Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on interleukin(IL)-9/IL-9 receptor(IL-9R)in the colon tissue of rats with ulcerative colitis(UC)and investigate the protective mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion on the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC rats. Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group and a modeling group.UC models were prepared by giving 4%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)water for 7 d.After the successful construction of the UC rat model,the modeling group was randomly divided into a UC group,a herb-insulated moxibustion(HM)group,and an electroacupuncture(EA)group.HM and EA interventions at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)were performed once a day for 7 d.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon.The serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,IL-1β,and hemoglobin-H(HbH)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The protein expression levels of IL-9,IL-9R,claudin-2,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),and occludin in the colon tissue were measured by Western blotting or immuno-histochemistry.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-expression of PU.1 and CD4 with the IL-9 protein. Results:Compared with the NC group,the colon tissue of UC rats was severely damaged and ulcerated with congestion and edema,and the colonic histopathological score increased significantly(P<0.01).The serum HbH concentration decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β increased(P<0.01).The protein expression of colonic ZO-1 and occludin decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the protein expression of colonic IL-9 and IL-9R increased(P<0.05).The positive co-expression levels of IL-9/PU.1 and IL-9/CD4 increased in the colon tissue(P<0.05).Compared with the UC group,the colonic mucosal structures were gradually repaired in both HM group and EA group,and healed ulcers could be observed,the colonic histopathological score decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum concentration of HbH increased(P<0.01),while the serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β decreased(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin increased(P<0.05),while the protein expression levels of IL-9 and IL-9R decreased(P<0.01).The positive co-expression levels of IL-9/PU.1 and IL-9/CD4 decreased in the colon tissue(P<0.05). Conclusion:Both HM and EA can inhibit the protein expression levels of IL-9 and IL-9R in the UC colon by regulating the transcription factor PU.1,promote the repair of intestinal mucosal barrier,and down-regulate protein contents of proinflammatory factors IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β in the serum,which may be one of the key mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in reducing the inflammation of UC colonic mucosa and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of incision and drainage with Holmium laser under flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of parapelvic cysts.Methods:The clinical data of 21 patients with parapelvic cysts in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 10 males and 11 females. The average age was (62.86±5.38) years, and median age was 63.0 years, aged from 36-72 years. The maximum diameter of the cyst was 33-71 mm, with an average of (53.46±9.68) mm. There were 15 cases with homolateral hydronephrosis and 6 cases with homolateral renal calculus. The patients included in the study were treated with incision and drainage with Holmium laser under flexible ureteroscope. The double J ureteral catheter was removed and the urinary system ultrasound was repeated one month after surgery. CT on bilateral kidney was repeated every 6 months until 12 months after surgery. Subsequently, ultrasound on bilateral kidney was reviewed regularly every year. Prognostic indexes sunch as operation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative time of getting out of bed, intraoperative blood loss, recurrence and shrinkage of renal cysts were recorded.Results:Of the 21 patients who underwent incision and drainage with Holmium laser under flexible ureteroscope, 9 cases (42.9%) underwent the one-stage operation and 12 cases (57.1%) underwent the two-stage operation. The mean operative time was (41.57±10.86) min, the mean postoperative hospitalization time was (2.90±1.06) d, the mean time of getting out of bed was (0.53±0.30) d, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was (6.52±2.15) mL. No significant recurrence of cysts was observed in all patients after 6-60 months of follow-up, and the cysts disappeared completely or shrank significantly.Conclusion:Incision and drainage with Holmium laser under flexible ureteroscope is safe and reliable in patients with parapelvic cysts, with short operation time, minor blood loss, rapid postoperative recovery and low recurrence rate, which is one of the ideal treatment options for parapelvic cysts.

Objective:To compare the specific mechanism and effects between christina loosestrife and snowbellleaf tickclover herb on kidney calcium oxalate calculi in rats.Methods:A total of 54 SPF grade SD male rats were fed adaptically for 1 week to 180-200 g, the models of rats with kidney calcium oxalate calculi were established by intragastric administration with glycol, and divided into nine groups according to random number table method and controlled, which were healthy control group (group A), positive control group (model group, group B), low, medium and high doses of christina loosestrife groups (C1, C2, C3, 3 groups), low, medium and high doses of snowbellleaf tickclover herb groups (D1, D2, D3, 3 groups), therapeutic control group (potassium sodium hydrogen citrate group, group E), 6 rats in each group. After 4 weeks, samples were collected to determine the urine and serum biochemical indexes of each group, and Von Kossa staining was used to detect kidney calcium oxalate crystals. Calcium oxalate crystal deposition in kidney tissues of rats was observed under polarization microscope, and the difference of efficacy between the two drug effects was determined by the percentage of positive area in photos and the urine and serum biochemical indexes. The measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and SNK- q test was used for comparison between two groups. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare crystal formation between groups. Results:Compared with the positive control group and christina loosestrife groups, high dose of snowbellleaf tickclover herb could significantly reduce serum creatinine level ( P<0.01), the mean serum creatinine of rats with christina loosestrife was (86.70±11.49) μmol/L, that of rats with snowbellleaf tickclover herb was (70.72±9.08) μmol/L, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). High dose of christina loosestrife and snowbellleaf tickclover herb could significantly increase urinary magnesium and decrease serum urea levels, and there was no statistical significance between them ( P>0.05). Compared with the positive control group, high dose of christina loosestrife ( P<0.000 1) and snowbellleaf tickclover herb ( P<0.000 1) could both inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals and protect the kidney of rats, and there was no statistical significance between the two effects ( P>0.05). The levels of urine pH value could not be increased, while the levels of urinary calcium urinary oxalic acid and 24 h urine volume, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum magnesium, blood uric acid and content of kidney oxalate could not be decreased significantly after using these two drugs. Conclusion:Snowbellleaf tickclover herb is better than christina loosestrife in preventing recurrence of kidney calcium oxalate calculi and protecting renal function.

Objective: To observe the anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the effect on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin-1 of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group. The EAT rat model was prepared by a combination of antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction. After the model was prepared, rats in the modeling group were randomly and equally divided into a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. In the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, moxibustion was alternately applied to two groups of points [Dazhui (GV14)-Mingmen (GV4) and Tiantu (CV22)-Guanyuan (CV4)], and the treatment continued for 30 d. Rats in the normal and model groups were only fixed identically without intervention. Histopathological manifestations of thyroid glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue. Results: There were massive follicular destruction, lymphocytic infiltration, and interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the thyroid glands in the model group. Some follicles of the thyroid glands were destroyed with few lymphocyte infiltrations and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the moxibustion group. Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in the model rats (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were reduced in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were increased in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue was negatively correlated with the serum levels of TPOAb and TGAb.Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion reduces the inflammatory response in the thyroid glands of EAT rats and lowers the levels of serum TPOAb and TGAb. This may be related to the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of the autophagy-associated factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rat thyroid tissue.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of conbercept in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC-CNV).Methods:A retrospective case study was performed.The medical records of 13 patients (14 eyes) diagnosed as chronic CSC-CNV in Hangzhou Branch of Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2015 to January 2018 were collected.All the study eyes received intravitreal injection of conbercept (0.05 ml/0.5 mg) under one intravitreal injection and pro re nata (PRN) treatment.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) before initial injection and 1 week, 1 month, 2, 3 and 6 months after initial injection were measured and analyzed.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki and written informed consent was obtained from each patient before initial injection.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hangzhou Branch of Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (No.2019-029-K-28).Results:During the 6-month follow-up, the mean administration times was 1.93±0.83, and all the CNV secondary to CSC did not grow outside the retinal pigment epithelium layer.The BCVA values before initial injection and 1 week, 1 month, 2, 3 and 6 months after initial injection were 0.51±0.32, 0.43±0.34, 0.36±0.35, 0.31±0.28, 0.27±0.29 and 0.26±0.30, respectively, with a significant difference among different time points ( F=21.225, P<0.05). The BCVA values at each time point after initial injection were significantly better than that before initial injection (all at P<0.05). The CMT values before initial injection and 1 week and 1 month, 2, 3, 6 months after initial injection were (299.07±132.90), (216.50±70.94), (203.00±61.87), (234.29±95.70), (194.21±46.46) and (207.43±55.46) μm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant among different time points ( F=3.768, P<0.05). The CMT values at each time point after initial injection were significantly better than that before initial injection (all at P<0.05). No severe treatment complications were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions:Intravitreal injection of conbercept is safe and can effectively reduce the CMT and improve BCVA of chronic CSC-CNV patients in the short term.

Objective:To investigate the prognostic significance of the lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC) after radical nephoureterectomy (RNU) and Gemcitabine and Cisplatin combination Chemotherapy (GC).Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with UTUC admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2013 to March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 50 males and 45 females; the average age was 63 years, ranged from 36 to 81 years. According to the situation of LVI, they were divided into LVI positive group ( n=25) and LVI negative group ( n=70). Chi-square test was used to analyze the clinicopathological parameters of the two groups of patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves of the overall survival (OS) time and recurrence-free survival (RFS) time of the two groups of patients. The difference between the two groups was used Log-Rank test. The risk factors related to OS and RFS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results:All patients were followed up for 2-82 months, with an average follow-up time of 36 months. Among them, 20(21.1%) died and 36(37.9%) relapsed. There were significant differences in T stage ( P=0.046), lymph node metastasis ( P=0.032), and tumor location ( P=0.019) between LVI negative group and LVI negative group. Univariate analysis showed that hydronephrosis ( P=0.026), lymph node metastasis( P=0.001), LVI ( P=0.001), chemotherapy cycle ( P=0.045) were correlated with OS; hydronephrosis ( P=0.031), tumor T stage ( P=0.013), lymph node metastasis ( P=0.004), LVI ( P=0.001) were significantly correlated with RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that hydronephrosis ( P=0.016), lymph node metastasis ( P=0.016), and LVI( P=0.003) were significantly correlated with OS. Lymph node metastasis ( P=0.018), LVI ( P=0.003) were significantly correlated with RFS. In conclusion, LVI was an independent risk factor for OS and RFS. The OS [(40.7±6.5) months for LVI positive group, (68.5±3.2) months for LVI negative group, χ2=15.750, P<0.001] and RFS [(31.0±5.7) months for LVI positive group, (58.0±8.8) months for LVI negative group, χ2=10.986, P=0.001] of patients with LVI positive group were worse than those with LVI negative group, the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions:LVI is more likely to be possitive in patients with high T stage, lymph node metastasis and single renal pelvis cancer, which provides a basis for risk stratification of patients with UTUC. After radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the benefit of OS and RFS in patients with positive LVI was significantly worse than that in patients with negative LVI.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of tumor recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy combined with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin(GC) systemic intravenous chemotherapy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), establish a recurrence risk prediction model, and conduct preliminary verification.Methods:One hundred and one cases of UTUC were analyzed from January 2013 to October 2019 in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University retrospectively. All patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy+ bladder cuff resection, and were treated with GC intravenous adjuvant chemotherapy, among which 19 underwent preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study collected general information and clinical characteristics of the patients, and follow up the patient's recurrence. Tumor recurrence and relapse free survival (RFS) were the main observation indexes. The patients were divided into the recurrent group and the non-recurrent group according to their recurrence. Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank methods were used to estimate and compare the RFS rates of the two groups. Univariate difference analysis was used to identify the indicators that were significantly different between patients in the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group, and the COX proportional hazard model was further used to explore the correlation between each factor and the tumor recurrence. According to the weights of relevant risk factors, an individual prognostic index (PI) equation was established, a recurrence prediction model was constructed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for verification.Results:One hundred and one patients were followed up for 2-82 months, with median 22 months. 40 patients had recurrence, including 32 in the bladder and 8 in the contralateral upper urinary. One-year RFS was 82.10%, two-year RFS was 68.90% and 5-year RFS was 42.10%. COX proportional risk model results showed that tumor hydronephrosis (X1), lymphovascular invasion (X2) and tumor T stage (X3) were independent risk factors, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy (X4) and chemotherapy cycle (X5) were independent protective factors. Individual PI equation =0.964X1+ 0.688X2+ 0.508X3-1.566 X4-0.675X5. The ROC curve was drawn to show that the optimal pointcut value was 179.5 when the Youden index was 0.537, the sensitivity of the model was 0.750, the specificity was 0.787, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.838(95% CI: 0.758-0.918). Conclusions:Hydronephrosis, tumor T stage, lymphovascular invasion, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemotherapy cycle are independent factors affecting the recurrence of UTUC patients. The multi-factor risk prediction model is suitable for evaluating the possibility of tumor recurrence after radical surgery combined with GC chemotherapy in UTUC patients, which can provide scientific evidence for the prognosis assessment of patients.

Objective To compared the macular blood flow parameters among myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), high myopia (HM) and normal subjects.Methods Retrospective study. Forty patients (40 eyes) diagnosed as mCNV (mCNV group) in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou from June 2016 to November 2018, age-matched, sex-matched and diopter-matched 40 HM patients (40 eyes, HM group), age-matched and sex-matched 40 healthy persons (40 eyes, normal group) were enrolled in this study. Retina superficial and deep vessel density, the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), a-circularity index (AI) and vessel density around the 300 μm width of the FAZ region (FD) on macular 3 mm×3 mm scan on OCTA of 3 groups were compared.Results There were significant differences in the average retina superficial, deep vessel density, the area of FAZ, AI and FD among 3 groups (F=24.82, 9.18, 3.58, 7.68, 14.15;P<0.05). The average retina superficial and deep vessel density and FD in mCNV group were lower than those in HM group (P<0.05). The average retina superficial and deep vessel density and FD in HM group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The average area of FAZ in mCNV group was smaller than that in control group (P<0.05). The average AI in mCNV group was less than that in the other 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusions The retina superficial, deep vessel density and FD decreased, the area and the form of FAZ remained unchanged in HM subjects comparing with normal subjects. While retina superficial, deep vessel density and FD decreased more, the area of FAZ reduced, the form of FAZ tend to be irregular in mCNV.

Objective To investigate the prognostic factors of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC).Methods The clinical and follow-up data of 80 patients with UTUC admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University from January 2013 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent UTUC radical surgery.All patients were treated with GC regimen:1,8,and 15 days,Gemcitabine 800 mg/m2,intravenous infusion over 30 min;day 2 Cisplatin 70 mg/m2,protected from light 2 h intravenous drip;28 d for 1 cycle.Adjuvant treatments such as acid suppression,hydration,and antiemetic were given before and after chemotherapy.Patients completed 1 to 5 cycles with an average of 2 cycles.The patient's age,gender,presence or absence of water,primary tumor site,tumor stage and grade,lymphatic vascular infiltration,tumor recurrence,lymph node metastasis,organ metastasis,chemotherapy cycle,total Survival,etc.are used as indicators ofobservation.Univariate analysis of the patient's overall survival,screening for clinical variables associated with prognosis,and then using the COX proportional hazards model for multivariate prognostic analysis to determine independent influencing factors.Results Eighty patients with UTUC were followed up for 2 to 72 months with a median follow-up of 27 months.Sixteen patients (20％) died of UTUC recurrence or metastasis,and 64 (80％) patients survived.The 1-year cumulative survival rate was 78.26％ (18/23),and the 2-year cumulative survival rate was 54.18％ (9/13 ×78.26％),the 3-year cumulative survival rate was 39.41％ (8/1 1 × 54.18％),the 4-year cumulative survival rate was 31.53％ (12/15 × 39.41％),and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 28.66％ (10/11 × 31.53％).Univariate analysis showed combined hydronephrosis (P =0.023),lymphatic vessel infiltration (LVI) (P =0.001),tumor TNM stage (P =0.002),tumor recurrence (P =0.008),simple lymph node metastasis (P =0.005),organ metastasis (P ＜ 0.001) was related to survival rate.COX model multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors associated with survival of patients with UTUC receiving chemotherapy with GC regimen were hydronephrosis (HR =4.355,95％CI:1.232-15.390,P=0.022),LVI (HR =0.133,95％ CI:0.035-0.509,P=0.003),TNM stage (HR=0.099,95％CI:0.010-0.929,P=0.043).Conclusion The presence or absence of hydronephrosis,LVI,and tumor TNM staging are independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with UTUC who have adjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects and safety of clinical common symptoms of active Crohn's disease at the mild and moderate stages treated with acupuncture and moxibustion.

METHODSOne hundred and two patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 51 cases in each one. Herb-partition moxibustion and acupuncture were used in the observation group. Herbal cakes with(),(),(),(),(),() and() as the main ingredients were used on Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongwan (CV 12); acupuncture was used at Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3), Gongsun (SP 4) and Taichong (LR 3). Bran-partition moxibustion and shallow acupuncture were applied in the control group. Wheat bran-partition moxibustion in the shape of cake was implemented on the same acupoints as the observation group; shallow acupuncture was used 1~2 cm next to the acupoints. Treatment was given three times a week for 12 weeks, 36 times totally. Clinical effects of eight symptoms were evaluated by TCM symptom score, and the symptoms included abdominal pain (degree, frequency, time), diarrhoea (number, shape and frequency), fatigue, anorexia, borborygmus andflatus, fear of cold, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, tenesmus.

RESULTSAfter 12-week treatment, the eight symptoms were improved apparently (all<0.05), with the scores of abdominal pain (degree, frequency, time), diarrhoea (shape and frequency), fatigue and anorexia in the observation group decreasing more obviously (all<0.01). There was no statistical significance about the other symptom scores between the two groups (all>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHerb-partition moxibustion combined with acupuncture achieve safety and efficacy for mild and moderate Crohn's disease, and can improve the clinical common symptoms. Furthermore, their effects on abdominal pain (degree, frequency, time), diarrhoea (shape and frequency), fatigue and anorexia are better than those of bran-partition moxibustion and shallow acupuncture.