The purpose of this paper is to explore the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions and to provide a reference basis for the clinical use of rhubarb root and rhizome. By collating the relevant classical prescriptions of rhubarb root and rhizome in Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe, the relationship between its decoction and dosing methods and the syndrome was analyzed. The decoction of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions can be divided into three categories: simultaneous decoction, decoction later, and other methods (impregnation in Mafei decoction, decoction with water from the well spring first taken in the morning, and pills). If it enters the blood level or wants to slow down, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted at the same time with other drugs. If it enters the qi level and wants to speed up, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted later. If it wants to upwardly move, rhubarb root and rhizome should be immersed in Mafei decoction. If it wants to suppress liver yang, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted with water from the well spring first taken in the morning. If the disease is prolonged, rhubarb root and rhizome should be taken in pill form. The dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome can be divided into five categories: draught, twice, three times, before meals, and unspecified. For acute and serious illnesses with excess of pathogenic qi and adequate vital qi, we choose draught. For gastrointestinal diseases, we choose to take the medicine twice. For achieving a moderate and long-lasting effect, we choose to take the medicine three times. If the disease is located in the lower part of the heart and abdomen, we choose to take it before meals. The use of rhubarb root and rhizome in clinical practice requires the selection of the appropriate decoction and dosing methods according to the location of the disease, the severity of the disease, the patient′s constitution, and the condition after taking the medicine.

[Objective] To analyze the prevalence of human T-lymphocyte leukemia virus (HTLV) among blood donors in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2021, and provide a basis for blood collection and supply management in this region. [Methods] A total of 2 116 951 voluntary blood donors were screened for anti-HTLV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from March 2016 to December 2021 in Guangzhou, and the reactive cases were further confirmed by Western blotting (WB). Qualitative data were analyzed by χ2 with spss19 software. The trend of the total positive rate of HTLV confirmation test by WB from 2016 to 2021 was analyzed with the Joinpoint software, and the annual percent change (APC) was used to determine whether the trend changes were statistically significant. [Results] From March 2016 to December 2021, the total positive rate for anti-HTLV by ELISA among voluntary blood donors in Guangzhou was 0.019 7% (416/ 2116 951), and the WB confirmed positive rate was 0.001 1% (23/2 116 951). The total positive rate of HTLV among individual voluntary blood donors in the six main districts (0.002 12%, 19/895 301) was higher than that among group voluntary blood donors (0.000 32%, 3/951 947) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total positive rate of HTLV confirmation between the six main districts (0.001 19%) and the three non-main districts (0.000 37%) (P>0.05). The trend of the total positive rate of HTLV infection in the six main districts and the Guangzhou area(including the six main districts and three non-main districts) showed no significant increase or decrease. [Conclusion] The prevalence of HTLV among blood donors in Guangzhou remains at a low level.

" Lijie and yellowish sweating" originates from the chapter on stroke and arthralgia diseases in Synopsis of Golden Chamber. Later generations typically interpret it as yellow fluid oozing from painful joints, a characteristic manifestation of arthralgia. In Western medicine, Lijie corresponds to diseases such as gouty arthritis, with its primary clinical manifestations being redness, swelling, heat, and painful joints, most often without yellow fluid discharge. Therefore, the interpretation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" contradicts the clinical manifestations often observed in this disease. Thus, this article reinterprets the meaning of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" from the pathogenesis of " sweat exposure to water, as if water harms the heart" , combined with the viewpoints of other medical practitioners. Determining the meaning of " yellowish sweating" is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of arthralgia and clarifying the relationship between arthralgia and yellowish sweating. ZHANG Zhongjing mentioned arthralgia and " yellowish sweating" together, not to differentiate between the two diseases but to emphasize the common pathogenesis of the two, namely, the cold and dampness injuring the heart, blood, and vessels. This paper proposes a new explanation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" , which suggests that " yellowish sweating" is not confined to the joints but can be found all over the body. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" lies in the insufficiency of the liver and kidney and exogenous water dampness, leading to disharmony between nutrient qi and defensive qi and between yin and yang. Primary treatment should harmonize yingfen and weifen, as well as tonify and replenish the liver and kidney. The clinical selection of medicines can be considered Guizhi Decotion, a type of formula. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" is complex, and clinical treatment should be comprehensively considered to achieve the best therapeutic effect.

N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a glycine derivative, and its sodium salt (DMG-Na) has been demonstrated to possess various biological activities, including immunomodulation, free radical scavenging, and antioxidation, collectively contributing to the stability of tissue and cellular functions. However, its direct effects and underlying mechanisms in wound healing remain unclear. In this study, a full-thickness excisional wound model was established on the dorsal skin of mice, and wounds were treated locally with DMG-Na. Wound healing progression was assessed by calculating wound closure rates. Histopathological analysis was conducted using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and differentiation were evaluated using CCK-8 assays, scratch wound assays, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Inflammation-related cytokine expression in keratinocytes was analyzed via ELISA and qRT-PCR. Results revealed that DMG-Na treatment significantly accelerated wound healing in mice and improved overall wound closure quality. The wound healing rates on days 3, 6, and 9 were 49.18%, 68.87%, and 90.55%, respectively, with statistically significant differences compared to the control group ( P<0.05). DMG-Na treatment downregulated the mRNA levels of keratinocyte differentiation markers while enhancing cell proliferation and migration ( P<0.05). Furthermore, DMG-Na decreased the secretion of LPS-induced keratinocyte inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CXCL10 ( P<0.05). These findings indicate that DMG-Na regulates inflammatory responses and promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, thereby facilitating the healing of skin wounds.
Animals ; Wound Healing/drug effects* ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Keratinocytes/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Glycine/pharmacology* ; Skin/injuries* ; Male

Objective The prevalence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains is exacerbating the global burden of tuberculosis (TB), highlighting the urgent need for new treatment strategies for TB. Methods The recombinant adenovirus vaccine expressing cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) phosphodiesterase B (CnpB) (rAd-CnpB), was administered to normal mice via mucosal immunization, either alone or in combination with drug therapy, to treat Mtb respiratory infections in mice.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of antibodies in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess the transcription levels of cytokines interferon γ(IFN-γ) and interleukin 10(IL-10) in mouse lungs. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell subsets in the lungs and spleens. ELISA was employed to measure the levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, inflammatory factors IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secreted by spleen cells following antigen stimulation. The bacteria loads in the lungs and spleens of Mtb-infected mice were enumerated by plate counting methods. Resluts Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB induced high titers of IgG in mouse serum and the production of IgG and IgA in BALF, along with alterations in T lymphocyte subsets in the lungs and spleens. Administration of rAd-CnpB, either alone or in combination with drugs, to Mtb-infected mice significantly increased serum IgG levels as well as IgA and IgG levels in BALF. rAd-CnpB immunization promoted the secretion of CnpB-specific cytokines and inflammatory factors by splenocytes in Mtb-infected mice. However, rAd-CnpB immunotherapy, either alone or combined with drugs, did not significantly affect the bacterial loads in the lungs and spleens of mice with Mtb respiratory infections. Conclusion Mucosal immunization with rAd-CnpB induced significant mucosal, humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and significantly enhanced CnpB-specific cellular immune responses in Mtb-infected mice.
Animals ; Adenoviridae/immunology* ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics* ; Mice ; Female ; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/genetics* ; Tuberculosis Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Tuberculosis/prevention & control* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Cytokines ; Lung/microbiology* ; Immunization ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology* ; Immunity, Mucosal

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility, safety and effects of tumor resection in the anterior space of the styloid process via transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach. Methods:This retrospective study included 24 patients who were diagnosed with tumors in the anterior space of the styloid process and treated with the transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach. Twenty-four patients who underwent surgery by traditional approach were selected on a 1∶1 ratio as control group. We compared the en bloc resection rate, the operation time, amount of blood loss, the postoperative pain VAS score, recurrence rate, length of hospital stay, complication rate between the two groups. Results:Among the 24 patients, pleomorphic adenoma was confirmed in 18 cases （75.0%）, basal cell adenoma in 2 cases （8.3%）, and neurilemmoma in 4 cases （16.7%）. In the transoral endoscopic group, the en bloc resection rate was 91.7%, the maximum tumor diameter was （42.2±12.2） mm, the operative time was （117.9±29.8）min, the blood loss was （36.7±18.7） mL, the postoperative pain VAS score （1.5±0.7）, no recurrence was observed, length of hospital stay was （10.8±2.9） d. Wound dehiscence occurred in one case in the transoral endoscopic group, and no other postoperative complication was observed. There were significant differences in the operation time, blood loss, the postoperative pain VAS score between the two groups, while no difference was found in gender, age, en bloc resection rate and length of hospital stay. Conclusion:The tumor resection in the anterior space of the styloid process via transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach was safe, minimally invasive and feasible.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Temporal Bone/surgery* ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Ligaments/surgery*

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Objective To investigate the Effects of Taoren Honghua decoction combined with rehabilitation training on neurological function and serum malondialdehyde(MDA),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and pentraxin 3(PTX3)levels in patients with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI).Methods A total of 100 CIRI patients treated in Dingzhou People's Hospital from June 2020 to May 2023 as the study objects were randomly divided into treatment group(50 cases)and control group(50 cases).The control group was given routine treatment combined with rehabilitation training,and the treatment group was given Taoren Honghua decoction on the basis of the control group.The treatment effect,the score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and the score of Daily Living Ability Scale(ADL)before and after treatment were compared between the two groups,and the adverse reactions were recorded.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group[86.00％(43/50)]was significantly higher than that of the control group[68.00％(34/50)],and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared with before treat-ment,the NIHSS score of the treatment group and the control group was significantly decreased after treat-ment,and the ADL score was significantly increased,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).After treatment,compared with the control group,the NIHSS score in the treatment group was significantly decreased,and the ADL score was significantly increased,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).After treatment,compared with the control group,the levels of MDA and PTX3 in the treatment group were significantly decreased,while the levels of superoxide dismutase,bFGF,insulin-like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly increased in the treatment group,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).The incidence of ad-verse reactions in the treatment group[12.00％(6/50)]was significantly lower than that in the control group[30.00％(15/50)],and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Taoren Honghua Decoction combined with rehabilitation training has a good therapeutic effect on CIRI patients,and can im-prove the neurological function of patients.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Huoxue Bushen Formula Granules on endometrial receptivity (ER) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in ovulation induction cycle.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Totally 50 patients with PCOS infertility in Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected as the observation objects, and were divided into observation group (29 cases) and control group (21 cases) according to the random number table method. Both groups were given oral clomiphene citrate on the 5th day of menstrual cycle or progesterone withdrawal. On this basis, the observation group was given Huoxue Bushen Formula Granules on the 5th day of menstruation, while the control group was given estradiol valerate tablets. 7 days after taking medication and injecting hCG from the 10th day of menstruation, ovulation was monitored and sexual intercourse was guided. Both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles and followed up for 3 months. B-ultrasound was performed on 6-8 days after ovulation to obtain uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and blood flow resistance index (RI). TCM syndrome scores were evaluated before and after treatment, and the endometrial receptivity score (Salle score) was used to evaluate the level of ER. The pregnancy and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded in the two groups.Results:After treatment, TCM syndrome score in the observation group [14.0 (13.0, 15.0) vs. 16.0 (14.5, 19.5), Z=-3.23] was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.001). The Salle score of the observation group after treatment [12.0 (9.5.0, 13.5) vs. 10.0 (9.0, 11.0), Z=-3.84] was higher than that before treatment ( P<0.001). The PI (0.68±0.52 vs. 0.81±0.06, t=18.25), RI (1.65±0.36 vs. 2.24±0.45, t=22.78) after treatment in the observation group and the control group were lower than those before treatment ( P<0.001), without statistical significance ( t values were -0.39, -1.37, respectively, P>0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 75.86% (22/29), and that of the control group was 71.43% (15/21), without statistical significance ( χ2=0.12, P=0.724). The pregnancy rate of the observation group was 82.76% (24/29), and that of the control group was 57.14% (12/21), with statistical significance ( χ2=3.96, P=0.046). The incidence of adverse reactions of the observation group was 3.45% (1/29) and that of the control group was 9.52% (2/21), without statistical significance ( χ2=0.80, P=0.372). Conclusion:Huoxue Bushen Formula Granules can improve the ER of PCOS infertility patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, improve the pregnancy rate, reduce the TCM syndrome score, improve the quality of life of patients with high safety.

In Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases,there are five articles concerning"diet as usual".When many doctors annotate such articles,they mostly interpret"diet as usual"as normal diet or because of stomach qi not affected by disease,ignoring the true significance of"diet as usual"and its role in clinical differential diagnosis.Through sorting out and summarizing the relevant provisions of"diet as usual",combining with the comments of Shuowen Jiezi and various ancient and modern doctors on the relevant provisions of"diet as usual"to explore the meaning behind it,the author believes that"diet as usual"can only be understood as"diet as before".Because it exists in a variety of diseases,it cannot be blindly extended to"normal diet"."Diet as usual"has two functions in clinical differential diagnosis:on the one hand,the stomach is empty,and no solid no drink blocks the qi movement,or there is stagnant heat in the stomach and intestines,but has not yet formed dry feces;on the other hand,when the middle jiao becomes one of the pathogenic factors of the disease,"diet as usual"can exclude the influence of the middle jiao.