Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture of bilateral Yifeng(SJ17)points penetrating Lianquan(RN23)points combined with electromyographic biofeedback therapy(shortened as EMG biofeedback)in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.Methods A total of 94 cases of patients admitted to the wards and outpatient clinics of Handan Mingren Hospital with a definitive diagnosis of post-stroke dysphagia from April 2022 to May 2023 were selected for the study.The patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method,with 47 cases in each group.Both groups of patients were given basic treatment,the control group was treated with EMG biofeedback,and the observation group was treated with electroacupuncture of bilateral Yifeng points penetrating Lianquan points on the basis of the treatment of the control group.The course of treatment covered four consecutive weeks.After one month of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores and Kubota Water Swallowing Test scores,Standardized Swallowing Assessment(SSA)scores,Functional Oral Intake Scale(FOIS)scores,and Swallowing-Quality of Life(SWAL-QOL)scores before and after treatment were observed in the patients of the two groups.The changes of tongue pressure before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.The safety and the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate was 95.74%(45/47)in the observation group and 76.60%(36/47)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores and Kubota Water Swallowing Test scores of the patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,SSA and FOIS scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the peak tongue pressure,mean tongue pressure,duration of tongue pressure of the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)After treatment,the quality of life scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(6)No obvious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of the two groups of patients,the difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients being not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture of bilateral Yifeng points penetrating Lianquan points combined with EMG biofeedback in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia exerts certain efficacy,which can improve the swallowing function and tongue muscle strength,reduce TCM syndrome scores,and enhance patients'quality of life.

In order to further promote the standardization of the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment of atopic dermatitis(AD),the team of Professor Chen Dacan,who is honored as the Qihuang Scholar,developed the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Atopic Dermatitis(hereinafter referred to as Guidelines for AD).This paper detailed the process of development of Guidelines for AD,and analyzed the characteristics of Guidelines for AD,as well as the difficulties and countermeasures encountered during such a time.The development of Guidelines for AD follows the methodology of international guidelines for clinical trial.Experts specializing in various disciplines,such as traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine,and methodology,composed an expert group and a working group.On the basis of systematic literature research,the clinic experiences of frontline experts were well-summarized,and the draft of Guidelines for AD was formed after several meetings and discussions.In the process of developing Guidelines for AD,quite a number of problems were encountered,and the project team found the corresponding countermeasures after analyzing these problems.The countermeasures became the characteristics of Guidelines for AD:the integration of traditional Chinese medicine therapies and western medicine therapies,and the evaluation of the evidence of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine solved the problem of traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment of AD lacking standardization;the adequately combination of the evidence with the experience of clinical practice solved the problems of the low overall level and the insufficiency of traditional Chinese medicine evidence for AD;the establishment of management goals and strategies for AD after taking the advantages of both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine into account was in line with the international treatment and management concepts;the formulation of individualized traditional Chinese and western medicine therapy based on the integration of traditional Chinese medicine therapy and western medicine therapy met the clinical needs of patients with different characteristics of AD.The development process of Guidelines for AD and the analysis of problems and countermeasures during such a time will provide reference and reflection for the subsequent establishment of clinical guidelines for the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in other diseases.

This study summarizes Professor Qin Zhenhua's clinical experience in treating cutaneous pruritus using a modified self-prescribed formula,Yinqiao Xingzi Decoction.Following the viewpoints from the classical Chinese medical literature and after years of clinical practice,Professor Qin proposes that the onset of cutaneous pruritus is often associated with the attack of exogenous pathogens,disharmony of qi and blood,or debility due to prolonged illness.The disease primarily involves the skin,with the fundamental pathogenesis of pathogens stagnating in the muscular superficies.Clinically,the treatment is frequently conducted from the perspective of fire-heat syndrome,and the therapeutic methods of clearing heat and removing toxins,releasing muscles and dispersing pathogens from the superficies,and dispelling wind to relieve itching are utilized.The approaches aim to cool heat in the blood,expel pathogens from the muscular layer,eliminate heat for stopping itching,and extinguish wind for calming the skin.The basic prescription,Yinqiao Xingzi Decoction(composed of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Forsythiae Fructus,Armeniacae Semen Amarum,Arnebiae Radix,Tribuli Fructus,Dictamni Cortex,Kochiae Fructus,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma),is used by modification depending on the predominance of pathogenic factors of wind,heat,dryness,or dampness-toxins,and according to the various syndromes like blood-heat,yin deficiency,or qi-blood deficiency.Yinqiao Xingzi Decoction is applicable to cutaneous pruritus with the most of clinical common syndrome types,but it is unsuitable for cases caused by yang deficiency or qi stagnation with blood stasis.

Objective A serum proteomic approach was used to explore the targets of action of Peitu Qingxin Granules(composed of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae,Forsythiae Fructus,Imperatae Rhizoma,Pseudostellariae Radix,etc.)in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods Five patients with atopic dermatitis were selected and treated with Peitu Qingxin Granules for 12 weeks,and five healthy volunteers were used as controls.The clinical core evaluation indexes of atopic dermatitis patients after treatment,including Eczema Area and Severity Index/Scoring Atopic Dermatitis(EASI/SCORAD),Pruritus Score,Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure(POEM),and quality of life index,were assessed.Serum samples were examined using data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry(DIA-MS)technology,and serum differential proteins between atopic dermatitis patients and healthy people,as well as serum differential proteins in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules were screened according to P＜0.05 and Fold Change>1.2.GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the differential proteins.Results(1)Compared with the pre-treatment period,the clinical core evaluation indexes of patients with atopic dermatitis,including the EASI/SCORAD,Pruritus Score,POEM,and quality-of-life index,were significantly improved after treatment,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(2)A total of 28 differential proteins were analyzed in the healthy control group and atopic dermatitis group,of which 12 proteins expressions were increased and 16 proteins were decreased,including ALAD(δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase),LTA4H(leukotriene A-4 hydrolase),CA1(carbonic anhydrase 1),F11(coagulation factor XI),and LCP1(lymphocyte cytoplasmic protein 1),etc..The main signaling pathways involved are PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,lipids and atherosclerosis,ECM-receptor interaction,platelet activation,NF-κB signaling pathway,and neutrophil extracellular trap formation.(3)A total of 12 different proteins were analyzed in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules,of which 8 proteins were increased and 4 proteins were decreased,including ALAD,FGA(fibrinogen α-chain),IGHV3-64D,and IGHV3-38.They were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as lipids and atherosclerosis,complement pathway,Staphylococcus aureus infection,NF-κB signaling pathway,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.(4)The expressions of three protein targets including ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D,were significantly down-regulated in patients with atopic dermatitis and significantly up-regulated after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules.Conclusion The differentially expressed proteins ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D may be the action targets of Peitu Qingxin Granules in the treatment of atopic dermatitis,which lays the foundation for further experimental validation.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of long board detector of digital radiography(DR)in clinical application.Methods:The long board detector(detector)was erected and placed upright.The scale long ruler with marked metal lead wire was placed at 20 cm in front of the center of long axis of the board of detector,which paralleled medial axis.Three test cards of spatial resolution were respectively placed at three positions(upper,middle and lower)of detector,and they were stuck on the board of detector as 30cm intervals between each other and 45° position.The exposures were conducted at 100,150,and 200 cm of source image distance(SID).The incident doses were tested,which obtained from different SID spots of upper,middle and lower positions of detector.The spatial resolutions of 3 positions were determined through observed the images of cards.The ratio of the marked scale length with metal lead wire to actual length of lead wire was measured through the projection of the scale length,so as to obtain the amplification rate of different spot positions.The spatial distribution of effective focal plane on the direction of long axis of detector,and the morphological change of that were observed.Results:When SID spots were respectively 100,150 and 200cm,the amplification rates of images decreased with increasing SID.The difference of amplification rates among three SID spots was significant(F=223.80,P<0.001).There was significant difference in the corresponding radiation doses among different SID spots(F=7.57,P<0.05).The spatial resolution was constantly 1.8 LP/mm.There was heel effect along with the direction of short axis of detector.The effective focal spot on the direction of long axis of detector appeared up-down symmetrical display.Conclusion:The long board detector of DR equipment has realized the capture for the images of the overall length of spine or the overall length of lower limbs in one exposure,which can meet the clinical requirement,and improve the detection efficiency of X-ray.

Objective To construct a risk prediction model of pulmonary involvement based on chest CT and clinical feature in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome(pSS),and to explore the risk prediction value of the model.Methods A total of 360 pSS patients who had been treated at Handan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively selected as study objects,and were then divided into a modeling group(252 patients)and a verification group(108 patients)according to a ratio of 7∶3.The patients in the modeling group were divided into a control group(201 patients)and an involvement group(51 patients)based on presence or absence of lung involvement.The data on clinical characteristics and features of chest high-resolution CT(HRCT)in the modeling group was collected.Univariate analysis was performed among the groups to determine the relevant factors affecting lung involvement in pSS patients.Binary logistic regression analysis was performed on related factors to screen independent risk factors.A prediction model was established based on the independent risk factors.A verification and value analysis of the column-line prediction model were completed through data collection of the verification group.Results Age,disease course,cough,Raynaud's phenomenon,C-reactive protein(CRP),anti-SSA antibody,and HRCT were the relevant factors affecting lung involvement in pSS patients(all P＜0.05).Further binary logistic regression analysis showed that old age,prolonged disease course,cough and abnormal HRCT imaging were independent risk factors for lung involvement in SS patients(all P＜0.05).A nomogram risk prediction model was constructed based on independent factors.The model verification results indicated that the calibration chart showed better performance in the prediction model.The AUC of the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was 0.993 the modeling group and 0.995 in the validation group.Conclusions The clinical characteristics and the results of chest CT are closely related with lung involvement in patients with pSS.Old age,prolonged disease course,cough,and abnormal HRCT imaging are independent risk factors affecting lung involvement in patients with pSS.The prediction model established on this basis has a higher predictive value for the occurrence of lung involvement in patients receiving after-loading radiotherapy.

Objective:The effect of intermedin (IMD) on ATP-induced activation of inflammatory bodies and pyroptosis of cells and its mechanism were studied using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized mouse macrophage line RAW 264.7.Methods:The cells were divided into the control groups, the LPS groups, LPS+IMD groups, and LPS+IMD+LY294002 groups. The expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory cells were detected by real-time PCR and western blotting, and the pyroptosis of cells was detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining. The measurement data was represented by MS± SD, and the inter-group difference was compared with ANOVA calculations, and P<0.05 represented the difference with statistical significance. Results:Compared with the control group [(0.83±0.09) vs (0.49±0.04)], the ratio of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, p-PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) (0.44±0.05) and p-Akt/Akt (0.27±0.06) in the LPS group was significantly decreased. The ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K (1.22±0.18) and pAkt/Akt (0.83±0.09) in LPS+IMD group was significantly increased ( F=31.40, P<0.001; F=50.88, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β, IL-18 and NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC) in RAW264.7 cells were up-regulated in the LPS group (LPS and ATP). Compared with LPS group, IMD treatment inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and NLRP3 inflammasome, which was blocked by LY294002, a blocker of PI3K/Akt pathway. The results of real-time PCR showed that the relative expression of IL-1β mRNA was (1.00±0.11) in the control group, (8.32±0.61) in the LPS group, (8.32±0.55) in the LPS+IMD group, and (7.23±0.41) in the LPS+IMD+LY group ( F=15.42, P<0.001). The relative expression of IL-18 mRNA in the control group was (1.00±0.17), (1.82±0.21) in the LPS group, (1.14±0.15) in the LPS+IMD group, and (1.53±0.11) in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=18.16, P<0.001). The relative expression of NLRP3 mRNA in the control group was (1.00±0.13), (2.58±0.18) in the LPS group, (1.07±0.17) in the LPS+IMD group, and (1.33±0.32) in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=15.98, P< 0.001); The relative expression of caspase-1 mRNA in the control group was (1.00±0.09), (6.20±0.19) in the LPS group, (3.43±0.06) in the LPS+IMD group, and (5.50±0.45) in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=18.39, P<0.001). The relative expression of ASC mRNA in the control group was (1.00±0.21), (4.58±0.48) in the LPS group, (2.07±0.51) in the LPS+IMD group, and (3.33±0.32) in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=15.19, P<0.001). Western blotting results showed that the relative expression of IL-1β protein was as follows: (100%) in the control group, [(188±14)%] in the LPS group, [(112±11)%] in the LPS+IMD group, and [(171±27)%] in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=21.25, P<0.001). The relative expression of IL-18 protein in the control group was 100%, [(183±16)%] in the LPS group, [(115±19)%] in the LPS+IMD group, and [(179±23)%] in the LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=19.62, P<0.001). The relative expression of NLRP3 protein was 100% in the control group, [(149±15)%] in the LPS group, [(106±10)%] in the LPS+IMD group, and [(144±15)%] in LPS+IMD+LY group respectively ( F=14.35, P<0.001). The relative expression of ASC protein was 100% in the control group, [(188±12)%] in the LPS group, [(110±18)%] in the LPS+IMD group, and [(192±8)%] in the LPS+IMD+LY group ( F=15.79, P<0.001). Conclusion:IMD inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and cell pyroptosis by regulating PI3K/Akt activity.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have strong immunosuppressive activity and are morphologically similar to conventional monocytes and granulocytes. The development and classification of these cells have, however, been controversial. The activation network of MDSCs is relatively complex, and their mechanism of action is poorly understood, creating an avenue for further research. In recent years, MDSCs have been found to play an important role in immune regulation and in effectively inhibiting the activity of effector lymphocytes.Under certain conditions, particularly in the case of tissue damage or inflammation, MDSCs play a leading role in the immune response of the central nervous system. In cancer, however, this can lead to tumor immune evasion and the development of related diseases. Under cancerous conditions, tumors often alter bone marrow formation, thus affecting progenitor cell differentiation, and ultimately, MDSC accumulation. MDSCs are important contributors to tumor progression and play a key role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, and even reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, a number of studies have demonstrated that MDSCs play a key regulatory role in many clinical diseases. In light of these studies, this review discusses the origin of MDSCs, the mechanisms underlying their activation, their role in a variety of clinical diseases, and their function in immune response regulation.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have strong immunosuppressive activity and are morphologically similar to conventional monocytes and granulocytes. The development and classification of these cells have, however, been controversial. The activation network of MDSCs is relatively complex, and their mechanism of action is poorly understood, creating an avenue for further research. In recent years, MDSCs have been found to play an important role in immune regulation and in effectively inhibiting the activity of effector lymphocytes.Under certain conditions, particularly in the case of tissue damage or inflammation, MDSCs play a leading role in the immune response of the central nervous system. In cancer, however, this can lead to tumor immune evasion and the development of related diseases. Under cancerous conditions, tumors often alter bone marrow formation, thus affecting progenitor cell differentiation, and ultimately, MDSC accumulation. MDSCs are important contributors to tumor progression and play a key role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, and even reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, a number of studies have demonstrated that MDSCs play a key regulatory role in many clinical diseases. In light of these studies, this review discusses the origin of MDSCs, the mechanisms underlying their activation, their role in a variety of clinical diseases, and their function in immune response regulation.