1.Randomized Controlled Clinical Observation on Bushen Ruyan Formulation (补肾乳岩方) in Treating 44 Cases of Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients of Disharmony of the Chong (冲) and Ren (任) Meridian Type under Endocrine Intensive Therapy
Zepeng WANG ; Xufeng CHENG ; Jiangshan YUAN ; Ruidong LIU ; Qi LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):817-825
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Bushen Ruyan Formulation (补肾乳岩方, BRF) in treating premenopausal breast cancer patients of disharmony of the chong (冲) and ren (任) meridian type under endocrine intensive therapy. MethodsA total of 88 premenopausal breast cancer patients who received endocrine intensive therapy and were diagnosed with disharmony of the chong and ren meridian by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were included and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group received ovarian function suppression (OFS) combined with endocrine therapy, while the treatment group was given oral BRF additionally. Both groups were treated for three months. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-treatment results of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), modified Kupperman score, T cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+), sex hormone levels, including estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL), tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), and carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153), TCM syndrome score, and TCM syndrome efficacy. Blood routine tests, liver function and kidney function were monitored to assess safety. ResultsThe FACT-B scores of each domains and the total scores of the treatment group increased, while the social/family status score of the control group decreased. The treatment group had significantly higher scores in all domains and total score compared to the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The modified Kupperman score and TCM syndrome score of the treatment group decreased, and were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The levels of CD3+ and CD4+ in the treatment group increased, and were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Serum testosterone levels in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was 67.44%, significantly higher than the 23.26% in the control group (P<0.05). No significant abnormalities were observed in the blood routine tests or liver/kidney function indicators in either group before or after treatment. ConclusionBRF can effectively improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, increase serum CD3+ and CD4+ levels, and enhance clinical efficacy in premenopausal breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine intensive endocrine therapy. It is also safe with no significant adverse effects.
2.A study on the hearing protection and intervention effects of silicone earplug usage among manufacturing workers
Xiaoxu LIU ; Xi ZHONG ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Zepeng LI ; Shibiao SU ; Meibian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(6):442-446
Objective:To assess the efficacy of silicone earplugs in protecting workers exposed to noise in a typical manufacturing environment, and to provide training interventions for workers who do not achieve the anticipated noise reduction levels, as well as examining the spectral characteristics of earplug attenuation.Methods:From June to August 2022, a total of 294 noise-exposed workers in two manufacturing enterprises equipped with the same type of earplug were studied by cluster sampling method, by conducting questionnaire surveys, collecting data, fitting tests, and providing trainings, the current noise exposure levels of workers in the industry as well as the perception about the earplug were understood. Additionally, the attenuation before and after intervention in workplace were measured, the spectral characteristics of noise reduction were were described and compared.Results:The percentage of workers with Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) of 0 is 32.7% (96/294), and the baseline pass rates are all below 60%. There were no significant differences in pass rates based on gender, age, noise exposure, education level, or cognition of earplug effectiveness. After adjusting the way that earplugs are worn or changing the type of earplugs, all workers were able to meet their noise reduction requirements. The median PAR improvement for both companies is above 10 dB. The noise attenuation of the earplug vary with frequency, with lower attenuation at 4 000 Hz and higher attenuation at 8 000 Hz, showing some deviation from the nominal values.Conclusion:The difference between the actual sound attenuation value of earplugs and the nominal value is related to the noise frequency. When using silicone earplugs, attention should be paid to the spectral composition of the noise in the workplace.
3.The feasibility study of different scan protocols in coronary CT angiography of overweight patients based on wide-detector
Zhichao LIU ; Sai ZHAO ; Zepeng MA ; Yiwen LIU ; Xueran LI ; Mengyi CAI ; Yongxia ZHAO
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(7):1160-1164
Objective To investigate the image quality,radiation dose and contrast medium(CM)intake in coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)of overweight patients based on wide-detector using different tube voltages and CM of different concentrations.Methods A total of 150 overweight patients[body mass index(BMI)≥ 25 kg/m2]who underwent CCTA were divided into three groups according to scan protocols:group A(120 kVp,370 mg I/mL CM),group B(100 kVp,350 mg I/mL CM),and group C(80 kVp,320 mg I/mL CM),with each group had 50 patients.The mean CT value,mean signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),mean contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR),figure of merit(FOM)of all images were measured and calculated.Images were assessed using a 5-point scale by two radiologists.The volume CT dose index(CTDIvol)and dose length product(DLP)of each patient were recorded and the effective dose(ED)was calculated.The total iodine intake values of patients in three groups were calculated.The above data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Results The mean CT value,mean SNR,mean CNR,and mean subjective score of groups B and C were significantly higher than those of group A(P<0.001),but there was no significant difference between groups B and C(P>0.05).The FOM value of groups B and C was significantly higher than that of group A(P<0.001),and the FOM value of group B was significantly lower than that of group C(P<0.001).The total iodine intake values of groups B and C was significantly lower than that of group A(P<0.001).The ED and total iodine intake values in groups B and C were 30.34%,68.53%and 10.22%,16.85%lower than those in group A,respectively(P<0.001).Conclusion Under the premise of ensuring image quality,the lower tube voltage and lower concentration of CM based on wide-detector allows for significant reduction in radiation dose and total iodine intake in CCTA for overweight patients compared to routine scan protocols.
4.A study on the hearing protection and intervention effects of silicone earplug usage among manufacturing workers
Xiaoxu LIU ; Xi ZHONG ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Zepeng LI ; Shibiao SU ; Meibian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(6):442-446
Objective:To assess the efficacy of silicone earplugs in protecting workers exposed to noise in a typical manufacturing environment, and to provide training interventions for workers who do not achieve the anticipated noise reduction levels, as well as examining the spectral characteristics of earplug attenuation.Methods:From June to August 2022, a total of 294 noise-exposed workers in two manufacturing enterprises equipped with the same type of earplug were studied by cluster sampling method, by conducting questionnaire surveys, collecting data, fitting tests, and providing trainings, the current noise exposure levels of workers in the industry as well as the perception about the earplug were understood. Additionally, the attenuation before and after intervention in workplace were measured, the spectral characteristics of noise reduction were were described and compared.Results:The percentage of workers with Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) of 0 is 32.7% (96/294), and the baseline pass rates are all below 60%. There were no significant differences in pass rates based on gender, age, noise exposure, education level, or cognition of earplug effectiveness. After adjusting the way that earplugs are worn or changing the type of earplugs, all workers were able to meet their noise reduction requirements. The median PAR improvement for both companies is above 10 dB. The noise attenuation of the earplug vary with frequency, with lower attenuation at 4 000 Hz and higher attenuation at 8 000 Hz, showing some deviation from the nominal values.Conclusion:The difference between the actual sound attenuation value of earplugs and the nominal value is related to the noise frequency. When using silicone earplugs, attention should be paid to the spectral composition of the noise in the workplace.
5.Intravascular ultrasound assisted endovascular therapy for renal artery stenosis
Guifang TAN ; Zepeng SHI ; Zhigang LIU ; Shen LI ; Chunyu YU ; Meng ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rong XING ; Chunmei ZHANG ; Yong QIAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(11):654-658
Objective To observe the value of intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)for assisting endovascular therapy for renal artery stenosis(RAS).Methods Thirty patients with RAS who underwent endovascular therapy were retrospectively analyzed.Parameters of renal artery and plaques in RAS segment measured with CT angiography(CTA)and IVUS before treatment were compared.Bland-Altman diagram was performed to evaluate the consistency of lumen cross-sectional stenosis rate and plaque eccentricity index between CTA and IVUS.The stent parameters measured with IVUS were recorded immediately after implantation of balloon-expandable covered stents.Results Before treatment,the minimum lumen diameter,lumen cross-sectional stenosis rate and stenotic segment length of IVUS were all larger,while maximum lumen diameter and lumen eccentricity index of IVUS were both smaller than those of CTA(all P<0.05).No significant difference of plaque eccentricity index,plaque type nor stenosis distal remodeling was found between CTA and IVUS(all P>0.05).The average difference between IVUS and CTA for evaluating lumen cross-sectional stenosis rate and plaque eccentricity index was-0.020(-0.096,0.050)and-0.020(-0.130,0.091),respectively.The consistency of IVUS and CTA for evaluating plaque eccentricity index was better than that of lumen cross-sectional stenosis rate.The stent symmetry,stent eccentricity index,stent expansion coefficient and stenosis coverage rate immediately after implantation measured with IVUS was(82.69±14.61)%,(1.54±9.16)%,(99.81±10.70)%and 100%,respectively.Among 30 cases,2 cases(2/30,6.67%)underwent postdilation since poor stent apposition.Conclusion IVUS could assist evaluating lumen and plaque parameters of stenotic renal arteries,guiding stent release and real-timely monitoring the effect of endovascular therapy.
6.Analysis of drug resistance phenotypes and drug resistance genes of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates of human-animal-environment sources from a self-breeding pig farm in Xinjiang
Panpan XIA ; Huimin WU ; Wanzhao CHEN ; Chenhui ZHANG ; Peicong LAN ; Zepeng LIU ; Rui TIAN ; Lining XIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(7):1430-1437
In order to understand the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faeca-lis(E.faecalis)and Enterococcus faecium(E.faecium)isolated from human,pig and environ-ment in a Xinjiang pig farm,and to investigate the prevalence and potential harm of antimicrobial resistance genes,858 fecal samples from pig farm workers,anal swabs from pig and environment were collected for isolation,identification,antimicrobial susceptibility test and drug resistance gene detection.The results showed that 429 strains of E.faecalis and 222 strains of E.faecium were i-solated.The distribution of Enterococcus species varied among different sources.The isolation rate of E.faecalis was higher in pig anal swabs(73.1%,309/423)and human fecal samples(68.4%,26/38).E.faecium(42.3%,168/397)was mainly isolated from environmental samples.The drug resistance of E.faecalis and E.faecium isolated from pigs was similar to that of E.faecium isola-ted from environment.The drug resistance rates of E.faecalis and E.faecium isolated from pigs were more serious than those from humans to tetracycline,doxycycline,florfenicol and erythromy-cin,and they were more sensitive to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.More than 30.0%of E.faecalis and E.faecium isolated from pigs and environment were intermediate to linezolid.E.faecalis from three sources and E.faecium from environmental sources were mainly resistant to five drugs,while E.faecium from pigs was mainly resistant to six drugs.The detection rates of tet(M)and tet(L)genes in E.faecalis and E.faecium isolates from human,animal and environmental sources were more than 70.0%,which was consistent with the results of drug sensitivity.In addition,the cfr,optrA and poxtA genes that mediate oxazolidinone resistance were detected to varying extent.The cfr gene was only detected in four E.faecalis isolates from swine,one E.faecalis isolate from environment and two E.faecium isolates from environment.The positive rate of optrA gene in E.faecium isolated from pigs and environment was higher than that from humans,and the posi-tive rate was more than 60.0%.The positive rate of poxtA gene in E.faecium isolated from pigs and humans was more than 45.0%.The similar drug resistance situation suggests that there is the phenomenon of mutual contamination of drug-resistant bacteria in human-animal-environment.Therefore,we should consider from the perspective of one health,formulate comprehensive disin-fection and control programs,block the transmission route of drug-resistant strains and drug re-sistance genes between human-animal-environment,standardize the use of antibiotics,and reduce the enrichment of antibiotics in human-animal-environment,so as to reduce the risk of drug-resist-ant bacteria.
7.The value of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) in abdominal CT enhancement scanning of overweight and obese patients
Kai GAO ; Zepeng MA ; Tianle ZHANG ; Ziyan LIU ; Wei DING ; Yongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(11):971-978
Objective:To compare the image quality, radiation dose, and total iodine content of abdominal computed tomography (CT) enhancement scanning of overweight and obese patients with different scanning protocols, and to explore the optimal keV image serial for abdominal CT.Methods:A total of 90 overweight or obese patients [24 kg/m 2 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 28 kg/m 2 or BMI ≥ 28 kg/m 2] were divied into groups A, B and C, with 30 patients in each group. Group A used Gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) mode and contrast medium with 320 mg I/ml, group B used low tube voltage mode (100 kVp) and contrast medium with 370 mg I/ml, and group C used conventional tube voltage mode (120 kVp) and contrast medium with 370 mg I/ml. Monochromatic energy images at 50-70 keV (5 keV interval) were reconstructed for the arterial and portal vein phases of group A. Radiation dose and total iodine content were recorded and calculated for the 3 groups. The region of interest was placed on the organ, blood vessel, and erector spinae muscle at same level. The CT values and image noise values were measured, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. All images were scored subjectively in double-blinded by two radiologists. One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare The CT values, CNRs, and subjective scores of each subgroup image in group A, group B and group C, and the radiation doses and total iodine contents in 3 groups were compared. The optimal keV value for group A was selected. Results:At 50-60 keV, the CT values and CNRs of arterial and portal vein phases in group A were higher ( P < 0.05) than or similar to those in groups B and C ( P > 0.05), and the subjective scores were lower than those of groups B and C at 50 and 55 keV ( H = 34.47, 41.27, P < 0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference at 60 keV ( P > 0.05). At 65 and 70 keV, only the CT value and CNR of the renal cortex in group A at the 65 keV of arterial phase were higher than those in groups B and C ( F = 102.38, 29.47, P < 0.001). The subjective scores were not significantly between groups B and C ( P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant difference between CT values, CNRs, or subjective scores in group B and group C ( P > 0.05). The effective doses in groups A and B were 24.72% and 25.78% lower than those in group C, respectively. Compared to groups B and C, the total iodine content in group A decreased by 12.50% and 13.34%, respectively. Conclusions:GSI model combined with a low-concentration contrast medium in abdominal CT for overweight and obese patients can meet the image quality requirements while reducing patient total iodine content and radiation dose. The optimal keV value of enhanced abdominal CT for double phases was 60 keV.
8.Letter 2 regarding “Assessing the performance of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma”
Yiwen ZHANG ; Liwei WU ; Zepeng MU ; Linlin REN ; Ying CHEN ; Hanyun LIU ; Lili XU ; Yangang WANG ; Yaxing WANG ; Susan CHENG ; Yih Chung THAM ; Bin SHENG ; Tien Yin WONG ; Hongwei JI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(1):113-117
9.Short-term effects of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of acute type A aortic dissection
Xuezhi HE ; Feng GAO ; Yang GAO ; Lei SHI ; Xijing ZHUANG ; Wei LIU ; Wenjun WANG ; Zepeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2022;29(03):371-376
Objective To evaluate the short-term therapeutic effect of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods From November 2019 to July 2020, 28 patients with ATAAD were treated by extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, including 19 males and 9 females, aged 60.11±11.11 years. The intima of the ascending aorta was trimed to 5 mm above the sinotubular junction. The adventitia of the ascending aorta was longitudinally cut to the reserved intima margin along the junction of the three aortic valves. The extended adventitial inversion was sutured continuously, no coronary sinus was sutured over the aortic annulus, and the left and right coronary sinus was sutured above the coronary ostium. The anastomotic graft was everted and inserted into the aortic lumen, and the everted graft was continuously sutured at the level of sinotubular junction which was 5 mm away from the edge of graft. Results There was no intraoperative death, intractable root hemorrhage, residual root false lumen, root dilatation, anastomotic hematoma or other complications. There was no recurrence of the pain in the back of all patients, and the results of the CT angiography were not significantly changed. In 22 patients with no regurgitation, only 1 (4.55%) patient had a mild regurgitation. In 6 patients with mild aortic regurgitation, the disappearance rate of regurgitation was 50.0% (3/6). Conclusion The treatment of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of aortic dissection eliminates the residual dissection at the root. The anastomotic hemorrhage is prevented, the root structure of aortic dissection is reconstructed and strengthened, the root function is restored, and the possible expansion of the root is prevented. The short-term results are satisfactory.
10.Role of striatal HCN4 channels in striatum in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats: its relationship with GABA B receptors
Zepeng GOU ; Xiaolin TIAN ; Weifan YU ; Shuang ZHAO ; Peng LIU ; Huizhou LI ; Xin LIU ; Xiuli WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2020;40(7):859-862
Objective:To evaluate the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in striatum in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain and the relationship with GABA B receptors in rats. Methods:Healthy clean-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-9 weeks, weighing 180-220 g, were used in this study.The neuropathic pain model was established by intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel 2 mg/kg once every 2 days for 7 consecutive days in anesthetized rats, and then intrathecal catheterization was performed.Fifty rats in which intrathecal catheters were successfully implanted were divided into 5 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: paclitaxel group (P group), paclitaxel plus normal saline group(N group), paclitaxel plus lentivirus empty vector group (BV group), paclitaxel plus HCN4 channel lentivirus group (H group), and paclitaxel plus HCN channel inhibitor ZD7288 group (I group). Ten rats of the same age were selected as the blank control group (C group). At 15 days after intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel, normal saline 20 μl was intrathecally injected in group N, group BV received intrathecal injection of HCN4 channel lentivirus empty vector 1×10 8 TU/ml, 20 μl, group H received intrathecal injection of HCN4 channel lentivirus 1×10 8 TU/ml, 20 μl, and group I received intrathecal injection of ZD728830 μg, 20 μl.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured at 1 day before paclitaxel injection and 14 and 21 days after injection.The cerebral striatum tissues were obtained at T 2, and the expression of HCN4 channel and GABA B receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results:Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased, HCN4 channel expression was up-regulated, and GABA B receptor expression was down-regulated in group P ( P<0.05). Compared with group P, the MWT was significantly increased, HCN4 channel expression was down-regulated, and GABA B receptor expression was up-regulated in group H and group I ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group N and group BV ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Up-regulation of expression of HCN4 channels in striatum can induce down-regulation of GABA B receptor expression, which is involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail