Hepatic encephalopathy is a difficult and critical disease with rapid progression and limited treatment methods in the field of liver disease， and it is urgently needed to make breakthroughs in its pathogenesis. Selection of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies is of great importance in delaying disease progression and reducing the incidence and mortality rates. This article reviews the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis” and related prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy in traditional Chinese medicine/Zhuang medicine， proposes a new theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”， analyzes the scientific connotations of “turbid”， “toxin”， and the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”， and constructs the “four-step” prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy， thereby establishing the new clinical prevention and treatment regimen for hepatic encephalopathy represented by “four prescriptions and two techniques” and clarifying the effect mechanism and biological basis of core prescriptions and techniques in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy， in order to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy (FURL) combined with flexible vacuum-assisted urethral access sheath (FV-UAS) and traditional UAS in the treatment of 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones, so as to provide reference for clinical practice. [Methods] Clinical data of 157 patients with 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones treated with FURL during Mar.2021 and Oct.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 80 treated with traditional UAS, and 77 with FV-UAS.General and clinical information of the two groups were compared. [Results] The immediate stone-free rate (SFR) (84.4% vs.67.5%, P=0.013) and final SFR (88.3% vs. 75.0%, P=0.032) of the FV-UAS group were significantly higher than those of the traditional UAS group, with significant difference.The incidence of postoperative complications such as fever, renal colic, and perirenal hematoma was significantly higher in the traditional UAS group than in the FV-UAS group (15.0% vs.5.2%, P=0.042). After treatment with anti-infective and analgesic drugs, both groups were improved, and no severe sepsis or septic shock occurred after surgery.The hospitalization expenses of the FV-UAS group were significantly lower than those of the traditional UAS group [ (18 341±1519)yuan vs.(19 152±1826)yuan, P=0.003]. [Conclusion] Compared to the traditional UAS, the combination of FURL and FV-UAS for the 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones has a high SFR and low incidence of complications.Patients experience less pain, recover faster and spend less.It's a new treatment option for inferior calyceal calculi.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of Chaipo decoction on bronchial asthma in rats and its regulatory effects on the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）/Gasdermin D （GSDMD） pathway， aiming to elucidate its mechanism in ameliorating pyroptosis. MethodsSixty male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=10 per group）： normal control， asthma model， Chaipo decoction low-dose （5.0 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose （10.0 g·kg^-1）， high-dose （20.0 g·kg^-1）， and dexamethasone （1.0 mg·kg^-1）. The asthma model was established in all groups except the normal control group via ovalbumin （OVA） sensitization and challenge. Rats in the Chaipo decoction groups received intragastric administration of Chaipo decoction at the corresponding doses， while the dexamethasone group was treated with dexamethasone. The normal and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of saline. After 14 days of intervention， asthma symptom scores were assessed. Dynamic lung compliance （Cdyn）， lung resistance （RL）， and functional residual capacity （FRC） were measured using a small animal pulmonary function testing system. Lung tissue pathology was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson's trichrome， and periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining. Levels of interleukin （IL）-6， IL-1β， and IL-18 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Expression of NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein （ASC） in lung tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. Protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and other pyroptosis-related proteins were measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly increased asthma symptom scores， inflammatory scores， collagen deposition， PAS scores， RL， FRC， levels of IL-6， IL-1β， and IL-18 in BALF， and expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， and other pyroptosis-related proteins in lung tissue （P0.01）， while Cdyn was significantly decreased （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， all doses of Chaipo decoction markedly improved asthma symptoms， with significantly reduced symptom scores （P0.05， P0.01）. Pulmonary function analysis showed that medium and high doses of Chaipo decoction significantly increased Cdyn （P0.05， P0.01） and decreased RL and FRC （P0.05， P0.01）. Histopathological evaluation indicated that high-dose Chaipo decoction significantly reduced inflammatory scores， collagen deposition， and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissue （P0.05， P0.01）. ELISA results showed that all doses of Chaipo decoction significantly decreased IL-6， IL-1β， and IL-18 levels in BALF （P0.05， P0.01）. IHC and Western blot analyses demonstrated that medium and high doses of Chaipo decoction markedly downregulated NLRP3， ASC， and other pyroptosis-related proteins in lung tissue （P0.05， P0.01）. ConclusionChaipo decoction effectively improves pulmonary function and pathological damage in asthmatic rats， potentially by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway and reducing pyroptosis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of blockade therapy using ornidazole combined with minocycline on periodontal indicators and inflammatory factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic pulpitis.Methods:A total of 82 patients with chronic pulpitis who received treatment at the Taian Stomatological Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive blockade therapy with either ornidazole combined with minocycline ( n = 41 patients, 45 teeth, combined treatment group) or minocycline alone ( n = 41 patients, 45 teeth, control group). Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Additionally, changes in periodontal indexes (sulcus bleeding index and probing depth), levels of inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid (tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein), and chewing function (bite force and chewing efficiency) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Complications, such as tooth pain and occlusal discomfort, were recorded. Results:The total effective rate in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group [95.56% (43/45) vs. 80% (36/45), χ2 = 5.08, P = 0.024]. After treatment, the probing depth and sulcus bleeding index in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.89 ± 0.22) mm vs. (3.09 ± 0.42) mm, (0.81 ± 0.09) points vs. (1.36 ± 0.17) points, t = 16.98, 19.17, both P < 0.001]. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.24 ± 0.21) μg/L vs. (2.10 ± 0.31) μg/L, (4.14 ± 0.51) mg/L vs. (6.05 ± 0.71) mg/L, t = 15.41, 14.66, both P < 0.001]. Additionally, the bite force and chewing efficiency in the combined treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(132.85 ± 13.79) lbs vs. (117.14 ± 12.64) lbs, (90.16 ± 9.34)% vs. (81.05 ± 8.75)%, t = 5.59, 4.78, both P < 0.001]. The total incidence rate of complications, such as occlusal discomfort and tooth pain, in the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group [4.44% (2/45) vs. 17.78% (8/45), χ2 = 4.05, P = 0.044]. Conclusion:Ornidazole combined with minocycline for the treatment of chronic pulpitis can significantly improve periodontal conditions, reduce inflammatory responses, enhance masticatory function, and decrease the incidence of complications following root canal treatment. This combined therapy demonstrates a marked curative effect.

Objective To investigate the application value of Yishen Huayu Xugu prescriptionin the man-agement of osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture among elderly patients.Methods From March 2022 to August 2023,all elderly patients with osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures were enrolled in our hospital and randomly assigned into two groups.The patients were diagnosed with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome through physical identification.After admission,both groups(85 cases each)underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty.The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment post-surgery,while the observation group was administered Yishen Huayu Xugu prescription.This herbal formula was prepared by decocting 300 mL of juice in water,divided into two doses,and taken warmly after breakfast and dinner for a duration of 12 weeks.Therapeutic effects were compared after completion of the 12-week treatment period.Results After treatment,the serum levels of D-dimer(D-dimer,D-D)were(5.02±0.63),interleukin-17(IL-17)was(53.68±5.47),β-collagen special sequence(β-CTX)was(0.37±0.06,interleukin-6(IL-6)was(69.38±8.27)compared to the control group;bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)was(2.69±0.31),25-hydroxyvitamin D was(58.93±7.17),and vascular endo-thelial growth factor(VEGF)was(309.81±51.49)which were higher than those in the control group with more sig-nificant improvement observed in the intervention group(P<0.05).Bone mineral density(BMD)increased at both week 6 and week12 after treatment with a more pronounced improvement seen in the intervention group(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group exhibited a more significant reduction in the total Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom score,Cobb Angle,and ODI,compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the observation group demonstrated a higher total effective rate of 95.29%(81/85)compared to 85.88%(73/85)in the con-trol group after treatment,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The Yishen Huayu Xugu prescription holds significant positive implications for this particular medication,as it ex-hibits enhanced efficacy in reducing inflammation,regulating bone metabolism,improving lumbar function,promot-ing disease amelioration,and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to right heart failure and death.In recent years,the incidence of PH has been increasing year by year and there is a lack of effective treatment.TCM can play an important synergistic role in the treatment of PH.Pulmonary vascular remodeling is a core pathological feature of PH,which is closely related to the physiological structure and pathological changes of the collaterals.Based on the collateral disease theory,this article described the key pathogenesis of PH in TCM and Western medicine,including the lesions of the pulmonary and cardiovascular complexes and pulmonary vascular remodeling,analyzed the physiology of the"collateral-vessel"in PH,sorting out the pathological correlation,and explored TCM targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling in the identification and treatment of PH,so as to provide a new way of thinking for the clinical treatment of PH.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingke tablets in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children with the syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung. MethodA randomized， open， parallel controlled， and multi-center clinical study was conduted. Children with acute bronchitis （syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung） were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The control group received routine basic treatment， and the observation group was treated with Lianhua Qingke Tablets on the basis of routine basic treatment. After 7 days of treatment， the clinical efficacy， TCM efficacy， time to symptom disappearance， time to cough disappearance， and clinical safety were compared between the two groups. ResultA total of 248 children were included （124 in the observation group and 124 in the control group）. After 7 days of treatment， the total response rate in terms of clinical efficacy in the observation group was 96.8% （120/124）， which was higher than that （90.3%， 112/124） in the control group （Z=-5.034， P<0.01）. The total response rate in terms of TCM syndrome in the observation group was 97.6% （121/124）， which was higher than that （93.5%， 116/124） in the control group （χ²=-5.326， P<0.01）. The scores of physical signs and TCM symptoms in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at the time of taking medicine for 3 days and 7 days （P<0.01）. The time to symptom disappearance and the time to cough disappearance in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group （P<0.01）. Drug-related adverse reactions occurred in neither group. ConclusionLianhua Qingke tablets demonstrate a definite effect on acute bronchitis in children with the syndrome of phlegm-heat blocking lung. The tablets can significantly shorten the course of disease and relieve cough and TCM symptoms， with high safety， which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

In recent years,the morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have been increasing worldwide,and the treatment strategies for HCC are still insufficient,which highlights the importance of exploring the pathogenesis and progression of HCC.Transient receptor potential(TRP)pathway is an important non-selective cation pathway,which is closely related to inflammatory response and sensory conduction.At present,a number of studies have shown that TRP pathway is also involved in the occurrence and development of HCC,inducing HCC invasion and migration.However,the overall potential mechanism and possible signal transduction pathways of TRP pathway in HCC remain unclear.Therefore,this article discusses the abnormal expression of TRP pathway in HCC,and reviews the key biological events of TRP pathway involved in the formation and progression of HCC,such as chronic liver inflammation-fibrosis progression,HCC cell proliferation,migration,apoptosis and HCC stem cell generation,and looks forward to its application prospect in HCC treatment.The aim is to better un-derstand the significance of TRP pathway in HCC,help to find new therapeutic targets and effective drugs,and open up a new situation for future clinical treatment.

BACKGROUND:The high rate of postoperative hypoproteinemia in patients undergoing hip revision is associated with severe trauma,which affects the rapid recovery of patients. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the risk factors of perioperative hypoproteinemia in patients with hip revision,and to provide guidance for early screening of high-risk patients with postoperative hypoproteinemia. METHODS:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,161 patients who underwent hip revision were divided into hypoproteinemia group(76 cases)and normal group(85 cases).The rate of hypoproteinemia was 47.2%.Data such as age,gender,body mass index,osteoporosis,operation time,preoperative erythrocytes,preoperative hemoglobin,preoperative leukocytes,preoperative platelets,preoperative fibrinogen,preoperative C-reaction protein,preoperative sedimentation rate,preoperative blood calcium,preoperative albumin,postoperative drainage tube placement,American Society of Anesthesiologists score,and postoperative hypoproteinemia were collected.SPSS software was used to analyze the independent risk factors of hypoproteinemia after hip revision using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis.R software was used to construct the nomogram prediction model.Receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Univariate analysis results showed that body mass index,preoperative erythrocytes,preoperative hemoglobin,preoperative platelets,preoperative fibrinogen,preoperative C-reaction protein,and operation time were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.05).(2)Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis results showed that body mass index(OR=0.859,P=0.021),operation time(OR=1.010,P=0.002),preoperative erythrocytes(OR=0.424,P=0.036),and preoperative C-reaction protein(OR=1.043,P=0.032)levels were independent risk factors for postoperative hypoproteinemia in patients with hip revision.(3)Based on four independent risk factors:body mass index,operation time,preoperative erythrocytes and preoperative C-reaction protein,the nomogram can effectively predict the risk of hypoproteinemia after hip revision.This nomogram prediction model has good differentiation and accuracy,and may lead to better clinical net benefits for patients.

BACKGROUND:Rotator cuff muscle degeneration(muscle atrophy,fibrosis and fatty infiltration)is a common condition after rotator cuff tears,which seriously affects shoulder function and surgical outcomes.Ginsenoside Rg1 has biological effects such as anti-oxidation,anti-apoptosis and lipid-lowering.However,the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on muscle degeneration after rotator cuff tear has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on muscle degeneration after massive rotator cuff tear in mice. METHODS:Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,ginsenoside Rg1 low dose group and ginsenoside Rg1 high dose group,with 15 mice in each group.The skin of the right shoulder of mice in the sham group was cut and sutured.Massive rotator cuff tear mouse models of the right shoulder were established in the other three groups.Supraspinatus tendon and suprascapular nerve compression were administrated.Mice in the sham and model groups were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mL of saline after operation,while those in the ginsenoside Rg1 low and high dose groups were intraperitoneally injected with ginsenoside Rg1 30 and 60 mg/kg respectively,once a day,for 6 weeks.Mice were assessed for limb function by gait analysis the day after the last injection.After euthanasia,the supraspinatus muscle on the operated side was taken to measure the muscle atrophy rate and muscle contractility.Muscle tissue was stained with oil red O and Masson.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of atrophy,fibrosis,and fatty infiltration related genes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the model group,low-and high-dose ginsenoside Rg1 significantly increased paw print area and step length(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,low-and high-dose ginsenoside Rg1 significantly increased myofiber cross-sectional area and supraspinatus contractility(P<0.05),and significantly decreased wet muscle mass reduction ratio,fatty infiltration area ratio,and collagen fiber area ratio(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,low-and high-dose ginsenoside Rg1 significantly decreased the expression of atrophy,fibrosis,and fatty infiltration related genes(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in paw print area,supraspinatus muscle contractility,and myofiber cross-sectional area between ginsenoside Rg1 low and high dose groups(P>0.05),and all other indexes were better in the ginsenoside Rg1 high dose group than in the ginsenoside Rg1 low dose group(P<0.05).To conclude,ginsenoside Rg1 could significantly reduce muscle atrophy,fibrosis and fatty infiltration following massive rotator cuff tear in mice,which is beneficial to improve muscle strength and limb function.