Effect of mindfulness-based mind-body therapies in patients with non-specific low back pain-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background/objectives: Although mindfulness-based mind-body therapy (MBMBT) is an effective non-surgical treatment for patients with non-specific low back pain (NLBP), the best MBMBT mode of treatment for NLBP patients has not been identified. Therefore, a network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare the effects of different MBMBTs in the treatment of NLBP patients. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applying MBMBT for the treatment of NLBP patients, with all of the searches ranging from the time of database creation to January 2023. After 2 researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the risks of biases in the included studies, the data were analyzed by using Stata 16.0 software. Results: A total of 46 RCTs were included, including 3,886 NLBP patients and 9 MBMBT (Yoga, Ayurvedic Massage, Pilates, Craniosacral Therapy, Meditation, Meditation + Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Dance). The results of the NMA showed that Craniosacral Therapy [surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA): 99.2 and 99.5%] ranked the highest in terms of improving pain and disability, followed by Other Manipulations (SUCRA: 80.6 and 90.8%) and Pilates (SUCRA: 54.5 and 71.2%). In terms of improving physical health, Craniosacral Therapy (SUCRA: 100%) ranked the highest, followed by Pilates (SUCRA: 72.3%) and Meditation (SUCRA: 55.9%). In terms of improving mental health, Craniosacral Therapy (SUCRA: 100%) ranked the highest, followed by Meditation (SUCRA: 70.7%) and Pilates (SUCRA: 63.2%). However, in terms of improving pain, physical health, and mental health, Usual Care (SUCRA: 7.0, 14.2, and 11.8%, respectively) ranked lowest. Moreover, in terms of improving disability, Dance (SUCRA: 11.3%) ranked lowest. Conclusion: This NMA shows that Craniosacral Therapy may be the most effective MBMBT in treating NLBP patients and deserves to be promoted for clinical use. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO [CRD42023389369].

Alarin alleviated cardiac fibrosis via attenuating oxidative stress in heart failure rats.

The present study was to explore whether alarin could alleviate heart failure (HF) and attenuate cardia fibrosis via inhibiting oxidative stress. The fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) was induced by angiotensin (Ang) II. HF models were induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery to cause ischemia myocardial infarction (MI) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alarin (1.0 nM/kg/d) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection for 28 days. The decreases of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), the maximum of the first differentiation of LV pressure (LV ± dp/dtmax) and LV systolic pressure (LVSP), and the increases of LV volume in systole (LVVS), LV volume in diastole (LVVD), LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in MI rats were improved by alarin treatment. The increases in the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß were inhibited by alarin treatment in CFs and in the hearts of MI rats. The levels of NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity, superoxide anions and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased, and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced in Ang II-treated CFs, which were reversed by alarin. Nox1 overexpression reversed the effects of alarin on attenuating the increases of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-ß expression levels induced by Ang II in CFs. These results indicated that alarin improved HF and cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting oxidative stress in HF rats. Nox1 played important roles in the regulation of alarin effects on attenuating CFs fibrosis induced by Ang II.

Experimental study of paraffin melting in cylindrical cavity with central electric heating rod.

The experimental study for the melting processes of phase change material (paraffin) inside a cylindrical container under different boundary conditions of the cylindrical outside surface was carried out. In the experiments paraffin was heated by the heating rod installed in the center of the cylindrical container. The interpolation method was employed to calculate phase front and liquid fraction during the melting process by the reading of the thermocouples in an array arrangement. Paraffin near the heating rod firstly melted due to heat conduction in the initial melting stage, and then the generation and intensification of natural convection led to the acceleration of phase changes, resulting in obvious temperature stratifications in the upper region of the cylinder container. Moreover, flat temperature phenomena are described and discussed in detail. The effect of different heating powers, boundary conditions and the temperatures of water bath on melting rates is evaluated as well.

Reliability and reproducibility analysis of the Cobb angle and assessing sagittal plane by computer-assisted and manual measurement tools.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies on reliability and reproducibility of measurement have been performed on coronal Cobb angle, few results about reliability and reproducibility are reported on sagittal alignment measurement including the pelvis. We usually use SurgimapSpine software to measure the Cobb angle in our studies; however, there are no reports till date on its reliability and reproducible measurements. METHODS: Sixty-eight standard standing posteroanterior whole-spine radiographs were reviewed. Three examiners carried out the measurements independently under the settings of manual measurement on X-ray radiographies and SurgimapSpine software on the computer. Parameters measured included pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, Lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis, and coronal Cobb angle. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analyses. The means, standard deviations, intraclass and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: There was no notable difference between the two tools (P = 0.21) for the coronal Cobb angle. In the sagittal plane parameters, the ICC of intraobserver reliability for the manual measures varied from 0.65 (T2-T5 angle) to 0.95 (LL angle). Further, for SurgimapSpine tool, the ICC ranged from 0.75 to 0.98. No significant difference in intraobserver reliability was found between the two measurements (P > 0.05). As for the interobserver reliability, measurements with SurgimapSpine tool had better ICC (0.71 to 0.98 vs 0.59 to 0.96) and Pearson's coefficient (0.76 to 0.99 vs 0.60 to 0.97). The reliability of SurgimapSpine measures was significantly higher in all parameters except for the coronal Cobb angle where the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the differences between the two methods are very small, the results of this study indicate that the SurgimapSpine measurement is an equivalent measuring tool to the traditional manual in coronal Cobb angle, but is advantageous in spino-pelvic measurement in T2-T5, PT, PI, SS, and LL.

Score distribution of the scoliosis research society health-related quality of life in different subgroups of adolescent subjects unaffected by scoliosis in China.

STUDY DESIGN: A comparative study. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire performance in normal adolescents without scoliosis to establish a normative baseline useful for evaluating the discriminate validity of the SRS-22 in primary adolescent scoliosis; and (2) investigate impact of age and sex on SRS-22 in an adolescent population unaffected by scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The SRS-22 questionnaire is widely used to measure health-related quality of life of patients with spinal disease including scoliosis and lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, normal data, which are very important, when comparing patients and nonpatients, are few, little, and there are few studies about factors that may affect SRS questionnaire performance. METHODS: The adolescent population was from 14 schools located in 7 provinces. A total of 2008 adolescents (961 females, 1026 males, 21 unknown; mean age, 14.3 yr; range, 11-20) completed the simplified Chinese version of SRS-22 questionnaire and demographic questions. Surveys were stratified into 8 age-sex groups for analysis: male/female; 12 to 13.4, 13.5 to 14.9, 15 to 15.9, and more than 16 years of age. Post hoc testing and the Tukey least significant difference were used to compare differences between any 2 of the 4 age groups. RESULTS: Self-image scores in males were higher than those in females (P < 0.01). Pain domain scores were significantly higher in males than those in females in the 13.5- to 14.9-year-old subgroup, whereas other subgroups showed no obvious differences. The function domain scores in males who were aged 15 to 15.9 years and those older than 16 years were significantly higher than those in females (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in mental health domain scores among age-sex subgroups, with the exception of the 13.5- to 14.9-year-old group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to characterize the sex and age influence on the SRS-22 scores in normal population. Age and sex have an important effect on SRS-22 scores, so when using the instrument to assess health-related quality of life of patients with scoliosis or other spinal disease, we should consider the differences in patients with different age and sex. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Early open reduction of acute incarceratied metacarpophalangeal dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism and the treatment of acute incarcerated metacarpophalangeal dislocation. METHODS: Seven patients (6 male and 1 female) with acute incarcerated metacarpophalangeal dislocation admitted from 1997 to 2006 were studied retrospectively. The age ranged from 8 to 33 years(mean 17 years). All the types were the dorsal dislocation. The dislocation were occurred on index finger in 3 cases, thumb in 2 cases, middle finger in 1 case and small finger in 1 case. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 3 to 42 months with an average time of 21 months. Operative finding revealed the rupture of volar capsule and entrapment of metacarpal head. The joint function and postoperative X-ray showed anatomical reduction were good in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Repeated manipulative reduction should not be advocated if the close reduction was not successful. In order to avoid influencing the joint function,early open reduction of acute complex metacarpophalangeal dislocation is necessary.

[Biocompatibility of micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladder].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of silica gel embedded permanent magnets of the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladder. METHODS: According to the national standards of biological evaluation of medical equipment (GB/T 16886), Shanghai Biomaterial Research and Test Center was confined to evaluate the biocompatibility of silica gel embedded permanent magnets both in vitro and in vivo, including cytotoxicity test, sensitization test, primary skin irritant test and acute general toxicity test. The cytotoxicity test was performed according to the agar diffusion method. The L929 cell discoloration index and cell lysis index were counted at 24 hours after the action of the specimen. The sensitization test was performed according to the maximal dose method. The skin response was evaluated in 30 male albino guinea-pigs at 24 and 48 hours after the routine induction and provocation of leaching liquors of the specimen. The primary skin irritant test was evaluated in 2 male healthy New Zealand rabbits according to the local tissue response at 24, 48 and 72 hours after intradermal injection of leaching liquors of the specimen. The acute general toxicity test was evaluated in 10 male Kunming mice musculus albus according to animal condition at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection of leaching liquors of the specimen through the caudal vein. Both the general reaction of canines and the pathology of the local bladder walls were observed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after a permanent magnet was fixed on the anterior wall of urinary bladder in three canines. RESULTS: No sensitization, no stimulation and no acute general toxicity were observed except slight cytotoxicity to silica gel embedded permanent magnets. After implantation of a permanent magnet, the canines showed excellent tolerance, which manifested as no abnormality in spirit, appetite, urine and stool, healed wounds and no infection. Adhesions occurred between the epiploon and the bladder wall around the permanent magnet in two canines at 2 and 4 weeks, and between the lower abdominal wall and the bladder wall around the permanent magnet in the other canine at 8 weeks. The local bladder wall below permanent magnet was thickened, the fibrous capsule around the permanent magnet was thin, but the bladder mucosa was normal. Inflammatory reaction such as congestion, edema and inflammatory cells lessened from the serosa layer to the mucosa layer microscopically. CONCLUSION: Silica gel embedded permanent magnets used in the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladder has excellent biocompatibility and meet the criteria for clinical application.

[Major influential factors of the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladders].

OBJECTIVE: To study major influential factors of the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladders for the product design and clinical application of the device. METHODS: One ferrite permanent magnet with thickness and diameter of 3 mm and 10 mm, respectively, and three NdFeB permanent magnets with the thickness of 3 mm and diameter of 10, 15 and 20 mm, respectively, were used. The effects of thickness of the abdominal wall as well as the position and type of permanent magnets on the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladders were measured in vitro simulated test, when the abdominal wall was set to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 cm, respectively, and the position of permanent magnets was 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 cm, respectively. The effect of the geomagnetic field on the device was measured under the condition that the thickness of the simulated abdominal wall was set to 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm, respectively, and the position of permanent magnets was 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 cm, respectively. RESULTS: The value showed in the warning unit was positively correlated with the position of the ferrite permanent magnet only when the thickness of the simulated abdominal wall was 2 cm (r=0.632, P < 0.05). The correlation between the value of the warning unit and the position of NdFeB permanent magnets was significant (r > 0.622, P < 0.05), which was intensified with the increasing diameter of NdFeB permanent magnets, but weakened with the increasing thickness of the simulated abdominal wall. The effect of the geomagnetic field was correlated with the exposition of the body, the position of the permanent magnet and the thickness of the abdominal wall. CONCLUSION: The major influential factors of the micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladder include the magnetism and location of the permanent magnet, the thickness of the abdominal wall and the geomagnetic field. These factors are correlated with and affect each other. Reasonable allocation of these factors may optimize the device.

[Micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladders].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a micturition alert device dedicated to neurogenic bladders. METHODS: The design and mechanism of the micturition alert device were explained, the effectiveness was tested in a cranin experiment. RESULTS: The micturition alert device consisted of a permanent magnet sutured on the anterior bladder wall and a warning unit sutured on the inferior abdominal wall. The warning unit was assembled with a compass-like switch, a power supply, a buzzer and a power switch. Bladder volume determined the position of the magnet which determined the magnetic field at the point of the warning unit. The change of magnetic field was read by the warning unit. With increasing bladder volume from initial state to 200 mL in 8 dogs, the magnet moved cranially 32.8 mm averagely (from 31.3 mm to 34.1 mm) and the hand of warning unit turned 52 degrees (from 47 degrees to 57 degrees). The value of the warning unit was correlated positively to the bladder volume (r = 1.0, P < 0.01). If the desired bladder volume was determined as 150 mL to activate the warning unit to alarm in advance, the fullness of bladder was 147.6 mL averagely from 135 mL to 160 mL, with an error less than 15 mL (10%). CONCLUSION: The micturition alert device including a warning unit and permanent magnet could monitor bladder volume continuously and alarm in time for the patients with loss of micturition desire. It is simple, easily-made, cheap and conveniently used. It is worth of further study.

Assessment of herbicides and organochlorine pesticides contamination in agricultural soils using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A rapid multi-residue method for the simultaneous analysis of 3 herbicides and 8 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agricultural soils has been developed, using ultrasonic solvent extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The recoveries ranged from 81% to 117% with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D) lower than 15%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.03 to 1.06 microg x kg(-1) dry weight for different pesticides studied. The proposed method has been applied to investigate the 11 pesticide residues in agricultural soils collected from Liaoning Province, northeast of China. 3 OCPs and 3 herbicides were identified. Acetochlor, atrazine, butachtor were measured in the relatively high level with values ranging from 0.53 to 203.18 microg x kg(-1), 0.14 to 21.20 microg x kg(-1), <0.05 to 30.87 microg x kg(-1), respectively. All the OCPs residue levels were below 10 microg x kg(-1). The concentration of the eleven pesticides in this study was compared with the date of other countries reported and the corresponding limiting values used in Netherland, USA, Canada, Vietnam and Thailand. Among the herbicide residues, there was a significant relativity between soil utilizing types and their residue concentration. It seems that the monitoring action for soil contamination caused by commonly-used herbicides should be enhanced according to soil utilizing types, especially acetochlor in maize field.

[Inhibitive effects of chitosan on proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of chitosan on the cell cycle of the human fibroblasts and on the Ki-67 antigen expression in vitro and to investigate the mechanism of chitosan preventing the postoperative tissue adhesion. METHODS: The cultured fibroblasts were treated for 48 hours with 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/ml of chitosan, respectively; then, the cell cycle of the fibroblasts was measured by the flow cytometry. The cultured fibroblasts were treated for 24 hours with the chitiosan at the above concentrations; then, the Ki-67 antigen in the cell nucleus was detected with the immunohistochemical staining to observe its expression. RESULTS: The growth of the fibroblasts was obviously suppressed by chitosan, especially in the cell morphology. When the concentrations of chitosan were 1.0 mg/ ml and 10.0 mg/ml, the percentages of the fibroblasts in the proliferation stage were 32.3%+/- 5.2% and 14.7% +/- 2.9%, respectively, which were significantly smaller than the percentage of the fibroblasts when the concentration of chitosan was 0 mg/ml (the control group) (41.9% +/-5.8%, P<005). When the concentrations were 0. 01 mg/ml and 0. 1 mg/ml, the percentages of the fibroblasts in the proliferation stage were 39.0%+/-6.0% and 35.5%+/- 3.4%, respectively, which were smaller than that of the control, but not significantly different from that of the control (P> 0.05). When the concentrations of chitosan were 0.1 mg/ml, 1.0 mg/ml and 10.0 mg/ml, the percentages of the fibroblasts that had the positive Ki-67 antigen were 37.3% +/- 3.4%, 30.5% +/- 6.2% and 17.8% +/- 3.0%, respectively, which were significantly smaller than that of the control (57.6% +/-8.9%, P<0.05). When the concentration was 0. 01 mg/ml, the percentage of the fibroblasts that had the positive Ki-67 antigen was 54.1% +/- 8.0%, which was smaller than that of the control, but not significantly different from that of the control (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Chitosan can inhibit the proliferation of the fibroblasts and increase the percentage of the fibroblasts in the quiescent stage, which can be considered as one of the mechanisms that chitosan can prevent the postoperative tissue adhesion.