Objective To explore the efficacy of Da Shuyu Gao(DSG,a formulation developed from the modification of Shuyu Wan and Ziwan Decoction)in treating persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD)based on the theory of phlegm-qi obstruction.Methods A prospective study was conducted on 120 cases of PPPD patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to July 2023.The patients were randomly divided into a combination group and a control group using a random number table,with 60 patients in each group.The control group received conventional western medicine treatment(Betahistine+Mecobalamin),while the combination group was treated with the decoction of DSG orally in addition to the conventional treatment.The treatment course for the two groups lasted for 2 months.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,Somatic Symptom Self-Rating Scale(SSSRS),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)score,Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)score,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,and the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes.After two months of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.Results(1)After 2 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the combination group was 93.33%(56/60),and that of the control group was 78.33%(47/60).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the combination group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of dizziness,tinnitus,vexation,irritability,dry mouth,and bitterness in the mouth in both groups were improved compared to those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the combination group showed significant improvement compared with the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the scores of the cognitive,imaginative,biological,irritability,and inhibitory dimension of SSSRS,as well as the total scores on the SSSRS were significantly improved in both groups compared to those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the combination group showed significant improvement compared with the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,HAMA,HAMD,and PSQI scores were significantly decreased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes were significantly decreased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion DSG,formulated based on the theory of phlegm-qi obstruction and clinical practice,demonstrates significant efficacy in treating PPPD.It is effective in decreasing TCM syndrome scores,alleviating somatic symptoms,improving emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression,enhancing sleep quality,and reducing the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes,thereby improving patients'quality of life.The application of DSG will provide a new approach for the clinical treatment of PPPD.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of Fuling Zexie Decoction combined with lifestyle intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of dampness syndrome. Methods A total of 40 patients with MetS of dampness syndrome were randomly divided into experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=20) according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design. The experimental group was given oral administration of Fuling Zexie Decoction,the control group was given placebo,150 mL each time,twice a day. Both groups were given healthy lifestyle(healthy eating habits and exercise mode) education. The intervention period was 16 weeks. Traditional Chinese medicine dampness syndrome scale score and the diagnostic indexes of MetS,including waist circumference (WC),systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG),were evaluated before and after treatment. Other metabolic indexes such as body mass index(BMI),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),uric acid(UC),as well as inflammation related indexes including C-reactive protein (CRP),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) were also evaluated. Results A total of 33 people completed the trial,including 17 people in the experimental group and 16 people in the control group. Compared to the baseline period,FBG,BMI,LDL-C and dampness syndrome scale score in the experimental group were significantly decreased at the 8th and 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). WC was significantly decreased at the 8th week of intervention(P<0.05). CRP showed a downward trend at the 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). Moreover,SBP and IL-6 in control group decreased significantly at the 8th and 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). WC,DBP and HOMA-IR decreased significantly at the 8th week of intervention (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other outcome indexes between the two groups at the 8th and 16th week of intervention (P>0.05). The safety indexes of all patients before and after intervention were not significantly abnormal,and no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study initially shows the positive regulatory effect of Fuling Zexie Decoction combined with lifestyle on metabolism and inflammation-related indexes in people with MetS of dampness syndrome,which helps to improve the level of dampness syndrome and provides a basis for further research.

Objective:To screen and identify H-2 d-restricted T cell epitopes in fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins of Nipah virus (NiV) in mice. Methods:The complete peptides (single peptide contains 15 amino acids, and 10 amino acids were repeated in the front and back peptides) derived from F and G antigens were mixed into peptide libraries. BALB/c mice were immunized with DNA vaccines expressing NiV F and G proteins alone and in combination. The full sequence peptide libraries of F and G antigens were mixed into peptide pools by matrix design, and spleen cells of immunized mice were collected and analyzed by IFN-γ ELISPOT assay to detect the dominant H-2 d-restricted epitope peptides. Results:Twelve dominant H-2 d-restricted peptides were screened from the F protein-specific peptide library and the 56th peptide produced the strongest reaction. Four dominant peptides were screened from the G protein-specific peptide library and the 72nd peptide produced the strongest reaction. Conclusions:In this study, 12 F antigen-specific and 4 G antigen-specific H-2 d restricted dominant T cell epitopes of NiV were screened and identified by IFN-γ ELISPOT, which could provide reference for immunological analysis of NiV and vaccine research.

Allergic rhinitis （AR）， a common disease in otolaryngology， is intractable with prolonged attack and greatly affects the daily life of patients. Western medicine adopts many therapeutic protocols， such as medication， immunotherapy， and surgery， and also shows disadvantages， including severe side effects and poor long-term curative effect. As reported by modern research， Chinese medicine has the characteristics of good safety， stable curative effect， multi-target and overall regulation， and has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of AR. With the increasing clinical practice of Chinese medicine in the treatment of AR， scholars have carried out substantial basic research on the regulation of AR signaling pathways by monomers and Chinese medicinal compounds from molecule-cell-biology. To further explain the transduction mechanism of AR signaling pathways， this paper systematically summarized the research progress based on the studies of monomers and Chinese medicinal compounds to provide references for the in-depth research on the intervention of related signaling pathways by Chinese medicine. The conclusions were drawn as follows. The main signaling pathways involved included nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway， TLR signaling pathway， interleukin （IL）-33/growth stimulation expressed gene 2 （ST2） signaling pathway， phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） pathway， and mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） pathway. As revealed， the signaling pathways involved in the treatment of AR by Chinese medicine interacted with each other and genes were not independent in exerting the effects. For example， TLR， as the upstream signal， affected the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways， and NF-κB was the downstream substrate of PI3K/Akt， TLR， IL-33/ST2， and MAPK signaling pathways. It was found that IL-33/ST2， as a new signaling pathway， was correlated with the severity and prognosis of AR.

Objective:To evaluate the value of endogenous digitalis-like factor (EDLF) dynamic changes in predicting myocardial injury and prognosis in patients with sepsis.Methods:A total of 160 sepsis patients admitted to the emergency department of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2017 to January 2019 were selected and divided into the myocardial injury(MI) group ( n=75) and the non-myocardial injury (NMI) group ( n=85) according to whether there was myocardial injury. The plasma EDLF concentration was tested on the 1 st, 3 rd and 7 th day after admission. The predictive factors of MI and 90-days outcome were evaluated by logistics regression analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the prognostic value of EDLF concentration on the 90 days after admission for sepsis. Results:Septic patients with MI had increased levels of myocardial enzymes, decreased left ventricular fractional shortening index (FS) and interventricular septum (IVS) amplitude and abnormal wall motion, when compared to NMI patients (all P<0.05). EDLF concentration on the 7 th day in the MI group was significantly lower than in the NMI group ( P=0.019). Logistic regression showed that EDLF 7 th was an independent protective factor for MI and 90-day mortality in sepsis respectively ( OR=0.964, 95% CI: 0.934-0.994, P=0.021; OR=0.931, 95% CI: 0.871-0.995, P=0.036). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that EDLF 7 th concentration <26.7 pmol/L was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality in patients with sepsis ( HR=4.601, 95% CI: 1.030-20.563, P=0.046). Conclusions:EDLF 7 th may serve as a protective factor for sepsis-induced MI and adverse outcome. The exogenous supplement of cardiotonic drugs at one week after MI may be a potential treatment to improve the survival rate of septic patients.

Objective:To evaluate the immunological efficacy of a novel DNA vaccine against West Nile virus (WNV) in a mouse model.Methods:A DNA vaccine VRC-prME expressing the precursor membrane (prM) and envelope protein (E) of WNV Xinjiang strain (XJ11129-3) was constructed and its ability to express virus-like particles was verified in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were immunized twice with VRC-prME via intramuscular injection combined with electroporation with an interval of four weeks. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies after immunization. WNV (NY99 strain) single-round infectious particles were used to detect neutralizing antibodies. Cellular immune responses were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunoblot assay (ELISPOT) and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS). Results:VRC-prME induced a strong Th1-biased antibody response in mice that could cross-neutralize the WNV (NY99 strain) single-round infectious particles two weeks after the boost immunization. Moreover, the vaccine also elicited antigen-specific multifunctional CD8 + T cell responses (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). Conclusions:The novel DNA vaccine prepared in this study, expressing the prME protein of WNV XJ11129-3 strain, could induce stronger humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, which was worthy of further research and development for the prevention of WNV infection in China.

Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)is a member of the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae and transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It mainly causes Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) with high fever, rash and multiple arthritis/joint pain as the main clinical symptoms, and is a major public health threat of global concern. There is still no vaccine or effective antiviral drug against CHIKV. This review briefly summarized the genomic and epidemiological characteristics of CHIKV, features of immune response to major CHIKV antigens and latest progress in vaccine development.