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=15 per group): normal group, model group, drug group, inhibitor group, and interference group. In the latter three groups, miR-140-antagomir NC and siRNA-VEGF NC, miR-140-antagomir and siRNA-VEGF NC, and miR-140-antagomir and siRNA-VEGF were injected into the left hindlimb joint daily, respectively. Administration in each group lasted for 2 weeks. Afterwards, the rats in the drug, inhibitor, and interference groups were intragastrically given Wenyang Tongluo capsule for 4 continuous weeks. Animal models of osteoarthritis were prepared via the intraarticular injection of papain on days 1, 4, and 7 in the model, drug, inhibitor, and interference groups. After the completion of drug administration, related measurements were performed. (2) Cell assays: ATDC5 chondrocytes were divided into five groups: normal group (cultured in the medium containing miR-140-antagomir NC and siRNA-VEGF NC), model group (cultured in the medium containing interleukin-1β, miR-140-antagomir NC and siRNA-VEGF NC, drug group (cultured in the medium containing interleukin-1β, miR-140-antagomir NC, siRNA-VEGF NC, and Wenyang Tongluo capsule), inhibitor group (cultured in the medium containing interleukin-1β, miR-140-antagomir and Wenyang Tongluo capsule), and interference group (cultured in the medium containing interleukin-1β, miR-140-antagomir, siRNA-VEGF and Wenyang Tongluo capsule). Relevant detections were then performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Animal experiments: Compared with normal rats, the expression of miR-140 mRNA in cartilage tissue of osteoarthritic rats was decreased (P < 0.05), while the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, chondrocyte apoptosis, the number of new blood vessels and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum of the drug group, inhibitor group and interference group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The drug group could most significantly interfere with the malignant progression of these indicators. (2) Cell assays: Compared with normal chondrocytes, the mRNA expression of miR-140 in osteoarthritc chondrocytes was decreased (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the proliferation activity was increased in the drug group, inhibitor group and interference group (P < 0.05), while cell apoptosis, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the supernatant, the number of new blood vessels, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor gene and protein were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The drug groups had the most obvious effects on these indicators. In conclusion, Wenyang Tongluo capsule can relieve the pathological damage of cartilage in osteoarthritic rats by significantly inhibiting inflammatory stress and angiogenesis in chondrocytes, which may be related to the regulation of the miR-140/VEGF signal axis. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Correlation analysis between “carbon dioxide tolerance” and cardiorespiratory endurance during exercise Wu Dongzhe, Gao Xiaolin, Shi Yongjin, Li Chuangtao, Wang Hao, Wang Wendi 2023, 27 (23):  3693-3699.  doi: 10.12307/2023.587 Abstract ( 1127 )   PDF (2174KB) ( 510 )   Save BACKGROUND: Maximum oxygen uptake is the “Gold standard” for evaluating cardiorespiratory endurance. According to the logical relationship of its concept, the ability of peripheral tissues (muscles) to utilize oxygen in addition to cardiorespiratory function should be the essential determinant of cardiorespiratory endurance level.  The level of cardiopulmonary function is an important guarantee factor for oxygen supply during human exercise, but it may not be used as an “essential factor” for oxygen utilization.  OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between carbon dioxide tolerance and cardiorespiratory endurance during aerobic metabolism by assessing human carbon dioxide tolerance.  METHODS: A total of 92 healthy college students were recruited from 5 colleges and universities in Beijing.  A cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed with informed consent from the subjects to collect carbon dioxide tolerance and cardiopulmonary endurance evaluation indicators for correlation analysis. The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Sports Science of the General Administration of Sport of China.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant positive correlation between the index of carbon dioxide tolerance and the relative and absolute values of maximum oxygen uptake (P < 0.01), and a significant positive correlation with height, body mass, and body mass index (P  < 0.01). The multiple linear regression model constructed by the carbon dioxide tolerance index could accurately explain and predict the changes in maximum oxygen uptake (Adjusted R2=0.847, 0.668, P < 0.01). The model validation evaluation indicated no significant difference between the predicted value and the measured value (P > 0.05). To conclude, there is a high correlation between the carbon dioxide tolerance index and the maximum oxygen uptake in the process of aerobic metabolism.  High carbon dioxide tolerance during aerobic metabolism indicates a stronger level of cardiorespiratory endurance. Moreover, in the mathematical model, the carbon dioxide tolerance index during aerobic metablism can explain and predict changes in maximum oxygen uptake to a greater extent. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A prediction model for new fracture risk factors after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures Ma Yiming, Wang Zihao, Cai Dazhao, Lu Qi, Yuan Feng, Chen Hongliang 2023, 27 (23):  3700-3706.  doi: 10.12307/2023.491 Abstract ( 372 )   PDF (1353KB) ( 880 )   Save BACKGROUND: There are many studies on new fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty, but less is reported on how to visualize the risk for clinical application. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for new vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and to establish a nomogram to predict the occurrence of postoperative new fractures. METHODS: Totally 439 patients treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures admitted at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled, including 107 males and 332 females, aged (71.38±9.73) years. All patients were divided into a new fracture group and a non-fracture group according to the presence of new fractures within 1 year after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of new fracture after surgery. Multiple interpolation of missing values was performed using the KNN method, and the samples were oversampled and equalized using the SMOTE method. The data were randomly divided into a training set (75%) and a testing set (25%). A nomogram predicting the risk of new fracture occurrence was created based on the results of multivariate analysis, and its performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. A web calculator was created to facilitate a more convenient interactive experience for clinicians. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Univariate analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups in T value, fracture history, cerebrovascular disease, injury time, and postoperative Cobb angle. Multivariate analysis showed that cerebrovascular disease [odds ratio (OR)=35.742, 95% confidence interval (CI) (9.377, 136.236),P=0.000], history of fracture [OR=11.546, 95% CI (5.420, 24.595), P=0.000], cemented intervertebral leakage [OR=2.817, 95% CI (1.109, 7.158), P=0.029] were the independent risk factors positively associated with new fractures. T value [OR=0.019, 95% CI (0.005, 0.076), P=0.000], and time to injury [OR=0.981, 95% CI (0.963, 0.999), P=0.041] were negatively associated with new fractures postoperatively. The area under the curve values of the nomogram were 0.927 [95% CI (0.864-0.989)] and 0.807 [95% CI (0.707-0.906)] in the training and test sets, respectively, and the calibration curves showed a high agreement between predicted and actual status with an area under the decision curve of 0.044 and 0.062, respectively. To conclude, low bone mineral density, cerebrovascular disease, fracture history, cemented intervertebral leakage, and short duration of injury are risk factors for new fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty.  Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Tri-axial accelerometer placed at different locations of the body to assess the variation of energy expenditure under different exercise conditions Xie Haodong, Shang Yao, Ouyang Yiyi, Luo Jiong 2023, 27 (23):  3707-3713.  doi: 10.12307/2023.512 Abstract ( 409 )   PDF (968KB) ( 545 )   Save BACKGROUND: The tri-axial accelerometer is one of the most commonly used objective measurement tools for assessing physical activity volume, and its placing location is a key factor affecting its validity. Therefore, it is important to explore the impact of placing location on physical activity volume assessment for practical application. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variation of energy expenditure measured by tri-axial accelerometer ActiGraph wGT3X-BT in different positions of the body (wrist, waist, thigh, and ankle) and under different exercise conditions (4, 6, 8 km/h), thereby providing practical and theoretical reference for proper wearing and scientific use of wGT3X. METHODS: Fifteen healthy male college students [age (24.8±1.7) years old, height (174.1±4.8) cm, body mass (69.5±8.6) kg, body fat percentage (18.1±5.8)%] volunteered to participate in the study. During the experiment, the subjects wore tri-axial accelerometers wGT3X (wrist, waist, thigh, and squat) and METALYZER-II lung function mask at the same time, and completed different exercise intensity on the sports treadmill (4 km/h normal walk, 6 km/h fast walk, 8 km/h medium speed running), to obtain acceleration count, estimated energy expenditure, and measured sports energy expenditure. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 19.0 version analysis software.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the estimated energy expenditure and the acceleration count measured by the accelerometer in the same placing position under three exercise intensities. When the running speed was 4 km/h, the tri-axial accelerometer at the wrist and waist slightly underestimated the energy expenditure of the exercise. At the speed of 6 and 8 km/h, the accelerometer at the wrist obviously underestimated the energy expenditure, while the accelerometer at the lumbar slightly overestimated the energy expenditure. The accelerometer at the thigh only showed a small error at 4 km/h, and then there was a marked overestimation trend. The accelerometer at the ankle joint dramatically overestimated the energy expenditure of the exercise under the three exercise intensities, and the measured energy expenditure and the acceleration count were the highest. Under the same exercise level, only the accelerometer at the lumbar had the estimated energy expenditure significantly correlated with the measured energy expenditure (moderately/highly correlated), which was the highest among the four placing positions. Moreover, the correlation between the acceleration counts of Y axis (sagittal axis) and Z axis (vertical axis) and vector magnitude and the measured energy expenditure was higher than that of the X axis (coronal axis). The correlation was in descending order: vector magnitude value > Z axis > Y axis > X axis. At the same time, the accelerometer at the waist showed the highest interpretation ability for the measured exercise energy expenditure, which was relatively stable with the smallest average error. To conclude, the accuracy of the estimated energy expenditure of the wGT3X is influenced by placing position and exercise intensity, the level of error increases with the increasing of exercise intensity. At low speeds (4 km/h), the error levels at the wrist, ankle and thigh are the smallest. Given wearing comfort and subject compliance, the three placing positions can be considered as alternatives to each other. The wGT3X accelerometer is best placed at the waist during walking and running as the accelerometer has the lowest error of the estimated energy expenditure and is the most stable in all tests. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Mechanism by which aerobic endurance exercise regulates cardiomyocyte autophagy in rats Liu Jihuan, Wang Peng, Yuan Shunling, Jian Ye, Huang Shaoze, Yao Sisi, Liu Wenfeng 2023, 27 (23):  3714-3720.  doi: 10.12307/2023.487 Abstract ( 339 )   PDF (1417KB) ( 692 )   Save BACKGROUND: In recent years, studies on chronic diseases related to aging have attracted wide attention worldwide. As the heart grows with age, premature aging may occur. Exercise is a safe and healthy intervention that can delay its aging. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the aging of cardiomyocytes and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Healthy male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3 months (young, n=20), 13 months (middle age, n=24), and 22 months (old, n=24) were randomly divided into youth rest group, youth exercise group, middle age rest group, middle age exercise group, old age rest group, and old age exercise group. The three resting groups did not do aerobic exercise intervention, and the three exercise groups were given a 10-week incremental load aerobic treadmill exercise consisting of 6-week incremental load exercise and 4-week constant load exercise. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection were used to detect myocardial Beclin-1, CaMKIIα1, AMPKα1/pAMPKα1, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins and genes.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After regular aerobic exercises, compared with the three resting groups, the expression levels of Beclin-1 in cardiomyocytes were significantly down-regulated in the three exercise groups. The expression levels of myocardial CaMKIIα1 mRNA were also down-regulated in the three exercise groups. The protein expression levels of pAMPKα1 and AMPKα1 in the three resting groups showed an aging trend, and the expression levels of AMPKα1 in the young, middle age, and old age exercise groups were up-regulated by 16.50% (P < 0.05), 63.09% (P < 0.05), and 31.12% (P < 0.01), respectively. The expression levels of pAMPKα1 were also significantly up-regulated by 131.29% in the young exercise group (P < 0.01), 40.55% in the middle age exercise group (P < 0.01), and 16.77% in the old age exercise group (P < 0.05). Overall, the expression levels of PI3K in the myocardium were down-regulated in the three exercise groups compared with the three resting groups, while the expression levels of AKT1 mRNA were down-regulated in the young and middle age exercise groups. The expression level of mTOR mRNA was slightly down-regulated in the young exercise group, little changed in the middle age exercise group, and significantly up-regulated in the old age exercise group. To conclude, aerobic exercise can significantly up-regulate the expression of PI3K, promote the activity of mTOR, down-regulate the expression of CaMKIIα1, down-regulate the ratio of pAMPKα1/AMPKα1, decrease the expression of Beclin-1, regulate the level of myocardial autophagy, and make it tend to be normal and stable in aged rats, thereby delaying myocardial aging. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Maintenance and attenuation trajectory of increased muscle strength after exposure to short-term low-frequency pulsed magnetic field via activation of classical transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 Li Zhongshan, Bai Shi, Liu Jie, Yang Tieli, Zou Yuqi, Kong Weiqian, Li Wei, Zhang Qinyang, Chen Song, Che Tongtong, Li Zhiyuan, Guan Rongxin, Wang Chunlu 2023, 27 (23):  3721-3727.  doi: 10.12307/2023.516 Abstract ( 376 )   PDF (988KB) ( 85 )   Save BACKGROUND: Exposure to transient low-frequency pulsed magnetic field can induce and activate classical transient receptor potential channel 1, and enhance the maximal voluntary contraction force and strength endurance of local muscles, such as biceps brachii. OBJECTIVE: To use a specific low-frequency pulsed magnetic field that can activate classical transient receptor potential channel 1 as a means of improving muscle strength and to observe the attenuation process of the maximal voluntary contraction force and strength endurance of human biceps brachii after short-term stimulation. METHODS: A total of 27 normal adult healthy subjects were selected and randomly divided into training group, exposure group, and training+exposure group. The training+exposure group received resistance training immediately after 10-minute exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic field; the exposure group was only exposed to low-frequency pulsed magnetic field for 10 minutes; and the training group only received resistance training. The trial duration was 8 weeks. At 1-12 days of the trial, short-term muscle strength enhancement scheme was performed and post-test muscle strength was measured. The attenuation process of maximum voluntary contraction force and strength endurance was then observed in the following 6 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The maximum voluntary contraction force value of all subjects changed significantly over time (P < 0.01), with obvious time-dependent interaction effect but no interaction effect between groups, and there was no significant difference between time- and grouping-dependent interaction effects. (2) In the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks, the maximum voluntary contraction force values for strength attenuation in the exposure group were significantly higher than the initial value. In the 1st and 4th weeks, the maximum voluntary contraction force values for strength attenuation in the training group were significantly higher than the initial value. In the 5th and 6th weeks, the maximum voluntary contraction force values for strength attenuation in the exposure group and training group were significantly lower than the post-test value. In the 1st, 5th, and 6th weeks, the maximum voluntary contraction force values for strength attenuation in the training+exposure group were significantly lower than the post-test value. (3) The correlation analysis of the maximal voluntary contraction force curves in the three groups indicated that the overall changes in the maximal voluntary contraction force in the exposure group were highly positively correlated with the variation trend of maximum voluntary contraction force in the training group and training+exposure group. Their variation trend was highly consistent. Compared with the exposure group, the training group showed stronger positive correlation with the training+exposure group in terms of the maximum voluntary contraction force. (4) The median frequency value of the subjects in each group changed significantly with time (P < 0.01), and there was significant time-dependent interaction effect. Time- and grouping-dependent interactions led to significant changes in the median frequency values (P < 0.01). (5) In the 2nd week, the median frequency values of muscle strength attenuation in the exposure group and training+exposure group was significantly higher than the initial value. However, compared with the post-test value, the median frequency values of muscle strength attenuation showed no significant changes in the exposure group. In the 1st and 4nd weeks, the median frequency values of muscle strength attenuation in the training group were significantly lower than the post-test value. In the 1st and 2th weeks, the median frequency values of muscle strength attenuation in the training+exposure group were significantly lower than the post-test value. (6) The correlation analysis of the median frequency change curves in the three groups indicated that the training+exposure group showed a lower positive correlation with the training group and exposure group. However, compared with the training group, the exposure group had a higher correlation with the training+exposure group. (7) After exposure to the short-term pulsed magnetic field with the intensity of 1.5 mT and the frequency of 3 300 Hz, the maximum voluntary contraction force value of muscle strength attenuates to the initial value within 6 weeks, consistent with the attenuation period of resistance training and attenuation speed after enhancement of muscle strength. During the attenuation process, there is less fluctuation in the two resistance training groups, without fatigue accumulation, in which muscle strength can be better maintained. Improved strength endurance can be maintained for at least 6 weeks. Compared with the resistance training, low-frequency pulsed magnetic field stimulation can avoid fatigue accumulation, and the anti-fatigue ability continues to increase and maintain at a better level. Resistance training combined with pulsed magnetic field has a certain benefit for endurance level. To reduce the fluctuation during the attenuation process is beneficial to the maintenance of the endurance level. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Prevalence and influencing factors of hypertension in school students aged 6-18 years in Hainan Province Wang Weitong, Ouyang Fanxian, Li Jun, Li Jiaqi 2023, 27 (23):  3728-3735.  doi: 10.12307/2023.532 Abstract ( 344 )   PDF (963KB) ( 194 )   Save BACKGROUND: The detection rate of hypertension in children and adolescents has increased in recent years, which is a public health problem worthy of attention. At present, there is no research on the prevalence and influencing factors of hypertension among children and adolescents in Hainan Province. Early hypertension in children and adolescents has no obvious clinical symptoms and is not easy to be found. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence, distribution characteristics and influencing factors of hypertension among school students aged 6-18 years in Hainan Province, so as to provide a theoretical basis for early and precise prevention and intervention. METHODS: The health monitoring data of school students in 18 cities and counties in Hainan Province from 2013 to 2020 were collected. A total of 6 253 567 pieces of information were included, including 3 408 734 (54.51%) pieces of information for boys and 2 844 833 (45.49%) pieces of information for girls. The Blood Pressure Reference Standards for Sex, Age and Height of Chinese Children Aged 3-17 Years, the 2018 Revised Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension in China, Screening Cut-Off Values for Overweight and Obesity in School-Aged Children and Adolescents WS_ T586-2018, High Waist Circumference Screening Cut-Off Values for Children and Adolescents Aged 7 To 18 Years WS_T611-2018, and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Developmental Level of Children and Adolescents were used to detect blood pressure of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference and spirometry index of adolescents aged 18 years. Whether to be abdominal obesity adopts the international recommended criteria, that is, the waist circumference and height ratio ≥ 0.5 is abdominal obesity. Spearman analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, spirometry index and blood pressure and the risk factors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The distribution of hypertension in school students aged 6-18 years in Hainan Province has the following characteristics: (1) The distribution of hypertension in children and adolescents has regional clustering, and the severity of blood pressure from high to low is in the south, east, west, center, and north. (2) There were significant differences in the degree of hypertension between boys and girls at different ages (P < 0.001). The detection rate of elevated blood pressure in boys after 13 years of age increased significantly than that in girls. The detection rate of stage 1 hypertension in boys increased significantly after 14 years of age. The severity of blood pressure in girls aged 6-13 years was higher than that in boys, and the severity of blood pressure in boys aged 14-17 years was higher than that in girls. (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that female students [odds ratio (OR)=1.185, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.180-1.189, P < 0.001], body mass index (overweight OR=1.144, 95% CI: 1.135-1.154, P < 0.001; obesity OR=1.120, 95% CI: 1.105-1.135, P < 0.001), waist circumference (high normal waist circumference OR=1.053, 95% CI: 1.046-1.061, P < 0.001; high waist circumference OR=1.025, 95% CI: 1.012-1.037, P < 0.001) and waist-to-height ratio (OR=1.286, 95% CI: 1.270-1.303, P < 0.001) were risk factors for hypertension in children and adolescents. Age, spiro-index (middle level: OR=0.956, 95% CI: 0.944-0.968, P < 0.001); middle and upper level: OR=0.869, 95% CI: 0.8588-0.880, P < 0.001; first-class level: OR=0.739, 95% CI: 0.726-0.753, P < 0.001) were protective factors for hypertension in children and adolescents. A higher spirometry index level indicated a lower risk of hypertension in children and adolescents. (4) The above data indicate that the detection rate of hypertension in school students aged 6-18 years is relatively high in Hainan province. Region, year, age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, abdominal obesity, and spirometry index are all influencing factors for the detection rate of hypertension in children and adolescents. Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio should be controlled within the normal range in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. Increasing spirometry index levels is an important tool for blood pressure control in children and adolescents.  Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves attentional bias in mobile phone addicts Jiang Xuemin, Wang Yu, Sun Yanlin 2023, 27 (23):  3736-3741.  doi: 10.12307/2023.574 Abstract ( 348 )   PDF (864KB) ( 176 )   Save BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation plays a significant role in the correction of addictive behaviors. Behavioral addiction is often accompanied by attentional bias to habitual behaviors of specific stimuli. As a kind of behavioral addiction, mobile phone addiction is no exception. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on the attentional bias of mobile phone addicts through the transcranial direct current stimulation (2 mA, 20 minutes) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe with cathode as the center pole. METHODS: A total of 39 health college students from Tianjin University of Sport were recruited as experimental subjects. Among them, 21 were assigned into mobile phone addiction group and 18 assigned into non-mobile phone addiction groups. All the subjects underwent transcranial direct current stimulation (2 mA, 20 minutes) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe with cathode as the center pole, at a 2×3 mixed design. The interventional effects were demonstrated from three aspects: physiological indicators, behavioral response indicators, and eye movement indicators.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure before and after intervention. Before intervention, compared with the non-mobile phone addiction group, the mobile phone addiction group showed significantly longer response time and lower accuracy in the dot-probe task (P < 0.05). After intervention, the response time and accuracy of the mobile phone addiction group were both significantly improved (P < 0.05). Before intervention, there were significant differences in total fixation times, total fixation time, fixation correction time, saccade correction time, forward saccade time, and saccade times between the mobile phone addiction group and the non-mobile phone addiction group in the anti-saccade task (P < 0.05).  After intervention, the total fixation times, total fixation time, fixation correction time, saccade correction time, forward saccade, and saccade times were all improved in the mobile phone addiction group compared with those before the intervention (P < 0.05). To conclude, transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can improve attentional bias in mobile phone addicts. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Quantifying the elastic characteristics of the median nerve in healthy subjects: reliability of real-time shear-wave elastography Chen Chao, Geng Fengqin, Shen Suhong 2023, 27 (23):  3742-3746.  doi: 10.12307/2023.578 Abstract ( 340 )   PDF (1215KB) ( 93 )   Save BACKGROUND: Real-time shear-wave elastography can display tissue elasticity noninvasively, At present, it is mostly used in the study of soft tissue diseases such as thyroid gland and mammary gland, but rarely used in the study of peripheral nerves and their lesions. OBJECTIVE: To calculate the test-retest and inter-operator reliability of assessing median nerve elasticity by real-time shear-wave elastography and to explore the relationship between the elastic modulus of macroaxis and minor axis of the median nerve at the same measurement site. METHODS: A total of 20 healthy subjects, including 10 men and 10 women, were randomly recruited in this study. In the reliability test, two operators A and B assessed elastic modulus of the long axis of the median nerve on the handed and unhanded sides using the real-time shear-wave elastography, respectively. Five days later, operator A quantified the median nerve elasticity repeatedly using the same measurement method. In addition, real-time shear-wave elastography was used to measure the elastic modulus of the macroaxis and minor axis of the median nerve at the rasceta.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the reliability test, the inter-operator and test-retest reliabilities of the median nerve elastic modulus on the handed side were excellent with the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 and 0.96, respectively. The intra-operator and test-retest reliabilities on the unhanded side were also excellent with the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.78 and 0.86, respectively. There was no correlation between the elastic modulus of the macroaxis and minor axis of the median nerve (r=0.039, P=0.87). These findings indicate that real-time shear-wave elastography can quantitatively evaluate the elastic characteristics of the median nerve in healthy subjects on the handed or unhanded side with a high reliability. In addition, it can be inferred that the elastic modulus of the minor axis of the median nerve is not reliable in the correlation test, relative to that of the macroaxis of the median nerve that can act as a routine reference index in clinical practice. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Chinese medicine promotes post-stroke brain function remodeling based on visual decoding of functional magnetic resonance imaging Zhang Jinsheng, Tian Li, Li Sanqiang, Zhang Xixian 2023, 27 (23):  3747-3754.  doi: 10.12307/2023.536 Abstract ( 441 )   PDF (1066KB) ( 345 )   Save BACKGROUND: Through the visualization technology of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we can intuitively study the mechanisms of brain remodeling and nerve regeneration, reveal the feasibility and scientificity of Chinese medicine that promotes brain function remodeling and brain reconstruction, and thus objectively improves therapeutic schedule revision, clinical efficacy and prognosis evaluation of Chinese medicine.  OBJECTIVE: To decode the feasibility and scientificity of Chinese medicine that promotes post-stroke brain remodeling using fMRI visualization technologies, thereby providing an important basis for exploring and evaluating the clinical efficacy, theoretical innovation, and prognosis of Chinese medicine in the treatment of stroke.  METHODS: CNKI, PubMed, and WanFang were searched for relevant literature using diffusion tensor imaging, blood oxygenation level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging, regional homogeneity, amplitude of low frequency fluctuation, brain remodeling, nerve regeneration, Chinese medicine as Chinese and English search terms. Finally, 63 articles were selected for review.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: fMRI has a non-invasive dynamic feature. The therapeutic efficacy of Chinese medicine on post-stroke motion, cognition and sensation can be dynamically assessed through the combination of anatomy, imaging and other disciplines. fMRI, in its broad sense, refers to blood oxygen level dependent fMRI, magnetization transfer imaging, diffusion tensor and chemical shift imaging, while its narrow concept only indicates oxygen level dependent fMRI. This imaging technology is to explore the relationship between brain energy metabolism and activity by observing the hemodynamic changes during brain activity and reflecting the neuronal activity based on the blood oxygen level dependent signals. At present, there are few studies on how Chinese medicine promotes brain remodeling and nerve function reconstruction after stroke. Relevant research mostly focuses on single index and single target area and there is a lack of research on the whole brain area, such as the whole process during which Chinese medicine improves brain dysfunction, promotes brain function reconstruction and nerve regeneration. Therefore, it cannot accurately interpret the therapeutic mechanism of Chinese medicine. Moreover, there is no report on the mechanism of various Chinese medicine therapies to synergistically promote brain functional remodeling after stroke via multiple targets and multiple approaches. This review indicates that with the help of fMRI visualization technology, we can intuitively study the whole process of brain remodeling and nerve regeneration after treatment with Chinese medicine, and comprehensively demonstrate the scientificity of Chinese Medicine to promote brain functional remodeling and brain reconstruction after stroke. Therefore, it is possible to provide scientific explanations for guiding and improving the clinical Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and treatment, clinical treatment plan revision, and evaluation of clinical efficacy and prognosis as well as accelerate and promote the research and innovation in basic theories of Chinese medicine.  Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Exhaled breath condensate specimens for testing airway health during exercise Peng Mengzhu, Yang Xiangang, Xing Lili, Li Guojun 2023, 27 (23):  3755-3762.  doi: 10.12307/2023.582 Abstract ( 381 )   PDF (958KB) ( 491 )   Save BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important trigger of the high level of oxidative stress in the airway. In elite athletes, sports asthma and exercise-induced bronchial stenosis are related to airway inflammation. Accurate monitoring of homeostatic perturbations following various psychophysiological stressors is essential in sports and exercise medicine. It is of great practical importance to explore non-invasive methods of collecting and analyzing biomarkers that are capable of providing accurate information regarding exercise-induced physiological and psychological stress.  OBJECTIVE: To summarize the characteristics of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and acid-base changes in the airway detected by exhaled breath condensate detection during intense exercise, competition and overtraining. METHODS: CNKI, Baidu Scholar, and PubMed were retrieved for relevant literature on the application of biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate for detecting the airway health status of healthy people and patients with respiratory diseases during exercise at home and abroad from June 1980 to September 2022 using the keywords of “exhaled breath condensate, exercise,” “airway inflammation” “airway oxidative stress,” “exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, EIB,” “exercise-induced asthma, EIA.” Retrieved literature was summarized to lay a preliminary foundation for constructing non-invasive and convenient monitoring means and guarantee of airway health in exercise population. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Moderate exercise increases the pH value of exhaled breath condensate in different populations, while repeated strenuous exercise can lead to airway acidification. Exercise increases the levels of pro-oxidants in exhaled breath condensate, and the duration and intensity are related to the generation of pro-oxidants. Exercise under special environmental conditions (pollution, cold, dehydration and altitude) exacerbates oxidative stress levels and inflammation degree in the airway. Elevated cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and acute changes in airway pH in exhaled breath condensate are associated with the development of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. In view of the clinical standardization of specimen collection, processing, storage and data analysis, the application of exhaled breath condensate technique in the field of sports science should standardize the collection and processing process, determine sensitive biomarkers and establish evaluation criteria corresponding to exercise load and stress level. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Meta-analysis of the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and hemorrhagic stroke Zhu Junjie, Wang Haihuang, Li Jianmin, Zhang Yuxin, Liu Junjie 2023, 27 (23):  3763-3772.  doi: 10.12307/2023.583 Abstract ( 321 )   PDF (1977KB) ( 475 )   Save OBJECTIVE: Whether the polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T or A1298C are associated with hemorrhagic stroke is controversial. Herein, we evaluate the association between the C677T or A1298C polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: Relevant research literatures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, VIP and SinoMed databases. Two persons screened, extracted information, and assessed the quality of the literature. Five genetic models were established: allelic model (T vs. C and C vs. A), dominant model [(CT+TT) vs. CC and (AC+CC) vs. AA], recessive model [TT vs. (CC+CT) and CC vs. (AA+AC)], codominant heterozygous models (CT vs. CC and AC vs. AA), and codominant homozygous models (TT vs. CC and CC vs. AA). Analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14 software, Cochrane’ Q test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity, and the combined odds ratio (OR) value and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect indicators. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses to assess the stability of conclusions, and funnel plots, Begg test, Egger test, and trim and fill methods to assess publication bias.  RESULTS: Twenty-four high-quality research articles were included, including 23 case-control articles and 1 cross-sectional study. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism was associated with hemorrhagic stroke, and the five genetic models were statistically significant [T vs. C: OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.18-1.64; (CT+TT) vs. CC: OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.80; TT vs. (CC+CT): OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.20-1.96; CT vs. CC: OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.58; TT vs. CC: OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.31-2.43]. Subgroup analysis suggested that the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T was associated with hemorrhagic stroke in Asian populations, but not in Europe and Africa. The OR value increased with aging. In studies controlling for confounding factors (age and sex) in case and control groups, pooled effect sizes suggested a statistically significant correlation. Considering the reporting rates of various false positive results, it is speculated that the possibility of false positives is small. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1288C polymorphism was insignificantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke [C vs. A: OR=1.16, 95% CI: 0.98-1.37; (CC+AC) vs. AA: OR=1.19, 95% CI: 0.96-1.48; CC vs. (AC+AA): OR=1.27, 95% CI: 0.86-1.88; AC vs. AA: OR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.71-1.51; CC vs. AA: OR =1.37, 95% CI: 0.90-2.06]. The positive results obtained by the subgroup analysis were not reliable after the false positive result reporting rate test.  CONCLUSION: Overall, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T locus polymorphism is associated with hemorrhagic stroke, and carrying the mutant T allele is an important risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, especially in Asian populations, and the older the higher the risk. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C locus polymorphism is insignificantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics