Differentially Expressed Genes and Signalling Pathways Regulated by High Selenium Involved in Antioxidant and Immune Functions of Goats Based on Transcriptome Sequencing.

The objective of this study is to observe the effect of high selenium on the antioxidant and immune functions of growing goats based on transcriptome sequencing. Eighteen goats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) the control (CON) group was fed a basal diet, and (2) the treatment 1 group (LS) and treatment 2 group (HS) were fed a basal diet with 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg selenium-yeast (SY), respectively. The results indicate that HS treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the apparent digestibility of either extract and significantly increased (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity, whereas it significantly (p < 0.05) decreased plasma aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde relative to the control group. The LS treatment had significantly (p < 0.05) increased glutathione S-transferase and catalase compared to CON. A total of 532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the CON and HS were obtained using transcriptome sequencing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified upregulated (p < 0.05) DEGs mainly related to vascular smooth muscle contraction, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, the VEGF signalling pathway, and proteoglycans in cancer; downregulated (p < 0.05) DEGs mainly related to the NOD-like receptor signalling pathway, influenza A, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, haematopoietic cell lineage, and African trypanosomiasis. Ontology analyses of the top genes show that the identified DEGs are mainly involved in the regulation of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor production for biological processes, the external side of the plasma membrane for cellular components, and carbohydrate derivative binding for molecular functions. Seven genes are considered potential candidate genes for regulating antioxidant activity, including selenoprotein W, 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, glutathione S-transferase A1, tumour necrosis factor, tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 10, tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 8, and tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 13b. The experimental observations indicate that dietary supplementation with 4.8 mg/kg SY can enhance antioxidant and immune functions by improving muscle immunity, reducing the concentrations of inflammatory molecules, and modulating antioxidant and inflammatory signalling pathways in growing goats.

Clinical application of jejunal feeding tube for early enteral nutrition after surgical treatment of upper digestive tract malformation in newborns / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical application of jejunal feeding tube (J-tube) for early enteral nutrition after surgical treatment of upper digestive tract malformation in newborns.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, newborns with upper digestive tract malformation received stage Ⅰ small bowel resection and anastomosis in our hospital were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled study. According to different types of postoperative nutritional support, these patients were randomly assigned into J-tube group and control group using block randomization method. The J-tube group were given enteral nutrition vis J-tube within 48-72 h after surgery and the control group were given oral feeding after the recovery of gastrointestinal function. Calories and proteins intake, growth indicators, duration of hospital stay and parenteral nutrition, time needed for full oral feeding and complications were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 24 patients were in J-tube group and 28 in controlled group. No significant differences existed on the general status between the two groups ( P>0.05). The average daily intake of calories and proteins in j-tube group in the first week after surgery were significantly higher than control group [(108.7±8.3) kcal/(kg·d) vs. (97.9±7.0) kcal/(kg·d), (3.4±0.3) g/(kg·d) vs. (3.1±0.2) g/(kg·d)] ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the average daily intake of calories and proteins during the second postoperative week between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with control group,J-tube group showed increased growth velocity in head circumference and weight over time ( P<0.05), while the trend over time in length growth was not significant ( P>0.05). No significant differences existed in the duration of hospital stay and parenteral nutrition, time needed for full oral feeding and complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Enteral nutrition via J-tube 48-72 h after surgery is safe and feasible in the postoperative nutritional management of newborns with upper digestive tract malformation. This strategy may promote physical growth after surgery without increasing the incidences of complications.

[Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training for balance dysfunction in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training on balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 105 stroke patients with balance dysfunction were randomly divided into a combined group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a suspension training group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at bilateral suboccipital lateral line, parietal midline, upper 1/5 line of anterior oblique line of parietal and temporal and line 1 of the parietal lateral line on the opposite side of hemiplegia. The suspension training group was treated with suspension training. The combined group was treated with suspension training at the same time of scalp acupuncture. All the treatment was given once a day, 30 min each time, 5 days a week, for a total of 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale (BBS) score, balance tester and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score were used to evaluate the motor function and balance ability before treatment, 3 and 6 weeks into treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in the 3 groups. RESULTS: The scores of BBS and FMA in each group at 3 and 6 weeks into treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05); the scores of BBS and FMA in the combined group were higher than those in the scalp acupuncture group and the suspension training group (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 weeks into treatment, the length and area of centroid locus of balance tester in each group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05); the length and area of centroid locus of balance tester in the combined group were lower than those in the scalp acupuncture group and the suspension training group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the combined group was 97.0% (32/33), which was higher than 87.5% (28/32) in the scalp acupuncture group and 90.9% (30/33) in the suspension training group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training could improve the balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction, and the curative effect is better than simple scalp acupuncture and simple suspension training.

Antidepressant effect of electroacupuncture on modulating the expression of c-Fos/AP-1 through the JNK signaling pathway.

The effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for depression have been identified by abundant clinical trials and experimental findings. The c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is considered to be involved in the antidepressant mechanism of EA. However, the antidepressant effect of EA via modulating the expression of c-Fos/activator protein-1 (AP-1) under the condition of JNK inhibition remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant effect and possible mechanism of EA in regulating the expression of c-Fos/AP-1 under the condition of JNK inhibition by SP600125 in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the body weight, sucrose preference test (SPT), and open field test (OFT). The expression levels of c-Jun in the hypothalamus, c-Fos in the pituitary gland, and c-Fos and AP-1 in the serum of CUMS induced rat model of depression were detected by ELISA. The results indicated that treatment with EA and fluoxetine can reverse the CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in rats and can up-regulate the expression levels of c-Jun in the hypothalamus, c-Fos in the pituitary gland, and c-Fos and AP-1 in the serum. Of note, the data demonstrated that SP600125, the inhibitor of JNK signaling pathway, can exert synergistic effect with EA in regulating CUMS-induced abnormal activation of the JNK signaling pathway. The antidepressant effect of EA might be mediated by modulating the expression of c-Fos/AP-1.

Effect of Supplementation With Selenium-Yeast on Muscle Antioxidant Activity, Meat Quality, Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Goats.

The objective of this study was to observe the effects of selenium-yeast (SY) on growth performance, muscle antioxidant activity, meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles in growing goats. A total of 18 Qianbei-pockmarked goats were assigned to three groups (six duplicates per group) by body weight (25.75 ± 1.75 kg; mean ± standard deviation) according to a completely randomized design: (1) basal diet (CON); (2) CON with 2.4 mg/kg SY (LS); and (3) CON with 4.8 mg/kg SY (HS). The results indicated that goats receiving SY did not show any differences (P > 0.05) in terms of dry matter intake, growth performance, or muscle chemical composition. In addition, dietary treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) the pH values (pH45min and pH24h), percentage of water loss, drip loss, or cooking loss. The HS group showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the dressing percentage, eye muscle area and meat color, as well as muscle total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity levels, whereas it showed a significant drop (P < 0.05) in shear force and muscle malondialdehyde levels relative to the control. Feeding 4.8 mg/kg SY led to a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the levels of C8:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C20:0 and total saturated fatty acids, whereas it led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in C15:1 in comparison with that of the control group. Goats receiving 2.4 mg/kg SY had significantly (P < 0.05) increased C16:1, C17:1, C18:1n7, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, C20:4n6, C22:1n9, and PUFA relative to the control group. Compared with the control group, the treatment groups had higher (P < 0.05) levels of C18:1n9, C22:4, and monounsaturated fatty acids. The inclusion of 2.4 mg/kg SY induced significant (P < 0.05) increases in 4-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and umami amino acid concentrations compared to the control. In addition, the feeding of 4.8 mg/kg SY had significantly higher (P < 0.05) muscle serine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, ornithine hydrochloride, methionine, and tyrosine levels than the control group. Collectively, Se supplementation in the diet did not affect growth performance, muscle chemical composition, whereas it could improve meat quality, muscle antioxidant activity, fatty acid and amino acid profiles in Qianbei-pockmarked goats. This showed that the optimal accession SY level was 4.8 mg/kg under the experimental conditions of this study.

Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training for balance dysfunction in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training on balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction.@*METHODS@#A total of 105 stroke patients with balance dysfunction were randomly divided into a combined group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a suspension training group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at bilateral suboccipital lateral line, parietal midline, upper 1/5 line of anterior oblique line of parietal and temporal and line 1 of the parietal lateral line on the opposite side of hemiplegia. The suspension training group was treated with suspension training. The combined group was treated with suspension training at the same time of scalp acupuncture. All the treatment was given once a day, 30 min each time, 5 days a week, for a total of 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale (BBS) score, balance tester and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score were used to evaluate the motor function and balance ability before treatment, 3 and 6 weeks into treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in the 3 groups.@*RESULTS@#The scores of BBS and FMA in each group at 3 and 6 weeks into treatment were higher than those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training could improve the balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction, and the curative effect is better than simple scalp acupuncture and simple suspension training.

[Acupuncture improved depressive behavior by regulating expression of hippocampal apoptosis-related factors in psychological stress-induced depression rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture on behavior changes and the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytochrome C, cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases-3 (caspase-3), apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in the hippocampus of rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS), so as to provide experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of depression. METHODS: Thirty two male SD rats were equally randomized into control, model, acupuncture and medication (Fluoxetine) groups according to the random number table. The depression model was established by chronic psychological stress stimulation (fasting, water deprivation, chronic restraint combined with solitary raising for 28 days). Manual acupuncture stimulation (2 circles/s) was applied to "Baihui" (GV20), "Yintang" (GV29) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) for 2 min, followed by retaining the needles for 20 min. Rats in the medication group were treated by gavage of Fluoxetine (0.18 mg/mL, 1 mL/100 g body weight). The treatment was conducted once daily for 28 days. The depression-like behavior was evaluated by using open-field test, sucrose preference test, and body weight. The content of ROS of the right hippocampus tissue was detected by using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, and the expression levels of cytochrome C, caspase-3 and AIF proteins of hippocampus were determined by using Western blot. RESULTS: After 28 days' stress procedure, the depression rats in the model group showed a significant decrease in the numbers of crossing and rearing of open-field test, sucrose preference index and the body weight compared to the control group (P<0.01). The content of ROS and expression levels of cytochrome C, caspase-3 and AIF in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly increased relevant to the control group (all P<0.01). After the intervention and compared with the model group, the decreased levels of the numbers of crossing and rearing, body weight and sucrose preference index, and the up-regulated levels of content of ROS and expression of cytochrome C, caspase-3 and AIF proteins were all reversed in both acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.01，P<0.05), displaying an anti-depressant effect. The effect of acupuncture was significantly superior to that of medication in up-regulating the numbers of crossing and rearing (P<0.01, P<0.05), and in down-regulating the expression of caspase-3 (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the medication and acupuncture groups in increasing the body weight and sucrose preference index, and in down-regulating the expression of cytochrome C and AIF proteins (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture intervention can significantly reduce ROS content and expression level of cytochrome C, caspase-3 and AIF proteins in the hippocampus possibly by inhibiting the chronic psychological stress-hippocampal oxidative stress-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in psychological stress-induced depression rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving depression.

Single-arm external stent combined with free flap used in forearm fractures of Gustilo type Ⅲ / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical application of single-arm external stent combined with free flap in the treatment of forearm fractures of Gustilo type Ⅲ.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted of the 16 patients who had been treated at Repair and Reconstruction Center, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from September 2015 to January 2018 for open forearm fractures combined with soft tissue defects with single-arm external stent combined with free flap. They were 11 men and 5 women, aged from 18 to 64 years (average, 41.6 years). By the Gustilo classification, 9 cases were type ⅢB and 7 type ⅢC. The area of soft tissue defects at the upper arm and hand ranged from 7.5 cm×5.5 cm to 16.5 cm × 11.0 cm. Emergency debridement was performed at the primary stage. After repair of major blood vessels, nerves and tendons, the reduced fractures were fixated with a single-arm external stent. The soft tissue defects were repaired with free flaps at the secondary stage. Nine cases were repaired with a free anterolateral perforating branch flap and 7 with a free ilioinguinal flap. The single-arm external stent became the ultimate fixation mode in 5 cases but was changed into plate fixation after survival of the flaps in the other 11 cases. Complications were recorded postoperatively. At the last follow-up, the upper limb function was evaluated according to the tentative criteria for evaluation of the upper limb function proposed by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.@*Results@#Of all the free flaps, 14 survived smoothly but 2 anterolateral ones survived only after the venous crisis appearing at 24 h after operation was relieved by exploration. The 16 patients were followed up for 9 to 18 months (average, 13.5 months). The fractures united well with fine alignment of the fracture ends and recovered force line. According to the Anderson criteria for forearm fractures, 10 cases were excellent, 4 good and 2 fair after operation. According to the tentative criteria for evaluation of the upper limb function proposed by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, 11 cases were excellent and 5 good. No nail infection or nonunion occurred.@*Conclusion@#In the treatment of forearm fractures of Gustilo type Ⅲ, single-arm external stent plus free flap can effectively restore the force line of upper extremity, promote bone healing, allow reasonable timing for wound repair, reduce postoperative complications like infection and osteomyelitis and facilitate functional recovery of the affected extremity.

Single-arm external stent combined with free flap used in forearm fractures of Gustilo type Ⅲ / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical application of single-arm external stent combined with free flap in the treatment of forearm fractures of Gnstilo type Ⅲ.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 16 patients who had been treated at Repair and Reconstruction Center,Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from September 2015 to January 2018 for open forearm fractures combined with soft tissue defects with single-arm external stent combined with free flap.They were 11 men and 5 women,aged from 18 to 64 years (average,41.6 years).By the Gustilo classification,9 cases were type ⅢB and 7 type Ⅲ C.The area of soft tissue defects at the upper arm and hand ranged from 7.5 cm ×5.5 cm to 16.5 cm × 11.0 cm.Emergency debridement was performed at the primary stage.After repair of major blood vessels,nerves and tendons,the reduced fractures were fixated with a single-arm external stent.The soft tissue defects were repaired with free flaps at the secondary stage.Nine cases were repaired with a free anterolateral perforating branch flap and 7 with a free ilioinguinal flap.The single-arm external stent became the ultimate fixation mode in 5 cases but was changed into plate fixation after survival of the flaps in the other 11 cases.Complications were recorded postoperatively.At the last follow-up,the upper limb function was evaluated according to the tentative criteria for evaluation of the upper limb function proposed by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results Of all the free flaps,14 survived smoothly but 2 anterolateral ones survived only after the venous crisis appearing at 24 h after operation was relieved by exploration.The 16 patients were followed up for 9 to 18 months (average,13.5 months).The fractures united well with fine alignment of the fracture ends and recovered force line.According to the Anderson criteria for forearm fractures,10 cases were excellent,4 good and 2 fair after operation.According to the tentative criteria for evaluation of the upper limb function proposed by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association,11 cases were excellent and 5 good.No nail infection or nonunion occurred.Conclusion In the treatment of forearm fractures of Gustilo type Ⅲ,single-arm external stent plus free flap can effectively restore the force line of upper extremity,promote bone healing,allow reasonable timing for wound repair,reduce postoperative complications like infection and osteomyelitis and facilitate functional recovery of the affected extremity.

[Effect of Acupuncture Intervention on Depression Behavior and Expression of ERK 1/2 and BDNF in Prefrontal Cortex in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Depression Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture intervention on the depression behavior and expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK 1/2), p-ERK 1/2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression rats, so as to explore its antidepressant mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, acupuncture, Fluoxetine, model ＋ Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), model ＋ PD 98059(an ERK pathway inhibitor), acupuncture ＋ PD 98059 and Fluoxetine ＋ PD 98059 groups (n＝8 rats in each). The CUMS depression model was established by using chronic mild and unpredictable stress methods for 21 days. Manual acupuncture stimulation was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yintang" (GV 29) for 10 min before modeling, once daily for 21 days. Fluoxetine hydrochloride suspension (1.8 mg•kg－1•d－1) was given to rats of the Fluoxetine group and Fluo-xetine ＋ PD 98059 group by gavage 30 min before CUMS. PD 98059 (dissolved in DMSO, 10 µL) was administered to rats of model ＋ PD 98059 group, acupuncture ＋ PD 98059 and Fluoxetine ＋ PD 98059 group, and DMSO (10 µL) to rats of model ＋ DMSO group by intracerebroventricular injection 1 h before CUMS. Sucrose consumption test was carried out to evaluate the depressive behavior. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of ERK 1/2, p-ERK 1/2 and BDNF of prefrontal cortex. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the sucrose consumption and the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2 and BDNF protein in the prefrontal cortex were significantly reduced in the model and model＋DMSO group (P<0. 01). After the intervention, modeling induced decrease of the sucrose consumption, and p-ERK 1/2 and BDNF expression was significantly up-regulated in both acupuncture and Fluoxetine groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), but not in the model＋PD 98059, Fluoxetine ＋PD 98059 and acupuncture＋PD 98059 groups (P>0.05). No significant differences were found among the model＋PD 98059, Fluoxetine ＋PD 98059 and acupuncture＋PD 98059 groups in the sucrose consumption, and ERK 1/2, p-ERK 1/2 and BDNF expression levels (P>0.05), and in the expression levels of ERK 1/2 protein among the 8 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture intervention has an anti-depressive role in CUMS induced depression rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of p-ERK 1/2 and BDNF in the prefrontal cortex tissue.

[Effect of "Xingnao Kaiqiao Zhenfa" (Acupuncture Technique for Restoring Consciousness) Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Nerve Repair and Expression of Growth-associated Protein-43 of Peri-ischemic Cortex in Ischemic Stroke Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Xingnao Kaiqiao Zhenfa" (acupuncture technique for restoring consciousness) combined with enriched rehabilitation training on motor function and expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) of peri-ischemic cortex in ischemic stroke rats, so as to investigate its mechanism underlying improvement of ischemic stroke. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, rehabilitation and comprehensive rehabilitation groups, which were further divided into 3 time-points:7, 14 and 21 d (n=6 in each). Cerebral ischemia(CI) model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with heat-coagulation. The rehabilitation group was treated by enriched rehabilitation training, once a day. The comprehensive rehabilitation group was treated by acupuncture combined with enriched rehabilitation training. Acupuncture was applied to bilateral "Neiguan"(PC 6) and "Shuigou"(GV 26) for 30 min, once a day. The neurological function score, balance-beam walking test and rotating-rod walking test were evaluated at the end of the corresponding treatment time. The expression of GAP-43 in peri-ischemic cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the sham operation group, the scores of neurological function, beam walking test and rotating-rod walking test were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01). There were no significant changes in the scores of balance-beam walking and rotating-rod walking tests in the rehabilitation group compared with the model group on day 7 (P>0.05). Compared with the model group at the other time points, the scores of neurological function, balance-beam walking test and rotating-rod walking test were significantly lower in the rehabilitation and comprehensive rehabilitation groups (P<0.05). Compared with the rehabilitation group, the scores of neurological function, balance-beam walking test and rotating-rod walking test were significantly lower in the comprehensive rehabilitation group (P<0.05). In comparison with the sham operation group, the number of GAP-43 positive cells of peri-ischemic cortex was significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the numbers of GAP-43 positive cells of peri-ischemic cortex were significantly increased in the rehabilitation and comprehensive rehabilitation groups (P<0.01). The number of GAP-43 positive cells of peri-ischemic cortex in the comprehensive rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that in the rehabilitation group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: "Xingnao Kaiqiao Zhenfa" combined with enriched rehabilitation training can promote the recovery of nerve function in ischemic stroke rats, which may be associated with its effect in up-regulating the expression of GAP-43 in the peri-ischemic cortex.

Empirical Antibiotic Treatment in Diabetic Foot Infection: A Study Focusing on the Culture and Antibiotic Sensitivity in a Population From Southern China.

Diabetic foot and subsequent diabetic ulcer infections are the most devastating complication of diabetes. This study was conducted to explore the bacterial spectrum, sensitivity of microbials, and analysis of the empirical antibiotic regimens in our health center. The study included patients with diabetic foot ulcer infection (DFI) seen from 2009 to 2014. The patients included had all information covering the physical examination, laboratory tests, and image examinations. We sent appropriately obtained specimens for culture prior to starting empirical antibiotic therapy in all participants. A total of 312 patients were included: 52, 112, 95 and 53 patients within uninfected, mild, moderate, and severe infection groups. The total percentages of Gram-positive cocci (GPCs) and Gram-negative rods (GNRs) were 54% and 48.8% ( P = 0.63). The most common GPC was Staphylococcus aureus (22.4%) and GNR was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.9%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 21 patients (6.7%). Even in the mild infection group, there was no significant difference between GPC and GNR infection, irrespective of recent antibiotic use ( P = 0.053). The most frequently used empirical antibiotics in our center were second-/third-generation cephalosporin ± clindamycin, both in the mild and moderate/severe infection groups. In our center, the amoxicillin/clavulanate or ampicillin/sulbactam (ß-L-ase 1) and second-/third-generation cephalosporins were highly resistant to the common GNR (30%-60%). The ticarcillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazuobactam (ß-L-ase 2), fluoroquinolone, and group 2 carbapenem had good sensitivity. This study presents a comprehensive microbiological survey of diabetic foot ulcers in inpatients and provides reliable evidence of the local microbial epidemiology and sensitivity of antibiotics, which may help us improve clinical outcomes in DFI patients.

Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes the development of andrology / 中华男科学杂志

Andrology is an ancient branch of science which has gained a new development in the recent years and therefore has both traditional and modern characteristics. On the one hand, andrology keeps benefiting from the achievements of modern medicine and, on the other hand, it relies on the support of the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). An integration of Chinese and Western medical principles may further facilitate the development of andrology. TCM may contribute to the development of andrology by giving full play to its advantage as a psychosomatic medicine, enriching treatment strategies for male diseases with comprehensive TCM therapies, integrating the advantages of Western medicine to improve clinical efficacy, and normalizing the use of patent TCM drugs.

The research of the analgesic effects by acupuncture at jiaji points in rat of incisional pain / 重庆医学

Objective To observe the effect of the application of acupuncture Jiaji points and continuous acupoints infusion of analgesic drugs at Jiajji in the treatment of postoperative pain on rat behavior through the establishment of a rat model of incisional pain .Methods 60 healthy male SD rats ,were randomly divided into sham control group ,PI group ,CSI group ,EA group and CAI group ,12 in each group .Plantar incision pain model in rats was established according to the method of Brennan ,rats in 5 groups at preoperative 1 h and 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation ,mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) were evaluated .Results Changes in MWT :5 groups of rats with experimental basis of mechanical withdrawal threshold values showed no significant difference among them ;comparison of the mechanical withdrawal threshold in the sham control group at each time point showed no significant difference(P>0 .05);when compared with sham control group ,MWT in PI group ,CSI group ,EA group and CAI group decreased significantly at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation (P<0 .05);when compared with PI group ,MWT in CSI group ,EA group and CAI group increased significantly at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation(P<0 .05);when compared with CSI group and EA group ,MWT in CAI group increased significantly at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation (P<0 .05) .Changes of TWL :when compared with the sham control group ,TWL decreased significantly in PI group at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation (P< 0 .05);when compared with the sham group ,TWL in CSI group ,EA group ,CAI group increased significantly at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation (P<0 .05);when compared with CSI group and EA group ,TWL in CAI group increased significantly at 6 ,24 ,48 h after operation (P<0 .05) . Conclusion Electroacupuncture and continuous acupoint infusion of analgesic drugs at Jiaji could produce obvious analgesic effect , the analgesia effect of continuous acupoint infusion at Jiaji is better than subcutaneous analgesia .

Study on hepatotoxicity of aqueous extracts of Polygonum multiflorum in rats after 28-day oral administration: cholestasis-related mechanism / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of aqueous extracts of Polygonum multiflorum (AEPM) on bile acid synthesis, metabolism and transfer-related molecules in rat liver and the hepatotoxicity-related mechanism of P. multiflorum.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with 30, 60 g x kg(-1) APEM once everyday for consecutively 28 days. At the end of the experiment, mRNA and protein expressions of hepatic MRP3, MRP2, BSEP, FXR and CYP7A1 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the normal group, the AEPM high dose group showed significant increases in mRNA expressions of hepatic MRP3 and BSEP of male rats (P < 0.05); AEPM high and low dose groups revealed a notable decrease in mRNA expressions of hepatic FXR (P < 0.05) and remarkable rises in mRNA expressions of hepatic MRP3, MRP2, BSEP, CYP7A1 among female rats (P < 0.05). According to the test results of western blot assay, AEPM high and low dose groups showed consistent changes in protein and mRNA expressions hepatic MRP3, MRP2, BSEP, FXR, CYP7A1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 28 oral administration with AEPM in rats showed a certain effect on expressions of bile acid synthesis, metabolism and transfer-related proteins, as well as cholestatic or choleretic effects in the mRNA expression.</p>

Human type 5 adenovirus-based tuberculosis vaccine: is the respiratory route of delivery the future?

Despite progress in managing TB, there were 8.6 million new cases in 2012. To control TB will require a more effective vaccine than BCG, new drugs and better diagnostic tests. Recombinant replication-defective adenoviruses expressing foreign DNA have been studied as vaccines. We developed and evaluated a recombinant replication-deficient human Ad5 vector expressing Ag85A (Ad5Ag85A) as a TB vaccine in animal models and a Phase I human study. Animal models of Ad5Ag85A show markedly improved protection over BCG alone and immunization via the respiratory route provides the best type of protection. In humans, intramuscular vaccination was safe; Ad5Ag85A was immunogenic and stimulated polyfunctional T cell responses, more potently in previously BCG-vaccinated volunteers. Pre-existing Ad5 antibodies did not dampen the response. Given its potency, Ad5-based TB vaccines are well-positioned to be delivered to the respiratory tract, induce local lung immunity to control TB, and inform innovative approaches to new TB vaccination strategies.

Effect of Epimedium extract on osteoprotegerin and RANKL mRNA expressions in glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis in rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid on the expression levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNAs in rat femoral head and the antagonistic effect of Epimedium, and explore the mechanism of Epimedium in preventing glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight adult SD rats were randomized into glucocorticoid group, Epimedium group and control group. In the former two groups, the rats received intramuscular injection of 12.5 mg prednisolone twice a week, and in Epimedium group, additional 1 ml/100 g aqueous Epimedium extract (equivalent to 0.1 g/ml of the crude drug) was administered intragastrically once daily. The control group received only intramuscular saline injection. After 4 weeks of treatment, osteonecrosis of the left femoral head was detected by HE staining, and the right femoral head was sampled for detection of OPG and RANKL mRNA expressions using real-time quantitative PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In glucocorticoid, Epimedium and control groups, the mortality rate of the rats was 12.5% (2/16), 6.25% (1/16), 0 (0/16), and femoral head necrosis occurred at a rate of 71.43% (10/14), 26.67% (4/15), and 0 (0/16), respectively. In glucocorticoid group, the expression level of OPG mRNA was significantly lower, RANKL expression significantly higher, and OPG/RANKL ratio significantly lower than those in Epimedium and control groups (P<0.05). OPG, RANKL and their ratios showed no significant differences between Epimedium group and the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Epimedium can prevent glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis probably by antagonizing glucocorticiod-induced abnormal expressions of OPG and RANKL mRNA.</p>

Effect of tianoan zhuangyang powder on the stAR protein expression of Leydig cells in model rats with partial androgen deficiency of aging male / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Tiancan Zhuangyang Powder (TCZYP) on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (stAR protein) expression of Leydig cells in model rats with partial androgen deficiency of aging male (PADAM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PADAM rat model was prepared by cyclophosphamide induced reproductive system damage. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, i. e. the normal control group, the model group, the testosterone propionate group, and the TCZYP group. The general condition, body weight, tail suspension experiment and exhaustion swimming test, and the testicular index, etc. were observed to assess the state of rats. The serum total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) levels were detected by radioimmunoassay before and after treatment. The stAR protein expression level of Leydig cells were determined using immunohistochemical assay. Statistic analyses were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By modeling with cyclophosphamide, serum TT and FT levels decreased (P<0.01), behavior changes were basically similar to PADAM (by tail suspension test), indicating a successful modeling. After treatment serum rTT and FT levels in the testosterone propionate group and the TCZYP group significantly increased when compared with before treatment and with the model group after treatment (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the TCZYP group and the testosterone propionate group (P>0.05). The immobility time in the tail suspension test were significantly shortened in the testosterone propionate group and the TCZYP group (P<0.05). The exhausted swimming time was more significantly prolongated than that of the model group (P<0.05). The stAR protein gray value significantly decreased (P<0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCZYP could prevent serum TT and FT levels from decrease, improve stAR protein activities, and attenuate the depression state and muscular tension in PADAM rats. Its action was equivalent to that of testosterone propionate.</p>

Survey of the awareness of Keshan disease and its influencing factors on the residents in a Keshan disease area, Fuyu County of Heilongjiang Province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the inhabitants' knowledge about Keshan disease(KD) in endemic area in Heilongjiang Province and analyze its influencing factors. Methods Yongjin Village, a national KD monitoring site in Fanrong Township of Fuyu County in Heilongjiang Province,was selected as an investigating spot. Specially designed questionnaire was applied in the investigation, which included three aspects, demographical information (gender, age, educational level, etc.), KD-related knowledge survey (KD prevention measures including a healthy diet supplementing selenium, preventing microbial infection, inducers such as climate change, fatigue, cold, mental shock, overeating) and KD controlling measures (take prescribed medicine, dietetic regulation and regular exercise, etc.) Results Seventy-senven point six percent(272/352) knew the disease by the name in the endemic area, while only 29.7% (81/272)and 30.8% (84/272)were aware the preventive measures and inducers , respectively. The awareness rates of KD preventive measures and inducers among the KD patients were 6/17 and 9/17 respectively. The influencing factors of the awareness rate of KD name were gender, vocation and the state of education (χ2 value were 9.838,9.878,12.462, all P < 0.05). However, factors influencing the awareness rates of preventive measures were gender and the state of education(χ2 value were 7.400,20.251, both P < 0.05). Conclusions The awareness rates of KD preventive measures and inducers axe low in the endemic area. The major factors influencing the awareness rate of KD are gender and the educational degree.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis in Chinese men / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this study is to assess the status of treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) in Chinese men. A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed, in which 15 000 men aged between 15 and 60 years were randomly selected to receive a questionnaire designed to assess National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI) status, therapeutic efficacy and 28 other items. A total of 12 743 men (84.95%) completed the questionnaire, of whom 1 071 (8.4%) were identified as having prostatitis-like symptoms and 517 (4.5%) were diagnosed with CP according to NIH-CPSI criteria and prostatitis-like symptomatology. Of the CP patients, 372 (65%) underwent long-term routine treatment 12 times per year. Additionally, 217 (72.8%) patients received antibiotic therapy and 215 (79.3%) men showed therapeutic effects. The treatment cost USD 1 151 (8 059 yuan) per person per year on average. Most CP patients received routine treatment, in most cases with antibiotics. Treatment was costly and most CP patients were not satisfied with its effectiveness. Antibacterial treatment might have been effective primarily in patients with bacterial disease.