Professor TANG Shui-Fu believes that the development of renal proteinuria in chronic kidney disease is due to the deficiency of spleen and kidney,which leads to the malfunction in lifting lucid yang and lowering turbid yin of the body and the internal retention of turbid-toxin.The early stage of renal proteinuria is mainly induced by qi deficiency of spleen and kidney,and the middle and late stage of renal proteinuria results from the long-lasting spleen and kidney deficiency together with damp-toxin accumulation and is characterized by the mixture of healthy-qi deficiency and pathogenic-qi excess.Aimed at the key pathogenesis of the dysfunction of ascending and descending of qi movement,Professor TANG Shui-Fu treated the renal proteinuria with the principal method of strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney,combined with method of eliminating dampness,draining turbidity and dissolving stasis targeted at the pathogenic-qi excess of damp-turbidity and stasis-toxin diffusing in the triple energizer.Meanwhile,the use of the method of replenishing and elevating Qi for regulating the qi movement of the spleen and kidney was stressed.In the early stage of renal proteinuria,the Chinese medicines with the actions of promoting the lifting of lucid yang such as Cimicifugae Rhizoma and Bupleuri Radix were added on the basis of herbs for strengthening the spleen and benefiting the kidney,so that the essence can be consolidated and proteinuria can be eliminated.In the middle and late stage of renal proteinuria,the course of the disease lasted a long time,and the internal attack of the pathogens caused the reversal and chaos of the lucid yang and turbid yin.In this case,treatment should follow the principal method of lowering turbid yin and by the assistance of the herbs for replenishing and elevating qi such as Astragali Radix,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Poria,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Cimicifugae Rhizoma,and Bupleuri Radix,so that the ascending and descending of qi movement can be coordinated,the lucid yang is raised and turbid yin is directed downward,the renal function is protected and the progression of chronic kidney disease is slowed down.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Bushen Yixin Tablets in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods The key targets of Bushen Yixin Tablets for the treatment of DN were predicted by network pharmacology.A high-glucose-processed MPC-5 cell model was constructed,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and Western Blot were applied to verify the potential action targets and pathways of Bushen Yixin Tablets for the treatment of DN.Results Twenty-four active ingredients were obtained from Bushen Yixin Tablets.There were 131 targets involved in the treatment of DN by Bushen Yixin Tablets,and the results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that the key targets might mainly focus on inflammatory pathways,lipids and atherosclerosis.The further experimental validation showed that,compared with the high glucose group,the secretion level of matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP-1)in the supernatant of MPC-5 cells in the medium-and high-dose groups of Bushen Yixin Tablets medicated serum were increased(P＜0.001),and the secretion levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP-1)and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)were decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with the high glucose group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP1 and BCL-2 in the high-dose group of Bushen Yixin Tablets medicated serum were increased(P＜0.001),and the protein and mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)and protein kinase B(AKT)were decreased(P＜0.001).Conclusion Bushen Yixin Tablets may play a protective role against DN by inhibiting the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells and promoting the degradation of extracellular matrix through PI3K/AKT/BCL-2 pathway.

Objective To compare the effect of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)and superior inguinal liga-ment iliac fascia block combined with PCIA after hip replacement in the elderly.Methods Total of 82 elderly patients were treated with hip arthroplasty from June 2019 to June 2021 and randomly divided into observation group and control group.There were 42 patients in control group,including 18 males and 24 females,aged from 60 to 78 years old with an average of(70.43±3.67)years old,28 femoral neck fractures and 14 femoral head necrosis,who received PCIA.The study group consist-ed of 42 cases,including 20 males and 22 females,aged from 61 to 76 years old with an average of(69.68±3.74)years old,25 femoral neck fractures and 17 femoral head necrosis,who received superior inguinal ligament iliac fascia block combined with PCIA.Pain visual analogue scale(VAS)and Ramesay sedation scores at2h,6h,12h,24h and 48 h after operation were e-valuated.In addition,the follow-up results of the total consumption of sufentanil and the total number of PCIA compressions at 48 hours after operation,the first time of landing after surgery,the time of hospital stay,the incidence of adverse reactions,the satisfaction with analgesia of two groups were observed.Results All patients were followed up for 9 to 24 months with an aver-age of(13.85±2.67)months.There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative bleeding between two groups(P＞0.05).There was no difference in VAS between two groups at 2 hours after operation(P＞0.05),and the VAS of the study group at 6 h,12 h,24 h and 48 h after operation were lower than those of the control group(P＜0.05).The Ramesay seda-tion scores of the study group at 2 h,6 h and 12 h after operation were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05),and there were no differences in Ramesay score between two groups at 24 h and 48 h after operation(P＞0.05).The consumption of sufentanil in the study group within 48 hours after operation was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05),and PCIA com-pression times were lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05),and the time of first landing was earlier than that in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in hospital stay,adverse reaction rate,complications between two groups(P＞0.05).The satisfaction of analgesia in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclu-sion Superior iliac fascia block of inguinal ligament combined with PCIA has significant analgesic and sedative effects after hip arthroplasty in the elderly.It can reduce the amount of sufentanil used and the total number of PCIA compressions,which is conducive to the early activity of patients out of bed,improve the satisfaction of analgesia.

Background/Aims: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who failed antiviral therapy are at increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study assessed the potential role of metformin and statins, medications for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia (HLP), in reducing HCC risk among these patients. Methods: We included CHC patients from the T-COACH study who failed antiviral therapy. We tracked the onset of HCC 1.5 years post-therapy by linking to Taiwan’s cancer registry data from 2003 to 2019. We accounted for death and liver transplantation as competing risks and employed Gray’s cumulative incidence and Cox subdistribution hazards models to analyze HCC development. Results: Out of 2,779 patients, 480 (17.3%) developed HCC post-therapy. DM patients not using metformin had a 51% increased risk of HCC compared to non-DM patients, while HLP patients on statins had a 50% reduced risk compared to those without HLP. The 5-year HCC incidence was significantly higher for metformin non-users (16.5%) versus non-DM patients (11.3%; adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio [aSHR]=1.51; P=0.007) and metformin users (3.1%; aSHR=1.59; P=0.022). Statin use in HLP patients correlated with a lower HCC risk (3.8%) compared to non-HLP patients (12.5%; aSHR=0.50; P<0.001). Notably, the increased HCC risk associated with non-use of metformin was primarily seen in non-cirrhotic patients, whereas statins decreased HCC risk in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Conclusions Metformin and statins may have a chemopreventive effect against HCC in CHC patients who failed antiviral therapy. These results support the need for personalized preventive strategies in managing HCC risk.

It is difficult to insert long-term dialysis catheters after severe stenosis or occlusion of the internal jugular vein and innominate vein. We used REcanalisation and balloon-oriented puncture for Re-insertion of dialysis catheter in nonpatent central veins (REBORN) in seven patients with severe central venous lesions, and all patients were inserted with long-term dialysis catheters successfully. None had severe complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pulmonary embolism during operation. All catheters functioned well after postoperative follow-up of 2 months. REBORN provides a novel approach to establish difficult dialysis pathways.
Humans ; Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects* ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Renal Dialysis ; Jugular Veins ; Punctures

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for glaucoma-induced optic atrophy. METHODS: A total of 70 patients (89 affected eyes) with glaucoma-induced optic atrophy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group was given basic western medicine treatment. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at main acupoints i.e. Baihui (GV 20), Shangjingming (Extra), Chengqi (ST 1), Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36), combined with supplementary acupoints based on syndrome differentiation, once every three days, twice a week. The treatment for 3 months was required in both groups. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), indexes of visual field (visual field index [VFI], mean deviation [MD], pattern standard deviation [PSD]) and mean thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, BCVA was decreased after treatment and in follow-up in the control group (P<0.05); in the follow-up, BCVA in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). On each time point before and after treatment, there was no significant difference within or between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment and in the follow-up, the mean thickness of RNFL was larger than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of the basic western medicine treatment, acupuncture can delay the decline of vision and the thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with glaucoma-induced optic atrophy.
Humans ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; Glaucoma/therapy* ; Optic Atrophy/therapy* ; Intraocular Pressure ; Acupuncture Therapy

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective To investigate the release of enterogenic and hepatogenic high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1)through exosomes and its regulatory pathway.Methods We used wild-type(WT)and ASC-/-mice for this study.We randomly selected five mice per group from each strain and fed them either a normal diet(ND)or a high-fat diet(HFD)for eight weeks.The control group consisted of WT mice fed with the normal diet;the HFD group were WT mice with the HFD;the microflora disturbance(MD)group were ASC-/-mice fed with the normal diet;the high-lipid microflora disturbance(HLMD)group were ASC-/-mice with HFD.We used confocal microscopy to detect the co-localization of liver and intestinal exosome markers with HMGB1.We then measured the expression level of HMGB1 content in exosomes by Western blotting and PCR.The AML12 cells were treated with palmitic acid(PA)and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for 24 h to build an in vitro model.We also detected HMGB1/CD63 levels using Western blotting.To understand the regulatory mechanism of exosome release,we employed siRNA intervention.Results The secretion of exosomes increased significantly in HFD group compared with control group[(3.5±0.2)ng/ml vs.(1.1±0.3)ng/ml,P<0.05],HLMD group compared with those in MD group[(3.2±0.2)ng/ml vs.(1.9±0.4)ng/ml,P<0.05].Using immunofluorescence detection,we observed increased co-localization of exosome markers(ALP or VPS16)with HMGB1 in HFD group compared with control group.We also observed this in AML12 cells treated with PA and LPS compared with blank control.The PCR data showed that HMGB1 in hepatocyte exosomes was higher in HFD group compared with control group(41.5±10.2 vs.1.3±0.3,P<0.05),HLMD group was significantly higher than that in MD group(48.6±7.2 vs.1.5±0.5,P<0.05).TLR4 expression was higher in HFD group compared with control group(13.8±6.2 vs.2.8±0.9,P<0.05),HLMD group compared with MD group(22.6±4.1 vs.2.5±1.5,P<0.05).In intestinal mucosal cells,the co-location of HMGB1 and exosome marker CD63 was significantly higher in HFD group compared with control group(0.6±0.2 vs.0.4±0.1,P<0.05),and HLMD group compared with MD group(0.9±0.2 vs.0.5±0.1,P<0.05).In vitro,the HMGB1 of exosomes was increased in endotoxin group(5.1±0.8)and high lipid endotoxin group(5.5±0.7)compared with control group(3.8±0.6,P<0.05).On the other hand,the HMGB1 of exosomes in the cell siRNA intervention group was not increased compared with control group(3.7±0.6 vs.3.8±0.6,P>0.05).Conclusion HMGB1 is released by exosomes in hepatocytes and intestinal cells,and regulated by Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)under a high-fat diet and intestinal flora disorder,which may be one of the contributing factors in promoting the development of steatohepatitis.

In recent years,cortisol has been used as a biomarker to assess stress in dogs.To evaluate the welfare of dogs,we reviewed cortisol levels and changes in dogs under various stresses.We explored the influential factors that relieve stress in accordance with variations in cortisol levels,to improve the measures which reduce stress in dogs.It is recommended to apply cortisol measurement and behavioral observation comprehensively to evaluate stress in dogs more accurately.

This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility. Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested fertility evaluation. Seminal tract infection with Ureaplasma spp. (UU), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) was assessed by PCR-based diagnostic assays. Among all patients, the prevalence of STIs was higher in men from couples with primary infertility than that in men from couples with secondary infertility (39.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.03). The prevalence of UU was 28.8% and 13.3% in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Men from couples with primary infertility were more likely to be positive for UU than men from couples with secondary infertility (P = 0.04). Regarding the UU subtype, the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uuu) and Ureaplasma parvum (Uup; including Uup1, Uup3, Uup6, and Uup14) did not differ between the two groups. No associations between the prevalence rates of MH, MG, and CT were found in men from either infertility group. A lower sperm concentration was associated with STI pathogen positivity in men with primary infertility according to the crude model (P = 0.04). The crude and adjusted models showed that semen volume (both P = 0.03) and semen leukocyte count (both P = 0.02) were independently associated with secondary infertility. These findings suggest the importance of classifying the type of infertility during routine diagnosis of seminal tract infections.
Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Male/epidemiology* ; Male ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Mycoplasma hominis ; Prevalence ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum