ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of sequential tenofovir alafenamide fumarate （TAF） therapy versus the regimen of entecavir （ETV） combined with TAF in chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients experiencing low-level viremia （LLV） after ETV therapy， as well as their impact on virologic response， liver and renal function， and blood lipid levels. MethodsA total of 217 CHB patients with LLV after ETV treatment who were admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled， and according to the treatment regimen， they were divided into TAF group （180 patients receiving sequential TAF therapy） and combined group （37 patients receiving ETV+TAF therapy）. The propensity score matching （PSM） method was used to match the patients at a ratio of 1∶1， and finally 37 patients were included in each group to balance the baseline confounding factors. The two groups were compared in terms of hepatitis B virus DNA （HBV DNA） clearance rate， hepatitis B envelope antigen （HBeAg） clearance rate， liver and renal function parameters （liver stiffness measurement ［LSM］， platelet count ［PLT］， aspartate aminotransferase ［AST］， alanine aminotransferase ［ALT］， and creatinine ［Cr］）， blood lipid levels （total cholesterol ［TC］， triglyceride ［TG］， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ［HDL-C］， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ［LDL-C］）， and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the paired t-test was used for comparison within each group； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter 48 weeks of treatment， compared with the TAF group， the combined group had significantly higher HBV DNA clearance rate （86.49% vs 59.46%， χ²=6.852， P=0.009） and HBeAg clearance rate （59.46% vs 35.14%， χ²=4.391， P=0.036）. After treatment， compared with the TAF group， the combined group had significantly lower levels of LSM （7.01±1.50 kPa vs 7.90±1.68 kPa， t=2.404， P=0.019）， AST （18.02±2.28 U/L vs 21.12±2.85 U/L， t=5.166， P<0.001）， and ALT （19.85±3.86 U/L vs 22.00±3.90 U/L， t=2.383， P=0.020） and significantly higher levels of PLT ［（218.35±42.60）×10⁹/L vs （192.82±44.13）×10⁹/L， t=2.532， P=0.014］ and Cr （70.92±6.54 μmoL/L vs 67.60±6.13 μmoL/L， t=2.253， P=0.027）. After treatment， there was a slight increase in the level of TC in both the TAF group （5.60±0.89 mmol/L vs 5.18±0.85 mmol/L， t=2.076， P=0.041） and the combined group （5.45±0.80 mmol/L vs 5.02±0.83 mmol/L， t=2.269， P=0.026）. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the TAF group and the combined group （21.62% vs 18.92%， χ²=0.084， P=0.772）. ConclusionFor ETV-treated CHB patients experiencing LLV， compared with sequential TAF therapy， the ETV+TAF combined therapy can effectively increase virologic response rate， alleviate liver fibrosis， and improve liver function， whereas sequential TAF therapy has less impact on renal function. Sequential or combined therapy with TAF may induce a slight increase in the level of TC， which should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

This article introduces Professor LIU Xing's clinical experience in treatment of peripheral facial paralysis at the recovery and sequelae stages with the combination of acupotomy, cupping and herbal medication. Based on the analysis of etiology and pathogenesis of peripheral facial paralysis, Professor LIU believes that "invasion of pathogenic wind to collaterals and obstruction of qi and blood" is crucial. Therefore, the treatment focuses on "dispelling wind and harmonizing blood". The compound therapeutic mode is proposed, with acupotomy, cupping and herbal decoction involved, in which, "three-step sequential method of acupotomy" is predominated. Firstly, in the prone position, five "feng" (wind) points are stimulated in patient, Fengfu (GV16), Fengchi (GB20), Yifeng (TE17), Bingfeng (SI12) and Fengmen (BL12). Secondly, in the lateral position, three-facial points are stimulated (FaceⅠneedle: Yangbai [GB14]-Yuyao [EX-HN4]; Face Ⅱ needle: Sibai [ST2]-Quanliao [SI18]; Face Ⅲ needle: Jiache [ST6]-Dicang [ST4]) to restore the deviated facial muscles. Finally, in the supine, two Dantian points are stimulated on the forehead and chest, respectively (upper Dantian: Yintang [GV24⁺], middle Dantian: Danzhong [CV17]), to regulate qi and blood. As the adjunctive therapies, cupping is used to remove stasis, and herbal decoction is to harmonize the body interior. In view of holistic regulation, the treatment is administered in accordance with the affected meridians, so as to expel wind, remove obstruction in collaterals and regulate qi and blood.
Humans ; Facial Paralysis/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Cupping Therapy ; Aged ; Young Adult

The paper introduces Professor LIU Xing's clinical experience and characteristics of integrative acupuncture and medication in treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). It is believed that the essential pathogenesis of PTN is pathogenic wind, and qi and blood obstruction results from invasion of pathogenic wind. Hence, dispelling wind is the key principle of treatment. Palpation is done at first in the neck, face and buccal mucosal region to detect the masses in treatment. Acupotomy is operated at the masses distributed at Shangguan (GB3), Xiaguan (ST7) and the white line of buccal mucosa, so as to release masses. Additionally, five-wind points (Fengfu [GV16], bilateral Fengchi [GB20], Yifeng [TE17], Bingfeng [SI12] and Fengmen [BL12]), three-nape points (bilateral Naokong [GB19], Tianzhu [BL10] and Jianjing [GB21]) and three-governor-vessel points (Baihui [GV20], Zhiyang [GV9] and Yintang [GV24⁺]) are selected to dispel wind and stop pain. Besides, herbal decoction (wu feng tang) and blood-letting at ear apex are administered in combination. The integration of acupuncture and medication obtains a holistic effect on PTN by dispelling wind pathogen, and promoting qi and blood circulation.
Humans ; Trigeminal Neuralgia/drug therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Adult ; Aged

Sepsis poses a significant threat to hu-man health due to its widespread prevalence,high mortality rate,substantial treatment costs,and the absence of effective life-saving therapies.Melato-nin,a primary hormone regulating the circadian rhythm,has demonstrated potential as a promising therapeutic agent against sepsis.Its anti-inflamma-tory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,mitochondri-al protective,and multi-organ protective effects are noteworthy.In this review,we summarize current research on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of melatonin in sepsis treatment and multi-organ function preservation,aiming to offer new perspectives and support for sepsis research and therapy.

BACKGROUND:While antivenom has provided hope for treating snakebites,it is not always effective for local tissue damage caused by venomous snakes.Additionally,antivenom has several limitations,including the risk of hypersensitivity,immune reactions like"serum sickness,"and accessibility issues in some regions.Consequently,there is an urgent need to explore complementary or alternative therapies and therapeutic targets for snakebites in clinical settings.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of the 717 Jiedu Decoction on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in the local tissues of rats bitten by Agkistrodon halys.METHODS:SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,an anti-viper venom serum group,and 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups.Except for the control group,all other groups received an injection of 1.25 mL/kg of viper venom into the gastrocnemius muscle of the left hind limb to create a model.The 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups were administered a preventive oral gavage of 1.98,3.96,and 7.92 g/kg daily for seven consecutive days prior to the viper venom injection.The anti-viper venom serum group received a tail vein injection of 0.6 mL of antivenom serum two hours after the venom injection.Twenty-four hours post-injection,the pathological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 proteins,as well as their mRNA in serum and gastrocnemius muscle,were evaluated using ELISA and qPCR.The expression levels of type Ⅰ collagen,type Ⅳ collagen,fibronectin,laminin,α-smooth muscle actin,transforming growth factor-β1,CD31,and vascular endothelial growth factor in the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared to the control group,the model group displayed significant local inflammatory cell infiltration,hemorrhage,muscle structure disruption,and myocyte degeneration and necrosis.The protein and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in serum and gastrocnemius muscle were elevated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was reduced(P＜0.01).The protein levels of type Ⅰ collagen and type Ⅳ collagen in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),whereas the protein levels of laminin,vascular endothelial growth factor,and CD31 were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);however,there were no significant changes in the protein levels of fibronectin,α-smooth muscle actin,and transforming growth factor-β1(P＞0.05).(2)In contrast to the model group,the 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups and the anti-viper venom serum group demonstrated alleviated myocyte damage,with improved reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhage.The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in serum and gastrocnemius muscle were significantly reduced(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).In the high-dose 717 Jiedu Decoction group,the protein level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was upregulated(P＜0.05).Type Ⅰ collagen,type Ⅳ collagen,laminin,α-smooth muscle actin,and transforming growth factor B1 protein expression were elevated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and there was a dose-effect relationship;vascular endothelial growth factor expression was decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),there was no significant difference in the expression of fibronectin(P＞0.05);the expression of CD31 protein was elevated in the 717 Jiedu Decoction low-dose group(P＜0.01).The results showed that 717 Jiedu Decoction could promote the production of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor β1 by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2,matrix metalloproteinase 9 with tissue metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 1,and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 2,so as to make the synthesis of extracellular matrix greater than the degradation,maintain the extracellular matrix homeostasis,and then promote the repair of local tissue damage in pit viper bites.

Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction syndrome,mainly manifested by cognitive impairment and mental abnormalities.It is the most common manifestation of brain dysfunction associated with severe diseases.Critically ill patients with delirium often have poor prognosis,but there is currently no"miracle drug"for the prevention and treatment of delirium in clinical practice.Melatonin is an endogenous neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland,which has the functions of regulating sleep circadian rhythm,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and neuroprotective.When delirium occurs in critically ill patients,the serum melatonin level often changes,indicating that melatonin may be involved in the occurrence and development of delirium.Current research suggests that exogenous supplementation of melatonin may have a preventive and therapeutic effect on delirium.This article reviews researches on the mechanism and clinical efficacy of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients,with the aim of providing reference for basic and clinical research on the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for postoperative anastomotic stenosis in esophageal cancer patients.Methods A total of 200 patients who underwent radical esophageal cancer resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University from July 2015 to June 2024 were selected as subjects.The patients were divided into stenosis group(n=100)and non-stenosis group(n=100)based on whether they had benign anastomotic stenosis.Comparative analyses were conducted regarding the first feeding time,surgical duration,use of non-linear anastomotic devices,and anastomotic leakage in both groups.The independent risk factors for benign postoperative anastomotic stenosis were systematically evaluated.Results Delayed initial postoperative feeding,non-linear anastomotic devices,anastomotic leakage,and persistent postoperative hypoxemia were identified as risk factors for anastomotic stenosis in esophageal cancer patients after neck anastomosis.Balloon dilation-induced bleeding and early postoperative feeding within 12h served as protective factors(P＜0.05).Conclusion The development of anastomotic stenosis in esophageal cancer patients following neck anastomosis may be associated with delayed initial feeding,non-linear anastomotic devices,anastomotic leakage,and persistent hypoxemia.

BACKGROUND:While antivenom has provided hope for treating snakebites,it is not always effective for local tissue damage caused by venomous snakes.Additionally,antivenom has several limitations,including the risk of hypersensitivity,immune reactions like"serum sickness,"and accessibility issues in some regions.Consequently,there is an urgent need to explore complementary or alternative therapies and therapeutic targets for snakebites in clinical settings.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of the 717 Jiedu Decoction on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in the local tissues of rats bitten by Agkistrodon halys.METHODS:SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,an anti-viper venom serum group,and 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups.Except for the control group,all other groups received an injection of 1.25 mL/kg of viper venom into the gastrocnemius muscle of the left hind limb to create a model.The 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups were administered a preventive oral gavage of 1.98,3.96,and 7.92 g/kg daily for seven consecutive days prior to the viper venom injection.The anti-viper venom serum group received a tail vein injection of 0.6 mL of antivenom serum two hours after the venom injection.Twenty-four hours post-injection,the pathological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 proteins,as well as their mRNA in serum and gastrocnemius muscle,were evaluated using ELISA and qPCR.The expression levels of type Ⅰ collagen,type Ⅳ collagen,fibronectin,laminin,α-smooth muscle actin,transforming growth factor-β1,CD31,and vascular endothelial growth factor in the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared to the control group,the model group displayed significant local inflammatory cell infiltration,hemorrhage,muscle structure disruption,and myocyte degeneration and necrosis.The protein and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in serum and gastrocnemius muscle were elevated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was reduced(P＜0.01).The protein levels of type Ⅰ collagen and type Ⅳ collagen in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),whereas the protein levels of laminin,vascular endothelial growth factor,and CD31 were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);however,there were no significant changes in the protein levels of fibronectin,α-smooth muscle actin,and transforming growth factor-β1(P＞0.05).(2)In contrast to the model group,the 717 Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups and the anti-viper venom serum group demonstrated alleviated myocyte damage,with improved reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhage.The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,matrix metalloproteinase-9,and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in serum and gastrocnemius muscle were significantly reduced(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).In the high-dose 717 Jiedu Decoction group,the protein level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was upregulated(P＜0.05).Type Ⅰ collagen,type Ⅳ collagen,laminin,α-smooth muscle actin,and transforming growth factor B1 protein expression were elevated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and there was a dose-effect relationship;vascular endothelial growth factor expression was decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),there was no significant difference in the expression of fibronectin(P＞0.05);the expression of CD31 protein was elevated in the 717 Jiedu Decoction low-dose group(P＜0.01).The results showed that 717 Jiedu Decoction could promote the production of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor β1 by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2,matrix metalloproteinase 9 with tissue metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 1,and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 2,so as to make the synthesis of extracellular matrix greater than the degradation,maintain the extracellular matrix homeostasis,and then promote the repair of local tissue damage in pit viper bites.

Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction syndrome,mainly manifested by cognitive impairment and mental abnormalities.It is the most common manifestation of brain dysfunction associated with severe diseases.Critically ill patients with delirium often have poor prognosis,but there is currently no"miracle drug"for the prevention and treatment of delirium in clinical practice.Melatonin is an endogenous neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland,which has the functions of regulating sleep circadian rhythm,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and neuroprotective.When delirium occurs in critically ill patients,the serum melatonin level often changes,indicating that melatonin may be involved in the occurrence and development of delirium.Current research suggests that exogenous supplementation of melatonin may have a preventive and therapeutic effect on delirium.This article reviews researches on the mechanism and clinical efficacy of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients,with the aim of providing reference for basic and clinical research on the prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients.

Sepsis poses a significant threat to hu-man health due to its widespread prevalence,high mortality rate,substantial treatment costs,and the absence of effective life-saving therapies.Melato-nin,a primary hormone regulating the circadian rhythm,has demonstrated potential as a promising therapeutic agent against sepsis.Its anti-inflamma-tory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,mitochondri-al protective,and multi-organ protective effects are noteworthy.In this review,we summarize current research on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of melatonin in sepsis treatment and multi-organ function preservation,aiming to offer new perspectives and support for sepsis research and therapy.