OBJECTIVE: To analyze the disease patterns and acupoint selection characteristics of acupuncture for epilepsy in ancient acupuncture texts, providing references and ideas for clinical acupuncture treatment of epilepsy. METHODS: Texts from the Chinese Medical Classics (5th edition) regarding acupuncture for epilepsy are reviewed. The frequency of acupoints, meridian association, distribution, specific points, corresponding epilepsy subtypes, and needling techniques are statistically analyzed. The Apriori algorithm is used for association rule analysis, and a complex network analysis is conducted for high-frequency acupoints and their corresponding subtypes and treatments. RESULTS: A total of 205 acupuncture prescriptions are identified. Ancient texts favored differentiation-based treatments for epilepsy, primarily classified into epilepsy, wind epilepsy, and five epilepsy. Commonly used acupoints include Baihui (GV20), Jiuwei (CV15), Shenmen (HT7), Shenting (GV24), and Xinshu (BL15), with a focus on the acupoints of the governor vessel, the bladder meridian, and the conception vessel. The acupoints on the head, face are combined with the acupoints on the limbs, with skillful use of the five-shu points and intersection acupoints. The most frequent combinations are Shenmen (HT7)-Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24)-Baihui (GV20), and Xinshu (BL15)-Shenmen (HT7). Visual network analysis revealed that Baihui (GV20)-Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20)-Shenmen (HT7), and Baihui (GV20)-Zhaohai (KI6) are core acupoint combinations. Treatment mainly involved moxibustion or combined acupuncture and moxibustion. CONCLUSION The acupoint selection for epilepsy treatment in ancient texts is precise, frequently using Baihui (GV20), Jiuwei (CV15), Shenmen (HT7), Shenting (GV24), and Xinshu (BL15), etc., with emphasis on calming epilepsy, awakening the spirit, relaxing tendons, and nourishing the heart.
Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Epilepsy/history* ; History, Ancient ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Medicine in Literature/history* ; Meridians ; China

Objective:To investigate the effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX) pretreatment combined with intraoperative nalbuphine anesthesia on hemodynamics and recovery quality in patients undergoing transabdominal myomectomy.Methods:A total of 100 patients scheduled for elective transabdominal myomectomy at Mingguang People’s Hospital were selected from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2025 were randomly divided into four groups ( n=25) : the control group (group C) received saline infusion before anesthesia induction; the low-dose (group D1), medium-dose (group D2), and high-dose DEX groups (group D3) received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/kg DEX, respectively. All patients followed a unified anesthesia induction and maintenance protocol. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (MAP, HR) were monitored, and postoperative recovery time, Ramsay sedation score, and VAS pain score were assessed. Adverse reactions were recorded. Results:The medium-dose DEX group (group D2) demonstrated the best performance in hemodynamic stability, recovery quality, and adverse reaction control. Group D2 showed the smallest fluctuations in MAP and HR, the shortest recovery time (12.31±2.11 min), the lowest postoperative VAS score (2.11±0.82 points), and the lowest incidence of postoperative agitation (4.00%). The high-dose DEX group (group D3) exhibited excessive inhibition, leading to significantly higher incidences of hypotension (24.00%) and bradycardia (24.00%), as well as prolonged recovery time (20.12±3.52 min). The low-dose DEX group (group D1) showed limited effects, with no significant differences compared to the control group.Conclusion:Pretreatment with 1.0 μg/kg DEX combined with nalbuphine anesthesia provides the best clinical outcomes in transabdominal myomectomy, effectively stabilizing hemodynamics, optimizing recovery quality, and reducing adverse reactions. Insufficient or excessive doses may diminish its benefits.

Background and Aims:Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)is a highly malignant liver tumor,with an increasing incidence worldwide,particularly in Asia.Although radical surgical resection is currently the only potentially curative treatment,the high recurrence rate and low postoperative overall survival(OS)rate of ICC remain major clinical challenges.Adjuvant therapy(AT)and neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)are important strategies to reduce postoperative recurrence and prolong OS.Several studies have shown certain efficacy of these treatments.However,the specific efficacy and safety of combined NAT and AT in ICC treatment require further validation.This study was conducted to evaluate the value of combining NAT and AT in improving the therapeutic outcomes of ICC patients through a multicenter retrospective analysis,so as to provide scientific evidence for optimizing treatment strategies.Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 576 patients with ICC who underwent radical resection and were pathologically confirmed from 13 hospitals in China between December 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected.Patients were grouped based on their treatment modality:NAT+AT group,AT group,and non-NAT/AT group.The three patient groups were matched pairwise in a 1∶1 ratio using propensity score matching(PSM)to balance baseline data.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze OS and disease-free survival(DFS),and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system.Results:A total of 395 ICC patients were included in the final analysis,with 42 patients(10.6%)in the NAT+AT group,62 patients(15.7%)in the AT group,and 291 patients(73.7%)in the non-NAT/AT group.Before PSM,significant differences were observed between groups in terms of CA19-9,liver function Child-Pugh classification,intraoperative blood loss,surgical margin,differentiation grade,vascular invasion,ECOG score,and lymph node dissection ratio(all P<0.05).After PSM,there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups(all P>0.05).After matching,the median OS and DFS in the NAT+AT group were significantly better than in the AT and non-NAT/AT groups(both P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in OS and DFS between the AT and non-NAT/AT groups(both P>0.05).Subgroup analysis showed that in TNM stage I patients,DFS in the NAT+AT group was significantly better than in the non-NAT/AT group(P<0.05),but OS was not significantly different(P>0.05).In TNM stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients,both OS and DFS in the NAT+AT and AT groups were significantly better than in the non-NAT/AT group(both P<0.05),and DFS in the NAT+AT group was significantly better than in the AT group in TNM stage Ⅲ patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NAT combined with AT provides better survival benefits for patients with locally advanced ICC,but its benefit for early-stage ICC patients is limited.However,the retrospective design and sample size limitations of this study may affect the stability of the results,and future large-sample,multicenter,prospective studies are needed for further validation.

Objective:To investigate the effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX) pretreatment combined with intraoperative nalbuphine anesthesia on hemodynamics and recovery quality in patients undergoing transabdominal myomectomy.Methods:A total of 100 patients scheduled for elective transabdominal myomectomy at Mingguang People’s Hospital were selected from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2025 were randomly divided into four groups ( n=25) : the control group (group C) received saline infusion before anesthesia induction; the low-dose (group D1), medium-dose (group D2), and high-dose DEX groups (group D3) received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/kg DEX, respectively. All patients followed a unified anesthesia induction and maintenance protocol. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (MAP, HR) were monitored, and postoperative recovery time, Ramsay sedation score, and VAS pain score were assessed. Adverse reactions were recorded. Results:The medium-dose DEX group (group D2) demonstrated the best performance in hemodynamic stability, recovery quality, and adverse reaction control. Group D2 showed the smallest fluctuations in MAP and HR, the shortest recovery time (12.31±2.11 min), the lowest postoperative VAS score (2.11±0.82 points), and the lowest incidence of postoperative agitation (4.00%). The high-dose DEX group (group D3) exhibited excessive inhibition, leading to significantly higher incidences of hypotension (24.00%) and bradycardia (24.00%), as well as prolonged recovery time (20.12±3.52 min). The low-dose DEX group (group D1) showed limited effects, with no significant differences compared to the control group.Conclusion:Pretreatment with 1.0 μg/kg DEX combined with nalbuphine anesthesia provides the best clinical outcomes in transabdominal myomectomy, effectively stabilizing hemodynamics, optimizing recovery quality, and reducing adverse reactions. Insufficient or excessive doses may diminish its benefits.

Background and Aims:Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)is a highly malignant liver tumor,with an increasing incidence worldwide,particularly in Asia.Although radical surgical resection is currently the only potentially curative treatment,the high recurrence rate and low postoperative overall survival(OS)rate of ICC remain major clinical challenges.Adjuvant therapy(AT)and neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)are important strategies to reduce postoperative recurrence and prolong OS.Several studies have shown certain efficacy of these treatments.However,the specific efficacy and safety of combined NAT and AT in ICC treatment require further validation.This study was conducted to evaluate the value of combining NAT and AT in improving the therapeutic outcomes of ICC patients through a multicenter retrospective analysis,so as to provide scientific evidence for optimizing treatment strategies.Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 576 patients with ICC who underwent radical resection and were pathologically confirmed from 13 hospitals in China between December 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected.Patients were grouped based on their treatment modality:NAT+AT group,AT group,and non-NAT/AT group.The three patient groups were matched pairwise in a 1∶1 ratio using propensity score matching(PSM)to balance baseline data.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze OS and disease-free survival(DFS),and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system.Results:A total of 395 ICC patients were included in the final analysis,with 42 patients(10.6%)in the NAT+AT group,62 patients(15.7%)in the AT group,and 291 patients(73.7%)in the non-NAT/AT group.Before PSM,significant differences were observed between groups in terms of CA19-9,liver function Child-Pugh classification,intraoperative blood loss,surgical margin,differentiation grade,vascular invasion,ECOG score,and lymph node dissection ratio(all P<0.05).After PSM,there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups(all P>0.05).After matching,the median OS and DFS in the NAT+AT group were significantly better than in the AT and non-NAT/AT groups(both P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in OS and DFS between the AT and non-NAT/AT groups(both P>0.05).Subgroup analysis showed that in TNM stage I patients,DFS in the NAT+AT group was significantly better than in the non-NAT/AT group(P<0.05),but OS was not significantly different(P>0.05).In TNM stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients,both OS and DFS in the NAT+AT and AT groups were significantly better than in the non-NAT/AT group(both P<0.05),and DFS in the NAT+AT group was significantly better than in the AT group in TNM stage Ⅲ patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NAT combined with AT provides better survival benefits for patients with locally advanced ICC,but its benefit for early-stage ICC patients is limited.However,the retrospective design and sample size limitations of this study may affect the stability of the results,and future large-sample,multicenter,prospective studies are needed for further validation.

Objective To retrospectively analyze multicenter data from domestic sources, aiming to explore the link between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) tumor size and prognosis, establishing a classification system based on tumor size. Methods Between December 2011 and September 2018, 280 ICC patients from 13 hospitals were included. The tumor size prognosis cutoff was identified by the minimum P-value method, and the classification's overall survival related effectiveness was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results All 280 patients were divided into the group of tumor maximum diameter ≤4 cm and >4 cm. Tumor size was confirmed as an independent prognosis factor by multivariate COX regression analysis (HR=2.110, 95% CI: 1.358-3.280). Conclusions The tumor size dichotomy classification system based on the Chinese patient group can expediently predict ICC prognosis and offers an important basis for selecting post-operative individualized adjuvant therapy and follow up plans.

The medical records from 20 pregnant women with pregnancy preservation who underwent only cardiac surgery in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the fetal outcome: fetal survival group and fetal loss group. Eleven patients were included in fetal survival group and 9 patients in fetal loss group. The overall fetal mortality rate was 45%. In fetal loss group, 2 cases died during operation, and the other 7 cases died at 26 (29) days after operation. The valvular disease and infective endocarditis were the most common heart diseases diagnosed in fetal survival group, while type A aortic dissection in fetal loss group. There were 2 cases and 6 cases with pulmonary hypertension, 2 cases and 3 cases with a history of cardiac surgery, and 3 cases and 5 cases underwent emergency surgery in fetal survival group and in fetal loss group, respectively. Four pregnant women underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in fetal loss group. One patient with type A aortic dissection died 15 days after cardiac surgery, with an overall maternal mortality rate of 5% in fetal loss group. The incidence of adverse events after maternal cardiac surgery was 25%, all of which occurred in fetal loss group. In conclusion, the adverse fetal outcomes may be related to type A aortic dissection, pulmonary hypertension, recardiac surgery, emergency surgery, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, adverse events after cardiac surgery, and long-term related factors after surgery in pregnant women with pregnancy preservation undergoing cardiac surgery alone.

The"season-visceral-related"theory originated from Huangdi Neijing,and its content contains the"holism of five viscera"and"correspondence between nature and humans"in the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Recently,the prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)has gradually increased with the increasing incidence of stroke.TCM believes that PSCI is located in the brain,however,the causative factors such as phlegm,depression,deficiency,and stasis are caused by the lesions of the five zang viscera.Therefore,PSCI can not be treated with the brain alone.Based on the"season-visceral-related"theory,this article discusses the etiology,pathogenesis,and treatment ideas for PSCI from the four seasons and five zang viscera.Xiaoyao Pill was selected as a treatment for patients with qi imbalance in spring to disperse stagnated liver qi to relieve qi stagnation.Tianwang Buxin Dan was selected as a treatment for patients with blood loss and spirit injury in the summer to nourish the blood and calm the heart and brain.Kaixin Powder was selected as a treatment for patients with spleen deficiency and phlegm blockage in late summer to strengthen the spleen,awaken the mind,and remove stasis.Wenfei Jiangzhuo Decoction was selected as a treatment for patients with qi deficiency and spirit departure in autumn to nourish the lungs,reduce turbidity,and nourish the mind.Dihuang Yinzi was selected as a treatment for patients with marrow reduction and internal toxin in winter to expel phlegm and fill the mind.Treating PSCI using the"season-visceral-related"theory reflects the overall concept of TCM and the hypothesis of syndrome differentiation and treatment and provides novel method for treating PSCI.

Objective To investigate the anticoagulation status of patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)-related acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after revascularization therapy in the real world.Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed as AIS and AF from Jan.2019 to Jan.2022 at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis(IVT),endovascular thrombectomy(EVT),or both were enrolled.Clinical information,timing of anticoagulation initiation,treatment regimens,and outcomes were documented and statistically analyzed.Additionally,a questionnaire was administered to the primary physicians to understand reasons for delaying or not initiating anticoagulation.Results A total of 189 patients with AF-related AIS met the screening criteria,including 86(45.5%)cases in the IVT group,63(33.3%)cases in the EVT group,and 40(21.2%)cases in the IVT+EVT group.The mean age of 189 patients was(72.90±9.23)years old.There were 93(49.2%)female patients.Anticoagulation was initiated within 14 d after revascularization therapy in 36.0%(68/189)of patients,with the highest rate in the IVT group(58.8%,40/68),followed by the EVT group(22.1%,15/68)and IVT+EVT group(19.1%,13/68).A significant difference was found in the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulation within 14 d among the 3 groups(P=0.020).Univariate analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who initiated anticoagulation within 14 d after revascularization therapy(68 cases)and those who delayed or did not initiate anticoagulation(121 cases).The results showed that there were significant differences in the stroke history,National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score before revascularization therapy,Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score,modified Rankin scale(mRs)score before revascularization therapy,imaging characteristics(lesions near cortex,large infarction,severe stenosis or occlusion of major intracranial arteries),revascularization therapy method,NIHSS score 3 d after revascularization therapy,and intracranial hemorrhagic transformation after revascularization therapy between the 2 groups(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher NIHSS scores 3 d after revascularization therapy(odds ratio[OR]=1.113,95%confidence interval[CI]1.053-1.176,P＜0.001)and the presence of intracranial hemorrhage after revascularization therapy(OR=6.098,95%CI 2.004-18.193,P=0.001)were significant factors that contraindicated the initiation of anticoagulation.Large infarcts(40.8%),infarct location(35.8%),and hemorrhagic transformation after stroke(40.8%)were the common reasons cited by physicians for not initiating anticoagulation.In the 90-d prognosis of patients with AF-related AIS,6 patients had bleeding events,and 116 patients had a good prognosis(mRS score of 0-2).The 90-d good prognosis rate in the initiated anticoagulation group within 14 d after revascularization therapy(89.7%,61/68)was significantly higher than that in the delayed or non-anticoagulation group(45.5%,55/121;P＜0.001).Conclusion For patients with AF-related AIS who receive IVT,EVT or IVT+EVT,it is safe to initiate anticoagulation early after revascularization therapy,but the timing of anticoagulation in most patients is later than the currently recommended anticoagulation timing.

Objective:To investigate the evaluation efficacy and predictive prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with PD-1 inhibitors (α-PD-1) for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 205 patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were admitted to 9 medical centers, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from March 2020 to July 2022 were collected. There were 178 males and 27 females, aged (52±12)years. Based on AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment, patients were divided into the AFP response group (AFP level decreased by ≥50% compared to baseline) and the AFP no response group (AFP level decreased by <50% compared to baseline). Observation indicators: (1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy; (2) comparison of patient prognosis; (3) analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Measurement data with normal distrubution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range) and M( Q1, Q3). Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve and calculate survival rate, and the Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The COX proportional risk model was used for univariate analysis and the COX stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy. Before treatment, all 205 patients were positive of AFP, with a baseline AFP level of 1 560(219,3 400)μg/L. All 205 patients were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1, and the AFP level was 776(66,2 000)μg/L after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. Of the 205 patients, 88 cases were classified as AFP response and 117 cases were classified as AFP no response. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 42.05%(37/88) and 94.32%(83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 16.24% (19/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=16.846, 25.950, P<0.05). According to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, the ORR and DCR were 69.32% (61/88) and 94.32% (83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 33.33% (39/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=26.030, 25.950, P<0.05). (2) Comparison of patient prognosis. All 205 patients were followed up for 12.4(range, 2.4-34.0)months after treatment. The median progression free survival time and total survival time were 5.5 months and 17.8 months, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year progression free survival rates were 20.8% and 7.2%, and the 1-year, 2-year overall survival rates were 68.7% and 31.5%, respectively. The median progression free survival time, 1-year and 2-year progression free survival rates were 9.7 months, 39.6% and 14.2% in patients of the AFP response group and 3.7 months, 7.8% and 2.0% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in progression free survival between them ( χ2=43.154, P<0.05). The median overall survival time, 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were not reached, 85.2% and 56.3% in patients of the AFP response group and 14.6 months, 56.3% and 14.5% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in overall survival between them ( χ2=33.899, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Results of multivariate analysis showed that invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, combined hepatic artery intervention therapy, and AFP response were independent factors influencing progression free survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio=1.474, 1.584, 0.631, 0.367, 95% confidence interval as 1.069-2.033, 1.159-2.167, 0.446-0.893, 0.261-0.516, P<0.05), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, and AFP response were independent factors influencing overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio= 1.347, 1.914, 1.673, 0.312, 95% confidence interval as 1.041-1.742, 1.293-2.833, 1.141-2.454, 0.197-0.492, P<0.05). Conclusions:AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment can effectively evaluate anti-tumor efficacy of TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 for intermediate-to-advanced HCC. AFP response is the independent factor influencing progression free survival and overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1.