ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria（CSU） and to explore its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsSeventy CSU patients were randomly divided into loratadine group and acupuncture + bloodletting group， with 35 patients in each group. The loratadine group received oral loratadine tablets， 10 mg once daily in the evening. The acupuncture + bloodletting group received acupuncture at Zhongwan （CV 12）， Guanyuan （CV 4）， Tianshu （ST 25）， Zusanli （ST 36）， Sanyinjiao （SP 6）， Xuehai （SP 10）， Quchi （LI 11）， Hegu （LI 4）， Taichong （LR 3）， Baihui （GV 20）， and Shenting （GV 24）， once daily，along with bloodletting and cupping at Dazhui （GV 14） and Geshu （BL 17）， every other day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 7-day urticaria activity score（UAS7） was assessed before and after the treatment， and levels of serum immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， interleukin-5 （IL-5）， eosinophil cationic protein （ECP）， plasma tissue factor （TF）， activated factor Ⅶ （FⅦa）， prothrombin fragment 1+2 （F1+2）， D-dimer （D-D） and complement component 5a （C5a） were detected. ResultsA total of 65 patients were included in the final analysis， 32 in the loratadine group and 33 in the acupuncture + bloodletting group. Before treatment， there was no significant difference in UAS7 score， serum IgE， IL-4， IL-5， ECP levels， or plasma TF， FⅦa， F1+2， D-D， C5a levels between groups （P＞ 0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed significant reductions in UAS7 score， serum IgE， IL-4， IL-5， and plasma TF， FⅦa， F1+2， D-D， and C5a levels compared to those before treatment （P＜0.01）. However， after treatment， there was no significant difference in UAS7 score and serum ECP， IgE， IL-4， IL-5 levels between groups （P＞0.05）. The acupuncture + bloodletting group showed lower plasma TF， FⅦa， F1+2， D-D and C5a levels compared to the loratadine group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionAcupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping can effectively improve the skin symptoms of CSU patients and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. The potential mechanism of action may involve the regulation of the coagulation-complement-mast cell activation axis， thereby inhibiting mast cell degranulation.

This study systematically elucidates the contemporary understanding of the theory of"the lung and large intestine being interior-exteriorly related"within both traditional Chinese and Western medical theoretical frameworks,while providing an in-depth summary of national medical master Han Mingxiang's clinical experience in diagnosing and treating phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome in acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Theoretically,this doctrine originates from the Huangdi Neijing and has been developed into a comprehensive system by subsequent medical practitioners.Modern medical research from embryological,microbiological,and other perspectives has confirmed the close physiological and pathological relationship between the lung and intestine,particularly evidenced by the proposed"gut-lung axis"theory.Based on over 6 decades of clinical practice,professor Han identified the core pathogenesis of AECOPD as involving"phlegm,blood stasis,toxins,and deficiency,"with phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome being the most prevalent manifestation.The pathological characteristics include impaired lung qi descent,internal accumulation of phlegm-heat,and intestinal obstruction.The therapeutic approach emphasizes"clearing heat and resolving phlegm,relieving cough and asthma"as the primary treatment principle,focusing on"clearing lung heat,eliminating phlegm pathogens,and descending rebellious qi",while adhering to the concept of"simultaneous treatment of lung and intestine."In terms of herbal prescription,professor Han skillfully employs modified Xuanbai Chengqi decoction,which integrates lung-ventilating,phlegm-resolving,and purgative effects.Importantly,he emphasizes the precise timing and dosage of purgative herbs,particularly for patients with deficiency patterns,advocating discontinuation or dose reduction once intestinal patency is achieved to avoid overtreatment.For remission phase management,professor Han advocates the"reinforcing earth to generate metal"approach using modified Bufei decoction combined with Yigong powder,which strengthens spleen qi to nourish lung function.This therapeutic strategy embodies the fundamental treatment principle of"treating the acute manifestations first,then addressing the root cause."This research not only deepens the understanding of classical Chinese medical theories but also provides more scientifically grounded intervention strategies for the clinical prevention and treatment of lung distension.The findings offer valuable insights into integrative approaches for AECOPD management,combining traditional wisdom with contemporary medical understanding.

This study systematically elucidates the contemporary understanding of the theory of"the lung and large intestine being interior-exteriorly related"within both traditional Chinese and Western medical theoretical frameworks,while providing an in-depth summary of national medical master Han Mingxiang's clinical experience in diagnosing and treating phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome in acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Theoretically,this doctrine originates from the Huangdi Neijing and has been developed into a comprehensive system by subsequent medical practitioners.Modern medical research from embryological,microbiological,and other perspectives has confirmed the close physiological and pathological relationship between the lung and intestine,particularly evidenced by the proposed"gut-lung axis"theory.Based on over 6 decades of clinical practice,professor Han identified the core pathogenesis of AECOPD as involving"phlegm,blood stasis,toxins,and deficiency,"with phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome being the most prevalent manifestation.The pathological characteristics include impaired lung qi descent,internal accumulation of phlegm-heat,and intestinal obstruction.The therapeutic approach emphasizes"clearing heat and resolving phlegm,relieving cough and asthma"as the primary treatment principle,focusing on"clearing lung heat,eliminating phlegm pathogens,and descending rebellious qi",while adhering to the concept of"simultaneous treatment of lung and intestine."In terms of herbal prescription,professor Han skillfully employs modified Xuanbai Chengqi decoction,which integrates lung-ventilating,phlegm-resolving,and purgative effects.Importantly,he emphasizes the precise timing and dosage of purgative herbs,particularly for patients with deficiency patterns,advocating discontinuation or dose reduction once intestinal patency is achieved to avoid overtreatment.For remission phase management,professor Han advocates the"reinforcing earth to generate metal"approach using modified Bufei decoction combined with Yigong powder,which strengthens spleen qi to nourish lung function.This therapeutic strategy embodies the fundamental treatment principle of"treating the acute manifestations first,then addressing the root cause."This research not only deepens the understanding of classical Chinese medical theories but also provides more scientifically grounded intervention strategies for the clinical prevention and treatment of lung distension.The findings offer valuable insights into integrative approaches for AECOPD management,combining traditional wisdom with contemporary medical understanding.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as well as associations with advanced fibrosis.Methods:CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy at Tianjin Second People′s Hospital from June 2016 to September 2019 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had concomitant MAFLD; a CHB group and a MAFLD-CHB group. t-tests and Chi-square tests were used to compare pathological characteristics and basic features in the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors associated with advanced fibrosis. Results:The CHB group included 110 patients, and the MAFLD-CHB group included 272 patients. There were significant differences in smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension incidence, body metabolic index, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, fasting plasma glucose, and platelets (PLT) between the two groups (all P<0.05). The MAFLD-CHB group had a higher incidence of advanced fibrosis than the CHB group ( P<0.05). In logistic regression analysis MAFLD [odds ratio ( OR)=2.204, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.018-4.774, P=0.045], GGT ( OR=1.008, 95% CI 1.002-1.013, P=0.005), and PLT ( OR=0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.999, P=0.019) were associated with advanced fibrosis (all P<0.05). In the MAFLD-CHB group type 2 diabetes ( OR=3.281, 95% CI 1.375-7.832, P=0.007), GGT ( OR=1.011, 95% CI 1.003-1.018, P=0.005), and PLT ( OR=0.993, 95% CI 0.988-0.998, P=0.004) were associated with advanced fibrosis ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Patients with MAFLD-CHB are more likely to develop advanced fibrosis than patients with CHB alone. In the MAFLD-CHB group type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with advanced fibrosis. It is important to strictly control relevant risk factors in MAFLD-CHB patients, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture combined with bloodletting on the expression of inflammatory factors in serum, the morphology of sensitized skin tissue and the mast cell degranulation in urticaria rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of this therapy for urticaria. METHODS: Among 42 SD rats of SPF grade, 6 rats were randomly collected for the preparation of sensitized antiserum; and the rest 36 rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group, a positive drug group, an acupuncture group, a bloodletting group and a combined treatment group (acupuncture + bloodletting), 6 rats in each one. The rat model of urticaria was established by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In the positive drug group, loratadine (1 mg•kg^-1) by gavage was administered once a day. In the acupuncture group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), acupuncture was delivered at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), and bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Xuehai" (SP 10) for 15 min, once daily . In the bloodletting group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), bloodletting was operated at "Dazhui" (GV 14) and bilateral "Geshu" (BL 17), around 0.1 mL of bleeding volume at each point, once daily. In the combined treatment group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), the interventions as the acupuncture group and the bloodletting group were adopted, once daily. All the interventions started on day 6 of modeling, lasting 2 weeks. After intervention completion, antigenic stimulation was performed in the rats of each group. Using ELISA, the levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), tryptase (TPS), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected. The diameter of the blue spots of the sensitized skin on the back was measured with ruler in each rat. The morphology of sensitized skin tissue was observed using HE staining, and the degranulation of mast cells was observed using Toluidine blue staining. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the levels of serum IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α increased (P<0.01), the diameter of blue spot on the sensitized part of the rat back was larger (P<0.01), the degranulation rate of mast cells was elevated (P<0.01), and there were obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and edema in the dermis of sensitized skin tissue on the rat back. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α were reduced in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group (P<0.01, P<0.05); skin blue spot diameter was smaller in the positive drug group and the combined treatment group (P<0.05); the degranulation rate of mast cells decreased in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group (P<0.01); and the dermal edema, inflammatory infiltration were attenuated in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group. Compared with the acupuncture group and the bloodletting group, the serum levels of IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α, as well as the degranulation rate of mast cells in the sensitized tissue were lower in the positive drug group and the combined treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with bloodletting effectively suppress mast cell degranulation in the sensitized skin tissue on the back of urticaria rats, and ameliorate the histopathological morphology. Its effect mechanism may be related to inhibiting the differentiation and proliferation of helper T cells 2 and regulating the humoral immune response.
Animals ; Rats ; Mast Cells/immunology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Cell Degranulation ; Humans ; Bloodletting ; Urticaria/immunology* ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Interleukin-4/blood* ; Interleukin-5/blood* ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Immunoglobulin E/blood* ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective To investigate the value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red blood cell distribution width-to-lymphocyte ratio (RLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting the prognosis of early small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 132 patients newly diagnosed with early HCC who underwent RFA in Tianjin Second People's Hospital from September 2011 to December 2020. Preoperative data were collected and the patients were followed up to observe recurrence and overall survival (OS). The X-tile tool was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of NLR, RLR, and LMR based on 5-year survival rate and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate, and then the patients were divided into N-R-L 0 group with 92 patients, N-R-L 1 group with 29 patients, and N-R-L 2 group with 11 patients. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between the three groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve, and the log-rank test was used to compare RFS and OS rates between groups. The factors with statistical significance in the log-rank test were included in the multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine the risk factors for RFS and OS rates. Results There were significant differences in Child-Pugh class and albumin between the N-R-L 0, N-R-L 1, and N-R-L 2 groups ( χ 2 2=10.992 and 5.699, both P < 0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of the three groups were 100%/96.3%/90.7%, 96.6%/60.4%/41.3%, and 81.8%/46.8%/15.6%, respectively ( χ 2 =38.46, P < 0.000 1), and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates of the three groups were 76.9%/52.5%/33.3%, 42.9%/13.1%/0, and 11.1%/0/0, respectively ( χ 2 =35.345, P < 0.000 1). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (hazard ratio[ HR ]=2.10, 95% confidence interval[ CI ]: 1.28-3.43, P =0.003; HR =3.67, 95% CI : 1.58-8.52, P =0.002), N-R-L score of 1 point ( HR =3.14, 95% CI : 1.81-5.46, P < 0.000 1; HR =8.27, 95% CI : 3.15-21.71, P < 0.000 1), and N-R-L score of 2 points ( HR =2.61, 95% CI : 1.06-6.42, P =0.037; HR =14.59, 95% CI : 3.96-53.78, P < 0.000 1) were independent predictive factors for RFS and OS. Conclusion N-R-L, a systemic inflammatory response marker composed of NLR, RLR, and LMR, is an independent risk factor for recurrence and survival of early small HCC after RFA, and it can be used as a useful noninvasive biomarker in combination with tumor features to predict the recurrence and survival of early HCC after RFA.

Objective To investigate the value of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk model REAL-B score in predicting the risk of HCC in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving antiviral therapy in comparison with mPAGE-B, aMAP and PAGE-B scores. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 1160 CHB patients who received entecavir or tenofovir treatment for more than 1 year from January 2013 to December 2015 in Tianjin Second Peolple's Hospital, and the events of HCC were recorded. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the value of REAL-B, mPAGE-B, aMAP, and PAGE-B scores in predicting HCC. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the cumulative incidence rate of HCC at different time points, and the log-rank test was used to compare the incidence rate of HCC between the groups with different scores. The independent samples t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Results Among the 1160 CHB patients, 108 (9.8%) progressed to HCC within a median follow-up time of 5.3 (5.0-6.3) years. REAL-B score had an AUC of 0.848 (95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 0.816-0.880) in predicting the onset of HCC within 5 years, followed by aMAP score (AUC=0.823, 95% CI : 0.786-0.860), mPAGE-B score (AUC=0.822, 95% CI : 0.788-0.857), and PAGE-B scores (AUC=0.780, 95% CI : 0.736-0.824). The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of HCC was 0.8% in the low-risk group (with a REAL-B score of 0-3 points), which was significantly lower than the incidence rate of 11.8% in the medium-risk group (with a REAL-B score of 4-7 points) and 35.6% with the high-risk group (with a REAL-B score of 8-13 points) ( P < 0.05). In the low-risk group, REAL-B score had a negative predictive value of 100% and 99.67%, respectively, in predicting HCC within 3 and 5 years. Conclusion REAL-B score accurately predicts the risk of HCC in CHB patients receiving antiviral therapy, with a better predictive value than the other risk models within 3 years of antiviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out variant analysis for a Chinese boy featuring dyshormonogenesis due to congenital hypothyroidism. METHODS: DNA of the patient and his parents was extracted and sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. The results were validated with Sanger sequencing and analyzed with Bioinformatics software. RESULTS: Sequencing result showed that the patient has carried compound variants of c.2654G>T(p.Arg885Leu) and c.943G>T(p.Gly315X) of the DUOX2 gene, which were inherited respectively from his mother and father. CONCLUSION The missense mutation c.2654G>T and nonsense mutation c.943G>T probably underlie the disease in this child.
Child ; Congenital Hypothyroidism ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Dual Oxidases ; genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation, Missense

OBJECTIVE:To compare the pharmacodynamics of active parts in crude Atractylodes lancea and A. lancea fired with bran. METHODS:170 rats were randomly divided into 17 groups,including blank control group,spleen and stomach damp obstruction model group,volatile oil of crude A. lancea and A. lancea fired with bran high-dose and low-dose(0.747,0.083 mg/ml by the concentration of crude medicinal materials,similarly hereinafter)groups,solvent control 2% polysorbate 80 group,dichlo-romethane extract of crude A. lancea and A. lancea fired with bran high-dose and low-dose groups,solvent control 1‰ polysorbate 80 group,n-butyl alcohol extract of crude A. lancea and A. lancea fired with bran high-dose and low-dose groups,solvent control stomach damp obstruction model distilled water control group. Except blank control group,other 16 groups were given Sennae foli-um decoction ig for 14 d to induce spleen and stomach damp obstruction model,and then received relevant medicine or solvent ig once a day for consecutive 7 d. Body weight of rats were determined before and after medication,and the serum levels of amylase, D-xylose,gastrin,vasoactive intestinal peptide and NO were determined after medication. RESULTS:Compared with spleen and stomach damp obstruction model group,the body weight and serum levels of gastrin,amylase and D-xylose increased significantly in rats of active part in A. lancea fired with bran groups(P<0.05),while vasoactive intestinal peptide and NO decreased signifi-cantly(P<0.05). Compared active part in crude A. lancea group,except the body weight,above indicators of active part in A. lan-cea fired with bran groups had greater change,with statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:There are pharmacody-namic differences in the active parts between crude A. lancea and A. lancea fired with bran,the latter one is stronger.

Objective To investigate early renal damage of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and the risk factors related to their renal function. Methods CHB patients who visited the second people’s hospital but did not receive systemic treatment were enrolled in our study. Those who visited for general check-up with no hepatic findings during the same period were selected as control group. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of all the participants were estimated by simplified MDRD equation and CKD-EPI equation (designated as M-eGFR and C-eGFR respectively). Influence factors of eGFR were statistically analyzed. Results In the total 528 cases in CHB group, 88 (16.67%) and 62 (11.74%) suffered declined M-eGFR and C-eGFR respectively. By contrast, 10 (8.77%) and 6 (5.26%) cases in the total 114 cases in control group present declined M-eGFR and C-eGFR ac?cordingly. Percentages of renal function impairment, estimated by both M-eGFR and C-eGFR, were higher in the CHB group than those in control group. The difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.518, P<0.05;χ2=4.156, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, HBsAg and body mass index (BMI) were risk factors of M-eGFR while age, HBsAg, gender and serum albumin were risk factors of C-eGFR. On the other hand, HBV-DNA and HBeAg were not risk factors for M-eGFR or C-eGFR. Conclusion HBV infection can lead to early renal damage. Age and HBsAg are main risk factors of renal function impairment. Therefore, renal function should be scrutinized in CHB patients.