1.An Approach for Grading Syndrome Suitability of Dietary Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lixia YUAN ; Jianrong CHEN ; Xunxun YUAN ; Sheng XU ; Weifeng ZHU ; Xu ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1888-1894
Clarifying the applicability (indications or contraindications) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dietary regimens to different syndromes is a guarantee for the rational application and safety of TCM dietary therapy. By considering evidence from ancient literature, modern research and experts' experience, the Grading System for Syndrome Suitability of Dietary Therapy in TCM (GRADE-SSD) has been constructed. According to the currently available highest-quality evidence, GRADE-SSD classified the applicability of TCM dietary therapy to various TCM syndromes into 2 categories and 4 grades: "definitely" applicable/contradicted (Grade A), "very likely" applicable/contradicted (Grade B), "possibly" applicable/contradicted (Grade C), and insufficient evidence to determine (Grade D). When applying, first, systematically search the currently available ancient books and clinical research evidence. For different types of evidence (ancient TCM books, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses), use the prescribed tools to evaluate the quality of the evidence, and then determine the applicability level of TCM syndromes of dietary therapy based on the principle of "taking the highest" quality. If there is a lack of direct evidence, GRADE-SSD supports a downgraded evaluation based on indirect evidence of "similar prescriptions". When there is a lack of ancient books and clinical research, the GRADE-SSD plan can evaluate the quality of evidence from peer consensus or expert opinions for the applicability level of TCM syndromes of dietary therapy. Based on the requirements for the safety of TCM dietary therapy, when there is both "applicable" and "contradicted" evidence, it should be considered as "contradicted" evidence. GRADE-SSD also provides an evidence certainty update plan based on new evidence in the future. The evaluation results of GRADE-SSD can provide a basis for setting inclusion/exclusion criteria in clinical trials of TCM dietary therapy and stating the applicability of each syndrome in the labels of dietary therapy products.
2.Clinical features and prognoses of cerebral syphilitic gumma
Wenlu YE ; Jili BAO ; Sheng ZHUANG ; Kangping XIONG ; Xuping ZHOU ; Weifeng LUO ; Yixian HUANG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(4):366-371
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, serological and cerebrospinal fluid test results for syphilis, imaging features, and prognoses of cerebral syphilitic gumma.Methods:The clinical data of 1 patient with cerebral syphilitic gumma admitted to Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Papers about cerebral syphilitic gumma were searched from journals in Journal Citation Reports Q1 from 2000 to 2019, journals from 2020 to 2024 in PubMed, WOS, Embase, and Scopus databases, and journals from 2000 to 2024 in Wanfang Database, CNKI, and VIP database; the clinical data of 54 patients with cerebral syphilitic gumma reported in above databases and 1 patient in our hospital were collected for pooled analysis.Results:The main clinical manifestations of 55 cerebral syphilitic gumma patients included headache (32, 58.2%), lateral limb/facial weakness (25, 45.5%), nausea and vomiting (14, 25.5%), dizziness (11, 20.0%), sensory disturbances (10, 18.2%), blurred vision (7, 12.7%), seizure (5, 9.1%)), hearing loss (5, 9.1%), tinnitus (5, 9.1%), memory loss (3, 5.5%), aphasia (3, 5.5%), dysarthria (2, 3.6%), drop attack (2, 3.6%), weakness in opening eyes (2, 3.6%), unresponsiveness (1, 1.8%), Argyll-Robertson pupil (1, 1.8%), tabes dorsalis gait (1, 1.8%), and fever (1, 1.8%). In 51 patients who reported complete serologic test results, 45 patients (88.2%) were positive for non-specific antibodies to syphilis, and all patients were positive for specific antibodies to syphilis. In 34 patients underwent cerebrospinal fluid examination, 25 (73.5%) were positive for non-specific antibodies to syphilis, and 32 (94.1%) were positive for specific antibodies to syphilis. Isolated intracranial lesion (43, 78.2%) was mostly common in imaging test, and the frequently involved cranial sites were, orderly, the frontal lobe (14, 25.5%), parietal lobe (14, 25.5%), temporal lobe (5, 9.1%), frontotemporal lobe (3, 5.5%), frontoparietal lobe (2, 3.6%), parieto-occipital lobe (2, 3.6%), nucleus pulposus (1, 1.8%), clivus (1/55, 1.8%), and cerebral peduncle of the midbrain (1, 1.8%). Thirty patients (54.5%) were misdiagnosed as having other intracranial space-occupied diseases, orderly, glioma (11, 36.7%), metastatic tumors (5, 16.7%), meningiomas (4, 13.3%), other unexplained intracranial space-occupying (4, 13.3%), brain abscess (3, 10.0%), cavernous hemangioma (1, 3.3%), intracranial lymphoma (1, 3.3%), auditory nerve and pituitary tumors (1, 3.3%). Of the 42 patients who reported prognosis after anti-syphilitic treatments, 41 had varying degrees of improvement, and one died of brain herniation.Conclusion:Because of atypical clinical manifestations and lack of clear diagnostic criteria, cerebral syphilitic gumma is often misdiagnosed as intracranial tumors; cerebral syphilitic gumma should be considered in patients with positive non-specific antibodies to syphilis/specific antibodies to syphilis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid having neurological symptoms and intracranial space-occupied foci; timely diagnosed and treated patients can prognosed well.
3.Prevalence and risk factors of restless legs syndrome in peritoneal dialysis patients
Zhoubing ZHAN ; Yingying XU ; Yixian HUANG ; Peiran YIN ; Ying LU ; Sheng FENG ; Linsen JIANG ; Zhi WANG ; Kai SONG ; Huaying SHEN ; Weifeng LUO
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2019;35(1):36-42
Objective To investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in peritoneal dialysis patients and analyze the related risk factors.Methods This study was a cross-sectional study.The patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis from January 2017 to December 2017 in the Peritoneal Dialysis Center of the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University were selected as the study subjects.RLS was screened for peritoneal dialysis patients by epidemiological field investigation based on the RLS diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Leg Syndrome Research Group in 2014.Clinical data and laboratory examinations of selected patients were collected and the differences of clinical indicators between RLS and non-RLS patients were compared.The risk factors related to RLS were analyzed by logistic regression.Results Seventy-six cases of RLS were screened out from 396 PD patients.The prevalence of RLS was 19.2%.Compared with non-RLS group,RLS group patients had longer dialysis age,less 24 hours urine volume,and elevated blood intact Parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) (all P < 0.05).There was no significant difference in primary disease ratio,sex,age,body mass index,blood pressure,hemoglobin,creatinine,urea nitrogen,uric acid,ferritin,serum iron,transferrin saturation,blood calcium,blood phosphorus,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein,high density lipoprotein,eGFR,Kt/V,Ccr between RLS and non-RLS group patients (all P > 0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long dialysis age (OR=1.010,95%CI 1.001-1.018,P=0.022) and high blood AKP (OR=1.005,95%CI 1.001-1.010,P=0.021) were independent risk factors for RLS in peritoneal dialysis patients (both P < 0.05).Conclusions The prevalence of RLS is high in peritoneal dialysis patients.Long dialysis age and high blood AKP are independent risk factors for RLS.
4.Transcranial sonography in patients with Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease
Zhifen DONG ; Yingchun ZHANG ; Yujing SHENG ; Caishan WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Hua HU ; Weifeng LUO ; Chunfeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2017;33(4):514-517
Objective To assess the features of transcranial sonography (TCS) in Parkinson disease (PD) and Alzheimer disease (AD).Methods Totally 38 PD patients (PD group),28 AD patients (AD group) and 26 controls (control group)underwent TCS.The echogenicity of the substantia nigra,widths of third ventricle and parameters of middle cerebral artery among the three groups were analyzed.Results The ratio of hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra in PD group (31/38,81.58%) were higher than those in AD group (8/28,28.57%) and control group (3/26,11.54%;x2 =18.74,30.41,both P<0.001),and there was no significant difference in hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra between AD group and control group (x2 =2.41,P=0.120).The widths of third ventricle in AD group ([0.82±0.14]cm) were wider than those in PD group ([0.63±±0.16]cm) and control group ([0.56±0.16]cm,both P<0.001),and there was no significant difference in widths of third ventricle between PD group and control group (P=0.098).The mean velocities in bilateral middle cerebral artery in AD group were lower than that of in PD group and in control group (all P<0.05).The pulsatility index in right middle cerebral artery in AD group were greater than that in PD group and control group (both P<0.05).Conclusion According to the changes of echogenicity of substantia nigra,widths of third ventricle and parameters of middle cerebral artery,TCS may provide some useful information for diagnosis of PD and AD.
5.Neuroimaging characteristics of transcranial sonography in Parkinson's disease patients with depression
Caishan WANG ; Yingchun ZHANG ; Yujing SHENG ; Hanbing CHEN ; Hua HU ; Weifeng LUO ; Chunfeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2017;50(7):484-488
Objective To discuss the neuroimaging characteristics of transcranial ultrasound in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with or without depression.Methods Transcranial sonography (TCS) was performed in PD patients with depression (PDD +,n =50),PD patients without depression (PDD-,n =50),depression patients (D,n =50) and healthy controls (n =50),who were enrolled in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2010 to July 2016.The differences of the neuroimaging characteristics of TCS in brainstem raphe (BR) and substantia nigra (SN) in four groups were analyzed.According to the degree of depression,PDD + and D groups were divided into three subgroups:mild,moderate and severe depression,and the differences of echo characteristics in BR were analyzed among the subgroups.Results The rate of abnormal BR echogenicity was significantly higher in PDD + (78.0%,39/50) and D (82.0%,41/50) groups than that in PDD-(18.0%,9/50) and healthy control (10.0%,5/50) groups (x2 =87.80,P <0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference among the subgroups (PDD + group,P =0.98;D group,P =0.57).The rate of SN hyperechogenicity was significantly higher in PDD + (80.0%,40/50) and PDD-(86.0%,43/50) groups than that in D (8.0%,4/50) and healthy control (10.0%,5/50) groups (x2 =110.07,P< 0.01).Conclusion The echogenicity changes of BR and SN on TCS could provide some useful neuroimaging information for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PDD-from PDD +.
6.Effects of shenfu injection on the awakening quality of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy after general anesthesia
Hengwei SHENG ; Jingjing SHEN ; Weifeng TU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2015;(13):2098-2100
Objective To observe the effects of shenfu injection (SFI) on the awakening quality of the patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy under general anethesia. Methods Forty patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatic insufficiency (ASA classⅡ~Ⅲ) underwent splenectomy by general anesthesia. Patients were all sent into the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) shortly after the operation with unconscious and no spontaneously breathing. They were randomly divided into two groups: SFI treatment group (Group SFI, n =20) and normal saline controlled group (Group NSC, n = 20). SFI group were treated with SFI (1 mL/kg, i. v.) in 10 minutes, and NSC group were treated with normal saline (1 mL/kg,i.v.). The time of eyes opening, extubation of tracheal catheter and the detention time of PACU were recorded. The heart rate (HR) and the average artery presses (MAP) were monitored at 4 time points: before SFI and normal saline administration, 5 min, 15 min, and 45 min after administration. The incidence of restlessness during the patients awakening period was also recorded. Results The time of eyes opening, extubation and the detention time of PACU of SFI group show no significant difference compared with the NSC group (P > 0.05). SFI and normal saline intravenous injection did not cause significant changes on HR and MAP at the time of 5 min , 15 min and 45 min compared to the time of before administration (P > 0.05). The incidence of restlessness during the patients resuscitation period in SFI group were lower than in NSC group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Shenfu injection can effectively improve the awakening quality and decrease the incidence of restlessness of the patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy under general anesthesia during the awakening period in PACU.
7.The cross immune responses of the rhesus monkey induced by the E style Chlamydia trachomatis recombinant major outer membrane protein
Yiju LEE ; Weifeng YAO ; Xiaofei ZHAN ; Jing WANG ; Caihong SHENG ; Yanfei LI ; Bin FENG ; Yuanjun LIU ; Manli QI ; Quanzhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2012;32(2):161-165
Objective To test cross immune responses induced in rhesus monkeys immunized with the recombinant major outer membrane protein(rMOMP).Methods Six rhesus monkeys were divided into three groups:the group vaccinated with purified rMOMP and Freund's adjutants,the group vaccinated with Freund's adjutants only and the control group vaccinated with PBS.All of the rhesus monkeys vaccinated intramuscularly at 0,2,4 weeks.Two weeks after the last time,The IFN-γand Chlamydia-specific antibody titers in sera,which were determined by ELISA,lymphocyte proliferation assay were performed by MTT,and observ the delayed hypersensitivity and in vitro neutralization assays.Results The result of the monkeys immunized with rMOMP and Freund's adjuvant:the specific immune responses can be observed.The in vitro neutralization and lymphocyte proliferation assays were observed better in the same group.Conclusion After being vaccinated with rMOMP,the monkeys can develop strong and effective Chlamydia-specific cross immune responses.
8.Immune responses induced by the recombinant major outer membrane protein vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis E serotype in rhesus monkeys
Yiju LEE ; Weifeng YAO ; Caihong SHENG ; Bin FENG ; Xiaofei ZHAN ; Lingjie LI ; Cong YOU ; Yanfei LI ; Ynanjun LIU ; Manli QI ; Quanzhong HU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2012;45(7):492-495
[Objective] To observe the specific immune responses induced by the recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis E serotype in rhesus monkeys.[Methods] Six rhesus monkeys were equally divided into three groups:adjuvant and protein group vaccinated with purified rMOMP and Freund's adjuvants,adjuvant group immunized with Freund's adjuvants only,and control group immunized with phosphate buffer.All the rhesus monkeys were intramuscularly immunized in the triceps brachii for 3 times at a 2-week interval.Two weeks after the last vaccination,serum,vaginal wash and venous blood samples were collected from the rhesus monkeys,and lymphocytes were isolated from the blood samples.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the specific IgG antibody and interferon level in sera and secretory IgA (sIgA) level in wash samples,and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay to evaluate the proliferation of lymphocytes after stimulation with Chlaraydia trachomatis serotype E elementary bodies.Delayed hypersensitivity was observed in rhesus monkeys challenged by inactivated Chlamydia trachomatis serotype E elementary bodies.In vitro antibody neutralization assay was conducted with the serum from rhesus monkeys.Indirect immunofluorescenee was used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis in exfoliative vaginal cells from rhesus monkeys from week 1 to 10 after challenge with Chlamydia trachomatis.Data were statistically analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) test with the SPSS 14.0 software.[Results] The adjuvant and protein group differed statistically from the adjuvant group and control group in the serum level of specific IgG antibody (1.718 ± 0.213 vs.0.841 ± 0.315 and 0.791 ±0.437,both P< 0.05),interferon ((1086 ± 121.730) ng/L vs.(409 + 53.440) ng/L and (162 ± 48.046) ng/L,both P< 0.05),lymphocyte proliferation index (7.012 ± 1.026 vs.4.473 ± 1.850 and 1A26 ± 1.104,both P<0.01 ) and the diameter of nodus in delayed hypersensitivity assay ( ( 1 1 ± 2.134) mm vs.(3 ± 0.914) mm and 0,both P < 0.01 ).After attack,the exfoliative cells kept positive for Chlamydia trachomatis in the adjuvant and protein group from week 1 to 5,and in the other 2 groups from week 1 to 10,but were negative in the adjuvant and protein group from week 6 to 10.[Conclusion] The rMOMP vaccine can induce a specific,protective,humoral and cellular immune response against Chlamydia tracbomatis in rhesus monkeys.
9.The study transcranial sonography on Parkinson' s disease and essential tremor
Yingchun ZHANG ; Junchu FANG ; Yujing SHENG ; Weifeng LUO ; Chunfeng. LIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2011;44(9):590-593
ObjectiveTo determine the validity of transcranial sonography (TCS) in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET). MethodsTCS was performed in 100 patients with PD, 33 patients with ET and 100 normal controls in a blind manner. The echo signal intensity of the substantia nigra was classified into grade Ⅰ-Ⅴ for semi-quantitative analysis.When the echo intensity was gradeⅢ or more,it was deemed as abnormal and the area of the substantia nigra hyperechogenicity would be measured and its ratio to the area of the whole midbrain ( S/M ) would be calculated. Results ( 1 ) Semi-quantitative analysis: the ratio of the persons whose echo intensity of the substantia nigra was grade Ⅲ or more was greater (76. 00% ,76/100) in PD than ET (9. 09%, 3/33) and normal controls ( 13.00%, 13/100; x2 = 130. 622, P <0. 01 ). However, there was no difference between ET and controls. (2) Quantitative analysis: the median and quartile range of the area of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and S/M were greater in PD patients ( O. 54 ( 0. 57 ), 11.03 ( 9. 00 ) ) than ET ( 0. 00(0.04), 0.00(1.55),H= 42.39,42.19, both P<0. 01, respectively) and normal controls (0.00(0. 00), 0. 00 (0. 00 ), H = 121.86,121.47, both P < 0. 01, respectively), and there was no difference between ET and controls. (3) Using the area of hyperechogenicity ≥0. 20 cm2 or S/M ≥ 7% as a cut off for predicting PD, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 85.39%, 78. 38% and 81.50% or 86. 02%,81.31% and 83.50% ,respectively. But there was no significant difference for the accuracy (Z = 0. 683,P > 0. 05). ConclusionTCS might find the specific hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra in PD patients,providing useful information to distinguish PD from ET.
10.Construction of models for persistent genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in mice with low serum iron
Yong LIU ; Yuanjun LIU ; Weifeng YAO ; Caihong SHENG ; Hui ZHU ; Yan LI ; Quanzhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2010;43(10):702-704
Objective To construct a model for persistent genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in mice with low serum iron. Methods Iron deficiency was induced in female BALB/c mice by lowiron diet. Mice with or without iron-deficency were inoculated intravaginally with direct instillation of 50 μl of bacterial suspension containing 3.4344 × 107 IFU/ml of C. trachomatis serovar E elementary body 1 week after intramuscular injection of progesterone. Moxifloxacin and ferrous sulfate, alone or in combination were given to inoculated mice with iron deficiency daily for 1 week. Subsequently, vaginal discharge was obtained from mice and observed under an immunofluorescence microscope, and tissue specimens were resected from the uterus,uterine tube and ovary of mice and subjected to pathological examination at various time points. Results Compared with normal-iron mice, iron-deficient mice were infected with C. trachomatis for a longer duration (more than 18 weeks). After 18-week infection with C. trachomatis, there was an obvious chronic inflammation and lymphocytic infiltration in tissues specimens from the uterus,uterine tube and ovary of mice. Immunofluorescent examination of vaginal discharge for C. trachomatis turned negative in 60% of iron-deficient mice treated with both moxifloxacin and ferrous sulfate, but not in any of those receiving moxifloxacin or ferrous sulfate alone. Conclusion As animal models show, low serum iron may contribute to the persistent genital tract infection with C. trachomatis.

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