Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as its pathological basis. Although current therapeutic drugs can alleviate symptoms， they are often accompanied by a high risk of side effects. In recent years， the use of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of RA has garnered significant attention. Studies have shown that the mechanisms by which flavonoids treat RA include inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors， regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways， alleviating oxidative stress， modulating immune system functions， inhibiting bone destruction， and suppressing angiogenesis. Due to their notable anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， and immunomodulatory activities， flavonoids hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for RA. A substantial number of articles in this field have been published. By reviewing Chinese and international literature and applying bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace， this paper explored research hotspots and frontiers in this field， systematically reviewed the structures and anti-RA mechanisms of TCM flavonoids， provided a theoretical basis for their use in RA treatment and clinical applications， and offered new perspectives and references for the discovery of novel TCM-based anti-RA drugs.

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as its pathological basis. Although current therapeutic drugs can alleviate symptoms， they are often accompanied by a high risk of side effects. In recent years， the use of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of RA has garnered significant attention. Studies have shown that the mechanisms by which flavonoids treat RA include inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors， regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways， alleviating oxidative stress， modulating immune system functions， inhibiting bone destruction， and suppressing angiogenesis. Due to their notable anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， and immunomodulatory activities， flavonoids hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for RA. A substantial number of articles in this field have been published. By reviewing Chinese and international literature and applying bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace， this paper explored research hotspots and frontiers in this field， systematically reviewed the structures and anti-RA mechanisms of TCM flavonoids， provided a theoretical basis for their use in RA treatment and clinical applications， and offered new perspectives and references for the discovery of novel TCM-based anti-RA drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of deep needling at Xiaguan (ST7) combined with electroacupuncture and warm acupuncture for adenoid hypertrophy (AH) in children. METHODS: Seventy-two children with AH were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 5 cases dropped out, 1 case was eliminated) and a control group (36 cases, 4 cases dropped out, 2 cases were eliminated). The observation group received deep needling at Xiaguan (ST7) combined with electroacupuncture and warm acupuncture. The needle depth of Xiaguan (ST7) was 20-30 mm. Electroacupuncture was applied at Xiaguan (ST7), Yingxiang (LI20), Yintang (GV24⁺), Baihui (GV20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz. Warm acupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST36). The treatment was performed 30 min each time, once a week for 12 weeks. The control group was treated with mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray, one spray per nostril each time, once a day for 12 weeks. The symptom score, adenoid-to-nasopharynx ratio (A/N), and 18-item health-related quality-of-life survey for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA-18) score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the total scores of symptom, A/N, and OSA-18 scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Deep needling at Xiaguan (ST7) combined with electroacupuncture and warm acupuncture could effectively improve symptoms, reduce adenoid volume, and improve the quality of life in children with AH.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Electroacupuncture ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Hypertrophy/therapy* ; Adenoids/pathology* ; Treatment Outcome ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and economic burden of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) in China.Methods:A population-based retrospective study was conducted using the data from China′s Urban Basic Medical Insurance data from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. International Classification of Diseases code and diagnoses in Chinese for PPP were used to identify cases and estimate the prevalence, incidence, and cost. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. Age-adjusted prevalence rates were calculated based on the 2010 national census data.Results:The crude prevalence and incidence rate of PPP in 2016 were 2.730/100 000 (95% CI: 2.218/100 000-3.242/100 000) and 1.556/100 000 (95% CI: 1.154/100 000-1.958/100 000), and the prevalence rate of females (2.910/100 000) was higher than that of males (2.490/100 000, χ2=97.48, P=0.001). The incidence rate of females (1.745/100 000) was also higher than that of males (1.418/100 000, χ2=85.02, P=0.001). The age peak of incidence and prevalence of patients with PPP was in the 30-39-year age group and a small peak existed in the 0-3-year age group among people under 20 years old. From 2012 to 2016, the average number of visits was (2.44±0.04) per patient, and the total per-capita cost per year was (982.40±39.19) yuan. Conclusion:In 2016, the prevalence and incidence rate of PPP in China were higher in females than in males, and the highest age peak was in the 30-39-year age group.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between mutated genes and clinical features in patients with essential thrombocythemia(ET).Methods:The clinical data of 69 patients with ET from October 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to driver mutation type,patients were divided into JAK2 group,CALR group and triple-negative group.The sex,age,cardiovascular risk factors,thrombosis,splenomegaly,routine blood test and coagulation status of patients in three groups were analyzed.Results:Among 69 ET patients,46 cases were associated with JAK2 mutation,14 cases with CALR mutation,8 cases with triple-negative mutation,and one with MPL gene mutation.There were no significant differences in age and sex among the three groups(P＞0.05).The highest thrombotic rate was 26.09％(12/46)in JAK2 group,then 12.5％(1/8)in triple-negative group,while no thrombotic events occurred in CALR group.The incidence of splenomegaly was the highest in JAK2 group(34.78％),while no splenomegaly occurred in triple-negative group.The white blood cell(WBC)count in JAK2 group was(9.00±4.86)× 109/L,which was significantly higher than(6.03±2.32)× 109/L in CALR group(P＜0.05).The hemoglobin(Hb)and hematocrit(HCT)in JAK2 group were(148.42±18.79)g/L and(0.44±0.06)％,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(131.00±15.17)g/L and(0.39±0.05)％in triple-negative group(P＜0.05).The platelet(PLT)in JAK2 group was(584.17±175.77)× 109/L,which was significantly lower than(703.07±225.60)× 109/L in CALR group(P＜0.05).The fibrinogen(Fg)in JAK2 and triple-negative group were(2.64±0.69)g/L and(3.05±0.77)g/L,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(2.24±0.47)g/L in CALR group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)in triple-negative group was(28.61±1.99)s,which was significantly decreased compared with(31.45±3.35)s in CALR group(P＜0.05).Conclusions:There are differences in blood cell count and coagulation status among ET patients with different driver gene mutations.Among ET patients,JAK2 mutation is most common.Compared with CALR group,the thrombotic rate,WBC and Fg significantly increase in JAK2 group,while PLT decrease.Compared with triple-negative group,the incidence of splenomegaly and HCT significantly increase.Compared with CALR group,Fg significantly increases but APTT decreases in triple-negative group.

Objective:To investigate the effect of genetic polymorphism of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) on methotrexate (MTX) related toxicity in pediatric mature B-cell lymphoma patients. Methods:Fifty-eight intermediate and high risk patients under 18 years of age with mature B-cell lymphoma who received 5 g/m2 MTX (24 h intravenous infusion) in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from August 2014 to December 2021 were included,and their toxicity of high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) were monitored and analyzed. Results:Among the 58 pediatric patients,the number of CC,CT,and TT genotypes for MTHFR C677T was 33,19 and 6,respectively. A total of 101 courses of HD-MTX therapy were counted,of which plasma MTX level>0.2 μmol/L at 48 h post-MTX infusion were observed in 35 courses,≤0.2 μmol/L in 66 courses. Inter-group comparison showed that plasma MTX level>0.2 μmol/L at 48 h post-MTX infusion increased the risk of developing oral mucositis (P<0.05). Compared with wild-type (CC genotype),patients in the mutant group (CT+TT genotype) were more likely to develop myelosuppression,manifested as anemia,leucopenia,neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. However,plasma MTX level at 48 h was not associated with MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. Conclusion:The risk of developing oral mucositis in children with mature B-cell lymphoma is associated with plasma MTX concentration. Polymorphism of MTHFR C677T gene is not related to plasma MTX concentration in children with mature B-cell lymphoma,but is related to grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ hematological toxicity.

Objective:To observe the antidepressant effect of Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture method; To explore its mechanism of regulating the oxidative stress pathway of protein kinase C (PKC)/reduced coenzymeⅡ (NADPH) in depression model rats.Methods:Totally 32 SD rats were divided into control group, model group, Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture group and escitalopram group according to random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable stress except control group. After the start of modeling, Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture every day, 15 min/time/day; escitalopram group was given 30 mg/kg intragastric intervention. 1 day before the start of the experiment and the 28th day of the experiment, the growth of body mass was observed, and sugar preference experiment and open field experiment were performed. The protein expression levels of protein kinase C α (PKC α), p47phox, t and RAS related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) in hypothalamus were detected by Western blot, and the positive area ratio of NOX2 protein in hypothalamus was detected by immunofluorescence technique; ROS content in hypothalamus was detected using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe technique.Results:Compared with the model group, the Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture group and the escitalopram group showed the body mass growth ( P<0.01) and sugar preference index increased ( P<0.01), and the moving distance ( P<0.05) and residence time ( P<0.01) in the central area of the open field experiment were longer; the protein expression levels of hypothalamic PKC α, p47phox and Rac1 decreased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), the positive area ratio of NOX2 protein decreased ( P<0.05), and the level of ROS also decreased significantly ( P<0.01) in Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture group and escitalopram group. Conclusion:Tongdu Qishen electroacupuncture group can improve the behavior of depressed rats, inhibit the oxidative stress response of PKC/NADPH pathway, and reduce the production of ROS, thereby reducing the brain damage caused by oxidative stress, and improving the symptoms of depression.

Objective:To investigate the application value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of T re-staging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer.Methods:Clinical, endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and SWE data of 271 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent nCRT and total mesorectal excision in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from October 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively collected. The independent predictors for low T staging were analyzed and screened, and the Logistic regression model was constructed. An independent test set was used to validate the prediction performance of the models and compare them with the diagnostic results of sonographers.Results:Binary multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Emean of the mesentery around the lesion, thickness, and enlarged lymph nodes around the rectum were the independent predictors for low T staging, and the odds ratios were 1.089, 1.214, 0.183, respectively. The Logistic regression model A established by Emean, thickness and enlarged lymph nodes around the lesion and the Logistic regression model B established by Emean around the lesion had high diagnostic efficiencies (area under the ROC curve were 0.931, 0.918, respectively, the accuracy were 0.888 and 0.887, respectively). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two models ( P=1.000), and both models were significantly higher than that of sonographers (all P<0.001). Conclusions:SWE can effectively predict whether the tumor is of low T staging after nCRT in locally advanced rectal cancer, and can be used as an important supplement to ERUS in evaluating the T re-staging of rectal cancer after nCRT.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis in children,analyze the risk factors of delayed diagnosis,and support early diagnosis of tuberculosis in children.Methods This is a retrospective analysis based on the clinical data of tuberculosis patients admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to February 2023.The clinical characteristics of children were analyzed in terms of age group.According to the definition of diagnosis delay,the patients were assigned to delayed group and non-delayed group.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for diagnosis delay.Results A total of 82 children with tuberculosis were included(46 cases in delayed diagnosis group and 36 cases in non-delayed diagnosis group).The rate of diagnosis delay was 56.1％.The incidence of acute miliary pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis was significantly higher in children ≤5 years old than that in children＞5 years old(P＜0.05).Diagnosis delay was associated with significantly higher prevalence of chronic fever,cough＞2 weeks,growth retardation and significantly longer duration of empirical antibiotic use compared to the children without diagnosis delay(P＜0.05).Univariate analysis showed that patient origin,contact history,mixed infection,tuberculosis type,molecular biological assay and severe disease were related to the delay of TB diagnosis(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patient origin[≥3 clinic visits(OR=7.064,95％CI:1.677-29.754)],mixed infection(OR=3.812,95％CI:1.185-12.260),severe disease(OR=3.697,95％CI:1.081-12.646)]were risk factors for diagnosis delay in children.Molecular biological assay(OR=4.642,95％CI:1.318-16.345)was a protective factor.Conclusions The clinical symptoms of tuberculosis in children are atypical.Delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis is common.Multiple clinic visits,mixed infection,and severe disease are the risk factors for diagnosis delay.Tuberculosis should be taken into account for the children with chronic fever,cough and growth retardation who have failed to respond to adequate therapy with third-generation cephalosporin and carbapenems.Molecular biological assay is helpful for early diagnosis of tuberculosis in children with negative sputum smear.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis in children,analyze the risk factors of delayed diagnosis,and support early diagnosis of tuberculosis in children.Methods This is a retrospective analysis based on the clinical data of tuberculosis patients admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to February 2023.The clinical characteristics of children were analyzed in terms of age group.According to the definition of diagnosis delay,the patients were assigned to delayed group and non-delayed group.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for diagnosis delay.Results A total of 82 children with tuberculosis were included(46 cases in delayed diagnosis group and 36 cases in non-delayed diagnosis group).The rate of diagnosis delay was 56.1％.The incidence of acute miliary pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis was significantly higher in children ≤5 years old than that in children＞5 years old(P＜0.05).Diagnosis delay was associated with significantly higher prevalence of chronic fever,cough＞2 weeks,growth retardation and significantly longer duration of empirical antibiotic use compared to the children without diagnosis delay(P＜0.05).Univariate analysis showed that patient origin,contact history,mixed infection,tuberculosis type,molecular biological assay and severe disease were related to the delay of TB diagnosis(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patient origin[≥3 clinic visits(OR=7.064,95％CI:1.677-29.754)],mixed infection(OR=3.812,95％CI:1.185-12.260),severe disease(OR=3.697,95％CI:1.081-12.646)]were risk factors for diagnosis delay in children.Molecular biological assay(OR=4.642,95％CI:1.318-16.345)was a protective factor.Conclusions The clinical symptoms of tuberculosis in children are atypical.Delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis is common.Multiple clinic visits,mixed infection,and severe disease are the risk factors for diagnosis delay.Tuberculosis should be taken into account for the children with chronic fever,cough and growth retardation who have failed to respond to adequate therapy with third-generation cephalosporin and carbapenems.Molecular biological assay is helpful for early diagnosis of tuberculosis in children with negative sputum smear.