Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system， this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels； phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis； the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease， it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao， clearing and promoting blood vessels， using modified Yigong Powder （异功散）； during the progression of the disease， treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm， nourish heart and protect the pulse， using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction （礞石通脉汤）； meanwhile， calming mind and stabilizing palpitations， and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated， with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction （甲枣宁脉汤） or Shenying Dingji Decoction （参英定悸汤） and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation， implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhuyuwan in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. MethodsIn this study， hyperlipidemia patients treated in the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） from September 2022 to December 2023 were randomly assigned into a control group and an observation group. Finally， 162 valid cases were included， encompassing 74 cases in the control group and 88 cases in the observation group. The control group was treated with atorvastatin calcium tablets， and the observation group with atorvastatin calcium tablets + Zhuyuwan extract granules. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The efficacy in terms of blood lipid level recovery， blood lipid levels， TCM syndrome distribution， efficacy in terms of TCM syndrome， and TCM symptom scores were compared between the two groups as well as between before and after treatment. Liver and kidney functions were monitored for safety assessment. ResultsIn terms of blood lipid level recovery， the total response rate in the observation group was 86.36% （76/88） and that in the control group was 86.49% （64/74）， with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After treatment， both groups showed declines in levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） （P<0.05） and elevations in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） （P<0.05）. Moreover， the observation group outperformed the control group in recovering the levels of TG， LDL-C， and HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In terms of TCM syndrome， hyperlipidemia was mostly caused by phlegm turbidity and obstruction. The total response rate in terms of TCM syndrome in the observation group was 87.30% （55/63）， which was higher than that （63.46%， 33/52） in the control group （χ²=9.102， P<0.01）. After treatment， the scores of total TCM symptoms， primary symptoms， and secondary symptoms decreased in both groups （P<0.05）， and the observation group had lower scores than the control group （P<0.01）. The observation group was superior to the control group in alleviating obesity， chest tightness， and low food intake （P<0.05）. In terms of safety， the level of aminotransferase was slightly elevated in the control group， and no obvious adverse reaction was observed in the observation group， with no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions. ConclusionZhuyuwan combined with atorvastatin can not only recover blood lipid levels and alleviate TCM symptoms but also reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhuyuwan in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. MethodsIn this study， hyperlipidemia patients treated in the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） from September 2022 to December 2023 were randomly assigned into a control group and an observation group. Finally， 162 valid cases were included， encompassing 74 cases in the control group and 88 cases in the observation group. The control group was treated with atorvastatin calcium tablets， and the observation group with atorvastatin calcium tablets + Zhuyuwan extract granules. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The efficacy in terms of blood lipid level recovery， blood lipid levels， TCM syndrome distribution， efficacy in terms of TCM syndrome， and TCM symptom scores were compared between the two groups as well as between before and after treatment. Liver and kidney functions were monitored for safety assessment. ResultsIn terms of blood lipid level recovery， the total response rate in the observation group was 86.36% （76/88） and that in the control group was 86.49% （64/74）， with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After treatment， both groups showed declines in levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） （P<0.05） and elevations in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） （P<0.05）. Moreover， the observation group outperformed the control group in recovering the levels of TG， LDL-C， and HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In terms of TCM syndrome， hyperlipidemia was mostly caused by phlegm turbidity and obstruction. The total response rate in terms of TCM syndrome in the observation group was 87.30% （55/63）， which was higher than that （63.46%， 33/52） in the control group （χ²=9.102， P<0.01）. After treatment， the scores of total TCM symptoms， primary symptoms， and secondary symptoms decreased in both groups （P<0.05）， and the observation group had lower scores than the control group （P<0.01）. The observation group was superior to the control group in alleviating obesity， chest tightness， and low food intake （P<0.05）. In terms of safety， the level of aminotransferase was slightly elevated in the control group， and no obvious adverse reaction was observed in the observation group， with no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions. ConclusionZhuyuwan combined with atorvastatin can not only recover blood lipid levels and alleviate TCM symptoms but also reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the forming process of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules， and evaluate the quality of the granules. METHODS Taking forming rate， angle of repose， moisture， moisture absorption rate and dissolution rate as indexes， single factor experiment combined with Plackett-Burman design was adopted to screen key process parameters； analytic hierarchy process combined with entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface method were used to optimize the molding process of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules， and the forming process was verified. The relative homogeneity index， bulk density， vibration density， Hausner ratio， angle of repose， moisture and hygroscopicity were used as secondary physical indexes to establish the physical fingerprints of 10 batches of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules to evaluate particle quality consistency. RESULTS The optimal molding process of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules was as follows： mannitol as the fixed excipient， the drug-assisted ratio was 1∶1（m/m） and the drying time was 1 h； 90% ethanol was used as wetting agent and the amount of it was 32%， the drying temperature was 70 ℃. The results of validation tests showed that the average comprehensive score was 97.45， which was close to the predicted value of 97.18. The similarities between the physical fingerprints of 10 batches of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules prepared by the optimal molding process and the reference physical fingerprint were all higher than 0.99. CONCLUSIONS The molding process is stable and feasible， and the quality of Yindan huoxue tongyu granules produced is stable and controllable.

This case report introduces Professor ZOU Wei 's experience of treating a patient with Wernicke encephalopathy using the "regulating spirit and promoting yang acupuncture method". The patient was diagnosed as spleen and stomach deficiency with internal liver wind. The treatment principle focused on regulating spirit and awakening the brain, strengthening the spleen, calming wind, and relaxing the tendons. Three groups of acupoints were selected: ①acupoints for awakening the brain by regulating spirit and unblocking meridians (Baihui [GV20], Qianshencong [EX-HN1] and bilateral Taiyang [EX-HN5], Fengchi [GB20]), etc.; ②acupoints for harmonizing the spleen, stomach, qi, and blood (bilateral Tianshu [ST25], Daheng [SP15], Taixi [KI3], etc.); ③acupoints for relaxing and softening the tendons (bilateral Waiguan [TE5], Hegu [LI4], Yanglingquan [GB34], Xuanzhong [GB39]).The needles were retained for 50 min per session, once daily, 7 days a week. After 16-week treatment, the patient was able to walk a few steps slowly with assistance, and other symptoms returned to normal. A two-month follow-up showed the patient's condition remained stable, walking distance further increased, and overall health significantly improved.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Wernicke Encephalopathy/physiopathology*

Objective:To explore the changes in serum indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) levels in preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Methods:A nested case-control study was conducted. The inclusion criteria covered premature infants with less than 32 weeks of gestational age within 24 h post-birth, from December 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, at Children's Hospital of Soochow University. Those diagnosed with BPD were allocated to the BPD group ( n=35). Non-BPD preterm infants matching the BPD cases in terms of gestational age (within one week difference) and birth weight (within a 150 g difference) were selected in a 1∶1 ratio for the control group ( n=35). Serum levels of IDO and KYNA were measured on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 postnatally. Differences in serum IDO and KYNA levels were analyzed between the BPD and control groups and among infants with mild BPD versus moderate-to-severe BPD. The association between serum IDO and KYNA levels with the severity of BPD was also assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent samples t-tests and Spearman's correlation analysis. Results:Elevated levels of serum IDO on days 7, 14, and 28 postnatally [(60.68±9.37) vs. (50.66±10.46), (57.81±11.07) vs. (44.45±8.20), and (50.62±10.77) vs. (41.31±7.74) pg/ml; t=4.21, 5.73, and 4.15, respectively] as well as increased serum KYNA levels on days 14 and 28 [(439.31±41.22) vs. (368.99±68.79), (376.97±45.74) vs. (325.50±60.07) μmol/L; t=5.18 and 4.03, respectively] were observed in the BPD group compared to the control group, with all differences being statistically significant (all P<0.05). Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between serum IDO levels and BPD severity on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days ( r=0.546, 0.495, and 0.502, all P<0.05), as well as between serum KYNA levels and BPD severity on the 14th and 28th days ( r=0.536 and 0.458, both P<0.05). Conclusion:Elevated serum levels of IDO and KYNA in infants with BPD suggest these metabolites may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of BPD.

Objective:To explore Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles on cartilage damage, immune balance, and liver X receptor NF-κB in knee osteoarthritis of New Zealand white rabbits.Methods:Totally　60 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into normal group, model group, Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group, heat supplementing needles group, and a combination group using random number table method, with 12 rabbits in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were established with knee osteoarthritis models. The Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group was treated with Lijin Zhenggu Therapy, the heat supplementing needles group was treated with heat supplementing needles, the combination group was treated with Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles. The pain threshold of each group of white rabbits was observed using a pain meter; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of cartilage damage in each group of white rabbits; ELISA was used to detect PGE 2, IL-1β and β-EP in the articular cartilage tissue of white rabbits in each group; PCR was used to detect the levels of LXRα and NF-κB mRNA. Western blot was used to detect toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF-7) in synovial tissue of rabbits in each group. Results:Compared with model group, the pain threshold of rabbits in heat supplementing needles group, Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group and combination group increased ( P<0.05); the levels of PGE 2 and IL-1β decreased ( P<0.05), while the level of β-EP increased ( P<0.05). LXRα mRNA level increased ( P<0.05), and NF-κB mRNA level decreased ( P<0.05); the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, IRF-7 and NF-κB P65 in synovial tissue decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles can reduce the levels of PGE 2 and IL-1β, increase β-EP level, improve pain and cartilage tissue morphology. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of liver X receptor nuclear factor NF-κB pathway, reduction of inflammatory reactions and immunity maintaining.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of acupuncture combined with sand therapy on bone biomechanics and immune function in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis based on G protein coupled signal.Methods:Totally 35 rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model group, sand therapy group, acupuncture and moxibustion group and combined group, with 7 rabbits in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were prepared with knee osteoarthritis models. After 12 h modeling, rabbits in the sand therapy group and the combined group were treated with sand therapy. Rabbits in the acupuncture and moxibustion group and the combined group received acupuncture stimulation intervention therapy. Rabbits in normal group and model group only moved freely. The levels of IgG, IgM and IgA in serum and IL-1β and TNF-α were detected by ELISA method. The biomechanical properties of femur were measured by American Instron universal material experimental machine. The pathological changes of rabbits in each group were observed by HE staining. Protein expression levels of Gαs, cAMP and Gi in rabbit cartilage tissues were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with model group, the levels of IgG, IgM and IgA increased ( P<0.05)l the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased ( P<0.05); the maximum load, breaking load, structural stiffness and capacity absorption of rabbits in sand therapy group, acupuncture group and combined group increased ( P<0.05); the expressions of Gαs and cAMP protein increased ( P<0.05), while the expression of Gi protein decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with sand therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis can effectively improve the bone strength of osteoarthritis, reduce the inflammatory response, balance the expression of G protein and improve the imbalance of immunoglobulin.

Objective:To investigate the effects of external application of Compound Dahuang Powder combined with acupuncture on the synovial ultrastructure, pathological angiogenesis, and Ras/Raf signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis rats.Methods:Totally 100 SPF grade SD rats were selected and divided into normal group, model group, acupuncture group, external application group, and combination group according to random number table method, with 20 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, Freund's complete adjuvant was injected into the bilateral plantars to establish a rheumatoid arthritis model. One week after modeling, the acupuncture group received acupuncture at "Yinlingquan (SP9)" and "Sanyinjiao (SP6)" for 30 minutes, with continuous intervention for 6 days and 7 days as one course of treatment, for a total of 3 courses of intervention. The external application group of rats applied compound Dahuang Powder on the right hind foot and ankle joint, 10 g/time, twice a day, for 7 days as one course of treatment, with a total of 3 intervention courses; the combination group received a combined intervention of acupuncture and external application of compound Dahuang Powder. No intervention was performed in the normal group and model group. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of rats in each group were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of synovial cells. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of synovial tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR2 in synovial tissue. Western blot and RT qPCR were used to detect Ras/Raf protein and mRNA in synovial tissue, respectively.Results:Compared with model group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of rats in acupuncture group and external application group decreased ( P<0.05), the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Ras and Raf protein and mRNA in acupuncture group and external application group decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with acupuncture group and external application group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of rats in the combination group decreased ( P<0.05), the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Ras and Raf protein and mRNA in the combination group decreased ( P<0.05). The results of synovial cell ultrastructure showed that the nuclear membrane of synovial cells in normal group was good, and the nuclear membrane in model group was seriously damaged. The acupuncture group and external application group had different degrees of improvement, and the combination group had the most significant improvement. HE staining results showed that the joint synovial tissue of the normal group was normal, the joint synovial tissue of the model group had a large amount of inflammatory infiltration, the joint synovial injury of the acupuncture group and the external application group was slightly improved, and the pathological injury of the combined group was significantly reduced. Conclusion:The combination of external application of compound Dahuang Powder and acupuncture can regulate angiogenesis related factors, regulate the Ras/Raf signaling pathway, and improve the ultrastructure of synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis model rats.